July 4, 2007

Freedom isn't Free


Last night during prayer time, CJ thanked the Lord for America's upcoming birthday. Afterwards, I kept pondering 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - You are not your own; you were bought at a price. In context, Paul is speaking of treating our body as the temple of the Lord. But I was reminded that many people have paid a price for me. People like her husband, hers, and hers. And my wonderful brother-in-law, who is nearing the end of his tour overseas (Hallelujah!) There is nothing we can say to thank these families enough for the sacrifice they're making, but gratitude pours from my heart.

Today, I sit here thinking about freedom. The freedom we Americans tend to take for granted. We're entitled to it. We boast about it. We celebrate it. We misunderstand it.

We think we're free because we can choose:

~our jobs
~our children's education
~our homes
~our leaders
~our allegiances
~our words
~where we want to go
~what we want to do
~where and how we worship
~who we worship

Choices don't make us free.

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has annointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.
-- Luke 14:18-19

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
--John 8:32

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
--John 8:36

I am free. Not because I was blessed enough to be born in America, but because over 2000 years ago, Jesus bought my freedom.

Tonight, when I'm watching fireworks with my family and celebrating Uncle Sam's birthday with a piece of brownie cheesecake, I'm also going to thank God for the Red, White & Blue.

His Blood
His Righteousness
His Deity



*updated to add - I can't think of anything I'm more thankful for this week...so I'm being lazy & letting this serve as my Thankful Thursday post, too. Go to Iris' to read more!





Because of Jesus,
Melissa

20 comments:

Alana said...

Melissa, that was BEAUTIFULLY SAID. Bless you this 4th of July!

Patty said...

Well said and I really enjoyed reading your post!! Have a blessed week!

Patty

eph2810 said...

Melissa - I think that is a perfect post for Thankful Thursday :)
You are so right, we are set free by His truth. Although I live in a free country, His blood has set me truly free from certain death.
Thank you so much for sharing your thankfulness with us this week.

Be blessed today and always.

Alycia said...

Amen!! Amen!! Amen!! My goodness this was the most beautifully written post ~ thank you for sharing it!! You are sweet to share the links of fellow military families and I can honestly say, that it's like getting a warm blogging-hug when people give thanks for all our husbands do. Thank you so much :) But, above all, you are absolutely right...Jesus is the source of our freedom and paid the ultimate price!! Have a wonderful day!!

Sharon Brumfield said...

What a great post!
Love the red white and blue from a Christian stand point.
Enjoy this blessed day.

Heather @ Marine Corps Nomads said...

"Jesus bought my freedom"

So very true -- it's that freedom that is most important. Earthly freedom is wonderful, but freedom from sin is AWESOME!!

Susanne said...

Wonderful post!! We are on the same wave length!! I also went with a "freedom theme" in honor of Independence Day. God Bless America!!

Janis Rodgers said...

That is a beautiful thankful post! Thanks for sharing! Blessings to you!

Deena Peterson said...

That was GORGEOUS!!! Praise God for inspiring you to type those words...loved it!

Kate said...

I've seen this general message all over Blogland in the last few days but none have expressed it so beautifully or succinctly. This one is my favorite.

Kate

Denise said...

Beautifully said, bless you.

kittyhox said...

Best Fourth of July post, EVER!

Bless you!

Pearls of Wisdom said...

Wonderful post! Amen! Thanks for sharing . May the Lord bless you this week and always.

In his endless love,

Angel ():) ( Angel Mama )

Brenda said...

What an awesome TT post!! Yes, our freedoms are not for free! And most importantly, freedom in Christ!! :)

Anonymous said...

You said it perfectly! I hope you had a wonderful 4th!

Barb said...

I came over here to thank you and found this beautiful post, Melissa. You captured it so well. We are sooo blessed. And I pray for your brother-in-law's safe return home. Having a nephew, my recently lost brother's only child, in Iraq, was frightening beyond belief.

So I'll thank you too. Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement. Rob's job loss is a huge blow but the news that a new grandchild is on the way softens that blow and puts it all into perspective.

And yes, indeed. I do know whose in control of this situation. I have handed this one to the Lord. xoxo

Hopeful Spirit said...

Well, I don't think you were being lazy at all. You said it all! And the music is great . . . one of my all-time favorite songs! (I'm linking to your post from my site.)

Betty's Loosing Race said...

Melissa I couldn't agree with you more!

I came over to catch up with you. I have not had much time for blogging lately. As usual I am leaving blessed and encouraged. Thanks for your blog and sharing your life experiences!
~Betty~

DeeDee said...

Melissa-Thanks for the invite. I love your blog. I especially like the 40 by 40. I just turned 40 a few months ago and mine was "40 and Fearless." I am determined to conquer some of my ever-lingering fears! I thought it would be easier if I said it out loud and set a date, but it's actually been harder! Who knew! Scripture memorization is key! What a very cool goal for your next birthday!

Military Mommy said...

I agree - your post was so beautiful. Thank you for your appreciation for our military - and my husband - you do not know how much that touches my heart. : )

Hugs, Michelle