%20Logo_transparent.png)
This weekend we celebrate the freedom of America. July 4th is the anniversary of America’s publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain taking place 243 years ago. The dictionary defines freedom as “the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.” As a country, the USA holds to the truth that individuals deserve the right to a free life. Men and women have fought hard for this liberty. Aren’t you grateful? What freedoms are close to your heart today?
Here are four of mine. I also choose to keep this blog short, so that I can enjoy #2 of my list. 🙂
Freedom to choose my attitude. I may not be able to control my circumstances, but I can choose my attitude. I choose my attitude by what I allow in my mind. Honestly, you are what you think. Therefore, I choose positivity. I choose to think on Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” As I choose my thoughts, my actions will display a joyful mood regardless of the situation around me. Yes, some days are harder than others, but every day comes with the freedom of choosing our mood. I choose joy. How about you?
Freedom to spend time with people I love. For the most part, I control my decisions on where and how I will spend my free time. Each of us has 168 hours each week. Some of those hours are in my control and therefore are opportunities for me. I choose to invest in those I love. Ephesians 5:16 (NLT) reads, “Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”
Freedom to control my spending habits, eating habits, and exercising habits. The choice truly is mine. I don’t always make the decisions, but I do continue to try. The truth is still the same. We have the freedom to choose wisely and to embrace disciplines for a better life.
Freedom to choose to serve the Lord. God gives each person the freedom of choice. He loves you and me deeply. He will never force Himself on you or me. The cool thing is that as I surrender my life to Him, I like myself better. He is Lord. I choose to follow, and as I do, I have found peace and freedom. “Choose you this day, whom you will serve, but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (ESV)
Happy July 4th weekend my Friends. Let’s live fully in our gifts of freedom.
“In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and set me free.” Psalm 118:5 (NLT)
“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” Psalm 119:45 (NIV)