The Fabulous Fourth

The 4^th of July

On the evening of every 4^th of July dozens of our friends and their friends gather on our front lawn to watch the fireworks that light the sky over the Toms River.

In preparation we mow the lawn, spray for bugs, wash the stack of plastic chairs, buy hamburgers, rolls, and (most importantly) dozens of Eskimo Pies.

The local radio station sets up down the street and music will be simulcast with the fireworks. It gets dark, the fireworks break out across the sky, and the marching music fills the lawn with inspirational sound. .And then it is over! We had a great time; but only a few mention the reason for the celebration.

Two hundred years ago, the Declaration of Independence was completed in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. The first signature was added on July 8^th; the last on December 31^st. With that Declaration of Independence, we declared ourselves separated from the tyrant who had controlled our lives. We declared ourselves a separate nation with new leaders and new laws.

And so it is with Pentecost, As I read the description of that day in Acts 2 of my bible, I see the dawn of a new day, of a new way of life, and the acknowledgement that the Holy Spirit will lead us. The old has passed away.

Even today we acknowledge His power in our lives and in our churches. , and pledge our sacred honor! Does fire still fall from heaven onto waiting and willing disciples? The answer is clear  Our manna is more than Eskimo Pies..It waits for us to claim it every day.

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