Happy 4th everyone! As fitting, we are celebrating our nation’s freedom with a massive Big Green Egg cook today. Everything you see here and probably more. Once it’s fired up I’m digging through the deepest recesses of the fridge hunting down dead animals to slow smoke.
Ummm…that’s how we celebrate here. Massive eating.
I just wanted to take time out to honor those brave, free spirited men and women who had the courage to dream up and fight for our country’s freedom and those who have been fighting, defending and dying for it in the 237 years since.
As a Christian, I also like to refresh my mind and spirit about the freedom I have in Christ. The following Scriptures help me. Maybe they can help you.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36 NIV)
But the Lord is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked.” (Psalm 129:4 NIV)
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV)
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 NIV)
You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. (Romans 6:18 NIV)
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, (Psalm 146:7 NIV)
because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2 NIV)
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 NIV)
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (Galatians 5:13 NIV)
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12 NIV)
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (James 1:25 NIV)
Be blessed. Enjoy and appreciate your freedoms. And your food.
Onword and Upwords by Dennis Brady 