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John 8:36 – So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (NIV)
The Fourth of July is celebrated in the United States to commemorate the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. On July 4th, flags of red, white, and blue known as "Old Glory" or "the Stars and Stripes" are proudly flown throughout the country.
One such locale was at the Arakelian home. The flag was always seen flying proudly, mounted on the large tree in the front lawn for all to see. It was placed there to demonstrate our love and devotion to our country. At my brother's residence, the flag can be seen displayed on a designated flagpole, proudly viewed with a spotlight shining on the stars and stripes as it flies in the wind, every day of the year.
When I think of July 4th, I think of freedom. We should never take our freedom for granted. It is a fact that those of us who live in the United States, Canada, and other democratic countries can voice our opinions freely and vote for the people of our choice. These are very good reasons why we should never take our freedom for granted.
The concept of spiritual freedom was explained by Jesus:
John 8:31b-32 – If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (NIV)
The believer in Jesus is released from the stronghold of sin. Sin enslaves; Christ sets free:
Romans 8:2 – For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (NKJV)
Romans 6:22 – But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. (NLT)
As a result, we can have real freedom — freedom in Christ to live a life that glorifies Him. We can display it every day of the year, so that His banner of love, truth, and peace can be seen by all.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to live our lives in a way that glorifies You. Give us the strength to be a blessing in someone else's life today, and grant us the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing and believing in Christ — the ultimate freedom-giver. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Very well put. Thank you Parise.
Parise,
Well done. I enjoyed how you blended Independence Day with our freedom in Christ.
Parise
Happy 4th! Great Devotional! Love the fact that John has a spotlight on his flag!
I hope you have a good celebration. God bless America.
HOME RUN. HOME RUN.
You make me proud. Your love of God and your country are displayed well in your gifted writings.
We love you.
The minute I opened the daily for today I knew it was you writing!
We need to be reminded often about our freedoms that we have been given.
Thank You for your words and thoughts. The piece right on target. You have been a blessing with your written devotionals. Keep it up.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
I am so glad to know you. If it was not such a great distance, I’d know you better.
Thank you for your words of truth and wisdom.
I pray for you each day dear email friend.
Thank you, Parise Arakelian.
And in Canada, we do the same thing. At our homestead, we have a Canadian flag fly proudly at a flagpole on side of our house the whole year. We show our appreciation for the freedom we enjoy in our free, democratic country that is originally based on the freedom we have in our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Blessings.
Dear Parise,
This was an excellent Fourth of July devotional reminding us of the true meaning of freedom. It is a blessing to live in a country where many have willingly given up their lives in order to ensure our liberty. However, as you pointed out – only Christ can bring us real freedom as He shed His divine blood to set us free from the law of sin and death. I pray your message will be an inspiration to many who are celebrating today.
Good morning Parise, Greetings to you from Canada and a happy American Independence Day to you.
I loved your meditation and how you related spiritual independence to the physical aspect.
The verse, “you shall know the Son and the Son shall set you free” has been my favourite Bible verse and was in fact the key thing that made me turn to Christ as a late teenager.
Thanks again for sharing and have a blessed day.
Keep on sending in your meditations; they are always worth reading!