Freedom

Here we are.  It’s the early morning of July Fourth 2017!  LET FREEDOM RING!

“Our Father’s God to thee, Sweet land of liberty.”

Beautiful words, wonderful words of life.  It is the words themselves that capture my heart this day, the words of Jesus.

Because of this holiday, the word freedom first comes to mind so I focus on my, your, our freedom.  And because I am a Christian I think of those devoted struggling people of God who do not have it. Their worship must be hidden if they are to survive. They are despised by the world, persecuted and forced to live in fear of their lives. Compare that with our privileged existence and our lovely church that is our anchor and home.  Jesus said “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness…” Please include those Christians who are persecuted because of their Christian belief in your prayers every day.

Peace. The Peace I give to you, says Jesus. It is beyond our understanding, truly. We live in a difficult sinful world full of turmoil, hate, and lies. How can we find peace in such an environment? Today’s world is not much different than it ever has been, so how has man ever found a peaceful niche? The Way is the way. Turn your eyes upon Jesus (another one of our beloved scripture based hymns.) It occurs to me that as our lovely boardwalk through the wetlands makes a big U-turn and ends up back at the church, in the lap of God, so to speak, we also consistently make those U-turns to return to our Lord. It is the only way to have a sense of peace and security. It is there. It is offered to us. All we have to do is say yes and follow The Way.

Thank you Father for the freedom of choice you offer us, for the freedom and security we have in America to worship, and for your blessings of liberty.  GOD BLESS AMERICA.