When I’m behind a car with a bumper sticker on it that says, “God Bless America” I always say, God HAS blessed America so what are we doing about it? Are we praising Him and thanking Him for those blessings? Are we acknowledging that it is only through His blessing that we are living in the United States?

My thoughts go towards, yes, God has blessed America and we want Him to continue to bless us but what are we doing with those blessings? Are we squandering them? Are we using them to help other people in other countries not so “blessed”? Are we helping those in our own towns?

Frequent LWML speaker, Jan Struck, gave the keynote address at LWML North Wisconsin District convention last week. She compared LWML to the early Christian church as described in the book of Acts, chapter 2. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers (v. 42). And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people (45-47).

Perhaps when we say, “God Bless America”, we should acknowledge those blessings as the early church did with Bible study, prayers of thanksgiving and praise, partaking of the sacraments, attending church in fellowship with our congregation members, providing for those in need, being hospitable to all, and saying loudly, “God has blessed America! Thanks be to God!”

Let’s pass the blessings along! LWML has a long history of doing just that. As you attend your district conventions, fall fests, retreats, and Christian Life Retreats your Gifts From the Heart will help pass along blessings and your participation in Word and Sacrament with your LWML family will see that the blessings are shared!

Happy Birthday, USA!

Patti