I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. — I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not. John Adams’ letter to Abigail Adams, July 2, 1776
Before America’s birth, John Adams predicted we would celebrate America’s independence.
Her birthday.
Fireworks, games, and parades.
From Maine to California.
Celebrating our Day of Deliverance by our solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.
He knew it will be hard.
Birthing our country.
Separating ourselves from England’s tyranny.
Untold toil, blood, and treasure to spend.
But with those solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty, he saw the End is more than worth all the Means.
He saw our country free, celebrating our freedom every year for generations.
America was birthed almost 250 years ago.
We’ve never been perfect, but we’ve tried to do our best.
We fought against ourselves for the end of slavery.
We’ve produced unending talent easing our modern selves with food, industry, and entertainment.
We’ve fought to protect innocent lives around the globe.
America’s story is a beacon of hope for the world.
More than merely a nation fighting for independence so many years ago.
America stands for freedom.
Freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.
Freedom to say what we want.
Freedom to defend ourselves.
With hard work, we have endless opportunities in this great land of ours.
However…
Only with God’s sovereign help will even keep our country alive.
As our country was founded on the foundation of God, we must fight to keep Him firmly planted within our laws, actions, and words.
As the Israelites saw God’s provision, they would eventually forget, walking away from God.
Repeatedly, they would follow God, living within His blessings and protection.
And a few generations later, they would forget, falling down to worship false gods out of God’s protection.
As our country has systematically removed God from many avenues, may we repent for our actions.
May we seek God’s direction for our nation.
May we remind ourselves and our children how blessed we are to live in America.
And may we rise up as leaders to protect and defend our nation under God.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:1-3
How often do you pray for our country?
For our leaders?
The ones you like and don’t like?
You know we “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph 6:12)
God urges us to pray for our leaders whom He has placed in power over us.
He reminds us how to live a peaceful and dignified life.
Through praying for our leaders and country.
Today is our country’s birthday.
Sweet land of liberty.
She’s not perfect, but nothing is.
Our framework demands respect for the process of change.
Our history is full of God’s grace (Washington’s Valley Forge), His mercy (Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation), and His strength (WW2 landings).
Thousands of more examples.
And yes, there are examples of our stupidity.
Slavery, abortion, discrimination, government corruption.
History needs to remain as it is.
The good, bad, and the ugly.
Learning from our mistakes, remembering God’s grace, and honoring our fallen heroes remains our duty for future generations.
Keeping all of our history doesn’t mean you agree with every decision.
With every event.
With every leader.
Today, our country is 244 years old.
May we remember that all men are created equal.
That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights,
That among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Long may our land be bright With freedom’s holy light; Protect us by thy might, great God, our King.
And God, please continue to shed Your grace on Thee.
Amy Linnea 
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