BBD 07.04.13 Be a Patriot
Posted by: theburningbushdevotional <theburningbushdevotional@...>
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The Burning Bush Devotional
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Classic from 2006
07.04.13
Be a Patriot
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as
His own inheritance. - Psalm 33:12.
With the launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery, we saw a
vivid exhibition of bravery and patriotism. Everyone knows since the disasters
of the failed Challenger launch and the failed reentry of Columbia that the
launch or the reentry of a space shuttle is not a sure thing. Watching the
astronauts, we know that it could be the last moments of their lives. They also
know very well that their lives could be extinguished in only a few short
minutes or in a few short days with a failed reentry. It is a necessary bravery
since the space shuttle program must continue for several more years. It is
vital for the space exploration program and for national security.
What is a patriot? The American
Heritage Dictionary defines a patriot as, "One who loves, supports, and defends one’s country." It is obvious that the American shuttle astronauts love
their country and demonstrated their patriotism in a very vivid way. Are you
a patriot? Are you a person who loves, supports, and defends your country? If
so, how do you do it? The Psalmist points out a vital aspect of being
patriotic. The Psalmist says, "Blessed
is the nation whose God is the LORD."
In the United States, we like to think of our country as
the greatest, richest, and most powerful country in all of history. However, we
are a young nation compared to the Roman Empire and Chinese dynasties. We do
live in a great and powerful country but at the same time, it is a very fragile
and vulnerable country. We know that it is true, don’t we? Two airliners
captured and flown into the World Trade Center not only killed 3,000 people -
the attack also drastically injured the economy of this country. We can only
shudder to think of the consequences if Flight 93 had actually succeeded in
hitting the Capitol building. We know the enemies of this country are hard at
work trying to find a way to hit us again and to hit us harder the next time.
Our ports are vulnerable and even one major port shut down for an extended
period could cripple our economy. North Korea has gone nuclear and may have a
missile capable of even hitting the middle of this country. Iran will soon have
a nuclear bomb and they have long been sharing information with North Korea
about missile technology.
Beyond the political and terrorist enemies of this
country, there are other concerns as well. Hurricane Katrina last year should
have been a wake up call about the fragility of our country. It is already
hurricane season again and New Orleans is probably not much safer than it was
last year. But it is not just hurricanes is it? Fires have become an
increasing problem. Tornadoes appear to be increasing their range into many
other states. Earthquake scientists still believe a big one could occur at
anytime in San Francisco or Los Angeles or anywhere along the major fault
lines.
Some of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded did
not occur in California. The New Madrid Seismic zone lies within the central
Mississippi Valley, extending from northeast Arkansas, through southeast
Missouri, western Tennessee, western Kentucky to southern Illinois. Between
1811 and 1812, four catastrophic earthquakes, with magnitude estimates greater
than 7.0, occurred during a three-month period. The earthquakes may have been
of a magnitude eight or greater. New Madrid, Missouri was the epicenter.
Survivors reported that the earthquakes caused cracks to open in the earth's
surface, the ground to roll in visible waves, and large areas of land to sink
or rise. Damage was reported as far away as Charleston, South Carolina and
Washington, D.C. What are the chances of that happening again? Scientists give
it a 90% probability by the year 2040.
Do you understand, comprehend, how fragile our country
really is? If you do, it ought to make a difference
in how you live your life because we really do need the blessing and protection
of God upon this country. Only through God can we find safety and
protection. In light of our need of God, here are some ways you can be a
true patriot and demonstrate in active ways your love of God and love of
country:
Every time you come to church it is not only an act of
obedience to your God, it is also an act of patriotism.
Every time you pray it is not only an act of obedience to
your God, it is also an act of patriotism.
Every time you read your Bible it is not only an act of
obedience to your God, it is also an act of patriotism.
Every time you witness to someone it is not only an act
of obedience to your God, it is also an act of patriotism.
Every time you are kind to someone it is not only an act
of obedience to your God, it is also an act of patriotism.
Every time you tithe it is not only an act of obedience
to your God, it is also an act of patriotism.
Every time you say "NO” to evil and "YES” to
God, it is not only an act of obedience to your God, it is also an act of
patriotism.
The Psalmist says, "Blessed
is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own
inheritance (Psalm 33:12." Let us make
God again, the God of this country by living for Him.
Copyright © 2006-2013. Ed
Wrather. The Burning Bush website has been online since January 31, 1998. On
June 8, 1998 the email version of the Burning Bush Devotional was first sent.
Ed Wrather began writing devotionals in the early 1990s. The distribution of
these first devotionals was primarily through the Burning Bush Newsletter sent
to prison facilities throughout the United States and Canada.
Ed Wrather has retired from
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No matter what the size your church, Ed will come on a love offering basis for
a revival or to share his testimony in the continental United States. You can
make contact at edwrather@yahoo.com or WratherEd@gmail.com
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