We've been studying the Old Testament this year, as a church and as a family. This last weeks section was 1 Kings 12-13; 17-22. It has the title, "If the Lord be God, Follow Him".
Usually, at this time of year, you will hear Psalm 33:12, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance." While I absolutely believe this verse, it feels like we should maybe be looking a little deeper and ask ourselves a simple question: Am I following the Lord? Not, is the nation following the Lord, but am I following the Lord?
In 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah asks the children of Israel this question: "And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word." (emphasis added)
"And the people answered him not a word." How sad. How do you answer? Remember the old saying, "Actions speak louder than words." What do your actions say?
Another verse to think about: 2 Chronicles 7:13-15, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (emphasis added)
As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America, remember that we wouldn't be here today if not for men who were divinely inspired to write the Constitution and pledge their "lives, fortunes, and sacred honor." Even before that, the Pilgrims came to this land searching for religious liberty.
People are still searching for religious liberty. Tomorrow, Sunday, July 5th, the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has called for a "unified fast to express gratitude for religious liberty and to pray that it be strengthened throughout the world.” First Presidency Invites U.S. Saints to Participate in United Fast of Gratitude for Religious Liberty
On this Independence Day, say a prayer of thanks to our Father in Heaven for His many blessings, especially the blessing of His precious Son, Jesus Christ.
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