In Dependence!

Today is celebrated across the United States Of America as Independence Day. This INDEPENDENCE was bravely fought for by those who believed it was right. FREEDOM from the power of English Rule and the FREEDOM to live under our own form of Government took place in 1776. Our own Constitution was established and FREEDOM was celebrated. And since that time FREEDOM has continued to be pushed in ways that have presented some challenges within our society. The problem is when there are those who want FREEDOM without limits while others recognize that FREEDOM does have its limits. Someone has said, that "your rights end where my nose begins."

Though we might consider ourselves FREE, are we truly INDEPENDENT? Do we do well completely on our own? It seems that when we try to DEPEND solely on ourselves we get ourselves into the most trouble. We lack the wisdom to completely direct our lives. When we focus on our INDEPENDENCE it is also easy to forget about the needs or rights of others.

Through our relationship to Jesus Christ, God has brought great FREEDOM into our lives. We are no longer bound by the guilt of sin. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross FREED us from having to go through all the rituals under the Old Law. We also have a great sense of peace knowing we can be viewed by God as holy since we have been purified by the blood of Jesus. And Jesus bravely took up the conflict to secure this FREEDOM for us. Yet we are not to be INDEPENDENT of God nor the rule of Christ in our heart.

The Psalmist stated. . .
"(5) For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my HOPE IS FROM HIM. (6) HE ONLY IS MY ROCK and MY SALVATION, MY FORTRESS; I shall not be shaken. (7) ON GOD RESTS MY SALVATION AND MY GLORY; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. (8) Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah" ( Psalm 62:5-8 ESV)

Verse seven in the New International Version reads, "(7) My salvation and my honor DEPEND ON GOD. . . ." and the New Living Translation reads, "(7) My salvation and my honor COME FROM GOD ALONE. . . ."

And Jesus exhorted. . .
"(4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. (5) I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for APART FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING." ( John 15:4-5 ESV)

May we continue to DEPEND on the Lord, knowing the greatest FREEDOM He desires to bring into our lives.

Have a great day IN DEPENDENCE ON GOD FOR TRUE FREEDOM!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 07/04/2000 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]
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