Happy 4th of July week!

For those of us who live in the United States, we have a unique home founded and based on our freedom. When I googled: ” United States Freedom” what came up was the following: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of press, free market. The foundation of our country and the basis on which we function is freedom. Tomorrow we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain (July 4, 1776) and we all should also take time to thank God for the gift of freedom.

Setting the Captives Free

Far greater than any freedom we can physically experience, there is the freedom that Christ brings. Isaiah writes: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim freedom for the captives…. After Jesus was tested in the wilderness, he returned to Galilee in the power of the spirit going to Nazareth where he stood in the synagogue declaring that He was the fulfillment of that Scripture. Stop and think about that for a moment. Let the truth of these words ring freedom in your soul. Jesus declared that He was the One who gives ultimate freedom; freedom from the things that have landed us in a spiritual prison. Let’s face it. This is not really our home. Our true home as Christians is with Christ. And He is the One who can heal and deliver us. True freedom is found in Him.

All Were Amazed

After Jesus declared that His mission was to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, those who heard him were amazed at His “gracious words.”  Dear friends, His words were more than gracious; they were power for those who would believe.

As we celebrate and enjoy time with family and friends, let us remember not only the freedom we have in this country but also the One who gives us spiritual freedom. And as we raise our American flags in celebration, let us lift up the cross and thank Jesus for the ultimate gift of salvation.

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