Independence Day

Independence
"So if the Son [Jesus, the Son of God] sets you free,
you will be free indeed."1

Tomorrow in the U.S.A. is Independence Day, the day
Americans celebrate the birthday of the United States
of America. Founded July 4th, 1776, with the signing
of the Declaration of Independence, America is
celebrating its 233rd birthday this year (2009).

"The American Revolution ended a couple of centuries
of British rule over most of the North American
colonies and laid the foundation of the present United
States of America. After the Revolution, the
constitution of the United States of America was
drafted and ratified. On the anniversary of that day,
the new nation declared its citizens rights to 'Life,
Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.'"2

Sad to say, however, so many people worldwide don't
enjoy the freedoms that many of us do, not only in the
U.S.A., but also in other free lands around the world.

Today, let those of us who live in free lands
especially remember our brothers and sisters who live
in lands where there is no freedom and great
persecution--especially for Christians and those who
reject the religion of their state.

I am also reminded today of the words written on the
wall of a Nazi prison during the Holocaust.

I believe in the sun
even when it isn't shining.
I believe in love
even when I am alone.
I believe in God
even when he is silent.

And let us thank God that, no matter where we live,
while men may be able to control our external reality,
they have no power to control our inner reality--our
faith, our beliefs, nor the destiny of our soul. That
alone is our choice. However, may we who have chosen
to trust in God through Jesus Christ our Savior do all
in our power to share God's great news of salvation to
all people--everywhere. And let us pray that every
person in the world will hear or read the gospel that,
via the electronic media, can reach into many places
where preaching the gospel and message of Jesus Christ

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, today I especially pray
for my brothers and sisters in lands that are not
free, where they are being persecuted for their
faith--or their lack of faith in the coerced religion
of their land. Grant that they will know independence
in their heart and the greatest freedom of all in
knowing Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And thank you
forever for the fact that somebody shared the gospel
with me and that I thus had the opportunity to place
my trust in you. Thank you for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."
is forbidden.

And in hearing the gospel, may God grant that every
person in the world will at least have the opportunity
to celebrate independence in their heart.

1. John 8:36 (NIV).