Independance Day
    As we celebrate the 4th of July, it’s right that we should stop and show our appreciation for what God has done and continues to do in our country. In my own devotions the other day I came across this verse in Psalm 103. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. 
    I then remembered someone telling me the story of a preacher who when he come upon this verse said, “You can’t remember all of God’s benefits, of course. But that doesn’t mean you should forget them all either. Remember some of them.”
    Well on this 4th of July you and I can’t possibly remember all the benefits we have received from the Lord in this country. On the other hand, we can’t forget all those benefits either.
Consider giving thanks to the Lord for the barbecue grill you cook on this 4th of July and the abundance of food you cook on it. Thank the Lord for the freedom and responsibility to use it properly.
    Most importantly remember some the benefits that the psalmist remembered. If you read on in Psalm 103 he says, “who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
    All of these benefits he brings to us through the cross and the empty tomb of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We not only enjoy the freedoms our Lord has given us through our country. He has also given us freedom from sin, death, and devil through our Lord’s death on the cross and his conquering of death on Easter.
    Yes, that preacher was right. “You can’t remember all of God’s benefits, of course. But that doesn’t mean you should forget them all either. Remember some of them.” Take a little time out from the fireworks and celebration and give the Lord some thanks!

    Gracious Lord, you have indeed blessed us with so many good things in this country – same many wonderful freedoms. May we take the time to thank you for those blessings, especially the freedom that is ours through Jesus Christ.

Rev. Richard A. Salcido