Freedom FOR a Cause!

 

I believe a rousing chorus of “”Happy Birthday” is appropriate in these days.    It is July 4  week, and  July 4 is considered to be the birthday for this over 200 year old experiment called the United States of America.   One of the core values of our country is freedom.  Perhaps you will remember in the bill of rights that Americans have the  right for freedom of worship, freedom for lawful assembly, freedom of the press.  

The freedoms we know as Americans do not mean that we can do anything and everything that we please.  No, we have freedom for a reason and a cause.    We remembered that did we not on Memorial Day as we paused to remember those brave men and women who died in military service?     The freedoms we have as Americans come with responsibility.

The same is true for all who live under the banner of Christ and call themselves followers of Christ Jesus.  Through the gift of Christ on the cross, each Christian has freedom from sin through God’s forgiveness and grace.    Yet, that freedom we know in Christ comes with responsibility.   In Galatians 5: 13-14,  the apostle Paul speaks about that freedom with responsibility as he writes:

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

 Through Christ Jesus, we have been set free from the shackles of sin and given new life through water and the Spirit.  Yet, the freedom we know in Christ calls us to let the love of Christ be known through us.  Happy Independence Day and week!     Have a joy-filled week.-  Pastor Randy Wall

PRAYER

Thank you, God, for the freedoms  we know as citizens of this country and of the kingdom of God.   We give you thanks for your love known in Christ.   Through your grace and Spirit, let the love of Christ be known through me.   Amen. 

A Living Legacy

 

The month of June is a time of the year when I seem to be more focused on my family than some other times of year.     There are several reasons why that is the case.    First,   several members of  our family have birthdays in June including my wife, Ann, and two of our daughters.   We also have a grandchild that has a birthday in June.    June, of course, is the month when we observe Father’s Day.  During this month, I think of my Dad who was born on June 2.    I  also find myself thinking about what it means to me to be a father and a grandfather.   

In recent days, I have been contemplating the legacy I want to give  my family.   When some folks think of  legacy, their focus turns to the money, investments, or the like that they leave someone in their will.    That is the kind of legacy that you should speak to your attorney or an estate planner about.     I have been thinking lately about a legacy that is a little bit different.    When I think of my legacy to my kids and grandkids, there are two things I want to give them.

First, I want to offer my children and grandchildren the legacy of my example.  I have learned a lot through the years.  Some of what I learned I learned by sitting in a classroom, reading books, or writing papers that led to the completion of a class and the receipt of a diploma.   Most of what I learned is through my trial and error.   Boy, there have been many trials and more errors than I can count.   I hope in my latter years I have taught them through my example about what is good and important.

Secondly, I want to offer my children and grandchildren the legacy of my prayers.    There are several of our children and grandchildren I only get to see every now and then because of the many miles between us.     Since our children are grown, it certainly is not my role to “tell them” what they should do as they face the decisions of ordinary life.  That is why I think it most important that I spend time talking to God about them.    While I certainly do not think that God needs my advice on his work in the lives of  my children and grandchildren, I do think that God appreciates my prayers and supplications  for my family.    I honestly admit that when our children were much younger that my prayers for them were scattered and infrequent;   as I have gotten older, I realize how important it  is and what a privilege it is for me to pray for my children and grandchildren.  You see, my children do not just need a father and a step-father and my grandchildren do not just need a grandfather;  they also need a heavenly father at work in their life in ways that are beyond what they ask or even imagine.     Have a joy-filled week.-  Pastor Randy Wall

PRAYER

Thank you, God, for my family.    Today, I pray for them as the face the challegens of this day and of this life.   Thank you for your work in their lives.   Protect them from harm;   work in their lives in ways that are greater than we ask or imagine; through Christ our Lord.   Amen.