Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
Psalm 127:1

Security, prosperity and peace are not the result of more laws, more police, and more military technology. All of these things are necessary and good servants of God, but in and of themselves they can’t bring about the greatness we’re looking for.

Without the hand of God on our legislators, rulers, defenders and peacekeepers, each of these institutions would quickly become abused and abusive. We would inevitably degenerate into a despotic police state, an enslaved people who enslave others.

Only by God’s work in our national life can we become a great nation, one to which people all over the world would flee if they could, not to change it or overthrow it from within but to join us and become part of it.

The same principle applies to the family. Without God’s hand leading, guiding and empowering husband and wife, parent and child, the home degenerates into a place of abuse and hurt. But submitted to the lordship of Jesus, the home becomes a haven of rest, a stronghold of peace, security and happiness.

Choose how you want your family to be. Build the nation in which you want to live and raise your children. Build, but follow the Architect’s instructions as you work.

Lord, we’re approaching the celebration of 250 years of national life. Lead, guide, and empower our leaders and our citizens. Only You can make us great. Build my home, too, according to Your good plan. We look to You, Lord Jesus, to build us a house. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles