Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 NAS
We have finally reached the much-anticipated weekend of July 4th 2026! This long-awaited weekend has already been celebrated in countless ways over the past six months. How wonderful to celebrate America’s 250th all year, including some powerful Christian events and gatherings such as America Reads the Bible, tens of thousands of prayer gatherings on The National Day of Prayer, and the Day of Jubilation and Rededication, just to name a few. Now we step into the 250th celebrations on the mall in Washington D.C. and in every hometown and backyard across America, in what I pray becomes an extended season, not only of celebration, but true transformation.
God called for celebration, even commanding His people to travel to Jerusalem for some of them to be celebrated together as His spiritual family. These festivals marked spiritually significant days and seasons in Jewish history where God had moved, and continually proved, He was their God and they were His people. The point was not just to throw a party but to “remember and tell” the stories, to share the history lessons with every generation for transformation; that they would KNOW their God and continue to worship and follow Him in holiness and righteousness. The lessons included times of trials, tears, discipline as well as great miracles, and lavish blessings.
The United States of America has gone through trials and triumphs, wars for independence and expansion, war from within and World Wars continually defending freedom at home and around the world. We have enjoyed times of peace and prosperity as well as attacks and calamity. We are innovative, creative, educated and known as, “The Land of Opportunity” and so much more. Why? Because God has surely lavishly, shed His grace on us for over 250 years.
If you have not seen the movie, “A Great Awakening” I encourage you to make it a part of your celebration this weekend as it highlights the historical truth that, “Before there was a revolution there was a revelation!” though the Great Awakening spurred on by George Whitfield, Charles and John Wesley, and others who fanned the flame of God in the hearts of the colonists with the Word and worship of God. We became and have remained a nation for 250 years by the hand and heart of God answering the fervent prayers of men and women seeking God and His glory in every generation.
As we step into this weekend, I challenge you to pause and pray about how all this celebration will prompt godly transformation across our communities and country. This weekend is not just about a BBQ but what God has done for you.
We live in this great nation by His grace and purpose and in this, “so what, now what” moment that will occur on July 5th and beyond into 2027 we must be willing to be the change we have been praying for.
We have prayed for God to draw America back to Him, but events do not accomplish that if they do not spark transformation, a renewing of our minds to follow Him in steadfast faith, enduring obedience, lived out with pure hearts, clean hands and love for God and one another.
As we pray, we must be committed and submitted to the biblical lifestyle God not only desires but requires of us clearly outlined in His Word and fully obtainable by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. This year many of us prayed a declaration of rededication, making a covenant with God to live fully faithful to Him. What has shifted in your life since you prayed that prayer? What changes have you seen in your family, church or community since that prayer was uttered? How will you submit now so that God can work in you and through you, should Jesus tarry, to mark and make history that will be celebrated another 50, 100, or 250 years from now?
With all this in mind, will you pray with me?
Heavenly Father, in You we have life, love, purpose, minds to think, hands to serve, unique plans and good deeds You have prepared for each of us. You knit us together before we were born, established us to dwell in our communities, gave us family and friends, innumerable blessings as You have guided and guarded us through life. Thank You. Our lives belong to You and in this year of rededication we ask You to renew our minds that we would see clearly and stand fearlessly in Your will, being transformed daily in the character of Christ and not just celebration but serving our neighbors and nation in Your name for Your fame and glory. Thank You for letting us serve You in America until we come home to Your Kingdom. We pray in the mighty name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who truly set us free indeed. Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
