Freedom

When it comes to the 4th of July our minds can think of so many different things. For us, as a family, we have gone over to the coast for the last 11 years to watch the fireworks from the beach. Maybe you are going to someone's house this year for a BBQ, or maybe you are the one who's house everyone is coming too! Whether it be fireworks, BBQ's, parades, or however you celebrate it, we do it because we are celebrating the freedom we have here in the United States of America.

I want to take a moment and honor the men and women who have, are, or are going to be serving in the military. Everyday there are those on the front lines risking their lives for our nation. For the families who are here, waiting for their loved ones to return, I want to thank you also. I'm sure it's not easy, but I know you are proud.

In our lives, though we live in this beautiful country that represents freedom, are there times when you don't feel free? It's the same concept as being in a room full of people, and yet still feeling lonely. You can be free in one area, and yet bound in another. As a Christian woman, I am here to tell you, that you can experience true freedom. It comes through the blood of Jesus Christ, and receiving Him as your Lord and Savior. The Bible tells us very plainly that Jesus came to set us free. Free from sin, free from fear, free from past mistakes, free from depression, free from addictions, free from loneliness - etc. We were never meant to try and live this life in our own strength.

In my life, there have been so many times I have fallen into a cycle. You know, when you're convinced that you have conquered whatever it is you need to, only to find out you didn't. There is a battle going on in the spiritual realm, and as much as there is a real God, there is also a real devil. Believe me, he knows what buttons to push...however, Scripture says very clearly that we have authority over the enemy in the name of Jesus! When he comes and trys to tell you that you aren't an overcomer, and that you'll never change - you come back to fight him - with the Word of God. When you do that you will find freedom.

I want to leave you with a couple of Scriptures, and a thought. When you have been set free, what greater gift can you give someone who is still bound? That is why Isaiah said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, to set the captives free." Let us learn from those who willingly lay their lives down for our nation's freedom - every day, they are out there on the front line - giving no place to the enemy. Could we possibly do the same, as Christians, for lost souls?

Isa 61:1

61 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
NKJV

John 10:10

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
NKJV