Blessings Friends!
Three years ago I felt the Lord leading me to establish a prayer booth in our city’s annual 4th of July in the Park celebration. This was a huge leap of faith for me and my family but, as is His way, we were blessed that day and every year since by the people who came for prayer, healing, and ministry.
This Thursday we will celebrate our 4th year of community outreach in the park, Praise God! As I prayed in church last Shabbat for God’s blessing on this coming celebration, I heard myself asking for discernment and faith for all the people who were coming for healing this year. This took me by surprise, since I’ve learned not to presume anything about these assignments. But the Lord really impressed on my heart that this would be a day of great healing.
So, Dear Family, I’m asking for your prayers to make us sensitive to God’s voice and give us discernment and faith to move in the power of the Holy Spirit. And if you have a healing need, let me know. Our God is not restricted by space or time. Amen! I will let you all know how it goes. Until then, please enjoy this article the Lord put on my heart concerning the true meaning of freedom.
Happy Dependence Day!
On July 4, we celebrate Independence Day in the United States of America. It was on this date that Congress approved the final text of a declaration stating that we as a nation would no longer bow to the whims of a tyrannical, self-serving king. It was this act of defiance that set us on the course to become a great world power, as I believe was prophesied by Jacob on his deathbed in Genesis 48:19.
However, it was our founding fathers’ acknowledged dependence on God that brought freedom and the rich blessings of God to our nation. They knew it was “not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit of God, and Him alone. They proved that,
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12
Our founding fathers knew the value of humility before the Lord, often declaring days of fasting and prayer, seeking His providential intervention and protection. In their book, Miracles in American History – 32 Amazing Stories of Answered Prayer, Susie and William J. Federer document the miraculous role dependence on the Living God has played in our nation’s history, and the lengths to which our God will go to protect and bless a people who honor Him.
Even Native Americans fighting in the French and Indian War recognized God’s hand in battle as they pelted a young Colonel George Washington with musket fire while he sat astride his horse. In a letter to his brother, John, George Washington wrote of this event,
“But by the All-Powerful Dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!” George Washington
Years later, these same Native Americans were compelled to go and meet in person the man that God would not allow to die.
Ours is a nation built on the miraculous power of faith in God and His Truth. Our early leaders took the words of Solomon to heart:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;“In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5, 6
It was this dependence on God that brought them to this land to begin with, and that faith has been greatly rewarded.
As we celebrate our nation’s independence from tyranny, let’s also celebrate our dependence on a loving and faithful God. Let us glorify God for His graciousness and goodness to us—and pray that it may continue.
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness to us. Please forgive our grievous sins against You, Lord, and open our eyes once more to Your Truth. Grant our leaders wisdom in the knowledge of You, that we might receive Your favor and once again witness Your mighty power to save—body and soul. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen!
God’s grace and peace be yours,
Rebecca
