Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: Psalm 33:12a (KJV).

Otto Whittaker, a writer, wrote about our United States of America: “I was born on July 4, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence is my birth certificate.”

We remember with gratitude the men who established our nation on Christian principles.

We admire their courage in breaking free of overbearing tyranny and for being willing to endure hardships because they signed the Declaration of Independence.

We will be forever grateful to the many men and women who serve now and have served in our Armed Forces; and those who gave their lives fighting to keep America free.

We honor their memory and their legacy. In times past, America was blessed to have Christian leaders.

John Jay, co-author of the Federalist Papers and first chief-justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, wrote, “The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts. Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”

How different today when in 1962, the Supreme Court struck down voluntary prayer in schools.

To the damnation of this country, the U. S. Supreme Court ruled last week in favor of same-sex marriages. Thomas Jefferson, signer and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States wrote: “And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.”

America needs the leadership and prayers of Christian people.

2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us: “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” (KJV).

Let us celebrate the Fourth of July while enjoying our great freedoms with family and friends.

By Erlene Smith.