This past week we celebrated July 4, the Birthday of our nation. Interestingly, my daily Bible reading one day was Psalm 33. Let me quote a few verses from The Passion Translation:
   …Verse 12-“Blessed and prosperous is the nation who has God as their Lord. They will be the people He has chosen for His own”.
   …Verse 16-“Even if a king has the best-equipped army, it would never be enough to save him”.
   …Verse 17-“Human strength and the weapons of man are false hopes for victory; they may seem mighty but they will always disappoint”.

Notice two truths 1] A nation is blessed when God is honored. 2] A strong army is worthless if the Lord does not bless it. The United States has an awesome military force. But, it will fail to protect us if God turns His back on us. I know some of you may doubt me, but let’s do a little historical survey;
   …How did the mighty Egyptian Army do in protecting the First Born when the Death Angel passed by? Exodus 12: 29, 30
   …What happened to that same mighty Egyptian Army when it chased the Israelites into the Red Sea? Exodus 14:22-28
   …Were the inhabitants of Jericho safe with a strong army and massive city walls? Israel marched around and shouted. What came next? Joshua 6: 20, 21
   …110,000 Midianites were confronted by Gideon’s God blessed army of 300. Who won? Judges 7
   …Did the combined forces of 3 enemy nations have any success when the choir led Israel into battle? 2 Chronicles 20: 20-25
   …Were 185,000 enemy soldiers any match for one Death Angel? 2 Kings 19: 34, 35

Is that enough to convince you? I believe the United States achieved a great victory in World War 2 because of the spiritual power resident in our nation. Since then, we have grown more secular, more Godless, and more sinful. Today, evils are espoused as “normal” when they totally violate the clear teaching of the Bible and would have been scandalous 50 years ago. It is no wonder recent wars [Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan] have been so inconclusive. Good men and women have suffered, and many have died, yet nothing much was accomplished.

Friends, it is time for us to go look into a mirror and point a finger at ourselves. That older generation of Godly people and warriors are now in Heaven. The ball is in our court. It is up to us, you and me, to repent, and seek God’s face, and to attempt to turn this nation back to the Lord. We also need to impress that goal upon the younger generation that is following us. Our goal must be to make this nation one “Which is blessed because the Lord is our God”. Our hope must be in the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“If My people which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” 2 Chronicles 7:14

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall

Pray for a national revival

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church