for our freedom

Happy Birthday, America.  We celebrated our independence and our nation's birthday this past weekend.  One of the things that continues to overwhelm me is the fact that people had to die for our freedom.  Through the last 235 or so years countless men and women have chosen to sacrifice so that Americans can worship how they desire and live how they please.  In fact, those freedoms give Christians the freedom to serve God by giving of ourselves, sacrificing so others can know God.

That is a big deal.  What about our freedom?  When we choose to not follow God and to do our own thing, we really choose to point people away from God.  We have the opportunity because we live in the land of opportunity.  What are we going to do with that opportunity?  Jesus died for our freedom.  Now what are we willing to do for Him?

It really bothers me, on a side note, that people take the freedom we have in the United States for granted.  The sacrifice that our soldiers and leaders have made is so big.  They have given, been taken away from their families and homes all for our good.  It is time to thank a veteran and those who serve us in various ways.  Take a few minutes to say thank you.  Write an e-mail.  Make a call.  Stop and pray for them right now.

Jesus paid a high price for our spiritual freedom.  He died so we can live.  Think about it.

Hebrews 10:10 (nlt) --- For God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.

1 Peter 3:18 (nasb) --- For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

Can you imagine the pain that Jesus suffered?  What must that have been like?  What would have caused Jesus, God on earth, to give His life and sacrifice His life?  It is you and me.

For our freedom Jesus died.  For our freedom and the freedom of the people we come in contact with Jesus gave His life.  What are we willing to give or give up or sacrifice so that people will know God?

We ought to take our opportunity since we live in the land of opportunity and serve others in the name of Jesus.  That is what freedom is all about!

Galatians 5:13 (nlt) --- 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.