Today, in the United States of America, it is on the Fourth of July that we honor, reflect and celebrate our independence.

Our celebration has its own rituals: family picnics, parades, flags and fireworks. Why do we do this? Because a lot of struggle, work, vision and lives went into gaining independence and maintaining it.

One cannot reflect or celebrate anything without praising and thanking our triune God. That is where our trust should be and where our faith should lead.

The forefathers of this country of ours had faith and trust in God to form this one nation under God. Abraham, our father in faith, was willing to do anything and his faith was rewarded.

Let our faith in God lead us to a better celebration than the 4th! Eternal life now that is truly peace and justice for all!

Heavenly Father,
help us to trust that through righteousness,
we may have faith,
and then your Son will be the only way, to lead us,
to forgive us and to guide us!
Amen.

– Deacon James W. Chaufty