Happy 4th of July 2018!
What is true freedom? Is it the ability to have parades, picnics, and fireworks? Yes! Is it the "unalienable rights" given by our Creator God as stated in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the Unites Sates of America? Yes! Is it the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that provided for an abundant life here on earth and throughout eternity? A resounding YES!
Unfortunately, we live in the war zone, the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Bad things happen to good people, and evil people, for a time, get away with murder. However, do not despair. Jesus said, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
This is the reason Jesus came to earth - TO WIN! He came to give us true freedom and reconnect us to Father God. The Prophet Isaiah told us how Jesus was going to do it in Isaiah 61. I've quoted it below so you can read it again and refresh your memory, and thank God for true freedom!
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released
and prisoners will be freed.[a]
2 He has sent me to tell those who mourn
that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,[b]
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
3 To all who mourn in Israel,[c]
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins,
repairing cities destroyed long ago.
They will revive them,
though they have been deserted for many generations.
5 Foreigners will be your servants.
They will feed your flocks
and plow your fields
and tend your vineyards.
6 You will be called priests of the Lord,
ministers of our God.
You will feed on the treasures of the nations
and boast in their riches.
7 Instead of shame and dishonor,
you will enjoy a double share of honor.
You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.
8 “For I, the Lord, love justice.
I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants will be recognized
and honored among the nations.
Everyone will realize that they are a people
the Lord has blessed.”
10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God!
For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation
and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding
or a bride with her jewels.
11 The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world.
Everyone will praise him!
His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring,
with plants springing up everywhere."
May you experience true freedom found in the power of the Holy Spirit, the love of Father God, and the sound mind of Jesus Christ. May that freedom, this 4th of July, bless you to be a blessing In Jesus Name!
