In Congress, July 4, 1776.

242 years ago, The Declaration of Independence. In Congress, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness…

Today and every day, my declaration of dependence:

Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ; precious Holy Spirit, the circumstances and the consequences of my independence, living my life for myself, left me to know that I have no desire to live independently of You. I have learned that what Jesus says in John 15:4-5 is true:  “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”  Truly I can do nothing, at least nothing good without You. So, today and every day, I declare my complete and unending dependence on You. Thank You that I can depend on Your never ending love; Your peace, Your protection, Your provision and Your guidance through the finished work of the cross, the demonstration of Your love.   Amen.