July 2015

John Adams wrote to his wife regarding July 2nd: “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” 

Well, it seems Mr. Adams was off by a couple of days in regards to such pomp and circumstance on July 2nd celebrating the birth of a nation. However, little did he know that he was prophesying that July 2nd would be a day of commemoration because July 2nd is the day our second grandson, Micah, was born and such a date should be solemnized with all the pomp and parade that can be mustered. 

Celebrations . . . when we so desire, we can find ample reasons (or excuses) for celebrating just about any day of the year. Did you know that July 3rd is also Steve Jones and my special holiday? That’s right, it is “I forgot day.” There is also a very unique day called “embrace your inner geekiness day” on the 13th of this month (you know who you are). However, we in the U.S. primarily embrace the celebration of our birth as a nation. We celebrate on that day, even though it took years to make it a reality, we said “no more” to the yoke of tyranny Great Britain had placed on its New World colonies. From the onset of our declaration of independence, as a nation we have fought many battles and wars to demonstrate that our actions back up our words declaring what we believed to be principles   that are non-negotiable. Time and time again, men and women of our great country have paid the ultimate price, thus communicating “those principles of freedom we proclaimed, we meant it.” 

The fervor of our commitment and the passion of our proclamation as a nation is one that should be emulated in our life as the body of Christ. While each declaration of freedom from the yoke of slavery to sin is an individual one whereby we proclaim Jesus Christ the Lord of our life, the battles that follow such a proclamation are not to be fought alone but together as a group of believers fighting as one. One only glimpses the news and we can see that on the horizon strong battles loom for Christ’s church. Many times I have spoken of unity, mutual support, and the need we all have of each other. In the book of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 we read: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” As we move forward in 2015, let us do so as a unified body. A body united by love of Christ, love of each other and united in purpose . . . The glory of Christ. Yes, there are battles looming on the horizon for us as a Church. What helps me face those battles with my head up is the knowledge that I do not face them alone. Some may not believe they need anyone; I assure you that I most certainly need each and every one of you. 


Blessings, 
Vic