As we approach the 4^th of July, we consider plans for celebrating our red, white, and blue holiday. In our family, we often go to a parade, have a BBQ with friends or brave the crowds at the beach in our CA days. Decisions on where to watch fireworks and what patriotic attire we should wear are part of the fun! I love this USA holiday and what it represents…letting our freedom ring.

The American Revolution in the 1700s came at a tremendous cost. Many brave soldiers lost their lives so that we could live out from under the heavy hand of England. Our Declaration of Independence states that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were among the unalienable rights granted to all men by their Creator. Our Founding Fathers had it right. Our freedoms come from God.

As Christians, our freedom means much more than living in a free country. We have been given the FREE gift of salvation. Ephesians 1:5,6 says, “In love, He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus…which he has FREELY given us in the One he loves.”

There is no cost to this indescribable gift- God set us free from sin, death, and hell by sending Jesus, His only Son, to pay the ultimate cost for our freedom, through his death on the cross. Huge cost for Him, but a FREE gift for us if we choose to believe and put our faith in our Savior.

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.” Romans 6: 22,23

We rejoice over this kind of freedom!

Sadly, in our country today, people are walking in darkness, enslaved to the things of the world and held captive by their sinful nature. Pain, depression, anxiety, and addiction are rampant. In many ways, the land of the free and the home of the brave doesn’t look so free. We’re losing our liberties as parents and our rights as Christians. It seems like the freedom train is passing us by. But we don’t lose hope. Isaiah 61:1 says “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.” We have the key to the prison gates and it’s JESUS.

The Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 2:9 says “This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.” In 2020 I remember feeling like a prisoner in my home, locked down by fear and a virus. But despite the restrictions, the Lord reminded me that the Gospel message was moving forward, it’s always working, it’s always progressing, it’s living, it’s active and it’s piercing souls and saving lives (even in the middle of a pandemic.) Jesus himself said, “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”  That’s what God’s word does. It sets us free.

As Christians in America, we can wave our stars and stripes proudly. God bless America.  We know that freedom isn’t free. Some brave men and women fought for the comforts and privileges we have in this country today. And although some would argue that we are a Christian nation, we know we were founded on biblical principles. As an American, I’ve been blessed beyond measure. But more importantly, as a daughter of the King, I can rejoice outwardly that my freedom is in Him alone. The penalty for my sins was paid on the cross.

This July 4^th as you’re mingling at a BBQ or watching a patriotic parade, I encourage you to let your freedom ring. Share your redemption story with the person next to you and let them know what Jesus has done for you. Tell those around you that those who are free in Christ are free indeed.

Psalm 146:7,8 “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.”