235 Years and Counting

235 YEARS AND COUNTING

Isaiah 65:1

“I revealed Myself to those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call My Name, I said, ‘Here I am, here am I.’”

Proverbs 14:34
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."

North and South America was inhabited for centuries before Christopher Columbus landed in 1492—519 years ago. His news of a glorious new land broadcast far and wide. People flocked to it in search of something. Many came searching for religious freedom. Others arrived curious, eager for new discoveries. Great Britain wanted to expand her empire.

Native Americans watched boat loads of people land on their shores. They continued to retreat further West, giving up and giving in. How arrogant to think that men could own land!


The settlers fought the natives to claim possession of the land’s best. They finally had enough of England butting into their business, and the Revolutionary War broke out. Victory finally emerged for these daring pioneers! A leader elected, a capitol built, a Constitution written, 1776 launched the United States of America! Could this new frontier survive as a “melting pot” experiment? Absorbing peoples from foreign lands, the U.S.A. became an experiment that had never been tried. The world watched, fascinated and drawn to her.

April 12, 2011 marked the beginning of the American Civil War, 150 years ago. This war—lasting five years and killing thousands—rose from a disagreement. “Stop slavery” the North ordered its Southern brethren. “No!” the Southern states insisted, stamping its feet.

Brother-against-brother civil war finally ended when the South surrendered, keeping the United States united.

Today the United States is a divided states of America. The “melting pot” experiment of peoples has split into angry political rivals. Constant disagreements brew, differing parties point blaming fingers at the others. The separating gap is wide and deep. Can the country that began 235 years ago (as a perfect union), celebrate its 250 anniversary in 15 years?

Now with an African-American president, one would think that the “melting pot” experiment was a success. Or is the perfect union just a dream? Founded on Christian principles, how far can the U.S.A. drift from its foundation before its foundation crumbles?

Countries in the Middle East are experiencing their own civil wars today.

Do nations require a parent to settle disputes?

Take Home Nugget

Heavenly Father, Bless the United States of America, and nations around the world who are experiencing internal problems. Forgive all our sins against You and each other. Mend our split seams. Give Your children a Spirit of cooperation. Remind us that we were created in love. Show us how to love You and each other today, we pray in Jesus’ Name. Many thanks and praise for our glorious homelands! Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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