"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!...Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not been made known.  But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."  1 John 3:1-2

Each one who has been,
"born again (anew, from above)"  John3:3
has been uniquely born into the family of God.  Imagine, closer than the blood ties of humanity are we united to  God.  This life we now living is eternal and is of the very Spirit of God.  Eternal life now!

Read on in 1 John 3:3 to see the progressive result of this,
"And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."

Christ is our present help in this.  As the letter to the Hebrews tells us,
"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in the time of need."  Hebrews: 4:15-16

As we celebrate our nation's 250 birthday on July 4th, I thought of how far and fast we have moved and are moving away from the standard that was set forth by the founding fathers under the guidance of God.  It brought to mind 2 Chronicles 7:14,
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

We are His people!  So let us pray and seek God concerning our nation, that He will hear, forgive and heal.  Blessings to all as we celebrate the 250 Birthday of our great nation.   Amen