 July 2006
My country, ‘tis of Thee, sweet land of liberty, of Thee I sing; The freedom we enjoy as people living in the United States of America is an incredible privilege and blessing!! Many people have and still are sacrificing for the cause of freedom. Even though there are some who criticize the various wars that have taken place in the past and present, there are thousands, even millions of Americans who appreciate those who serve in the military. Whether or not everyone agrees with every political decision relating to democracy and freedom and the wars that sometimes go with it, I for one, and I believe millions of Americans, salute each of you who have served and sacrificed to keep America “the land of the free and home of the brave” so that freedom can ring out loud and clear. I pray that God will bless every family who has someone serving for freedom’s sake and I pray that God will comfort all who have been affected by injury or death because of war. THANK YOU VETERANS for serving so bravely and faithfully. We must pray diligently for America and our leaders, that they will seek God’s wisdom for America and the cause of freedom. We must also pray for revival and spiritual awakening in America. As important as national freedom is, God also calls us to experience and live out our freedom in Christ and “let it ring” to people around us by the way we live, the attitudes we express, and the words we speak. God’s word challenges us to live in the joy of God’s freedom from sin, but at the same time be sure we do not use it to serve our own desires. There are 4 verses of Scripture I want to leave with you this month asking God to help each of us apply them to ourselves as the Holy Spirit speaks: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2) “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.” (II Corinthians 3:17) “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13) “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” (I Peter 2:16) Have a wonderful Fourth of July celebration enjoying your American freedom. I pray that God will give you joy, peace, and freedom in your spirit as you daily walk with Him. I look forward to celebrating our freedom in Christ together each Sunday during the month of July as we “Let Freedom Ring!!” |