In our continuing effort to exercise freedom from freeways, we skirted
Kansas City using the beltways, and took US 69 south. From four lane metro to
two lane rural, nothing particularly special about it, no one gets their kicks
on Route 69. But down the road is Ft. Scott, Kansas, and here all history buffs
need to make a road trip. One of a number of forts built in the 1830-40’s by
the US government, Ft. Scott has been renovated, rescued, and redone, preserving
many of the original buildings, and reconstructing those beyond help. A fort
designed prior to the standardization of Army forts, it was laid out and
designed by a fort commander who was a trained architect. And it is park like
more than fort like. And definitely worth the trip.
From the visit, free admission, and park rangers who would guide you or
just answer questions, we learned much about US history prior to the Civil War.
It seems the US government when displacing the Indians west, set up the row of
forts from north to south to protect them. Not much to do as far as protection
then, and the worst offenses were falling asleep on duty and intoxication.
Seems much hasn’t changed. But the troops from there were sent to help us win
the Mexican War, and an important ally to the north in the Civil War. But on
this day, a week before the 4th of July, Independence Day, the courtyard area
was decorated with 7000 American flags. In a time when it is socially
acceptable to deface our flag, these waved proudly, and brought tears to our
eyes. Not just laid out, but laid out evenly to the topography, with little
bases to raise them to make them all even in height. Quiet yet saying a lot, it
was a great thing to see that our flag was and still is there. Not a political
statement, but one of pride, honor, and glory. A symbol of the greatest country
in the history of the world, where God truly has shed h is grace on thee, and
still does today. No matter how the fake news tries to make us believe lies,
America is God’s country. It is up to us to be his people, and he gives us a
choice. The 7000 flags that day reminded me of how thankful I am he chose me to
be an American, and how glad I am I chose Jesus. No one tries to break out of
our country, maybe that says more than we know.
Fr. Al loved singing God Bless America, and the words reflect our rides
across it. But as much as God blesses America, we need to bless God. But we
cannot do it alone, it must start in the heart, and as hearts change, actions
and attitudes will change. Jeremiah saw first hand how even his friends and
neighbors turned against him, but really it was God they were against. How true
today also. And God tells him “do not pray for them, for it delays judgment.”
Just the opposite of what we are taught to do today. So in the midst of his
troubles, he gave it all to God. “You deal with it.” Much different from our
social issues permeating churches today, replacing the gospel with social ideas
and opinions. He had learned to trust God, and let it be his problem, it was
too big for him. Instead of another man, he went to the Man, and God honored
him. Maybe he remembered the words from 2 Chronicles, “if my people, who are
called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, if they change their heart,
I will answer form heaven, and heal their land.” It starts with a relationship
with God, when God’s people, not the Jews, but those who call upon the name of
Jesus and are saved, let him be God, when we honor him and bless America by
turning to him, we see revival. We see changes in social, personal, and
religious relationships. Can we pray the toughest four word prayer in the
Bible, brought to us by Jesus, “thy will be done.” The flag you wave, the God
you represent is portrayed by your patriotism, who do you bow your knee to?
Remember, we are watching...and so is the Lord.
The 7000 flags that day reminded me we are not a perfect land yet, but when
we put our faith and trust in God we will prosper. So remember when singing,
“God bless America, land that I love,” we aren’t perfect. But God has sent us
out to be his ambassadors from heaven to take the gospel to a dying world.
Maybe the American soldier is the only one who truly knows what Jesus meant when
he said “greater love has no man than to die for his brother.” When God
confronted Cain, and Cain replied “am I my brothers keeper?” God never answered
yes or no. For Cain wasn’t. But Jesus calls us family, brothers when we are
saved. And he wants us to love others as we love ourselves. Which we cannot do
without his forgiveness and mercy. It always starts with Jesus, and it will
always end with Jesus.
“Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be well established.”
That morning 7000 flags waving in the wind reminded me of the victory God has
won for us in Jesus, but also those who perished to preserve our liberty. So
thank you God for blessing America, now can we as Americans bless you too?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com