America, Land that I Love

(Here is a devotional article written by Dr. Paul Chappell from his "Daily in the Word" ministry.)

Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

To deny that America was founded on God and the principles of His Word would be to deny history.

French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests—and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning—and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution—and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!"

Today we celebrate the birth of our nation. We remember the battles that were fought by our Founding Fathers and we honor them for their sacrifice so we might be free. These men did not merely fight for the relief of English tyranny, but for their right to found a nation on biblical principles.

The founders of our nation realized that without God, our nation could not exist. Sadly, in recent days, we have seen the decline of our nation. As a nation, we have turned away from God and have lived for our own pleasures. Where once we sought God’s help and direction in guiding our nation, now those who do not believe in God many times direct our nation.

But God promises us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." America is not so far gone that God cannot bring a revival to our land. As Christians, we must be praying for our nation and her leaders each day.

Do you pray for America each day? Do you pray that God would send a revival and that hearts would turn to Him? While many people complain about politics or leaders, few turn to God and still fewer pray for them. As you celebrate America’s independence today, take time with your family to pray that America would turn back to God and that He would heal our land.

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May I also share a verse of warning from the same book of the Bible.....

Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

Let's pray for our nation and its leaders!!!!!