The Pastor’s Piece – Pastor Kevin Cernek, FCFI Chaplain

FCFI
June 15, 2026
God, nations, and our 250th Anniversary
The following excerpt is from a book called: “A Nation Under God?” Edited by C.E.Gallivan, Word Books, Waco, TX.
It was the summer of 1787. The heat in Philadelphia was oppressive and the delegates to the Constitutional Convention fanned themselves languidly and longed for adjournment. Debate had dragged on for days… that left everyone weary and querulous. The Convention faced an impasse. At this point, aged Dr. Benjamin Franklin rose and addressed himself to General Washington in the Chair.

“In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understandings?”

He stated that it was his firm belief that without divine aid they would succeed in their political building no better than the builders of Babel, but would find themselves so divided and split by local interests that they would become a reproach to future ages.

He then concluded: “I therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of heaven and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.”

Benjamin Franklin had made his point. Nations do not rise or continue at the whim and desire of men. A higher Power must be reckoned with, for the ultimate destiny of nations lies in His hands. (End quote).
There is a truth observed throughout Scripture, history, and even the created order itself: actions have consequences. The Bible speaks of this in moral and spiritual terms describing it as a principle of reaping and sowing. Even in the natural world, we recognize that life is lived within fixed realities. One either respects the laws of nature and flourishes within them, or ignores them and suffers the consequences. No one experiments with 10,000 volts of electricity and expects to rewrite the laws of physics in the process, the laws are already in place; wisdom is found in recognizing and submitting to them.
So it is also with nations. History is filled with examples of rising and falling empires, reminding us that human strength alone does not determine a nation’s destiny. Scripture affirms the truth that: “His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of man; the Lord delights in those who fear Him,” (Psalm 147:10).
As our nation approaches the celebration of its 250th anniversary, we find ourselves reflecting on a remarkable chapter of history. For two and a half centuries, the United States has known seasons of blessing and hardship, prosperity and challenge, all under the providential hand of God. Milestones such as this invite not only celebration, but also reflection.
Scripture teaches us to honor those in authority, pray for our leaders, and seek the welfare of the nation in which God has placed us. Love for our country is a good and fitting response to the blessings God has given us. Gratitude for our freedoms, appreciation for our heritage, and prayer for our nation’s future are wonderful expressions of Christian stewardship.
At the same time, our ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ, and every other loyalty finds its proper place under Him. Our true citizenship is in heaven, even as we live faithfully as citizens of the United States of America. Every nation is under the sovereign rule of God and accountable to His righteous standards. Because of this, Christian patriotism is best expressed in grateful and faithful engagement. We love our country while seeing it through the lens of God’s Word – rejoicing in what is good, giving thanks for God’s blessings, and seeking wisdom in every area of public life. The same Lord who grants blessing also calls His people to pursue righteousness wherever He places them.
As Americans, we have much for which to be thankful. We have inherited freedoms, opportunities, and a system of government that has provided stability and liberty for generations and is admired throughout the world. The principles that shaped our nation’s founding were influenced by Biblical truths concerning human dignity, moral responsibility, and the reality of human sinfulness. Freedom itself is a gift from God, and it carries responsibility. We are called not merely to enjoy liberty, but to use it well – to serve our neighbors, strengthen our communities, and glorify God in all things.
As we look toward America’s 250th anniversary, let us do so with gratitude and humility, and with a hope rooted not in government or national achievement, but in the Lord. As faithful citizens of the Kingdom of God, let us pray for our nation.
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy toward our nation throughout its history. We acknowledge that every good gift comes from Your hand, and we are grateful for the freedoms, opportunities, and blessings we have received.
We pray for our leaders, that You would grant them wisdom, integrity, and a desire to govern with justice and righteousness. Give us as citizens humble hearts, that we might seek the good of our neighbors and the welfare of our communities. Forgive us for where we have turned away from Your truth. Renew us as a people, and draw us back to what is right, just, and good in Your sight. And above all, help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, our true King and Savior. Teach us to love You above all else and to serve You faithfully in every area of life.
We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Kevin Cernek is Lead Pastor of Martintown Community Church in Martintown, Wisconsin.