“Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.” -Psalm 112:6-8 [NLT]

A Time to Think… “Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” –Benjamin Franklin

Words for Independence Day From Operation Blessings…
Freedom. That’s what Independence Day is about, freedom bought by the selfless sacrifices of men and women who have given so much to keep this free nation free. We give thanks for the many freedoms we enjoy today, and for the brave souls who gave their lives in the armed forces to secure and preserve those freedoms. Because of them, the United States of America is a free nation that draws people from across the globe.

As we enjoy this day of freedom—freedom to celebrate, to gather, to eat, to mourn, to live out our values as we see fit—let’s remember who helped secure that precious freedom with the price of their blood. And even more importantly, let’s remember the One who first shed His blood to purchase freedom from sin for all mankind—Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. 

An Independence Prayer…
Our Father in heaven, we ask you to fulfill the truth of the Scriptures above for our military families. Lay your hands on the family and friends of our fallen men and women in uniform. Bless them with your peace that passes understanding, comforting their hearts as our great Comforter. Open their eyes to Your kingdom coming where there is no more crying or pain anymore, and fix their gaze on that hope, secured by Jesus our living hope. Father, please help them remember the sacrifices of their loved ones with tears of thankfulness—knowing their loved ones didn’t die in vain but secured our freedom for another generation. For each active military member, we ask for your mercy, protection, and provision. Thank you for inspiring these families to make the sacrifices they make every day. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who died to gain freedom for all. Amen.