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!
I would squeeze his hand with my two as hard as I could to express my love for the man I most admired. Then, I’d re-start the silent conversation by asking him the first question in the sequence. I’d stifle giggles when he’d wrap my hand in his and apply gentle pressure to indicate how much he loved me. Those sweet exchanges ended with my dad looking down at me with a big smile. The memory still wraps me in love.