For July 4th, today, I’d like a post that focuses on the positive! And rather than fill it with my own ideas, I thought I’d turn to you. 🙂
As we celebrate the birth of the United States of America–and, thus, the fulfillment of God’s prophecies on the matter–what are some things you are thankful for as an American? (And if you are not an American, feel free to weigh in, as well!)
Thoughts En Route 
First of all, that this is still as true as it is:
(Deuteronomy 33:13 RSV) And of Joseph he said, “Blessed by the LORD be his land, with the choicest gifts of heaven above, and of the deep that couches beneath,
(Deuteronomy 33:14 RSV) with the choicest fruits of the sun, and the rich yield of the months,
(Deuteronomy 33:15 RSV) with the finest produce of the ancient mountains, and the abundance of the everlasting hills,
(Deuteronomy 33:16 RSV) with the best gifts of the earth and its fulness, and the favor of him that dwelt in the bush. Let these come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the crown of the head of him that is prince among his brothers.
(Deuteronomy 33:17 RSV) His firstling bull has majesty, and his horns are the horns of a wild ox; with them he shall push the peoples, all of them, to the ends of the earth; such are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.”
I am thankful that I can homeschool my kids in America…I especially think about this as I used to live in Germany, where homeschooling is illegal!
When I was first coming into the Truth, the most convincing proof of God’s existence and power was, for me, the fact that we – the English-speaking world – had inherited the birthright promises described in Genesis. The details of those promises match up exactly with our own histories and God’s hand can be seen moving powerfully in American and British history to bring those promises to fruition. The very fact of the existence of the U.S.A , its prominence and beneficence, points to God’s existence, faithfulness, and power. It makes the ultimate fulfillment of the spiritual phase of those promises all the more sure and certain and, God willing, not far off. That’s what I’m thankful for when I think of the U.S.A., these days. Happy Fourth of July!
The freedom to worship, I know as more of God’s prophecies unfold that the time is coming when that will not be the case. The ability to buy groceries, pay house payment, to go to the FOT. To know where we as a country have come from and where we as a people are headed. To see events every day that show that God’s Kingdom is not far from being set up here on this earth with Christ as our King. Knowing, learning, growing in knowledge. Having a roof over my head, more than one bible I read from.
I’ve set a link to you there:
When concidering Ro 13:1-6 alongside Mt 22:21, I believe there is much greater freedom to live a godly life without the fear of being thrown into a literal fiery furnace or a lion’s den as written in Daniel. The USA is one of those countries. Albeit with that condition there are other dangers that can be just as deadly or even moreso.
I am thankful, first of all, that the atheists are wrong. I am grateful that I have a Father in Heaven who I can turn to when I need help… even if it is just for encouragement when I feel lonely or afraid.
I am thankful for my calling and as I consider it this morning I can’t imagine why any who are called would not be extremely thankful. There is much more but I would like to hear from others as well.
All birthdays and birth”dates” aside < I am extremely grateful to be a recipient of the tremendous blessings afforded us according to the promises God gave our forefather, Abraham. I am thankful to be employed (and also to have a day off 🙂 ) so that I may also use the blessings God has given me personally, to be a part of the most important Work in the entire universe (at least that I know of), i.e. the Work of God. I am thankful to have legs, a vehicle and a home with an AC unit that works well. I am thankful for the friends and brethren I have in God's Church, in spite of myself. I am also thankful to have sobriety, both physical and Spiritual. And most recently God has blessed me with the fruit of His Spirit called Joy, and for that I am also most grateful, although it feels kind of weird, but in a good way.
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For one, I appreciate the peace that we still have in our country…knowing that I won’t have some government goon, as there are in other nations, that rob their people of peace, property, food and work. Being blessed to have been born in this nation is actually easier to remember for me, where those blessings come from and the God given blessings from this particular country where God used one man Abraham and then, almost a small century ago to raise up The Church of God by Mr. HW Armstrong. I am thankful and appreciate the blessing that the truth marches on through the headquarters of God’s Church today and the men who have sacrificed and dedicated themselves to carrying on this special mission, this crusade, if you will, that we’re on together.
Been watching this documentary about George Washington on Netflix. He was far more important to the American revolution than I ever learned in public school (which tended to belittle him). Talk about the right guy coming along at the right time! He checkmated the world’s superpower with a ragtag army.
His greatest work occurred after the war, however. After the colonies won their independence, the economy totally collapsed. The various States were getting ready to punch it out. George Washington provided the steady hand that put the budding nation on its feet. (He was VERY involved in solving the problems; not just a figurehead).
I find it very hard to believe that George Washington’s presence – at a critical moment in history – was purely a historical accident. Maybe he wasn’t converted, but I’m convinced that God’s hand was involved.
I.e., I agree with the previous comments; and I’m thankful how God had sent the right man to fulfill His promise to Abraham. (Funny thing was, George Washington didn’t want to become involved. He was literally dragged into the whole mess against his will).
Steve: There’s a remarkable little book called The Bulletproof George Washington which you’d find immensely fascinating, I’m sure. During a battle in the French and Indian War, G.W.’s Indian foes were told by their chief to concentrate their fire on him – nothing but divine intervention should’ve saved him. No one could harm him, and that’s exactly the conclusion the Indians came to. Some years later the chief traveled to meet G.W. to tell him what had happened and to honor him as one specially chosen by the “Great Spirit”. And this is only one story told of G.W. in that book. (And, I’m not even telling it all that well as I don’t own the book, but a friend does.)
This sums it up pretty well. It is worth the watch! Someone emailed it to me today…
http://sagebrushpatriot.com/america.htm
Thanks, John. I tried to google the book, but couldn’t find it. Can I mention one story told in the documentary? A huge British army surprised G.W. at the battle for New York City. He was trapped on a narrow peninsula against overwhelming odds. Then a very heavy fog rolled into the harbor – so thick that you could only see a few feet in front of you. It allowed G.W. to escape the trap. The fog was an extremely unusual weather event for that time of year. Was it merely a coincidence? I don’t know. Somebody tell me.
@John: Check that! I did find the book after googling it. Not sure what I did wrong the first time. Yeah, I’ll probably send for the book. Thanks again!
Mr. Rod McNair wrote an excellent article about George Washington and the American revolutionary army and how God performed various miracles for them during that conflict. Read all about it at http://www.tomorrowsworld.org/magazines/2006/jul-aug/brooklyn-heights-dunkirk-of-the-american-revolution.
I am very thankful for all the things mentioned and add the men in the ministry and their wives who are serving us to help us grow and learn.
They are a very important part of God’s Work..and more are needed as the flock grows. That we can still have Sabbath services..in places that normally would never think of using. Especially thankful for my health.