Happy 4th of July! This day we celebrate our Independence and Freedom from a tyranical government to embark on a new nation! With the help of God and men of prayer, we established a land for the free and a home for the brave.
It has been a very long time since I have heard this song, but I love the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword
His truth is marching on…..
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free
While God is marching on
Glory, Glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on”
Yes! God wants all men to be free. Not only free in their daily lives, but in their spirit as well. He died to make men holy and well and free and forgiven and more. “…The Lord sets free the prisoners…” Psalm 146.7
2 Peter 1:2 tell me, “May grace (God’s favor) and peace (which is perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in [the full, personal, precise, and correct] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”
I recently heard someone who struggles with addition pretty much say, “It’s never beatable – it’s always a problem; even when you do not engage in your addiction.” I believe God can do anything. I believe He can break any chain that has us bound. I believe He is able to heal the deepest pain and help anyone overcome the most heart and mind wrenching situations. He wants everyone free.
“…..Blessed (celebrated with praises) is the King Who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven [freedom there from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin] and glory (majesty and splendor) in the highest [heaven]!” Luke 19:38
My bondage had its roots in deep seated anger. When I asked God to show me the reasons for my bondage to depression and anxiety and defeat, He showed me; not to condemn me, but to set me free – “So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.” John 8:36
Galatians 3:13 reminds me “Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us.”
He paid too high a price to have my soul just stirred at times, but never really changed – or set free like He died to do.
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