Today on July 4, 2009 America celebrates her 233rd Anniversary since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The significance behind the holiday is simply America’s independence from Great Britain.
While this is all fine and dandy, I want to redirect your attention to a much more meaningful way to commemorate Independence Day. Let me give you some food for thought. What if this year every believer who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior used July 4th to commemorate their spiritual Independence Day? I mean that would really be something to get excited about. The family gatherings, fireworks and fellowship would all be a way to mark that milestone annually in your spiritual history with God the Father.
America is the greatest country in the world and I feel privileged to have the freedoms we experience here especially when compared to other places around the world.
The Declaration if Independence states:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
However, America still has a long way to go to ensure that all people regardless of race, gender, or creed can truly experience the freedom that the Declaration espouses.
Well I know a man named Jesus who more than 2000 years ago died for you and me so that we could be saved from sin and death. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, kill and destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 – KJV)
I gave my life to Christ at an early age. I don’t remember it all, but I attended St. Anne’s Catholic School and began the process of what is known as the Seven Catholic Sacraments. I completed the first 4: Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. I was confirmed in 3rd grade along with my other classmates and I would consider that my personal commitment to Christ based on my limited understanding.
My Independence Day was December 29, 1996 at the age of 25 in a Sunday morning worship service. This is the date where I personally decided to rededicate my life to Christ. God moved on my heart and I made the best decision I’ve ever made in my entire life. It compares to nothing I’ve done or will probably ever do. That day my life took a turn for the better.
So I challenge you to commemorate July 4th – Independence Day with a new sense of excitement and celebration by reflecting on what Jesus did for you and me more than 2000 years ago at Calvary. When all else fails, I know that without a shadow of a doubt that there is no expiration date on Calvary and the power of the Cross and that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 – KJV).
If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and experienced independence, freedom and a new life, don’t wait or waste another minute.
God loves you and longs to have an intimate or close and meaningful relationship with you…yes YOU! The Bible says that God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 – KJV).
Perhaps you are thinking to yourself, what must I do to be saved? The answer is simple and the Word of God is clear in Romans 10:9, "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Pray this Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I invite you in my heart. Please forgive me of my sins. I believe that You were raised from the dead for my justification. I am now calling on the name of Jesus. I want you to be Lord of my life right now. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I do believe with my heart, and I confess that Jesus is now my Lord. Therefore I am saved! Amen.
Welcome to the family and body of believers of Christ. I would strongly encourage you to not only read the Bible, but pray for understanding. Also, join a spirit filled church to support you in your spiritual growth and development.
