The 4th of July. A day to celebrate freedom. I live in the United States of America and am grateful for my country.
I honor service people, watch parades, pack up my family, go to the park, and watch fireworks. I love all of the festivities. The day is fun and fills up quickly with good memories.
I honor service people, watch parades, pack up my family, go to the park, and watch fireworks. I love all of the festivities. The day is fun and fills up quickly with good memories.
Along with a throng of people, I stand to sing our national anthem, and hold my hand over my heart. My eyes fill with tears. I am thankful to live in this country. I am thankful for my freedom.
At the culmination of festivities; I paused. Freedom.
What does it mean to be free? Really free?
God spoke to me about a different kind of freedom. All around the world there are people who live in countries that are not free. Not free as we understand freedom. And yet, some of those people are far freer than those living in the U.S.A.
Freedom is rooted in truth. Jesus spoke to us plainly: “And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].” John 8:32 AMP.
Freedom is not rooted in a location, it is rooted in a Person.
And the beautiful truth is that a belief in Jesus, as Savior and Lord,
means we no longer face punishment for a life that dishonors God.
Every single lie, moment of unkindness, morsel of gossip, every act of selfishness...we are free from its penalty. His death. Our freedom. The ultimate act of selflessness. He took our place.
Jesus the Savior...He is setting people free in communist countries, in places with brutal dictators, in prison cells, or in areas where few outsiders travel. His truth sets us free. Yes; He is our freedom.
I am thankful to live in a free country. I am grateful that my freedom remains preserved because of faithful people who care about my homeland. Yet I am more grateful for my Savior, and the freedom that He brings. Because His freedom is available for everyone. He loves the whole world...not just my small slice of it.
