Tonight as I watched the fireworks I could not help but think of the many men and women who sacrificed so much for this country.  Many men gave their life for our freedom.  Many women as well.  They worked in the mud and blood to fight for their families and for their descendants.  They wanted more for the future generations than tyranny that they had endured.  They fought side by side, they were made brothers in arms, all fighting for the same goal; freedom.  Jesus fought for our freedom.  He fought for us to have freedom from sin.  He hung on the cross for six hours taking our sin upon Himself.  There was no one who could fight that battle with Him or for Him.  His own Father was forced to forsake Him.  Jesus died, shedding His blood for us.  He never sinned, but died on account of our sin.  Then on the third day He rose back to life, and now, all who call on His name can be saved, freed from sin.  It is simple, simply confess Jesus is Lord and Savior, ask God for forgiveness and to be saved, and believe in your heart that God raised Christ up from the dead.  It is that simple to find freedom from sin, from your past mistakes, from your guilt, and from your shame.  Christ paid your price and He did not die in vain.

While watching the fireworks I also began to pray, I asked God that the men and women who died for this country, will not have died in vain.  I prayed that this nation under God would once again be for God, even if it is only for a brief time as time is short.  I want this country to be one on its knees before God in prayer, but that as a nation we would stand for what God would have us to be about and not buckle under the pressures of darkness.  Many men and women died for us to have physical freedom, and Christ died for us to have spiritual freedom.  Americans have been blessed beyond compare, and I want to see us be for what our ancestors were about and that is all that all men are created equal, all men have the right to life and to liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  I want us to stand for what is right, not bow nor bend to what is wrong.  If you see a veteran, thank him/her.  If you see someone in need, help as best you can.  Ask God for guidance and thank Him for all His provisions.  Be thankful to be an American, where we are free! “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;” Psalm 103:2 NASB.  God Bless!