God Bless America

Jul 3

President Reagan commissioned the Statue of Liberty to be refurbished in 1986 for the Centennial celebration of our country’s founding. Lee Iacocca headed up the project. George and I were honored to join Iacocca and others as we cruised into New York Harbor to celebrate the Fourth of July, with a stunning view of the Statue of Liberty. All day, we watched processions of military ships, large sail boats, and yachts proudly displaying the American flag. On the decks of the ships, men dressed sharply in their military uniforms saluted us. I felt so proud to be an American. That evening on Staten Island, a spectacular fireworks display framed the Statue of Liberty while loudspeakers played the “Star Bangle Banner” and “God Bless America.” Tears fell as I placed my hand over my heart. I began praising God for allowing me to be born in America. “What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12 NIV). This memory will last until eternity.

There are many things going on in this country that break my heart. It appears that the End Times draws near. The media feeds off division and lies. I refuse to listen to much of this. I am not uninformed because George fills me in on the important things and we have friends in Israel and Ukraine who share directly with us. With all this said, I still love my country. I love that I can pray and carry my Bible in public. I love attending church without fear. I love our American flag that flies high in cities, towns, and homes from coast to coast.

Each July 4th, we hang flags on our balcony, decorate the house in red, white, and blue, and eat hot dogs and hamburgers cooked on the grill. That good ole’ American tradition. Lee Greenwood sings best how I feel.

“I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today

Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away

And I am proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free

And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me

And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today

Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land! God Bless the U.S.A.”

This Fourth of July, let’s remember and thank God that we live in a free country. Let’s give thanks for the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. And let’s keep our eyes towards heaven. God has promised: “God-devotion makes a country strong…” (Proverbs 14:34 MSG).

Let’s pray:

Lord, Your kindness is overwhelming to your children. Your mercy endures forever. Thank You for this country that stands for You. Thank You for continuing to bless this nation. I praise You I can speak freely of You and of Your great works. I ask You to continue to keep this country, “the land of the free” in reverence to You. Amen.

Wishing all of you a very Happy Fourth of July!

Jan Grubbs

I’m a Bible teacher, author, and speaker, and I am passionate about connecting women to Jesus.

When I was growing up, my dad used to say, “Every day is a new day to Jan,” and it’s true. No matter what happened the day before, every day is new to me. Like you, I’ve had some great highs and some very difficult lows. In those hard times, Jesus always holds and comforts me.

If you would have told my mother I would become a writer, she would have gotten so tickled. She was a very particular English teacher, and everything I wrote made her want to pull her hair out! I was a “life is a bowl of cherries” kind of a girl. Fun, carefree, and the life of the party, I met my straight-laced, Baptist future husband at 18. We married at 20 and began going to church. I went through the motions, but I became a true believer at 24.

I love teaching women the Bible and seeing the light bulb come on. One time, I was preparing to speak to a group of women leaders, when I asked the Lord what to teach on. Immediately, He gave me the picture of us being the Bride of Christ. I am a hopeless romantic, so this spoke to my heart. I dove into studying Jesus as our Bridegroom, and it wooed me into a more intimate relationship with Him.

My husband always says I am full of surprises. No one is as surprised as we are that I’m writing, but Jesus isn’t surprised. He took my love for Him, my love for the Word, my love for women, and turned it into this ministry.

Each of us has hidden qualities that Jesus is waiting to bring out. As you linger here and enjoy my writing, I hope you come to understand Jesus as your Bridegroom and the depth of love He has for you.

God Bless America

Saul Overshadowed by David

Learning to Trust