4th of July and our Independence

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a celebrated federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. On July 2, 1776 legal separation of the American colonies from the kingdom of Great Britain occurred, declaring freedom from their tyrannical rule. Afterwards, the Second Continental Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4th. 

Galatians 5 verse 1 says:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV)
   
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (KJV)
   
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (NAS)

Freedom comes with a price... 

Jesus Christ bought our freedom with his own blood. The Apostle Paul writes, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23); "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8); "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

We have a responsibility as Christians to uphold a different standard and to be an example to the world around us. We are light and salt (Matthew 5:13-16) 

Liberty sets us free...

Roy Lessin had this to say about liberty:  
"As the heart of the country breaks, God calls His people to open up a healing stream of love and prayer. Pray that broken hearts will turn to Him for healing, that grieving hearts will turn to Him for comfort, and that lost hearts will turn to Him for the gift of salvation that is in Jesus Christ alone. His grace is still being extended, His mercies are still new every morning, and His arms are still outstretched to embrace very hurting heart."

The following 3 minute video is of a Harvard Business School professor, Dr. Clay Christensen, giving a very sobering viewpoint of what happens when we as a nation forsake our foundation of faith. Anne Graham Lotz wrote a Charisma Podcast Network article here in which she boldly implies we have a choice that faces us today as a nation: Would we implode and disintegrate emotionally and spiritually?





Christ can restore our nation...

Pray that our nation will turn back to God.  Pray that our hedge of protection and blessing will be restored once again.  Pray for revival and a renewed interest in the things of God.  Pray for God's influence to permeate every aspect of our culture, politics, and national dialog.

"If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  (II Chronicles 7:14)

Don't take your freedom for granted. Celebrate this Independence Day knowing that God makes a way for your liberty to be possible - even in a sin-filled world. Jesus Himself declared, “Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.“ (John 8:36)

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.   Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

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4th of July and our Independence