Friday, July 4, 2008

Celebrate the blessings on the fourth

I don't think any of us who grew up in the United States have any idea how precious our freedom is. We have grown up with it. We have been able to say and do almost anything we wanted, within reason. When I was in Mexico last Spring, I realized that this isn't true everywhere. Corruption is rampant in many places and brutality is a way of life. Armed soldiers are visible in certain areas and it is a little spooky. That is nothing compared to what you would find in the Middle East or in China or places in South America.

The truth is that we enjoy these freedoms because a price has been paid. Men and women fought to preserve our ideals and our way of life. The truth is that it is the same for our faith and our relationship with God. Jesus died so that we might be free from the penalties of sin. So now we can live life confidently and joyfully knowing that God is with us.

I like the fourth of July because it reminds us to be thankful for what we have. IT is a time to pause and give thanks. Sunday mornings do the same thing. As we come to church to worship God, we give thanks to God for his blessings and the freedom we have.

Cal

1 comment:

Denise said...

We are very blessed my friend, happy 4th of July.