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

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

4th of July and our Independence

Happy 4th of July !!

This summer has been extremely busy.  I fully intend on resuming a regular posting schedule on my Blog soon.  In the meantime - please enjoy this rerun from last summer...

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. 

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches, ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the United States of America’s history, government, and traditions.

Freedom isn't free - it cost Jesus everything... 

"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 
(II Corinthians 3:17)  We are free to be “re-made” – changed into a new creature in Christ.

"For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Romans 8:20-21).

Galatians 5:1 says this:

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)

Don't take your freedom for granted... 

Now for a little fun... 
Madagascar 3  featured Katy Perry singing Firework Here are some of the lyrics...

Firework

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag,

drifting through the wind

wanting to start again?

Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin

like a house of cards,

one blow from caving in?

Do you ever feel already buried deep?

6 feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing

Do you know that there's still a chance for you?

'Cause there's a spark in you

You just gotta ignite, the light, and let it shine

Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby you're a firework

Come on, show 'em what you're worth

Make 'em go "Oh, Oh, Oh"

As you shoot across the Sky -y -y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, Oh, Oh"
You're gonna leave 'em falling down -own - own ...

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

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Happy 4th of July !!

4th of JULY - Fireworks, Burgers & Apple Pie

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. 

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches, ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the United States of America’s history, government, and traditions.

Freedom isn't free - it cost Jesus everything... 

"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 
(II Corinthians 3:17)  We are free to be “re-made” – changed into a new creature in Christ.

"For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Romans 8:20-21).

Galatians 5:1 says this:

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)

Don't take your freedom for granted... 



Now for a little fun... 
Madagascar 3  featured Katy Perry singing Firework Here are some of the lyrics...

Firework

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag,

drifting through the wind

wanting to start again?

Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin

like a house of cards,

one blow from caving in?

Do you ever feel already buried deep?

6 feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing

Do you know that there's still a chance for you?

'Cause there's a spark in you

You just gotta ignite, the light, and let it shine

Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby you're a firework

Come on, show 'em what you're worth

Make 'em go "Oh, Oh, Oh"

As you shoot across the Sky -y -y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, Oh, Oh"
You're gonna leave 'em falling down -own - own ...

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

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

4th of JULY - Fireworks, Burgers & Apple Pie

Happy 4th of July - Celebrate Your Light!

   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)

  ~ (Galatians 5:1)

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.  

Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches, ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the United States of America’s history, government, and traditions.

Some of my favorite Scriptures on freedom and liberty: 
Speaking to Jewish believers, Jesus said, “Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.“ (John 8:36) 

[Jesus] Himself will proclaim liberty to the captives, and open the prison [doors] to those who are bound. (Isaiah 61:1)

"The Lord will let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke." (Isaiah 58:6)

James states, “but he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:25)

"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (II Corinthians 3:17)  

"For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Romans 8:20-21).

Once we're freed from the bonds of sin - we must "shine our light" for all to see! 

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

My hubby and I just recently saw Madagascar 3 in the movie theater  (Yes...we were there without our granddaughter!).  Anyways, I just love this song, sung by Katy Perry.
Here are some of the lyrics...

Firework

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag,

drifting through the wind

wanting to start again?

Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin

like a house of cards,

one blow from caving in?

Do you ever feel already buried deep?

6 feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing

Do you know that there's still a chance for you?

'Cause there's a spark in you

You just gotta ignite, the light, and let it shine

Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby you're a firework

Come on, show 'em what you're worth

Make 'em go "Oh, Oh, Oh"

As you shoot across the Sky -y -y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, Oh, Oh"
You're gonna leave 'em falling down -own - own ...

Happy 4th of July  -  Enjoy the video

(Best browsers for viewing are Google Chrome & Internet Explorer)

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

Happy 4th of July - Celebrate Your Light!

Why Do We Celebrate Independence Day?

The American Revolution resulted in the original thirteen colonies legally separating from Great Britain on July 2, 1776.  The Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence. Congress then appointed a Committee of five to draft the Declaration of Independence, including Thomas Jefferson as the main author.  Upon debate and revision, the Declaration was finally approved on July 4th. 

John Adams - one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence predicted that a "great anniversary festival" ought to be commemorated as an epoch day in history for America.  He wrote in a letter to his wife that it "ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from that date forward forever more."

Two of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence later served as President of the United States of America:  John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.  Both died on the same day: July 4th, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration. 

Today Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches, ceremonies, and various other public and private events celebrating the United States of America’s history, government, and traditions.

When you became a Christian you were officially set free from sin, guilt and shame.  Galatians 5:1 states, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage" [to sin].  I John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  And in Romans 8:1 Paul tells us, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."

Independence is truly a reason for celebration!  In John 8:31-32 Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Two passages from the book of Isaiah prophetically speak about our freedom in Christ. “The Lord will let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke” (Isaiah 58:6).

“[Jesus] Himself will proclaim liberty to the captives, and open the prison [doors] to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1).

 Independence from the world is dependence on God.  Unlike Frank Sinatra and his song "I Did It My Way" - we depend solely on God for our life and liberty in Christ.  While Paul was preaching in Athens he said, "for in Him  we live and move and have our being..." 

In Romans chapter 8 Paul says, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death."  And in chapter 10 he says, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."    True freedom relies on Christ and His atonement for our sin.

Our Independence Day is truly an event worthy of celebration and fireworks! We are no longer subject to the king of this world, but forever free in Christ as His joint heirs and citizens of a new nation.

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. 

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Why Do We Celebrate Independence Day?