Women: “Celebrating Freedom”
Peter Marshall, the chaplain of the United States Senate from 1947 until his death in 1949, made a significant statement regarding freedom: “May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.”
The Freedom Jesus Offers
Jesus Christ, speaking of Himself, said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). He also said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The freedom Jesus Christ offers and the freedom expounded in Peter Marshall’s statement agree—freedom is not the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to do what is right. Along with the freedom from sin and its baggage comes with the responsibility to do what is right. The individual is set free from the bondage of sin and set free to what is right.
The prophet Micah offered directive admonition to his readers: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8).
Our freedom runs deeper than just the superficial trappings of the Fourth of July. It is more than just the brilliant colors red, white, and blue. It is more than just dazzling July Fourth fireworks, reminiscent of Francis Scott Key’s “the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air.” It is more than eating ice-cold watermelon, with the juice running off of your elbow. It is more than making homemade ice cream on a sizzling summer day. It is more than parades with marching bands and floats draped with red, white, and blue bunting.
No, freedom in America and freedom in Jesus Christ is not the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to do what is right. Yes, let us celebrate our freedom!
The individual is set free from the bondage of sin and set free to what is right.
~ HAPPY 4YH OF JULY!!!!!
PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF JULY
Gracious, heavenly Father God, we gather with grateful hearts on this month of Independence Day, to celebrate the birth of our nation. We thank you for the vision of freedom and justice upon which it was founded, and for the courage and sacrifice of those who fought to secure it.
We remember with gratitude all those who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces, and we pray for their safety and well-being, and for the families who support them.
We also pray for unity and understanding among all Americans, that we may work together to build a more perfect union. We ask for your guidance for our leaders, that they may make wise and just decisions for the good of all.
We pray for peace in our nation and around the world, and for an end to conflict and suffering. May your love and grace abound, and may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus, who taught us to love one another and to seek justice and peace for all.
