Summer is here

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Well, we are finally on the road again and it is awesome.  Elaine only has a couple more weeks for cardio rehab and then the schedule really opens.  We spent a few days down in Englewood as our daughter Lacey, Bobby, Anthony, Isabella and friends were at the beach.  We were in the motorhome but visited them at the beach.  Family is a blessing and being together is in and of itself a blessing.

OK, with that aside, let’s talk about life.  You know the thing you do every day.  Now most of you who read the blog post are believers.  You will note I didn’t say Christians because a title does not save you.  Salvation and being a true Christian only comes through faith and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior.  If you don’t know Him as your Savior, today go the home page of my website at ElbertNasworthy.com and click on the featured video “How to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior”.

So, this thing that is life is something everyone does and for the true Christian we often recite Psalm 118:24 and using the ESV which says-

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”

Psalm 118 is one of celebrations which were used in worship services and even weddings.  It was part of rejoicing in times such as a feast, as well.  This often-cited verse is used today in many of the same ways.  We also often use it to describe the day in which we are personally living and acknowledging Him for His blessings.  In verse 10-17 preceding this verse is the commemorating of God’s victory over the enemies of Israel.

So again, as we consider this life and rejoice in God’s provisions, we take specific note of what Jesus did for us.  Dying for our sins and rising from the grave so that we might have eternal life with He and the Father.

As I am writing this one of days was the anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2026.  That day marked the 82^nd anniversary of Operation Overlord and is known to mark the beginning of the end of World War II.  Days like this and others such as Memorial Day that we just celebrated in honor of those who have given their life for our freedom.  Flag Day on June 14^th and in just a few short weeks it will be the 250^th Anniversary of our country on July 4^th. 

We live today in this country free to worship as we desire.  Free to speak what we think or feel.  Free to travel anywhere we would want.  All of these freedoms and more are enshrined in the preamble of the Declaration of Independence.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.” 

This summer will be one of celebration and remembrance of our nations founding, as well it should be.  John Adams one of our founding fathers said July 4^th was to be a “great anniversary festival”.  He wrote to his wife Abigail regarding the celebration of independence that-

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more." 

It is of interest that Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died within hous of each other on July 4^th, 1826-the day of jubilee- the 50^th anniversary of independence.  Jefferson dying around noon at the age of 83 and Adams at the age of 90 some hours later that afternoon.

As Christians, we are to rejoice on this day, but we must remember that it is only by the grace of God that we are able to rejoice.  He has given us a country in which to live.  The only one with the freedoms mankind desires but one that must be protected and preserved at all costs.  Freedom is only free when we acknowledge and protect it from any that would take it from us.

On March 23, 1775 Patrick Henry in a speech said-

Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

I could not agree more with our founding father.  I have never wanted to offend anyone for any reason.  Whether as to Biblical, religious or political matters.  Certainly, not for the sake of who and what we are as a nation.

Henry concluded his speech with these immortal words-

Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; 

but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Have a great week and I look forward to being back with again soon.

In God’s Grace,

Elbert Nasworthy