With mid-term elections just two week away, I thought a patriotic piece was in order. “God Bless America” is my choice for the day.

Several years ago I traveled to SE Asia on a service trip. I learned many lessons on that trip, but one of these lessons was to embrace the freedoms I have here in America. I can voice my opinion. I can vote for my candidate. I can move about without being watched. I can write and post my thoughts and feelings without reprimand.

I live in freedom here in America and I am so thankful for those who have fought through the years for my freedom. I am thankful for those men and women who willingly placed their lives on the line for my freedom. I am thankful for those who sacrificially gave their lives so that I might know and love freedom.

I am also thankful for the One who gave His life so that I might have spiritual freedom. It is only through Jesus Christ that can know what freedom is truly about.

Because of Jesus, I am free from the bondage of sin (Romans 6:18).

I am free from the holdings of earthly pleasure (Colossians 3:2).

I am free from the guilt of my sin (Philippians 3:13).

I am free from all the trappings of this world (Ephesians 2:1-10).

I am free to believe God (John 6:29).

I am free (John 8:31-32).

Yes, I am free indeed! I pray that you can say the same thing today, for there is truly nothing outside of Jesus Christ. There is nothing this world holds that is more important than freedom in Christ.

So today, I proudly ask God to bless America. I pray that God will open our spiritual eyes to the spiritual warfare around us. I pray that His strength and power will spur us on to fight against injustices around the globe. I also pray that we as Americans will not take our freedoms for granted.

“God Bless America”

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.[i]

Kate Smith first introduced this song and you can listen to her version by clicking here.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] “God Bless America,” Words and music by Irving Berlin, © Copyright 1938, 1939 by Irving Berlin, © Copyright Renewed 1965, 1966 by Irving Berlin, © Copyright Assigned to the Trustees of the God Bless America Fund