Fourth of July Freedom.

When the puritans set sail in search of freedom they landed upon the ground which would become the future United States of America? Did they find freedom? No, they found a land. When they bent their knee and thanked God for bringing them to safety, did they find freedom? No, but they exercised it. Freedom is a place in the heart where God dwells with us. His glory fills the earth, and all of creation stands in awe of it. When He expresses his will for us, and gives us boundaries and parameters by which to operate, we find freedom within the lines. There is no freedom outside the lines. One might think that we are not free if God tells us what we cannot do. However, because of the reality of death and consequences of disobedience. Our freedoms are limited to protect us, but not so limited that we cannot enjoy them. it is an evil eye that craves things which God has not designed for us to enjoy. It is an evil person who criticizes the maker, or denies his existence on the basis that the creator will not allow us to do certain things. True freedom only exists where the sovereign Lord destines us to experience it. The Apostle Paul had this in mind when he wrote: "In Him we live, move and have our being."

The United states of America was created by a group of men who outlined the laws of our land. They understood that our rights came from God and that He was the ultimate protector of them. We as a country stand united, and indebted to God who revealed Himself to us through His word so that we might enjoy Him and know Him. We are indebted to the soldiers and civil servants who have given their lives to protect what God himself and endowed to us. This forth of July, let us thank our government servants, our workers and all who work to make this country the best on earth. And let us reflect on God, our country and our freedom.

Prayer: "Father God, the eyes of a watching world are upon you. Let us do our part to show them who you are and what you have done for us through our worship, our service and our love. Thank you for our country, our faith and our family. Thank you that you uphold our country with your might right hand. In Jesus name, Amen."