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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
April 2002 |
Mini Homily:
America Bless God
By Bette Thompson
Over the month (September 2001), the phrase "God Bless America" has taken on a new sense of popularity. These three words have burst back into our life as we see them posted on business signs, billboards, bumper stickers, T-shirts and more. As Americans, we have come to rely on these words for hope and inspiration. They symbolize one of the first and greatest foundations that our country was built on - the people of America crying up to our Father for His blessings upon us.
Lately, though, I have begun to feel as if these awesome words, through repetition, somehow do not seem to carry the same impact. For me, the meaning has started to weaken very much like when you have heard your favorite "pop tune" on the radio for the thousandth time.
A few weeks ago, while stopped at a light, an inspiring thought occurred to me: What would happen if we switched the words to read:
AMERICA BLESS GOD
Amazingly, these words do make sense. Depending on which version of the Bible you read, you will find the words "Bless" and "Praise" used interchangeably. There are many places in the Bible that refer to God's people giving back to Him through our praise and blessing. Here are a few:
Psalm 7 1:17 - "His name shall endure forever. His name shall be continued as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him. All nations shall call Him blessed."
Psalm 103:22 - "Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, oh my Soul."
Actually, all of Psalms 103 and 104 are an awesome and powerful description of how we can "Bless God" individually and as a nation.
When God blesses us, He gives to us. He gives to us this beautiful country; the gifts that He has given to so many people in the way of musical talents, inspirational talents; those who teach us, preach to us, inspire us, lead us, humor us, and fight for us, protect us in bravery, and so much more. Let's face it, when God does bless us, He goes overboard. So, when we bless God, it simply is turned around. We give back to Him.
I'm sure most people would say, "Bless God? How do I do that?"
"How does one BLESS GOD?"
Give God your praise through prayer and thanksgiving. Thank Him. Praise Him. Tell Him He's done an awesome job. Tell Him how much you love what He's done for you. Don't hold back! Thank Him for the sunshine, the rainbows, the stars, the sky and all of His creation. Praise Him.
Give Him your time. Whether it's in prayer as you sit in a traffic jam, or in line at a grocery store, or when someone has put you on "hold" while on the phone, share your time with Him. He misses you.
Jesus tells us, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." - Matthew 5:44
The Apostle Paul also teaches us, "Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head." - Romans 12:20.
These words are so bold and powerful that they cannot be ignored or taken lightly. What's most important is that we ACT NOW.
Does this message inspire you? Then share it. Most of all, when you see a sign that says, "God Bless America," make a mental note to yourself and switch the words. AMERICA BLESS GOD
Bette Thompson is a member of First United Methodist Church, Mishawaka.
Last updated on 01/14/2004