"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
Oxford dictionary defines PRAYER as "a request for help or... Read More
Many of you come to this site because you are... Read More
Many of us are on an inward or outward path-to... Read More
Karen was the name of the reception person, who sat... Read More
Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in... Read More
Connor, a man in his late 40's, has achieved everything... Read More
"Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my... Read More
The teacher of the future.... will be a master of... Read More
Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, "Go, assemble... Read More
Spiritual health is generally an overlooked aspect of healing. However,... Read More
"He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written... Read More
"Mama, save me!"My six year old son jumped into my... Read More
One day Gilligan ventures off as usual into the jungle.... Read More
In a recent article entitled "Our Virtual Reality Reality" I... Read More
His name sounds as Finn. He has beautiful blue eyes... Read More
Have you ever heard something that really "resonated" with you?... Read More
Some of us might hear from time to time that... Read More
I know eyebrows are probably raising about now, but let... Read More
Do you have a dream, but are waiting for "just... Read More
An exam is a test that is given at the... Read More
There is nothing more valuable to a sentient being then... Read More
I would like to share my experience, working with the... Read More
Let's take a look at all these aspects. The bible... Read More
I have, in my opinion, the world's perfect job. Just... Read More
It doesn't matter what magazine or newspaper you pick up... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Everything in the entire universe, big and small, visible and... Read More
"I resolve to speak ill of no man?and proper occasions... Read More
Matthew 1:1-17The Genealogy of Jesus Christ1 The book of the... Read More
Of the many individuals who were touched through the ministry... Read More
I had visions of my daughter for about five years... Read More
There was a time in my life when I seriously... Read More
Each time our children graduate from one stage to another... Read More
Have you heard the saying that; You have a friend... Read More
At first glance it does seem that law and grace... Read More
An analysis of Western man's guiding presuppositions, A Review of... Read More
How do we feel the fullness of life itself?We have... Read More
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. --ROMANS... Read More
It seems more people today are using the Christian god... Read More
I thought for sometime that I was hard done bye... Read More
By invoking an external God to whom we look for... Read More
Do you have a servant's heart? Has God blessed you... Read More
I believe in the source we refer to as 'God'.... Read More
The time has come for the mass population on Earth... Read More
As Christians, we know we need God in every aspect... Read More
For it is written in Bible in chapter 2 Peter... Read More
I am disturbed by the tendency of some people to... Read More
I had the intention of writing about Soul Mates but... Read More
It is my personal view that the reason we call... Read More
For some of us, EVERY DAY IS HALLOWEEN!!! If you... Read More
Our Creator is an infinitely loving and generous provider -... Read More
Spirituality |