"Let Freedom Ring"

Happy 4th of July to you all! 

Thank you to all who have fought for our freedom both in the past and now--we are forever grateful. 

I hope that today has been full of family, fun, and thankfulness for our freedom. 

We spent the evening at Aaron and Blair's partaking in an amazing meal prepared by Aaron. It was delicious! Per usual, we always enjoy spending time with family. 

I will leave you with Scotty Smith's prayer for The 4th of July: 

Our True and Lasting Freedoms

Jul 04, 2017 | Scotty Smith

     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. Gal. 5:1 

Lord Jesus, it’s the Fourth of July--a holiday set aside in the USA to remember and revel in our many freedoms. As broken as she is, we're still thankful for our country and for the privileges we enjoy.

But the gratitude we feel for our USA citizenship pales in comparison with the joy generated by our citizenship in heaven (Phil 3:20). We praise you today for making us members of the “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession“(1 Pet. 2:9). This is our true and lasting identity--our consummate passport and eternal liberty.

Indeed, Jesus, only those you set free are really free (John 8:36). You took our guilt and gave us your righteousness. We're no longer condemned for our sin or in fear of death. Hallelujah! Sin's dominion has been broken in our lives; never again will it be our master (Rom. 6:14). We obey you because we love you--not because of pride, pressure, or pragmatics. Holiness is beautiful, and no longer a burden. And the only reason we even love you is because you first loved us.

We now run freely and boldly to the throne of grace--into your holy presence, where we only experience your welcome and joy. We're free to own our sin and brokenness, and to repent with joy, for you bore our shame and we don't have to pose or pretend anymore. Hallelujah, on steroids!

You've set us free from seeking fool's gold and a fool's reward, by making us characters in, and carriers of, your story. Our tiny fiefdoms of self are being crushed under the grace of your all-things-new kingdom. We're now free to love others as you love us--forgiving and forbearing, encouraging and hoping. Take us WAY deeper into this particular freedom, Jesus.

By the power of the gospel, we will seek to stand firm in these and the many more freedoms you’ve won for us, until the Day you return to usher in the new heaven and new earth. So very Amen we pray, in your liberating and loving name.