Today is About Freedom
Today’s Verse:
Galatians 5:1 ESV
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
For 249 years, our nation has taken time on this day to pause and give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans—the freedom to worship, to speak, to assemble, and to serve our neighbors. These freedoms should never be taken lightly as we remember those who sacrificed to make this nation possible.
Yet, as Christians, we know that there is a greater freedom than even the founding of our nation brought forth so many years ago. In Jesus Christ, we’re set free from the tyranny of sin, the burden of its guilt in our lives, and the fear of eternal death. This is not a freedom that we’ve earned, voted for, or defended. It is a gift, purchased by the death and resurrection of our Lord, given to us in our Baptisms, and received daily by faith alone in Him.
The blessed Saint Paul urges us to “stand firm.” This world of ours always seeks to tie us down to return us to a slavery of sin under legalism, selfishness, or even fear. But the freedom we have in Jesus is not fragile. It endures forever because for us, He has overcome the world, death, and Satan.
As we go about our day today, waving flags, shooting off fireworks, or even eating a hot dog or two as we celebrate our nation’s birth in 1776, let us lift our eyes higher to God as we also celebrate the freedom Jesus won for us on the cross. His liberty is eternal, unshakable, and given to us by God’s grace. Happy Independence Day!
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious God, we thank You for the gift of this new day and for the profound truth of Your Word. Thank You for anointing Your Son, Jesus Christ, to bring good news, to heal the brokenhearted, and to proclaim liberty to the captives. We confess that we often find ourselves bound by sin, fear, and worry. We pray that You would strengthen our faith and remind us of the complete freedom we have in Christ. Empower us, O Lord, by Your Holy Spirit, to live as truly free people and to be Your hands and feet in proclaiming Your liberating Gospel to all who are held captive. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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