Celebrating our national and our heavenly residency.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Today the United States celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, which occurred on July 4, 1776. We remember the freedoms our founding fathers established with its signing.

We can be proud of our country. Many men of faith established it on Christian principles. John Hancock, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and Governor of Massachusetts, called on the entire state to pray “that universal happiness may be established in the world [and] that all may bow to the scepter of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the whole earth be filled with His glory.”

However, we must remember that, as people of faith in Christ, we are not just citizens of this country or of this earth.

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.”
Ephesians 2:19-20 English Standard Version

Our ultimate nationality is in heaven. Our true allegiance is to God, and God has blessed us with citizenship in this country, for our time on earth, and He wants us to enjoy this land.

So here are some suggestions to observe Independence Day:

1. Be grateful to God for the United States of America. We are blessed to live in this country and enjoy the freedoms we have. No matter your political views, you are free to express them. However, remember you have a responsibility that comes with freedom to be a good citizen. Vote, volunteer for your cause, make the world a better place, but do it without judgment and in love.
2. Pray for our country. Ask God to bless our nation, and thank Him for the abundant blessings He has given us.
3. Celebrate! Sing the patriotic songs. Enjoy the beautiful fireworks! Spend time with family and friends at a picnic, or a baseball game. Celebrate the freedom that we have in this country now, and celebrate that we will be citizens of heaven one day.

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 3:20 English Standard Version

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