Freedom

It is a stunningly beautiful day in Orkney.  The blue sky is studded with cotton clouds and there are more boats bobbing in Newark Bay than I have ever seen before.  It is NOT warm, however.   I will be missing a bit of warmth...and  my family.   Family and fireworks, brisket and baked beans...even the shifting smoke of the bonfire. I imagine preparations are underway for the annual Fourth of July  festivities... and I am homesick.  I love the celebration and the sentiment of 'Independence Day,'  but my current geographical location challenges  me...

4th of July at Steve and Trish's

In Orkney it is just Tuesday, 4 July.  Henry is at the dentist.  I am making taco salad for dinner.  What about this 'freedom' thing?  True political freedom is a rare jewel these days. I am thinking there must be more to this thing we call 'freedom.'

I decided to do a little research.  It turns out there are eight Hebrew words which we translate as 'free/freedom!'  Below are some of the definitions:

exempt from bondage or  tax - liberty - spontaneous - abundant gift - to spread loose - to manumit (free from slavery) - to be or make clean - to dig up by the roots - cleanse - innocent - blameless - clean - clear - to dismiss - free - voluntary - generous - magnanimous - nobility - to open wide - loosen- break forth - set free

Genuine freedom is far more grand than it first appears.  It is of paramount importance to God!  It was for FREEDOM (from sin and death) that He sent His only Son, Jesus  Christ to set us free.  The words are almost too familiar though, and I for one, am guilty of taking my 'freedom' for granted.  I am just now beginning to realize that freedom from sin and death is only the tip of the iceberg...

HE HAS SO MUCH MORE FOR US!

 I am painstakingly learning the truth of Jesus' words in John 8:36 -

         "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

FREE from...
            FEAR
                         BITTERNESS
                                        INTIMIDATION
                                                       PERFORMANCE
                                                                      CONTROL
                                                                                     LEGALISM
                                                                                                   CONDEMNATION
                                                                                                                      HOPELESSNESS
                                                                                                                                         DESPAIR

                What are the invisible chains that bind you? 
                  THEY HAVE BEEN BROKEN!

          LET FREEDOM RING!