Tag: Fourth of July

Celebrate Freedom

Jeannie Waters8 Comments on Celebrate Freedom

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 occupied territory and later running across a battlefield as comrades fell beside him!

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!

A Young Patriot’s Encouraging Words

Jeannie Waters6 Comments on A Young Patriot’s Encouraging Words

Early one Fourth of July morning, my dad answered the phone to hear a cheery young caller shout, “Happy Fourth of July!”

“Happy Fourth of July to you, but I think you have the wrong number, ” Daddy replied.

“No, I don’t have the wrong number,” the youngster answered. She continued, “I just wanted to wish someone a happy Fourth of July.”

My dad loved children and was delighted by this surprise call. At our family Independence Day celebration the following year, he announced, “I wish my little Fourth of July friend would call this year.”

The words of a young child, who had randomly selected a telephone number, blessed my father. A patriot, World War II veteran, and educator, he appreciated her enthusiastic expression of joy and patriotism.

Sometimes, it’s easy to encourage other people by simply using our words.

Currently, discouraging words about our country pour into our homes as powerfully and consistently as lava flows from an active volcano. Violent reactions and disrespectful verbiage fill television screens. Some burn flags, some refuse to stand for the national anthem, and some issue rhetoric that reflects lack of pride for this great country.

Are we a perfect nation? Not by a long shot. Are there problems and woes? Yes, there are, as in all countries around the globe. Is there still work to be done to negotiate freedom and protection? Of course, there is, but will we refuse to honor the very land we call home because she has flaws?

Will we exchange patriotism for disdain? Will we refuse to uphold our nation’s underpinnings and to show pride when her flag flies high? Will we ignore the good because serious problems exist?

Americans have a Constitutional right to express their opinions. Can we not share our viewpoints without spewing hateful, derogatory words about people who disagree? Must we label groups negatively because we have opposing stances? Can we not stand up for what we believe and express our ideas without lowering patriotic standards and viciously attacking others?

As we celebrate Independence Day, what encouraging words can we share about the United States of America? How can we foster patriotism and respectful expression of opinion?

Speaking of words, will you join me in more fervently praying for our nation and her leaders?

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            –2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV