LET FREEDOM RING 

Some people move away from their homelands looking for it—sometimes leaving friends and family behind. Others start new lives—facing unknown dangers in the pursuit of it. Many fight against addictive demons—drugs, alcohol, over eating, smoking, perfectionism, pornography, and much more… all just for a taste of it. Armies are trained to fight for it; and far too many die on foreign soil fighting in defense defense of it. Then there are those who try every kind of “religion” imaginable striving to experience it. More and more people seek to find it through financial independence and the continuous acquisition of material things. We celebrate it in music, movies and paintings. Statues are erected in honor of it. Schools teach students to respect it. Leaders of countries deliver speeches about it. Riots break out and demonstrators march to voice frustration over not having it. So, what is “it” that could be so highly treasured, sought after, honored and revered? FREEDOM! But we will never find this “freedom” apart from God and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This is Paul’s message in the book of Romans to the people then and to us today—he who God sets free through Christ is free indeed! Without the help of the Holy Spirit, sin would continue to rule and reign in our mortal body and have the upper hand in our life. He is our “secret weapon” to winning the fight within—and the war on sin! As we allow the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and instruct us in living a God-fed and God-led life—this brings freedom. For the believer, this is truly the gift of independence!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!