Independence Day
I hope you all had a blessed Independence Day. This day is dear to me because it reminds me of God’s work in my life. I will tell you more, but let’s examine the word Independent. As we do this, think about what independent means to you. I got the following definition(s) from Merriam-Webster.com, but I am going to highlight specific words/phrases. 1 : not dependent: such as a (1) : not subject to control by others : self-governing (2) : not affiliated with a larger controlling unit an independent bookstore b (1) : not requiring or relying on something else : not contingent an independent conclusion (2) : not looking to others for one's opinions or for guidance in conduct (3) : not bound by or committed to a political party c (1) : not requiring or relying on others (as for care or livelihood) independent of her parents (2) : being enough to free one from the necessity of working for a living a person of independent means (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/independent).
By reading those phrases, we should have a good understanding of what independent means. To me, Independence Day brings to mind words like liberty and freedom, reminding me of my prior bondage and how God set me free. I am no longer dependent on other people's approval or bound by a makeup addiction. In 2010, God gave me the gift of salvation and began to deliver me the chains I was in. (Giving my Life to Christ). We will talk about that some more, but let’s look at some Bible verses that have the word “free” in them. John 8:31-36 reads:
31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‚”If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33They answered him, ‚”We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
34Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
The beginning of the verse talks about knowing the truth. Once we know or have understanding of the truth, we will be set free. This could be many things. I personally have been set free many times with God’s truth. For example, I used tell myself that I was ugly, stupid, weak, and unlovable, then God showed me what He thought of me, and told me that only His opinion of me matters (Love Yourself). Maybe people may have said hurtful things to you or about you, or you’ve said hurtful things to yourself. We need to know God's truth to be set free, so read God’s Word! God says my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). He will tell you that you’re loved (Romans 5:8), conquerors or overcomers (Romans 8:37), accepted (Romans 15:7), no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6), created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), and chosen people, royal priesthood, God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9), but only if you seek the truth and allow God to speak to you. I could go on and on, but I encourage you to do that. Read God's Word and ask Him to give you understanding; it will be life changing!
Let’s zoom in on the last paragraph, beginning with verse 34. We are slaves to sin (envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth, wrath), but when Jesus sets us free, we are truly free. For example, when we owe the bank or credit card companies, we are slaves to that debt until it is paid. I used to dread bills. Payday wasn't my payday, it was payday to all those I owed. I have been in deep financial debt, but God has helped me and delivered me from that. I was also a slave to negativity, unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment; however, God has also helped me heal from those things, and set me free. Sin leads to despair and death, but through Christ, we can accept the free gift of salvation! Jesus can cancel our debt and give us life! What are some things that have you in chains or in bondage?
These things could be addictions, bad attitudes, guilt, shame, or unhealthy behaviors or conduct. I am not here to judge you, because I have my own list of sin that God is helping me with. Please know that God wants to set you free, only you know what He is speaking to you. It’s a liberating feeling to let go of the guilt and shame, and to be right with God. Let Independence Day be a day of remembrance for what God has done for us, how He broke our shackles and chains! For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). He doesn't want us bound, subject to, relying on, enslaved, or dependent on people or things. He loves us unconditionally! We should seek the truth, depend only on Him, and be set free!
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, the God of Truth,
We praise your Great Name Lord. You are awesome and the King of Righteousness. I thank you Father for liberty and freedom from sin and death, for showing me my sin and helping me to overcome them. Only You God can save us and deliver us from the shackles and chains of sin. Lord, I thank you for setting me free and thank you for those reading. I pray that they will know the truth and also be set free. You know what they are struggling with, and how the enemy continuously lies to them. Protect them from the enemy and speak to their heart. Remove anything that would be blocking them from Your truth. You aren’t condemning them, but you want to help them. We are all guilty of sin and have been kept bondage. Lord, we need your help, not just once but ongoing. Your Word says we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:37). Give us strength, wisdom, and understanding. Deliver us as we cry out and cling to you Lord. Help the readers in their time of need, great or small. Show us what to change, and how to do it. Open our eyes to our sin and bondage. Provide protection and comfort, and let them know you are with them. Thank you Gracious Father. We pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
