God Bless America

Zoey is all ready for the Fourth of July
in her red, white and blue dress that
Granny made for her!

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Yes, I realize I am a day late. We spent the entire weekend visiting with our family for the holiday weekend. We had a great time, but I'll post more about that later. Since we were immersed with family that we don't get to see very often all internet was off and giggles were hear across the land. I hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend!!!

I love the fourth of July. I love enjoying the summer and spending time with family and/or friends. But this year the holiday got me thinking...scary right? My question is: what does the Fourth of July really mean? I would usually answer that question with a history lesson. It is a patriotic holiday after all. July 4th is the day our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence creating the United States of America--the land of the free.

I explained to my daughter, nephew, and nieces about the Fourth of July by calling it America's birthday. My nephew asked, "Who's America?" I couldn't stopped myself from laughing. He looked at me baffled. I then went onto explain some of the history. Then again being four (and the rest even younger) I'm not sure they really got it.

If kids were still in school they would learn names and dates. They would sing songs like "America the Beautiful" and "Grand Ole Flag." There might even be a play with Uncle Sam and Yankee Doodle Dandy. But I never thought about celebrating July 4th in the Sunday school classroom.

The Fourth of July is also called Independence Day, and it means just that...a day to celebrate independence and freedom. I represents all types of freedoms, not just America's separation from Britain. The more I thought about it, the more I realized the Fourth of July could mean so much more. It could represent freedom from addiction, abuse, debt or any other struggle you face.

And then I thought, if you can learn about Independence Day in Sunday School, then what does the bible say about freedom. Turns out, it says a lot!

Jesus speaks again and again about freedom from sin. Everyone sins. No matter how hard we try we will fall short. However, God allows a way to break free from the cycle of sin and forgives us if we ask Him. Jesus is the truth and He provides our way into heaven if we believe. Jesus can help save ourselves from our struggles, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32 NIV) That freedom will be complete and will last forever because "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36 NIV) Satan likes to hold our sins over our head and allow it to consume us. However, God wants us to be free from sin so He forgives us and then picks us up to keep living and growing stronger.

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV)