Your Independence Day

Welcome to the new Grin and Grow with Kathy blog. The first 4 articles will be on the topic of freedom. When I think of freedom, I think of independence and the military. What others have done to fight for my freedom. And mostly—how Christ paid for my complete freedom. We’ll see what it’s like to live in Christ’s freedom. Each article will feature a heartwarming story, a short Bible study of the topic, and steps so you can have an action plan for applying what you’ve read as you do life in Christ.

STORY:  FIREWORKS

We just celebrated Independence Day and it reminded me of a Fourth of July program I participated in at Noyes Stadium in Paris, TX. The 100-piece community band revived many of the old patriotic favorites and I was the vocal soloist. As special as it was to sing several songs to an estimated 10,000 spectators, it wasn’t the best moment of the night. I was most inspired as I sensed that the entire crowd joined me in pondering the significance of being a part of the USA.

We gave tribute to those who served our country. I felt proud as the color guard presented the flags. How little honor we actually give the ones who sacrificed their lives for our country. 

And then came the fireworks. What a show! I loved the contrast of colors against the black sky. The simplicity of the moon provided a beautiful backdrop for the elaborate designs. I felt caught up in the 3-D effect of the colorful showers surrounding me. My eyes teared as I watched this majestic display. The wonder of it all inspired me to feel so much pride as I thought of what our country has been through—and cried for our nation as it is now. Our Founding Fathers would not recognize our country as it is today.

The actual symbolism of the fireworks also spoke to me. While we sat and enjoyed the beauty of the evening, our forefathers did not have it so fortunate. When they saw the rockets red glare, their lives were in danger. When they heard the bombs bursting in air, they had to run for cover.

As we think of all our country has gone through, how can we not sing, “God Bless the USA”? But even more important, let’s ponder what spiritual freedom means, and the price Jesus paid so we might be free indeed.

STUDY: SET FREE!

In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. Psalm 118:5

•  What do you think the first step is toward freedom?
•  How does the Lord respond to our distress prayers?

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. Galatians 5:1

• Who sets us free?
• What is our part in the process?

Praise the LORD, who did not let their teeth tear us apart! We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap. The trap is broken, and we are free! Our help is from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:6-8

• How does the psalmist describe our need for freedom?
• The verse starts with praise and ends with a wonderful reason to praise. What is that?

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

• What happened when the psalmist prayed to the Lord?
• What did God free the psalmist from?

O Lord, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, born into your household; you have freed me from my chains. Psalm 116:16

• What role does the psalmist take in this verse when He speaks to the Lord?
• What is the significance of a servant (often interpreted “slave”) being freed from chains?

Freedom in Christ is not:

• Permission to sin.
• About self—it’s about serving.
• To be taken lightly.

Freedom in Christ is:

• Paid in full by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
• A fulfillment of the Law.
• A ransom paid to release the kidnapped from captivity.

STEPS: WALKING IN FREEDOM

1. Distressed? Pray to the Lord and ask Him to free you from your trouble.
2. Do you feel the pull to go back to the old way? Freedom is only available to those who continue to walk in it. 
3. Don’t “feel” free? Focus on praising God for His goodness rather than worrying about the traps and cages that keep you from enjoying freedom’s song.
4. Afraid? Tell God about your fears and then receive the freedom of His power, love, and sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV says: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”)
5. Still feel bound by the chains of your burdens and sin? Ask God to loose the chains and then experience a spiritual breakthrough. Walk in freedom and don’t look back.