I am proud to be an American. God has uniquely blessed the United State of America. We have honored His blessings on our country and we have, at times, brought shame upon this great land and His blessings. And yet, God’s grace has been offered freely to all of us regardless of the honor or the shame that we have carried. God’s goodness prevails even in the darkest of days. Because God IS good.

There is coming a day when God will be our Judge. We will not be judged on our nationality or our race, our freedom or our bondage. We will be judged according to ONE decision we made in this life. Did we choose to believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior…or did we not. The only way that we can truly be free today is to allow Jesus to set us free. That is why He came…to make us free.

John 8:36 (CEV) clearly tells us, “If the Son gives you freedom, you are free!” Despite your living conditions, your work environment, even if you are behind physical bars, if you have opened your heart to the Son of God, Jesus has set you free! My prayer for you today is that you would know for sure that you have been set free. If you don’t know, 1 John 1:9 (ESV) is a good place to begin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Our confession of faith is this, “Lord Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner. I believe that You are the Son of God and that You died on the cross for my sins. Come into my heart. Make me new. I will follow You. Amen.”

If that is the first time you’ve prayed that prayer, know this, this moment…ALL of heaven is rejoicing over your decision! Let somebody know…in fact…let me know! I want to make sure you know next steps in your new faith! Today we celebrate freedom in Christ!! And when Jesus gives you freedom…you are truly free!