“God Bless America.” We hear this all the time. We say it all the time, but do we really understand what that phrase means? Or better yet, do we even believe God has, is or will bless America?

Today I woke up with every intention on going down to Washington, Pa and cast my vote for the election. As I exited the highway and made my way to the Trolly Museum I thought, “I wonder what would happen if I got there and they said I wasn’t listed.” Sure enough, I walk in the door, give my ID to the ladies and they say, “Well, I see Josh, Holy, Roger…I don’t see Justin.” I waited around for about 5-10 minutes as they called “them” (whoever “they” were, they were busy). The guy finally looked at me and said, “You’re registered in Allegheny County, up at Regency School.” I’m not going to lie, I was frustrated. I drove an hour away to find out I only had to drive two minutes up the road.

However, I did get to see Pastor Wendy and Joe, got to see my mom, and I got some Shorty’s for lunch. Had I not made the drive, I wouldn’t have done those things. You could say it was a “blessing in disguise.”

I can’t say God works like this most of the time, but I would say a good amount of the time our setbacks turn into blessings. When we put our priorities and our time-table ahead of the Lord’s, we forget God doesn’t work the way we do. He doesn’t see this world, our time, or our money/assets like we do. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth,so are my ways higher than your waysand my thoughts than your thoughts.” God does not work or think the way man does. And His blessings given to us are not always in the way we perceive.

Renew begins a new series this week called Blessed. It’s about filtering out the unhealthy and improper meanings of blessing and showing how God’s blessings work through us and in us. American culture perceives its blessings from a materialistic standpoint. Some would say they are blessed if they have a new iphone 5, Halo 4, or a car.

Jesus, however, speaks very differently of blessings in the beatitudes:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:3-12

When Americans ask God to bless them, they aren’t recognizing what that blessing actually entails. Second of all, in regards to materialistic things, we are blessed. As a country, we are blessed to have the freedom to practice our religion free of persecution. We are blessed to have the technology we have. We are blessed to have transportation vehicles that can take us from one side of the world to the other in less than a days time.

America is blessed. But America isn’t grateful. Americans have everything, but they have nothing. There are people in other countries who have nothing but recognize the blessings they have, they are happy, and they are most certainly blessed. They don’t have all the gadgets, they might not even have food for the day, but they are happy with what they do have.

In 2008 I made a statement I think should be said once more, “America Bless God.” We are fortunate. We are blessed. It’s our turn to be thankful and grateful for the blessings we have received as a country and as a people of God. What are you thankful for? My nana always used to say, “If you can’t sleep, count your blessings.” Do you have a family who loves you? What about friends? Do you have a bed to sleep on or a house to live in? Do you eat three meals a day, or more? Than you are blessed.

I dare you to count your blessings before you fall asleep tonight. I guarantee you have a better perspective on life tomorrow.

No matter which presidential candidate wins this election, God always has, is and will be in charge. Jesus is the only true Sovereign and Just King. Jesus has blessed me abundantly, even when I don’t see it. I am thankful this election season that my hope and trust are not in man; they are in Jesus.

Jesus is my King, and I have approved this message.