Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 4, 2015
All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands. 1 Samuel 17:47
Nations with effective armies are founded on honor, duty, and country. ‘Honor’ is worship of the Creator and respect for His creation. ‘Duty’ is obedience to God and His word and the obligation to promote peace and tranquility. ‘Country’ is a fierce loyalty to the home of the brave and land of the free. Honor, duty and country promote a tenacious trust in the Lord, not arrogant reliance on our military might. “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).
We honor God when we include Him and His principles in our conversations and in crafting our country’s rule of law. We honor fellow citizens by providing an environment of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This is why our men and women die in defense of nations. Without faith, family and freedom as compelling reasons for war, we will fail. Armies honor their own, covering each other’s back with no one left behind.
Duty is a determination to do what’s right for the benefit of the whole. You do what you have to do to engage and defeat the enemy. There is a relentless sense of duty that sets apart average armies from excellent armies. Cold and rain, guns and bullets, blood and injury, and illness and disease do not keep the determined defenders from painful perseverance. Responsibility to finish the drill drives those dogged by dignity and duty.
Lastly, a country that communicates courage defends a nation’s ideals. Not a thirst for power, but a trust in Providence. “No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength” (Psalm 33:16). Men and women will die for a country of character, one rooted in righteous behavior. God and country go together like apple pie and ice cream. The integration of fidelity of faith and proud patriotism resist war, but when called upon to fight for freedom, finishes the course. Indebted Christian citizens ask, ‘Am I grateful to God for our military?’ ‘Do I pray the Lord’s peace and protection for them?’
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am grateful for our freedom but keep me dependent on You.
Related Readings: 1 Samuel 17:25-47; Psalm 20:9; Isaiah 31:1; Hebrews 11:33-35
Post/Tweet this today: We honor God when we include Him in our conversations and in crafting our country’s rule of law. #independence #wisdomhunters
Two Minutes in the Bible Through Proverbs: You’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of a storehouse of wisdom in your heart. Pre-order Boyd’s newest devotional book coming August 1st! (Learn more about our friends at Harvest House Publishers)
Additional Resource: 6 minute worship video- Lincoln Brewster: Salvation is Here
Our partners at The Friends of the Good Samaritan are changing the lives of hundreds of children in the slums of India by providing education, medical care and nutrition. Learn how you can help.
Our free Apple app Our free Android app
© 2015 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry info@mail.wisdomhunters.com
