Called, By Country and King

Sunday is the Fourth of July and for Americans everywhere, it's a time of celebration, so much so that it is easy to forget why we are even AT the party! Picnics, parades, fireworks are fun but it WASN'T fun for the men, women and families who fought for our freedom and Independence in 1776. It also isn't much fun for the men, women and families of today's Armed Forces who fought and still fight and in many cases die for the freedom we now enjoy. I can understand if some don't feel the way we as American Citizens feel if you are not part of this nation. All we can say is welcome to the land of Patriots who died so you can come share in our freedom. Just DON"T abuse it!

When I was growing up during WWII and the wars that followed, turning 18 was not a time to party. It was a time to take responsibility and heed the call of Uncle Sam (USA) to serve your country in the Armed Forces of this nation. I was drafted the week after HighSchool graduation-I enlisted in the US Air force. It was a scary time for families who loved their country and loved their sons and daughters as well. So the call that came was a Fourth fo July call with mixed emotions and feelings. It was a call to save our freedom, suffer and serve our nation, and our forefathers did it and we still do it proudly today. God Bless our Armed Forces military soldiers and the United States of America. Let Freedom Ring!

 We as born again Christians are in warfare, but now NO age is party time. It's go to war time and it is sometimes very scary. You see our war isn't against human foes but against the enemy of the Cross, the eternal enemy of God Himself, an enemy against all that is pure and holy. An enemy against all that is right and righteous. Our enemy is the very army of Hell itself. We have a calling to serve in God's army. There is not limits of too young or too old. It is a call from The Commander in Chief Himself - God. We are being called to serve under His Son Jesus who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

We who are citizens of both worlds are called people. We must respond with gladness and with grace. We must be ready at all cost as did those who came forward to fight, suffer and sacrifice for Fourth of July Freedom we celebrate today. We have been called to be His Armed Forces armed with His Word, Power and Love. We are to save the lost, suffer for the cross and serve the Lord Jesus Christ our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18 "The armor of God for those who are called."

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take yourstand against the Devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of rightiousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition toall this, take up the shield of faith, withwhichyhou can extinguish alll the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet ofsalvationand the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all loccasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this inmind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July in both citizenships. Pastor - Dr. B.