Our Freedom in Christ

As we approach the Fourth of July weekend, please be encouraged by Karen’s words, shared four years ago in July 2016, yet absolutely relevant for us today. Through her words, we are reminded of where to find our true hope and how desperately we need to pray for our country, over current events taking place, and for the Church at large.  However we may celebrate July 4th this year, let us be reminded of, and give thanks to, the One who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  As Paul reminded the Galatians, we were called to be free.  “But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (5:13).  May the Lord show us how, and for whom, we can use our freedom!

Freedom! You can't put a price on it. Yes, we all enjoy the barbecues and fireworks! What I love most about the Fourth of July, however, is remembering that God gave us this great country, where we are free to worship Him without restraint.

We owe so much to the Pilgrims, and later to the Founding Fathers, who had such passion to create a nation that was land of the free, home of the brave. In fact, their passion and dedication to lay the foundation of America cost them their very lives in many cases.

Many of our Founding Fathers had faith in God, and as a result, created a Constitution that allows for peaceful elections and a system of government that is a model for the entire world. Where did they get the wisdom to create such a remarkable government? From God Himself, and from modeling Judeo-Christian principles found in the Word of God. One visit to the Capitol building and other monuments in Washington D.C and you will see the indelible print of God's Word on these great men of God. 

Sadly, and as we see in the news every day, we seem to have walked away from these timeless Biblical principles. We see Americans killing each other in the streets and a growing distrust of authority and of each other. We have lost our way, caring much more about ourselves than about the future generations, as our Founding Fathers once did.

But is our hope in a new president? In elections or a better economy?

No! I truly believe our hope lies in returning to our first love, to humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God! Consider these words in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Ladies, join me in praying over our once-great nation. Pray for the racial tensions we see all around us. Pray for our men and women in law enforcement, for our leaders, but pray especially for the Church to once again be salt and light. May the Church make the world around us thirsty once more for the things of God and shed light on the darkness around us!

Consider the words of "America the Beautiful":

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea! 

America! America! 
God mend thine every flaw, 
Confirm thy soul in self-control, 
Thy liberty in law! 

We Would See Jesus,

Karen Pulley