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Let Freedom Ring!

Happy 4th of July! This is a time of great celebration for all Americans. It's a time of remembering and looking forward with both gratitude and expectation.
 
I'm so thankful for the freedoms we enjoy here in America. I'm not so naïve as to believe we live in a perfect nation but I do believe America is an amazing place to live. A nation worth the effort of every resident to preserve and exercise their freedom with kindness and compassion. Never turning a blind eye to injustice, but speaking out and standing against it. Seeing the value in every person, desiring their good, doing good to them, and never tearing them down with our words or actions.

Many have paid a high price for the right of all Americans to choose. And one of the greatest choices we're free to make is to whom or what we will assign first place in our lives. We must choose wisely because to whomever or whatever we assign the greatest value will determine every other choice we make.

Which brings me to what I consider the greatest freedom of all. Freedom from sin. It too was bought at a great price. Life is in the blood. Sin brings death. Death and sin were conquered by blood; the blood of Jesus Christ, God's promised Messiah. Only through His life, death, and resurrection do we attain freedom from sin and eternal death. Through relationship with Him, we're given abundant life that begins now and extends into eternity. (Leviticus 17:11, John 3:16, John 10:10, & Galatians 5:1)

Abundant life includes freedom. Freedom to live by grace and with no condemnation! Full tilt living that allows us to say “no” to the things that enslave us and “yes” to the things that bring benefit to us and others. (2 Corinthians 12:9 & Romans 8:1)

That's real freedom! No obligation to think, say, or do what society or others dictate or expect. Freedom to act with love, experience joy, live at peace with God and sow peace into the lives of others, wait with a happy heart, be kind, do good, faithfully choose what's right, never have an exaggerated idea of our own importance, and exercise self-control; at all times, in all circumstances, and with all people. There is no law against any of these freedoms! (Galatians 5:22-23)

Our freedom also includes the amazing privilege of coming into the very presence of God Almighty, our Creator, the Maker of heaven and earth. The freedom to confidently approach His throne and ask for His mercy and grace; for ourselves and others, for our enemies, those who persecute us, and those who do not believe He is who He says He is or can do what He says He can do. We can ask His freedom for all who are enslaved. We can be sure He wants to give it because His word assures us He does. He desires freedom from sin and eternal death for all people!

So whenever we are in need,
we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God.
There we will be treated with undeserved kindness,
and we will find help.
Hebrews 4:16 (CEV)

LORD, may each one of us who are privileged to live in America be good stewards of the blessings and responsibilities of living here. May those of us who are in Christ faithfully exercise our freedom to live for You and be Your light in the world. May the Freedom of Christ ring out with clarity and be heard around the world! God bless America! 

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