“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
(Yankee Doodle, this is one of several versions of a scene painted by A. M. Willard that came to be known as The Spirit of ’76.)
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience this freedom from sin and death that you have provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are free to praise you. For this I am very thankful.
On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that my freedom was purchases with a very high price. My freedom cost others their very lives.
Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty meet their needs and watch over their families.
Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else’s life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ.
Amen
http://christianity.about.com/od/4thofjulyprayersverse/qt/prayers4ofjuly.htm
History:
In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.
Independence Day is the national day of the United States.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)
Qoutes:
The United States is the only country with a known birthday. -James G. Blaine
In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved. -Franklin D. Roosevelt
It is the love of country that has lighted and that keeps glowing the holy fire of patriotism. -J. Horace McFarland
Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die. -Dwight D. Eisenhower
Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all! By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall. -John Dickinson
May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely, than this our own country! -Daniel Webster
One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, One Nation evermore! -Oliver Wendell Holmes
From every mountainside Let Freedom ring. -Samuel F. Smith, “America”
My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy! -Thomas Jefferson
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves. -Abraham Lincoln
It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. … I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not. -John Adams
http://americanhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/4th_of_july_quotes_and_sayings
