The Fourth is upon us. I know some who read my blog may not be from the United States (and, please know, that I truly appreciate each one who reads any of my posts!), but no matter your homeland, you can relate to the concept of freedom, and the desire for it.
Freedom basically means the state of being at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint; exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc. [Definition taken from Dictionary.com app]
Regardless of how you interpreted what was going on in 2020, all around the world, we experienced restraints and confinements…from masks to quarantines. It felt like our freedoms were somewhat diminished. All the more cause to recognize the prize that freedom is.
As we celebrate America’s Independence Day, may we be reminded of the freedom to choose a job; to have work; to play and have leisure. Even more importantly, we have the freedom to attend church and worship. I think that we have lived in such an abundance of freedom for so long, that if we aren’t careful, we can take this privilege for granted. Take a moment and think about those who don’t have the freedom to freely worship and attend church. It is hard for us to fathom hiding out, or meeting in a secret location, to attend and gather together to learn of and follow Jesus for risk of being arrested and/or persecuted. For the time being, our restraints are lifted and we can freely follow. I hope you are (or will be very soon) taking advantage of this great privilege.
Do we, also, take advantage of the offer of freedom from sin when we have accepted Jesus as our Savior? Or, do we still walk with sin and carry some of its darkness? …perhaps, a fault that we just accept as our own weight or chain that we carry with us? Friends, I am here to remind you—or inform you—that there is freedom in Christ!
”For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.“
Galatians 5:13 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.5.13.NLT
May we not fall prey to the thought that a sin or weakness that feels like it envelopes us is simply a part of who we are and cannot be conquered. We serve a great God, and if He can raise Jesus from the dead (among countless other miracles), He surely can free us from a bondage that will not only bring us a greater peace but will also bring glory and honor to His name! I think the question we should take a second and ponder is, “Do we really want to be free?”
Some might think that becoming a follower of Christ adds weight; but in reality, there is beauty and freedom in surrender.
The Word of God tells us to lay aside any weight or sin that may drag us down; and to be on guard about any wandering that may take us away from Him…
”Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.“
Hebrews 12:1 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.12.1.NLT
”Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.“
2 John 1:8-9 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2jn.1.8-9.NLT
Celebrate with great freedom and abundance this Independence Day. Remember and be thankful for the sacrifices already made…for our American freedom…and for the freedom to serve (with victory in Jesus) the one true God.
”For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.“
Colossians 1:13-14 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/col.1.13-14.NLT
”So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.“
John 8:36 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.8.36.NLT
Happy Independence Day!! Simply celebrate!
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 