As we celebrate our nation’s birthday on July 4th, which brought our independence, let us be mindful of the many freedoms that we enjoy as citizens of the United States. As Americans, we have many rights and privileges that aren’t enjoyed in other countries. But our freedom came at a very high price, because many people lost their lives in the process of getting it, just as men and women continue dying to maintain those freedoms, which we still enjoy today; some 200 plus years later. So it was not easy to gain our freedom, just as it’s not easy to keep it from being taken away or exploited today.

Along with freedom comes responsibilities. And if we choose to ignore or disobey our responsibilities and the law, we risk losing those freedoms. But we often lose our rights and privileges because of the actions of those who do not respect the rights of others. In fact, many of our laws and regulations were created because someone took advantage of their freedom and hurt others. And when our freedoms are seen as infringing on the rights of other individuals, they are abolished or adjusted. Obviously, that means that our freedom as Americans is tenuous at best.

So as we celebrate our countries independence and freedom, I suggest we look at the freedom that is afforded to us by our God through Jesus Christ. That’s freedom that can never be taken away from us, regardless of what anyone else does. It is guaranteed on earth and in heaven. Now, that’s something that calls for some celebrating and fireworks!!

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (NLT)

When we submit to our Heavenly Father; when we say to the Lord, you are God and we are not, that is when we discover true freedom. Jesus himself is the truth that sets us free. He is the source of truth, the perfect standard of what is right. He frees us from sin, from self-deception, and from deception by Satan. He clearly shows us the way to eternal life with God. Jesus does not give us freedom to do what we want, but freedom to follow God. Jesus’ perfect truth frees us to be all God meant for us to be.

Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, Psalm 95:6 (NLT)

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:10-11 (NLT)

In his book, He is God, We are Not, Ray Pritchard shares that people who rebel against God, usually do so in the name of freedom. They want freedom to go their own way; to follow their own desires; to do whatever they want, when they want, with anyone they choose. Ironically, that sort of “freedom” leads only to slavery. These individuals end up enslaved to sin, chained to addictive behaviors; locked in a personal prison of unrelenting guilt and shame. There is no freedom in rebellion against God. There is only slavery.

The point of sharing this is not to make our spouses “look bad” or bring condemnation, but to see and understand how important it is for us to pray for them and lift them up to our mighty and powerful God, who can do the impossible. Most of us would pray for any person who was caught in slavery to their rebellious ways; so how much more important is it for us to pray for the one we love so much!

Father God, You know what binds our spouses to their chains. I pray that You would remove all obstacles and hindrances that prevent them from breaking those chains and surrendering to You. If there are feelings of guilt, shame, unworthiness, arrogance, pride; Lord whatever the cause of slavery and captivity is, I pray that You would remove it, so that our spouses can become the person in You that You want them to be. Lord, give us strength and understanding to pray with confidence, perseverance and boldness; knowing that you are the only way out of bondage to freedom. I praise You and thank You for the faithfulness You demonstrate to all of us and may we each glorify and honor You for who You are and what You are doing in our lives and our marriages. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Posted Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007 at 11:50 pm in Seeds Of Faith.