july 4th

How are you planning to celebrate the 4th of July?

We do a lot of things to celebrate July 4th. Some people have a cook-out. Some families gather together. Most people go to watch fireworks…in a normal year.

These are all great traditions. My side of my family, at least my immediate family, lives in the Tampa area. We usually get together, celebrate a few summer birthdays, grill-out brats, and go watch fireworks.

We have a great time. Though, I remember one year when there were storms passing through. We went to the Blue Jay’s field in Dunedin to see the fireworks, but they couldn’t start because of the rain. Then the rain let up, and they started the fireworks show.

Unfortunately, while the rain had stopped, the wind hadn’t. All the fireworks blew over the park and we were bombed by shrapnel. Not ideal, but I guess it’s a night I’ll never forget and it reminded me just a little bit of the true cost of those fireworks, the lives risked, and lost for our freedom.

Another Tradition
Some traditions can go a little haywire, like that fireworks show. However, there’s one tradition we can participate in that never goes wrong and is always a good idea.

Let’s pray.

This year, let’s pray. Let’s ask God’s blessing upon our nation. Let’s ask God to guide our leaders. Let’s ask God to protect those who risk their lives to protect us. Let’s ask God to change the hearts and minds of people towards what is good and righteous. Let’s ask God to cause the Gospel to go out and the harvest to be great. Let’s thank Him for the many blessings He has already given.

Let’s pray.

Almighty God,

Bless our nation and its people. Protect those who protect us. Thank You for our freedoms and the many blessings You have given. 

Take a few minutes to continue praying for our nation.

Amen.

PS – If you gather with other people today, consider asking them to pray for our nation with you. Let’s join in this tradition, together.