July 3, 2026 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John (2SoJ)
The Series of Personal Testimonies, #3: Celebrating What?
We celebrate so much today. In every calendar month, we are honoring this or that from what cars we buy, the food we eat, how we look, what we have accomplished, and everything in between. I am sure one can find something Americans are celebrating each day of the year. Most of what we celebrate does not need to be celebrated. Many times, we are asked to celebrate in what is prideful, immoral, or unhealthy—when will all this nonsense end? (The gay movement is a good example of this.)
Do you remember the musical group, Rare Earth? They were the only white group on the Motown record album label in the 60’s & 70’s. I saw them live in Fresno, and one of their greatest hits is still used in commercials today, “I Just Want to Celebrate.” I felt as a young man that I was on the right track—I wanted to celebrate life alone and let everything else go by the wayside just as the song suggested. Now, looking back, I wish I had stayed on track and not gotten caught up in the frenzy of personal happiness over what is right, good, and supportive to others.
God loves to celebrate, and He created us to celebrate too. There is going to be a party in heaven someday, and I want to be there. Nevertheless, Americans have allowed industries, cultures, and God deniers(so often for the sake of making money)to decide what we rejoice in and celebrate about on a daily basis.
Am I thankful? Yes; should I be ‘thankful in all things and for all things’, the Bible says. But to ‘rejoice always’ belongs for those things that are good and wholesome and definitely not for monetary gain or ‘being better than someone else’ attitude. Doing one’s best should always be celebrated whether we win or fail. I congratulate others on their successes by being glad for their efforts, but I am also happy for the person or group that did not have the talent but made the same sacrifice though did not medal. I especially do this when working with children as an educator.
Do not think that God does not notice our hypocrisy and pride, our ‘in your face’ attitudes, and our apathy against evil motives and behaviors. So, take a stand, be counted for celebrating good alone. This is a warning for all Americans: be happy in what is good; not in personal gratification, pride, monetary gain, abilities/talents, or accumulation of things.
The 4th of July is upon us, and America does indeed have something to celebrate. But it not because of the successes of mankind or our monetary accomplishments. Our success came from God, and our future successes is because the people of God look to Jesus Christ, listen to Him, seek His will and purposes; being thankful to God alone and rejoicing in His help, kindness, and strength to do what He wants for us. This is what started America and is the only success model for America for tomorrow.
Don’t believe me? Just take a history lesson of the leaders in American history, and you will find God in their lives, and after reading their prayers, you will see what God will do for people who look to Him alone for direction and strength. Today, let’s be thankful and rejoice that God has blessed America and not we ourselves—God alone deserves all the glory and thankfulness in our days of celebration, our 250th birthday!
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What would Jesus want me to do?
Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com
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