Happy Birthday to the United States of America! Celebrate our Independence with snapshots from the beautiful home gardens of patriotic Newport Beach, California, along with questions reflecting on the story of freedom written in your own life.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Galatians 5:1 NIV
The United States of America exists today because of the brave men who declared “it was their duty to throw off such Government [that had “a long train of abuses and usurpations”], and to provide new Guards for their future security.” Brave men and women still stand guard over our security. Think about someone you know who serves or has served in our military and pray for them.
I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.
John 4:38 NIV
Freedom has been challenged and defended in every generation. What battle story from any of the wars the United States has fought that is personally meaningful or inspiring to you?
He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.
1 Chronicles 11:13-14 NIV
The land of America is filled with places where both epic and common events took place, forming our history. Think about an historic site you have visited. What impression and inspiration did you find by just being or standing in that place?
In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them…These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.
Joshua 4:6-7 NIV
Independence Day embodies both profound ideals and personal joys. How do you and your family enjoy celebrating the day?
Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.
Nehemiah 8:12 NIV
Independence Day reminds us “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” What are you free to pursue that gives you the greatest happiness?
And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden”
Genesis 2:16 NIV
Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.
1 Peter 2:16-17 The Message
Questions taken from “Table Topics” at TNT Toastmasters meeting, July 2, 2015. Come join our club!
Photo Credits ©2015 Shelley S. Cramm
