Celebrating 250 Years
John Quincy Adams, son of John and Abigail Adams, was a brilliant man. As a teenager, He actually served as a U.S. diplomat! At the age of 14, in 1794, he was appointed as a secretary to his father, John Adams, who was then serving as the U.S. Minister to the Netherlands (and later became the second President of the United States). During this time, the younger Adams gained valuable diplomatic experience by traveling to Europe and observing international diplomacy firsthand. Three years later, at age 17, Adams was appointed as a U.S. diplomat to the Netherlands, making him one of the youngest individuals to serve in such a capacity. His early exposure to diplomacy and international affairs helped shape his future career as a prominent statesman, diplomat, and eventually the sixth President of the United States. Adams made some profound statements regarding America’s purpose and destiny. He once stated, “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this–it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the precepts of Christianity.”(1) Adams didn’t seem to share the liberal doctrine of separating God and government. (Nor did our Founders!) Later in life, in 1837 at the age of 69, Adam took his belief in America’s God-given destiny to a new level. While delivering a Fourth of July speech at Newburyport, Massachusetts, Adams said: “Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this day (the Fourth of July)? Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?”(2) Do not be intimidated by lying revisionists when they attempt to deny America’s God-given birth. Don’t be moved by ridiculous accusations against patriotism and love of country, and do not accept the ludicrous argument that God would never raise up a nation for the primary purpose of trumpeting the gospel. Flag Day
Saturday was Flag Day in the United States, celebrated on June 14th each year to commemorate the adoption of the American flag. We flew ours proudly (though we do so every day); I hope you did too. The flag has played a significant role throughout American history, flying proudly during times of war, strife, and triumph. It is a symbol that unites Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs, representing the shared ideals and aspirations of the nation. The Stars and Stripes remind us of the values and principles the nation was founded upon, including liberty, justice, and equality for all. Saturday was also the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army. Seen as an opportunity to bolster enlistment in America’s Armed Forces, which suffered four catastrophic years under Biden‘s tenure, the President hosted a parade in Washington, D.C. showcasing much of America’s military history and strength. It also included moving stories, videos, songs, a swearing-in of new soldiers, flyovers, paratroopers, and an incredible fireworks display. I was moved to tears more than once. The Left called this a waste of money, accusing Trump of actually conducting the event to call attention to his birthday. Rather than celebration, they called for protests across the country. But the anniversary event was anything but about President Trump. (Although I must say that given Trump’s destiny, it is more than amazing that God providentially determined his birth to be on Flag Day, and the birthday of the United States Army!).
Minnesota’s Devastation
On a sad note, the assassination of Minnesota’s Speaker of the House, Melissa Hortman and her husband exemplified the demonically inspired violence and anger that has been stirred up in our nation. Another member of the Minnesota legislature and his wife were also targeted and critically injured, but not killed (at the time of this writing, they are still alive). It seems increasingly likely that the shootings occurred because of the legislators’ votes to end free healthcare for illegal aliens in Minnesota. We have been emphasizing the need to pray against this violence and hatred, and will continue to do so. Israel and Iran
And of course, Israel has now attacked Iran, deciding they could wait no longer to end Iran’s efforts to produce nuclear weapons. In a very effective assault which has been meticulously planned for several years – in the event that it became necessary – Israel has dealt a severe blow to Iran‘s nuclear capabilities, and taken out much of the leadership of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran, of course, has retaliated, and the battle is now raging in the Middle East. Israel will prevail. I have been saying for months that God was about to end the dominance of the evil spirit spoken of as the Prince of Persia in Daniel 10:20. (Ancient Persia is modern-day Iran.) This principality has been one of the ruling forces in that part of the world for millennia, fomenting violence and blinding the eyes of people to the gospel. This reign of evil is ending, and will give way to a tremendous harvest coming to the Middle East. Don’t equate most of the people of Iran with the radical regime that has been ruling it. They do not like the radical rule that exists there, and missiologists have been saying for a few years that Iran is already leading the world in conversions to Christ. Let’s pray that this becomes one of the greatest revivals in history. And finally, I invite you to watch the moving video of Johnny Cash sharing the “Ragged Old Flag.” Fox presented this short video ahead of “SuperBowl LVII; A Tribute to America.” You can search for it on YouTube or click this link. It is very moving; I think you’ll enjoy it.
Pray with me:
Father, today we recommit to Your great cause of creating a family for Yourself. We know this is why humans were created. As many of us sang in Sunday School, “Red, yellow, black and white, they are precious in [Your] sight.” All people in the world are loved equally by You.
In the context of this great cause, we American believers recommit ourselves to the primary purpose for which You formed our nation. Restore us fully to this destiny. May the emerging revival create the greatest passion ever experienced in America to sound forth Your good news! May this cause become a holy obsession, a consuming passion, the zeal of Yeshua Himself! Let nothing stop this! We also ask that the stronghold of violence be broken off our land.
We pray for our brothers and sisters around the world. They, too, share the great commission of harvesting people for You and discipling nations. Give them revivals of unprecedented proportions. We pray especially for the Middle East: we ask that You end the conflict quickly, remove the influence of the Prince of Persia, and send an earth-shaking revival to Iran and the entire Middle East. All of this we ask with confidence and in Jesus' name. Amen.
Our decree:
The gospel will go forth from these shores, not only to this land, but to all the nations of the earth. (Decreed by Robert Hunt at Cape Henry, 1607)
Click on the link below to watch the full video.