Thursday, July 4, 2013

In All Things

For those of us in the United States, this is a celebration of the day of the independence of the country. It is the day that we set aside to be thankful for the founders of our country taking a stand for what they thought was right. Growing up I was raised to be very patriotic, and idealistic. Growing older I watched many things, good and bad, happen in our country. Some have become cynical of the country’s progress. We as believers are given a different message.

We are to remember that we are ambassadors of another place, of God’s kingdom, while here on earth. In 2 Corinthians 5:20 Paul reminds us that God is reconciling the world to himself. We are the ambassadors of the Messiah. He is our King, and asks us to good to all. On a day like today, I am thankful that I live where I live, not as merely a citizen of the United States, but as an ambassador for the Messiah, that through me, through us as believers, we can try to do good, to serve God, and be a part of that reconciliation. I am thankful for my wife and children. I am thankful for the church I attend and for the Godly leaders. I am thankful for their words that attempt to help us do good.

As Paul said to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, let us give thanks in all things.

Prayer
Father, we praise You always. Thank You for where we are today. Thank You for moving us from where we are to being more like Jesus. Thank You for Your great mercy toward us. Help us to be better each day. In Jesus name. Amen.