4:185 – Should We Celebrate Our Independence?

#faithbites #faithjourney independence

Setting

Happy Independence Day to all of my American friends. 245 years ago, we became a new nation dedicated to certain unalienable rights. Where anyone can love as they choose. Yes, our country is deeply flawed, but what can tomorrow look like. And yes, we are watching 1776 and seeing the challenges in forming our country.

We celebrate our independence from the British Empire, who is now one of our closest friends. We celebrate a chance to set our own course and determine our own future.

in today’s world, we celebrate person lal independence. We try to be strong on our own without needing help from anyone. We look at people who pull themselves up by their bootstraps as people we need to celebrate and emulate.

God tells a different story. He doesn’t want us to be independent. He says all things are possible through him.

Today’s Questions: Are you independent or subservient? If you are, who are you subservient to? How does not being indeoendt help you? Does it change your outlook on life.

Scripture

• 1 Peter 2:16 – Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
• Ephesians 5:21 – Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
• Philippians 4:19 – And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Reflectiion

We are nothing without God. We need Jesus to help us, guide us, and help us thrive. When we step away from Christ and think we can do it on our own, we fail.

When we submit ourselves to God and turn it over to Him, that is when we succeeded. Our culture tells us that we are strong alone. We need to listen. To God’s words and turn to him.

As we close, remember that God is our strength, refuge, and everything is possible with him. When we try to do it on our own, we fail. Our independence should be independent from Sin and not from God. Turn towards him in all things.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we ask you to help us accomplish everything that you want us to. Help us to be strong in you and seek independence from Sin. Remind us that we can’t do anything without you.

Lord, we pray for you to help us balance our needs and your plan. Help us to make our plans, yours. Because you are your strength and our wishes should be your wishes. We pray this in your name, Amen.