Independence Day!

The Statue of Liberty, the American Flag, the Liberty Bell, Mt. Rushmore, even the image of honest Abe on the copper penny are all very significant symbols of our freedom. Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the National Day of the United States.

Now I wonder as we celebrate our “freedom,” and the freedom of our nation, are we truly free? I mean spiritually free. It’s wonderful to live in a country where we are, for the most part, treated as equals regardless of the color of our skin or our gender and given equal opportunities. But this week ask yourself am I truly free?

II Corinthians 3:17 says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty.” Is the Spirit of the Lord present in your home, more importantly in your life? In order to experience true freedom in life it is of utmost importance that every man, woman, boy and girl accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. So you see, your independence day comes when you become free from sin and life you life for the Lord. John 8:36 says, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

Think about it!
Happy 4^th of JULY!

Call on Him in Faith!

Changes in life can throw you some major curve balls. When life’s "seas" toss you to and fro, it is then that we must call on our Savior.

Consider the story in Luke 8:22-25.

On a certain day unannounced Jesus got into a boat with His disciples and instructed them to launch out and cross over to the other side of the lake. Unquestioning they obeyed. And why not, from all accounts it appeared to be a beautiful quiet day. As fishermen I assume they welcomed the opportunity to sail away from shore for a moment of peace and relaxation. It must have been a calming ride because in verse 23 we find out that Jesus soon fell asleep.

As life often does, things took a sudden unexpected turn. A wind came and the boat was filled with water. True to human form the disciples immediately feared the worse. But I have to say, though they were fearful at least they knew who to call. Verse 24 says, "And they came to Him and awoke Him saying, Master, Master, we are perishing!"

Jesus in His infinite power simply rose and spoke a word and immediately the danger ceased. The winds and waves obeyed His miraculous power. Now you would think Jesus would have commended the disciples for knowing the magnitude of His power and looking to Him for their rescue.

Instead what we see next is somewhat of a reprimand. In verse 25 Jesus asks, "Where is your faith?"

See, though they knew to call on Him, they called out of fear and not faith. Can you relate? How many times have things taken a turn for the worse and instead of you calling out to God in faith, trusting Him to deliver, you call out in fear hoping He hears, but not truly trusting?

So let’s remember the story of the calming sea. Stay prayed up, so the next time life’s "sea" throws unexpected winds your way, call out to God in faith, believing He can calm the storm with just a word.

Think about it!

A Real Father's Love

Webster and Wikipedia define a father as the male parent. The verb “father” simply means to procreate. I am sure you have your own definition of what the word “father” means to you whether you physically have a father in your life or not. Some may say that father means protector, the family leader, or the sense of security in the home. Some may have negative experiences and feel that a father is a “dead-beat,” “abandoner,” or an “abuser.” Let’s look at some examples and see what the Bible says about fathers.

A Father’s love is forgiving

Luke 15:11-32, tells a well known father and son story, one often referred to as, “the prodigal son.” When his youngest son prematurely leaves home and squanders his inheritance, this father shows true forgiveness. He not only welcomes his wayward son home, he rejoices at the sons return. No doubt he must have remembered himself as a young man making hasty decisions and silly mistakes. So instead of holding his mistakes over his head this father welcome’s his son back with open arms.

A father’s love is faithful and goes the extra mile!

John 4:46-53, shares a story of a nobleman with an ailing son. Knowing his son is near death, this father travels miles to Galilee seeking Jesus’ help. Once the devoted father arrives he asks Jesus to return home with him and heal his son. In verse 53 Jesus simply says, “Your son lives.” Taking Jesus at His word the faithful father does not question he just obeys. As he journeys home the nobleman is met by one of his servant who informs him that his son was indeed healed the day before at the very hour he had believed.

These are just two; however the Bible and the world are filled with examples of loving, faithful, and protective fathers. So as we celebrate them this month thank your Heavenly Father for His undying love and do something special for your earthly one.

Think about it!