"You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. " Psalm 31:8, NIV
During this weekend we're reminded of all of those who've gone before to fight for our country so that we can remain America the Free. I'm not sure how many truly realize the cost of freedom and what it takes for us to remain that way. In fact, many of our basic rights such as freedom of religion are disintegrating right before our eyes and yet with so much apathy prevalent it seems as though we're sleeping right through a take-over.
There is always a cost to freedom. The funny thing is freedom does not come free! The cost for freedom usually has a high debt attached and always with the shedding of blood. Just ask any soldier returning from war.
It has been this way since Adam and Eve ate of the tree. God had to shed the blood of animals to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve, and we've been shedding blood ever since.
In order to be freed from sin God shed the blood of His only Son. What? Don't you mean we did? Well yes and no. God is always in control and all things work together for the good of those who love Him; according to His purpose and will. So really God GAVE us His only Son who then willingly, obediently went to the Cross to die for our transgressions. Those nails could not have held Him there. Love did.
Freedom is really very expensive. It's not free. We find freedom when we can willingly lay down our lives for others, regarding them as better than us, loving them as Jesus loves us and all for the greater good. Freedom isn't about us as individuals, it's about giving up the right to yourself. Giving up the right to your own life if necessary.
I've been reading my friend Nani Aki Linder's book, Trial by Fire, and the entire book is one of selfless suffering, giving, integrity and honor. She writes, "A person's character is measured by what he does for all creatures, be they animal or human being. Beyond that, when you help those who can do nothing for you in return, then the blessings will come. "
You see she understands that through her immense suffering, she has found the freedom in letting go and letting God. While that may sound cliche to you, it is the simple truth. Freedom is a gift that is not acquired but earned.
As Americans we have freedom because others were willing to die for the privilege. Expecting it without earning it, is naive at best and apathetic at worst. We find freedom when we are willing to sacrifice ourselves, our lives, our own freedom even for the greater good. Remember freedom is never free.
*Dedicated to all the men and women who have given their lives in bravery and courage that we might continue to be a free America. Thank you!*
About the Author:
Kim Bloomer is a natural pet care consultant who teaches others how to care for their pets naturally and preventatively using therapeutic grade essential oils, whole food supplements and natural feeding. Go to aspenbloom pet care to learn more. Visit her dog's blog to find out what the animals say about caring for them naturally aspenbloom pet care
Originally published for aspenbloom pet care
Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 (NIV) We... Read More
1. Gabriel means: "God is my strength" or "God is... Read More
Jack Nicholson (Col. Jessup) (marine cornel) YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE... Read More
forgiveness stories quotes definition and loveForgiveness is that quality in... Read More
It happens to us all from time to time, especially... Read More
Do you think it's acceptable for people to make millions... Read More
Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the... Read More
The magic of the tarot was obvious to me the... Read More
"All you who are thirsty, come and drink." ISAIAH 55:1,... Read More
Have you ever noticed how much our lives resemble a... Read More
What we think is what we are. Our lives are... Read More
"This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as... Read More
There is a chronology of events from creation to the... Read More
WOW ... what a question. But today, while I was... Read More
Woodstock, the watershed event for a generation, had a far... Read More
In a recent article entitled "Some Evidence of How We... Read More
You are a dual being. Part eternal spirit and part... Read More
The more we worry about money, and who's asking for... Read More
Just for a moment think of what is stopping you... Read More
"I learned I was not, as most Africans believed, the... Read More
God made humans in his image but these days very... Read More
Michael Shermer speaks with the energy and passion of an... Read More
I beheld the sky and its wonders and saw AstonishmentI... Read More
The fundamental aim of spiritual study is to get facts... Read More
Everyone is busy nowadays. It's hard to find time for... Read More
insured cleaning company Morton Grove ..What is the purpose of guilt?Well, let's look at it.Some... Read More
As Christian's we are often very independent. We try to... Read More
We'll begin with a question:What is a moral?I'd say it's... Read More
How do we feel the fullness of life itself?We have... Read More
"No man is a prophet in his own country."That line... Read More
Can two walk together unless they have agreed to do... Read More
The question, "Is God Dead?", first entered my consciousness when... Read More
Even Pandora and her box come in two versions. In... Read More
While I do hope to avoid arguing the merits or... Read More
Fanny J. Crosby's famous hymn, "Tell Me the Story of... Read More
Coming face to face with yourself in the space between... Read More
The question of life after death is one that continues... Read More
Good morning beloved,I always feel a need to let people... Read More
I have almost died twice in my life. The first... Read More
Some people think just by saying the words thank you... Read More
You can't help but feel a sense of electricity in... Read More
Divining Rods, also known as Dowsing Rods, have been used... Read More
The essence of the Christian faith is the good news... Read More
"Who being in the very nature God, did not consider... Read More
There is a concept in Jewish mystical thought known as... Read More
Natural laws exist that serve to maintain order in the... Read More
The spiritually dead church. Now, I am not talking about... Read More
An analysis of Western man's guiding presuppositions, A Review of... Read More
Second Isaiah, so called because his book of prophecy was... Read More
Sometimes, in traveling a path, we discover a short-cut, and... Read More
Spirituality |