I’m talking about when a nation collapses – morally and spiritually. When a culture spirals out of control. When restraint is all but gone. When good becomes evil and evil becomes good. When shameful things are celebrated and holy things are denigrated. This is what we are witnessing in America today. Our country is spiraling out of control. Our culture is unraveling. Darkness is being heralded as light.
– Michael Brown, Decision, May 2019
The last line of the Declaration of Independence says, “And for the support of this Declaration…we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” Fifty-six men signed the document. Here is what happened to some of them:
• Five were captured as traitors to Britain and tortured before they died.
• One was wounded, taken prisoner and released in a prisoner exchange.
• Two lost their sons in the war.
• Another had two sons captured.
• Another saw his ships destroyed by the British Navy, sold his home and property to pay his debts, and died in rags.
• Yet another was pursued by British troops — forced to move his family constantly, he lost all of his possessions.
• British General Cornwallis used one signer’s farm for his headquarters at Yorktown. George Washington opened fire and the farm was destroyed. Its owner died bankrupt.
• Another had his home and properties destroyed and his wife jailed. She died within a few months.
• One man who signed the historic document was driven from his wife’s sickbed as their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid waste. For a year he lived in forests and caves. When he returned his wife was dead; his children missing. A few weeks later he died.
– From Generation to Generation – Day 185
The price of freedom is high. Today, in prayer, thank the Lord for those whose sacrifices have made America free. And pray that we as a nation return to the LORD and His ways.
America, America you were so very blessed.
You loved the Lord, and His truth you once professed.
You honored His Word and blessed His name,
but now you put them both to shame.
You were respected by allies and feared by foes;
a once free country, you now face many woes.
Of all the nations, God made you the very best,
but now your name, is oft’ said in jest.
You are so far removed from all you once possessed,
with people in every city thoroughly distressed.
America, turn back to the Lord before it’s too late,
and pray you have not already sealed your fate.
Hear the Lord’s pleas,
and fall on your knees.
Perhaps He will restore,
blessing you once again from shore to shore!
– Bill Rudge
