John Adams, writing to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776, regarding the Declaration, Adams stated: "I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in providence, for the illumination of the ignorant and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth."

And, here we are 250 years since John Adams, the statesman who became Vice President alongside President George Washington, and then, later the second President of the United States following Washington, as he forwarded that note to Abigail just prior to the signing of The Declaration. Recorded history informs us of so much and it is to be treasured while at the same time we all know we live in real time, that being, today, Friday, July 3, 2026. Along with a little help from the Artificial Intelligence software, ChatGPT, one of our Santa shots along with Lil Miss Biscuit's photo were enhanced with a 4th of July motif. The way Biscuit operates makes it pretty clear she is very happy to be a part of this American story. At times I think about the rest of her brothers and sisters that made up her litter. She no doubt, arrived in our home, looked around, and began humming God bless America.That's a joke, but, she is spoiled and I think to a large extent, most of us are, especially compared to so many who breathe air on the planet. I was listening to a BBC News interview with a fellow introduced as an expert on the American experience. They asked this named expert how it was going in terms of the pursuit of the American dream. What came forth was a litany of all that's bad about our nation. Couldn't they say at least one or two good  things? Nope. With all of our issues, faults, failures, warts, and, yes, disappointments in our living out what it means to be an American, well, I for one, stand up and give thanks to Almighty God for what I believe to be the greatest of nations ever known to the human family. By His will and by His provision, it is still the place I want to be. It is. It really is. What say you?

 

Photo of the original 1814 manuscript of the poem, "The Star Spangled Banner"

Here's another quote from John Adams, our 2nd President, known to be a man of deep religious conviction, "I have examined all religions, and the result is that the Bible is the best book in the world." Here is a quote from John Quincy Adams, 6th President and son of John Adams, "In the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior. The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity." Our heritage cannot be separated from the Christian Faith and its impact on our founding. Our nation's motto, "In God We Trust" is actually the sentiment quoted in one of the verses of the poem written by Francis Scott Key, "The Star-Spangled Banner":

 

 

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto - "In God is our trust,"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

 

As we celebrate the 250th year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, let us never forget the proven history how most of our founders freely expressed their faith in and reliance on our Great God. That's the heritage we should dedicate ourselves to continuing. Have a great 4th of July weekend and don't forget to gather together in the meeting place on the first day of the week, Resurrection Sunday, to thank God for His mercy and grace on us as individuals and on our nation. Amen.