My eyes welled with tears Sunday as our church choir, with orchestral accompaniment, sang the service songs of the US military branches during our pre-Fourth of July service.
Prior to the “Marine’s Hymn,” a white-haired gentleman in front of us handed his bulletin to his wife and prepared to stand. On the first note, he stood proudly with shoulders thrust back and arms by his side. I couldn’t see his face but imagined his countenance reflected pride, honor, and patriotism.
When the choir sang the song for the US Army, I thought of my dad who enlisted as a seventeen-year-old foot soldier during World War II. How frightened he must have been riding in a tank through
When he returned home, he dreamed of fallen soldiers as thunderstorms provoked nightmares from the horror of war. Our freedom isn’t free. Someone must pay for it.
Salvation in Christ is free to those who accept Jesus as Savior and Lord; however, there was a supreme cost for this freedom and the offer of eternal life in Heaven.
The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Matthew 28:20
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
When we confess our sin, and ask Jesus to be Lord of our lives, we acknowledge that His death bought our freedom—freedom to pray, freedom to walk with Christ in abundant life, and freedom from eternal separation from God.
This year as we celebrate the liberty we have as citizens of the United States of America, our beloved country, let’s remember our freedom in Christ and enjoy the blessings we have.
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
If there are problems that prevent us from experiencing full spiritual freedom, let’s ask God to deliver us from bondage to them. Do you need freedom from fear? From people-pleasing, a critical spirit, complaining, worry and anxiety, perfectionism, doubt, jealousy, anger? When we confess any of these and ask God’s help, He answers and helps us experience the fullness of freedom in Christ. I’m thankful for His healing responses in my life.
Please share how you plan to celebrate our nation’s birthday and how you live a life of freedom in Christ. Blessings to you and your family.
Happy Fourth of July!
Great post Ms. Jeannie. Freedom, both our American and Christian freedoms are certainly not free my friend. We must be prepared to stand and defend them. Even though we know how our Christian story ends, I pray daily that at the end of the age I will be counted worthy, as a defender of my faith in Christ.
Thank you so much for your comment. What a worthy goal you mentioned in your last sentence!
How blessed I am to read this. So thankful for our freedom in Christ and this blessed country.
I’m glad these words were a blessing to you. Yes, we need to give thanks for both of these freedoms! Happy Fourth!
I love this!! I’m so thankful for your dad and his service for freedom. And for my Savior and His sacrifice for my eternal freedom!
I’m excited to spend the day with family and friends. And no doubt I’ll be texting my close friends who live far away but never far from my heart.
Thanks for this great post!!
Thank you for commenting, Jean. “Eternal freedom” is indeed the ultimate blessing! Enjoy the Fourth!
Great post Jeannie. My eyes fill with tears when music for each branch of our armed services is played. Yes, it is costly for men and women to serve. Thank you for relating the cost to have freedom in Christ. My eyes need to fill with tears at that reality as well
What a good point you make, Marilyn. I need to work on my gratitude. Thanks so much.