During the past couple of weeks there have been many Fourth of July celebrations here in Ava, out through the area, and across America. Whether it was a small family picnic or a grand fireworks display, someone had decorated with the colors red, white, and blue and displayed the American flag. But there were some who wondered how long we would be free to pledge the flag and honor God who has blessed this nation so well, because whether we like to think about it or not, America is hated by the people of many nations of the world.
Bethany Baptist Church folks had begun celebrating the Fourth, on Saturday with a picnic at the home of Pastor Bob and Darlene Sorensen and daughter, Sally. Then there were special services, Sunday. The Larry Nelson Family from Arkansas sang specials and the veterans were honored in the morning services. There was lunch in the fellowship hall followed by more good gospel and patriotic music by the Nelson Family Singers. Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message he called “God’s remedy for a sin-sick world.”
II Chronicles 7:14 begins with “If my people which are called by my name,” The burden of responsibility is not on the millions of people who hate, reject, or ignore God. It does not even fall upon many who suppose that God is their Father, because those that killed Jesus claimed that God was their Father. The responsibility to secure a remedy for the trouble in the world today falls upon those who are born again. Christians have been called “Christian” because they believed in and acted like Jesus Christ. They have trusted God rather than themselves. God’s people have chosen to serve God and not Satan.
If we have been identified as God’s people, what are we to do? Humble ourselves. Americans are often seen as a proud even boastful people. We need to remember that God has given us all these good things. Give God the credit.
What else? Confess our sins. Pray. Pray with our families. Pray in our congregations. Pray alone. Pray with a partner. Why pray? We need God in our lives. We can’t do a thing without God.
We are told to seek God’s face and to turn from our wicked ways. We don’t want things to come between ourselves and God. It may be the sin of indifference or a sin of immorality. We must stand before God with clean hands and we may only do that if we regard our sins with a godly sorrow, a contrite heart, and ask for forgiveness. Then God will hear us. He is concerned about us. God hears if the poor backslider turns. He will forgive our sins.
Only God can heal America. If the Christians of America humble themselves before God, pray, and seek His face, then He will hear and heal our land.
