Today is Independence Day in the United States, and we are blessed to live in a country with so many freedoms.
In 1776, we fought for our freedom and independence from England. Our forefathers were not perfect, and over the past two centuries, our country has fought for freedoms domestically and internationally.
As we celebrate our great country, I recognize that our freedom came at a cost. Many men and women died protecting our country and freedom in global wars, and even at home.
Military & First Responder Thank You’s
Thank you to our active and veteran service men and women who faithfully serve and protect us so we can live in a free country.
Thank you to our first responders – police, fire, hospital staff, and others who lay it on the line each day to protect us in our cities.
Government Leaders
Is it hard for you to pray for our government leaders – local, state, or federal? For me, I struggle with praying for some of my elected officials. My personal views do not always align with my elected officials.
However, God calls us to pray for our leaders as He has placed them in this position (even when we may not agree).
Freedom
Over the past few years, and decades, issues have divided our country, our communities, our churches, and even our families. Do you think this breaks the heart of God?
Christ came to release us from bondage. He came to break the hold of sin in our lives, and when He sees us tearing down our fellow citizens, believers and family…it must break His heart.
Freedom comes at a cost. Take a walk through Arlington National Cemetery, many men and women reside on these hallowed grounds including my aunt and uncle.
Some sacrificed their lives in war, others lived through incredible hardships, but all fought for freedom in some way.
Freedom is interesting…we all want it. We want to be free of something.
Maybe you want to be:
- Free of debt
- Free of worry
- Free of anxiety
- Free of addiction
- Free of past hurt
- Free of a wrong choice in your past
Freedom means we need to let go of something. Freedom is active, not passive. Freedom is costly.
Reflection
Today, as we celebrate our independence as a country, I would like you to think about what you may need to be free of in your personal life.
What do you need to give to God so that you can be free?
Prayer
Lord, today we celebrate our freedom as a nation, and at the same time, my heart is heavy. I ask you to be with our government leaders. Please give them wisdom as they make decisions at all levels of government. Lord, please go before and reunite our nation, our churches, and our families this year. Please use each one of us to make a difference to those around us. Amen!
Thanks for listening to Rocking Chair Devotions, I’m Dave Anthold. I will be back next week as we kick off a brand new series titled Beach Days. Until then…have a blessed week.
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