Happy Fourth of JULY weekend! Since 1776 we have celebrated our Independence from Great Britain with Barbecue, Fireworks and the Star Spangled Banner!!
We all understand this holiday as an acknowledgement of our freedom and the great price that was paid in order to have it. We pause to acknowledge the great men who fought for our country and shoot out some fireworks to mimic the original celebration in 1777 which fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies!
As Americans, we wouldn’t ever imagine going back to the days before our independence. No way. This thought isn’t even thinkable. Silly actually.
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus and because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2
But as Christians, Paul has to remind us of our freedom and encourage us to not go back into slavery.
Dear brothers and sisters you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates you will die. But if you live through the power of the Spirit … you will live. Roman 8:12-14
What is it that your sinful nature “urges you to do.” Isn’t that crazy? I find it CRAZY that our flesh even has a motive? But it does and its motive is always self-legislated and self-seeking.
But Christ died to FREE YOU OF THIS self-seeking flesh that gets us in all sorts of trouble. Upon receiving Him you receive a NEW SPIRIT. His Spirit. And by its power YOU ARE FREE.
You have not received a Spirit that makes you a fearful slave. Instead you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as him own children. Romans 8:15
I just know myself. And I know how easily I slip right back into old habits. The well-worn patterns of my flesh are still there. These patterns appear easy and to feel good.
But again… Paul.
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
Can we just all resolve together to throw off this yoke of slavery? Enough with bondage of any kind!! Let us continually pursue the EASY YOKE of Jesus and trade our heavy shackles for His easy and light yoke!
Can we do this together?! Make our our declaration today!
And….This is a continual thing. A renewing of our minds OVER AND OVER until NEW patterns are formed and we walk more habitually in the FREEDOM Christ died to grant us. This daily walk is called sanctification and it is a life-long gig. So be patient and kind to yourself!
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
This Independence Day let us CELEBRATE THIS FREEDOM! We CHOOSE today, and everyday, to walk in the “life-giving spirit that has freed us”! Whoooo hooo!
#nomorebondage.
Thank you Jesus for the Cross and the Independence Day celebration we can participate in EVREY SINGLE DAY because of YOU!
Friends, this calls for some fireworks!
Reflections:
- Take some time to write down areas you want to slip back into slavery. Maybe it is fear, anxiety, worry, addiction, etc. Ask the Lord’s help in taking off this heavy yoke of slavery.
- Read Romans 8. It pretty much sums all this up. So so good.
Becky Crenshaw 
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