“The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.”  Psalm 28:7 (NKJV)

Happy Fourth of July!! We have so much to give thanks for today!  There is trouble in this world, but let’s focus on the blessings in our life and praise God for our freedoms. 

We live in a country that still holds onto a Constitution, written by Founding Fathers that trusted and believed in God.  We have the ability to worship freely and vote our minds.  We can speak publicly about our thoughts and disagree with our political leaders.  We have independence through our laws but let us maintain a DEPENDENCE on God…. He is our provider. 

With thanks and praise, we are to magnify the glorious deeds of God.  His faithfulness to His children is never-ending.  Look all around you and take in His wondrous works, for He is more than good.  His mercies endure forever. 

Holidays can be hard if you have recently lost a loved one, or somebody close to you is ill.  Make an effort to recall the lovely times you had with those now gone, and praise God for the time you shared in this world.  Make more memories if you are able, and rejoice that you can still hold their hand this year.

Families were a part of God’s original design; Adam, Eve, and offspring.  Sadly, even the very first family did not get along, but that can also serve as an encouragement to us now.  We are not unique with our family squabbles.  They have been a part of family life since the very start.

Since holidays bring relatives together, you may be facing some decisions today.  There may be grudges and hurt feelings carried to this July’s celebration. Those of us who are walking faithfully with God need to lay aside our wounds and love the ones who hurt us in the past.  God knows all the details.  He knows how you have been wronged.  It is hard not to defend yourself and justify actions, but God is your defense and has not forgotten how things really played out. Through the strength of God, let it go.  Allow old wounds to heal and new starts to begin. Stop keeping score and enjoy the moments you have with those closest to you.  May mercy abound on this Fourth of July!

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.”  1 Chronicles 16:34 (NKJV)

“We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” ~ Harry Ironside

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/thanksgiving-bible-verses-15-great-scripture-quotes/#ixzz2Y6UUQ3x7