Dear Friend,

We’re all getting ready to celebrate the Fourth of July—our Independence Day—embracing the freedom we have that our forefathers fought so hard for. We are blessed to have a country with such a rich heritage.

On the Fourth of July, we generally celebrate with fireworks, picnics and barbecues, and having a good time. I’m all for the enjoyment and celebration of this holiday, but we should never forget the lives that have been lost in our defense and the cost of our freedom. It makes me think of the freedom that our Lord Jesus gave us when He laid down His life in our place so we could escape Satan’s plans of destruction.

Galatians 5:1 says: Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. We have a lot of reasons to celebrate. One of the most important reasons is that Jesus gave us our independence from Satan. Because of that, we can choose to believe God’s Word over all of the lies the devil would have us believe. The truth is, we don’t have to fail! But, if it was up to Satan, he would have us believing that we don’t deserve healing or wealth or joy or peace.

It seems like nowadays I talk to so many fearful Christians, but Jesus says in John 14:27: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. What I notice most in this verse is that it says not to let our heart be troubled or afraid. That sounds like we have a choice in the matter!

I can choose to believe what the Word says or not. Pure freedom! Amen. Jesus is the Truth, and no matter what the world says, we must believe what God has to say in any circumstance.

I know many believers are getting battle weary, but we can’t give in to it. We are actually driving the devil crazy when we worship God and tell Jesus how much we love and appreciate Him, especially in our hardest times.

Don’t let the devil steal your blessings. Bring to your remembrance all of the good things the Lord has done for you, just as David did in First Samuel 30:6: And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

 

No matter what you’re facing, the Lord is there for you. Paul and Silas knew this to be true even in the midst of their imprisonment:

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.

Acts 16:25,26

Hallelujah! That’s reason to celebrate! Trust in the Lord and you will have your independence day! God bless you.

In His love,

Donner Roberson