8/7/22 By Holly LaChappell
Early on August 7, 2022, I heard the Lord whisper the date “July 17, 1776” to me before I was barely awake! “Hmmm… Lord, what does this date mean? I know the Declaration of Independence document was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and that announced the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. But what does July 17, 1776, mean spiritually?” So, I started praying and researching for five days! The numerals 1776 added together, 1+7+7+6 =21
Twenty-one means the product of 7×3; it, therefore, implies fullness or the completion of spiritual perfection, expecting God will move (20+1) and serving God (20 +1). “1776” means we can expect God to move upon America favorably when we love and serve Him and His ways wholeheartedly.
I then looked online for what happened on July 17, 1776. What I found was eye-opening.
I found this information from John Adams papers dated Wednesday, July 17. 1776. (founders.archives.gov)
Lord Howe from the British navy sent George Washington a letter asking for peace, although he and his brother came with 30,000 men. He addressed the letter to George Washington Esqr. It was not addressed with the correct title of “General,” so Washington never opened the letter. The British felt they had a right to stop the Americans from rebelling against them. The Howes were authorized to use force to put down the rebellion. They also had permission to readmit the former colonies to the British Empire and pardon those who had led the revolt. (Then why did they come with 30,000 men? George Washington then led his Continental Army to defend New York City from a British attack with his 19,000 men). If Lord Howe had addressed George Washington as General, he would have legitimized the uprising and their cause. The Board of War to whom the Letter for General Washington referred brought their report into consideration. They decided George Washington indeed did act with dignity. The Board of War also deemed that no enemy of America would send any letter or message without the proper titles.
Takeaways: as a free people, and One Nation Under God, we do not receive notice, letters, or words from the enemy of our hearts! We listen to Jesus for our lives, our identity, and what to do next! We do not let the enemy belittle us into submission. No! We will not concede to the enemy’s tactics. We know and rely on His very breath of Holy Spirit guiding us and leading us! We decree out loud what has been inscribed in His book of promises, the Bible, NOT what the enemy says! The enemy has tried to stop America from forming and being a sovereign nation from its inception.
On July 17, 1776, about a month after the British were driven from the outer harbor, the Long Island Battery on East Head fired a thirteen-gun salute in celebration and honor of the decree of the Declaration of Independence. Similar salutes were fired from the other batteries throughout Boston Harbor. (Wikipedia)
While those mentioned above occurred, George Washington wrote to his fellow American, Major General Philip Schuyler, on 17–18 July 1776. George wrote, “I am extremely sorry to have such unfavorable accounts of the condition of the Army. Sickness itself is sufficiently bad, but when discord & disorder are added, greater misfortunes cannot befall it, except that of a defeat. While they prevail, there are but little hopes of things succeeding well. I must entreat your attention to these matters & your exertions to introduce more discipline & to do away the unhappy pernicious distinctions & jealousies now subsisting between the Troops of different Governments. Enjoin this upon the Officers, and let them inculcate and press home to the Soldiery, the necessity of order and harmony among them who are embarked in one common cause, and mutually contending for all that freemen hold dear.”
What George Washington and his men faced in the various wars, frigid winters, lack of food, clothing, artillery, and ammunition, discord, and deserters was a great example of the Lord coming through for them in great trials and distress! They looked to God for guidance and direction in harsh situations. The enemy tried to wreak havoc and take away their provision at every turn.
I am reminded of Daniel 10 where he inquired of the Lord when he had a vision and was in great distress.
“In the third year of the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia, Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) had another vision. It concerned events certain to happen in the future: times of great tribulation—wars and sorrows, and this time he understood what the vision meant.” (Daniel 10:1)
Daniel had been mourning for three weeks for his own sins and the sins of his people, and their sorrows. (Daniel 10:10) He knew the state his people were in. Daniel knew they needed the touch of God Almighty, just as we do today.
Dan. 10:12 “Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was standing in my way for twenty-one days then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help.” God is sending His angels to help us. They are freeing up the roadblocks that have been put in your path!
“The vision has to do with what’s ahead.” (Daniel 10:14)
Dan.10:16 “And behold, one who resembled a human being was touching my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, “O my Lord, as a result of the vision, anguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength.”
The word anguish צִיר tsîyr, tseer; from Strongs H6696; is a hinge (as pressed in turning); also a throe (as a physical or mental pressure); and a pivot of door.
A pivot is defined as a pin or point on the end of which something rests and turns. America, it’s time to pivot. Just as a basketball player holds his ground by keeping one-foot stationery, the other foot “pivots” or moves in the direction to throw the ball offensively. We play an offensive stance and not from a position of defense. We pivot and pray against evil. We pivot and move to where the Lord says we are to help and positively influence culture. It is God’s agenda and strategies that we help to advance. Hold your peace in God! Stand up against evil. Get involved and be awakened to what freedoms are being taken away. Johhny Enlow always says at the beginning of his podcast, “The pain is for the awakening. The awakening is for your children.” Today! Reorient yourself towards God and what is morally upright in His eyes. Seek Him above all else! Take Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!
Dan. 10:19 “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you are very precious to God.” “As he spoke these words to me, I suddenly felt stronger and said to him, “Please speak to me, my lord, for you have strengthened me.” Yes, Daniel had mental pressure, yet the Lord gave him strength and comfort. Just like Daniel was a treasure to God, so are you!
Daniel 11 takes us through a journey of many different evil kings taking over and what happens as a result. Chapter 11 verse 40 culminates and brings us to the point at the time of the end. The prophecy takes a turn here. Antiochus IV fades from view and the Antichrist of the last days becomes the center of attention from this point on.“Then at the time of fury of a whirlwind; his vast army and navy will rush out to bury him with their might.”
I also looked at what was happening on July 17, 2022.
A news report said: this summer will likely be remembered for its relentless heat. More than 80% of the US population will experience temperatures above 90 degrees in the coming days, and for the millions of people who live in urban areas, it could be particularly difficult to keep cool.
However, nothing could compare to what happened to President Trump the very next day, (8/8/22) after the Lord spoke this word to me. The invasion by the FBI at his home residence at Mar A Lago was a gross overreach. As Mario Murillo said in his Blog, they are coming for you shortly after they came to search President Trump’s home. What and who will stop these illegal tactics? I am quickly reminded that nothing will stop the Lord from overcoming the wicked.
Isaiah 54:11-17 (TLB) gives great encouragement. “O my afflicted people, tempest-tossed and troubled, I will rebuild you on a foundation of sapphires and make the walls of your houses from precious jewels. 12 I will make your towers of sparkling agate and your gates and walls of shining gems. 13 And all your citizens shall be taught by me, and their prosperity shall be great. 14 You will live under a government that is just and fair. Your enemies will stay far away; you will live in peace. Terror shall not come near. 15 If any nation comes to fight you, it will not be sent by me to punish you. Therefore, it will be routed, for I am on your side. 16 I have created the smith who blows the coals beneath the forge and makes the weapons of destruction. And I have created the armies that destroy. 17 But in that coming day, no weapon turned against you shall succeed, and you will have justice against every courtroom lie. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord. This is the blessing I have given you, says the Lord.”
Encouragement
Just like Daniel, we can grow strong!
Expect the lover of your heart to show up as you serve out and love others!
We can prevail upon the evilness in our world.
You who are treasured by God, so do not be afraid!
We are caught fast in Christ!
We are strengthened in Jesus!
We remain strong, focused, and courageous as we pivot in God’s direction and plans!
Our hope is in Jesus! He will always help us!
Stand strong!
God Bless the USA,
Holly
Photo by Brandon Day on Unsplash