...other meditations

liberty

as we celebrate this fourth of july weekend, let us remember to reflect on everything that matters. we'll be joining our friends at picnics and parties-but is that what it's all about? the choice between having a hot dog or a hamburger, or none at all will be ours to make. the choice of which party we'd like to attend may be ours as well. the choice of what beverage to drink is in our hands. we even have the choice of deciding whether we light up our backyard with fireworks or go watch a city skyline clothe itself with loud, colorful excitement.

simply, the fact that we have a choice at all is a gift and a blessing! throughout history, many men and women paved the way to our freedom. the sacrifices of the brave early americans who rebelled against the british sparked independence. centuries of warriors defended the defenseless, strengthened the weak, liberated the captives and sacrificed their lives for their fellow man. why did they do that?

we celebrate, because they were brave enough to stand for what they believed in. they had the courage to know what was right and do something about it. their compassion crossed over many boundaries and lifted up the poor and the meek. for that, we should be truly thankful and grateful to them.

but is that it? should our reflection end there? on this weekend of independence, let us not forget what our Saviour, Jesus Christ did. our Father, in Heaven, sent His only Son to die for us so long ago. He did this out of love and for our freedom from eternal death. through Jesus' unselfish and compassionate sacrifice, we no longer have to be separated from God. we can have Life Everlasting by acknowledging, believing and confessing.

we are freed and can enter into the presence of our God in Heaven when we acknowledge that we are sinners in need of a Saviour,…

for all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God romans 3:23

…believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins…

"for God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. for God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. john 3:16,17

…and confess that He is our Saviour,

if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. for it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. romans 10:9,10

our God is the one and only God! He defends the defenseless, strengthens the weak and liberates our captive souls! His pain was our gain! His love for us and His Son's sacrifice transcend all boundary lines. Jesus died for all nations; all people. this Gift of freedom is available to everyone who chooses to accept it. thank You, Father…thank You, Jesus, our Lord!!

letting freedom ring,

tamara