Freedom! (part 1 of 4)

Today is the fourth of July, the celebration of the independence of the United States of America. I would like to share some thoughts with you over the next few days as there is room for thoughts on FREEDOM every day of the year.

FREEDOM! For it, wars have been fought. To retain it, lives have been given! It is loved! It is cherished! It is something we do not want to lose! I enjoy the fact I live in the "Land of the FREE and the home of the brave" as our national anthem declares! This country was traveled to in order to gain FREEDOM. Our government was established to ensure FREEDOM. But today, is the focus on that FREEDOM the same? Do all people focus on and define FREEDOM identically?

Some have set their focus on FREEDOM FROM. They seek to gain and retain FREEDOM from persecution, high taxation, religion, etc.

Others set their focus on FREEDOM TO. They desire FREEDOM to do their own thing, to have whatever vocation they desire, to be their own boss, to choose their own life-style, whatever they desire, etc. Some do not want to have any limitations dictated.

Still others focus on FREEDOM OF. They desire FREEDOM of religion, of expression and speech, etc. And here also is often the desire to have no limitations imposed.

I appreciate the FREEDOMS our Constitution was established to guarantee. However, the glorious FREEDOM we have in Christ is of a higher nature. FREEDOM in Christ provides a greater impact and consequence than what our Constitution could ever provide.

Jesus came to "proclaim LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVES" ( Luke 4:18 ESV). This was in fulfillment of what was prophesied through Isaiah. ( Isaiah 61:1) And what a FREEDOM to continue to be proclaimed. Over the next three days we will meditate on three aspects of this FREEDOM.

Have a great day focusing on where TRUE FREEDOM comes!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 07/08/1999 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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See other teEn-MAIL on Freedom