We have just experienced another July 4th, Independence Day, with all the picnics, family gatherings and fireworks. For most folks it is a very exciting holiday because they enjoy the festivities but do they really understand the reason for the celebration. Most people probably have an idea what it is about but I just read a really good book that gives the history of our country keying on the role prayer has played in the founding of our nation. Our country separated from England and on July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was adopted. I read the prayers given by our country’s leaders and the truly heartfelt patriotism that was shown. We have experienced this over the years as we have celebrated over 60 years of Independence Days. This year though I have another thought. That thought is about Freedom. Our son spent 20 years in the Marine Corps fighting for the freedoms we enjoy daily as we go about our life. There is another part of freedom that most folks don’t really think about. That is our Freedom in Christ. Some people think being a Christian and loving Jesus is restrictive. I disagree wholeheartedly! I love the fact that because of His great love for us we have the freedom to be who God wants us to be, live where He wants us to live and love who He wants us to love. That is the ultimate freedom because our Father through His Son Jesus and His Holy Spirit want only good and perfect gifts for His children. I am a child of God! When I received Jesus as my Savior and Lord, I gained all the promises that are in His Word, The Bible! What are the freedoms that we enjoy? Let’s see: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Psalm 37:40 And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Proverbs 28:26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.
John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he that believes in Me shall never thirst.
Acts 16:31So they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.
Deuteronomy 33:12 The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, who shelters him all the day long; and he shall dwell between His shoulders.
Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Psalm 146:7 Who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Psalm 37:3-5 Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Seek the truth today.
Charley & Karen
