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Did you celebrate the 4th of July? Our nation commemorates this day when we declared ourselves to be an independent nation, no longer a colony of England. The founders signed the Declaration of Independence, but that freedom did not come easily; only after several years of war would it be won.
Our forefathers were determined to establish a free and democratic system of government. The Declaration of Independence, along with our Constitution and the Bill of Rights, became the foundation for our nation. On July 4th we give thanks for the wisdom and faith and courage of those leaders!
While the 4th of July isn’t a religious holiday, it reflects many of our Judeo-Christian values, making it is a great time to reflect on our faith and what freedom means to us as followers of Jesus. Here are some key verses for you to meditate on this week:
“Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” Leviticus 25:10 (KJV)
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 33:12 (KJV)
“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” Psalm 118:5 (ESV)
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (NIV)
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NIV)
“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.” Romans 6:6-7 (ESV)
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)
“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.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13 (NLT)
I pray you had a happy and safe 4th of July!
In Christ; Pastor Dan
