Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for July 4

“Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans?” (Psalm 2:1 NLT)

From: July 4, 2014

On this date when Americans celebrate Independence Day, we are appropriately thankful for God’s blessing on the USA. Yet, many of us are troubled by the news of nations and terrorists threatening war and violence in the world. This same verse from Psalms 2 was quoted in prayer by the first century Christians (Acts 4:25-26) when they were being persecuted by their political leaders for preaching the gospel. They prayed that God would handle the threats and “futile plans” of leaders like Pilate and Herod, while giving them boldness to keep preaching the Word. So, on this July 4th, I’m praying like they did. Kings and rulers may plot against the Lord’s anointed, against Christ and His Church, but the Lord God who rules in heaven “laughs” (Psa. 2:4) at them.

“Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one” (Psalm 2:1)

From: July 4, 2012

On this July 4th I’m reminded that our nation was founded on the premise that earthly kings must submit to God’s order. To go against the Lord and His Anointed (Messiah/Christ) is ultimately futile. We are “endowed” by our “Creator with certain unalienable rights” our founders rightly observed. Kings and nations who forget this do so at their own peril. We do well to ask God to bless America. We do even better to ask Americans to bless God.

“He who answers before listening— that is his folly and his shame” (Proverbs 18:13)

From: July 4, 2011

Give the gift of listening before offering your answer. Fully hearing what they say may change what you say. Who knows? Mutual understanding may result.