Day 8 of 4: Freedom Isn't Free (11/14/12)

Day 8 of 4 More Years: Originally posted on Facebook on November 14, 2012

"Freedom isn't free." During the recent celebration of Veterans' Day, you may have heard those words. "Those who gave the ultimate sacrifice." "If you are free to pray, thank a veteran." The brave men and women who serve our country are certainly to be honored. They are brave, yet most are surely afraid at times. They are unselfish though some may have other motives. They are heroes, too, though some fall short in moral areas, as we learned this week about one of our finest generals. After all, they are human just like the rest of us. But we owe them respect and gratitude. Freedom is never to be taken for granted.

What about the greatest freedom? The freedom we have in Jesus Christ?
Does our country acknowledge it at all? I believe a portion of our country has turned its back on one of the greatest true freedoms and blessing. Even patriotism has been recently attacked. The idea of all cultures and religions being equal is heard. Our president was also heard apologizing for America in speeches to foreign countries. Popular beliefs are that God should be removed from our government, buildings, schools, money and political parties.

Are we free to take God out? Will God continue to bless us if we compromise our beliefs or even reject Him? Do our leaders have to walk with God? Can we trust them if they do not publicly profess God? I have some hope for today in this area: in the Old Testament there are many examples where God used unbelieving kings and leaders to achieve His purposes. In Isaiah 37 we read about King Hezekiah, a god-fearing man who was selfish and ridiculous in many ways. But God not only used him but blessed him, even answering his prayers for an extension on his life. 

An even more amazing story is how God used the
pagan King Cyrus. God even took the gentile, pagan ruler by his right hand and led him to victory! Incredible! It was not even necessary for Cyrus to acknowledge the Lord for God to use him. God even spoke to Cyrus directly! God is a personal God even to the unbelievers! Hard to imagine, but true. Read about it in Isaiah 45. Let us not give up on America acknowledging God again. We still are a nation of believers. I choose to believe that we are still the majority, and that we haven't fallen as low as Sodom and Gomorrah! We get what we do not deserve in this country today: Freedom!

Just read this amazing, comforting word from God:

"...and there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior, there is none but me.

Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked:

Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.

They will say of me, 'In The Lord alone are righteousness and strength.'

All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame.

But in The Lord all the descendants of Israel will be found righteous and will exult."

Isaiah 45:21-25

Pray:

Father, please bless our nation again and use all our leaders to achieve Your master plan for the United States. Help us all to be found among the righteous when You come again to take us home to You.

Amen