247 years ago, 56 men representing the 13 colonies put their lives, fortunes, and their sacred honor all on the line as they signed and made public the Declaration of Independence. Today, as we celebrate our nation’s birthday, with family and friends may we reflect on the sacrifices these and so many others have made and continue to make so that we can live in freedom. The Fourth of July is a perfect time to thank God for His blessing on this nation and to intercede on its behalf.

John Adams wrote his wife Abigail that Independence Day should be celebrated “by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” Happy Fourth of July!