OUR SPIRITUAL “FOURTH OF JULY”
OUR SPIRITUAL “FOURTH OF JULY”
May the LORD bless his people with peace! —Psalm 29:11
Peace… who would not want peace in their lives. What nation would not want to live in peace? How many people are searching for peace? Brother and sister as His people He has given us peace.
This Fourth of July let us ponder how our Lord has given this nation peace for so many years. But that is rapidly changing. He has blessed us with peace, but the nation as a whole has blasphemed His Name and is in rebellion against Him. As a nation we have forgotten where our peace comes from. In many ways those who profess His Name have forgotten where their peace comes from as well.
As a follower of Jesus do we truly depend on Him for our peace and freedom that comes from knowing Him? Are we experiencing that peace and freedom or are we depending on our strength, knowledge— the work of our own hands— to give us the sense of peace and freedom? Is so, that is bondage and not freedom.
Our spiritual “Fourth of July” came when we were called on our Lord for salvation (Romans 10:13). “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2). Yes, we have a perpetual “Fourth of July” in Jesus! Peace and freedom — “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2). We are no longer slaves but free… forever! And we need not be anxious for anything— “but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Yes, today is the Fourth of July when we celebrate our nation’s freedom, but that freedom is slipping away and can be taken away. But, brother and sister, let us rejoice in our spiritual “Fourth of July” which can never be taken away—- “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). And here is the bottom line! — Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). If you do not have that peace you can find out how to have it at this link— https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD6khv6pGkw..
Dear Father I thank You for the true peace that only comes through knowing Jesus. I am so grateful for this peace. Now may I live it out in the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus. So may it be! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrdo7e9JJTY