Let Freedom Ring

July 4, 1776 was a big day for our nation. In a few days, we will celebrate the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress. As we wear the red, white and blue and fly our flag proudly, may we be reminded of our forefathers' dedication to freedom and the sound reasoning used in creating the U.S. Constitution. The Bible shows us in the Old and New Testament books that physical and spiritual freedoms were hard-fought for centuries. I Peter 1:18-19 rings out spiritual victory for all people. "For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lost their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God" (NLT). Even amid today's uncertainties, we can be sure God is working behind the scenes to bring perfect peace and justice to the world. As our flag shows off its stars and stripes in a few days, may we be reminded of the individuals that built our Nation on a solid spiritual foundation. Let's pray God's truth seeped deep into the roots of our homeland and God's Word will forever have a stronghold in our souls. With these underpinnings in place, may we go boldly into the future. Happy 4th of July, everyone. Let freedome ring! "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32).