The Author of Liberty

Worship Wednesday with Pastor Edith
July 1, 2026
Deuteronomy 4:5-8

Our scripture text for today is a marvelous reminder of God’s providence over His people who choose to follow Him and His will. This comes in the context of Moses reminding the people that God has given them His Law for a real, life application reason. See if this might be applicable to you and I as we are coming up on the day we celebrate our nation’s independence; “See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?”

I wonder if this is true of our nation; that we live in such a way that it is evident that the Lord our God is near us. A nation, or a church, or a community is made up of people, all kinds of people, all kinds of people created in the very image of God. We witness difficulties and disagreements, but also, we are to be mindful that we are free not just for ourselves but for the good of others. The Declaration of Independence has these words in the second paragraph that might sound familiar to you; “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness…” I wonder if this is true of our nation; that we live in such a way that all people are created equal and deserve to pursue happiness while living in freedom. I realize that is a sticky question to ponder, and I am aware that many might view my perspective as unreasonable or at least very naïve. That’s ok, I will not be offended by any counter perspectives, I am only here to encourage you faithful readers to know you are created by a loving God who wants you to be assured that He loves you and wants the very best for you and for those whom you influence.

Let’s pray; “Father God, we know Your heart’s desire for us is to be at peace with You and with those around us. Place within our hearts the desire to live for You and to listen to the leading of Your Spirit. Let us diligently search for you. Open our eyes that we might see what is good, honorable, and just for this country and for the well-being of all people”Amen. (If My People…A 40-day Prayer Guide for Our Nation” (pg.12)

A verse from our closing hymn for this time; “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee”; “Our Father’s God, to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing: Long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light; protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King!”

AMEN and Pray on!