Thank You, God, for our freedom in Christ and in our country!
Do you agree that despite all challenges and problems we are facing in our world and nation, we are still blessed to be living in our culture and times?
We have the blessing from God to be living with the freedoms we have! I think our freedoms can become a test of heart and life.
Prior to becoming a Christian, when I passed a difficult exam or was successful in a sporting venture, I took great pride in my accomplishments. Working hard and experiencing success can become a trap for being self-sufficient.
The Israelites lived through the struggle of their wilderness journey. But before entering their freedoms in the Promise land, Moses warned them:
“Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God … Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied … then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God.”
Deuteronomy 8:11–14
The wilderness had taught them dependence on God. Every meal, every drop of water, every step forward reminded them that God alone was their Provider. But prosperity presented a different test. I believe Moses knew that full stomachs and successful lives could quietly lead to self-reliance. The danger wasn’t God’s blessing—it was forgetting the One who gave it.
The same temptation exists for us today. Success can convince us that we’ve earned it. Comfort can replace gratitude. Independence can slowly crowd out our dependence on God. As we celebrate the blessings and freedoms we enjoy, may we also remember the Giver of every good gift. Our greatest freedom is not found in our independence, but in daily dependence on the Lord.
Let’s continue to pray for our nation, state, the nations, our President and all leadership, and also our spiritual leadership, and for His church! With gratefulness to God, let’s enjoy Him and the freedoms we have — to live for Him and to love others!
