Independence Day

Today is the 4th of July -- the day we celebrate our Independence as a nation. But what we should celebrate EVERY day is Dependence Day!! Dependence on the King of the Universe, the one who establishes the governing authorities and determines our paths. For

our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Today my son is preaching at a small church in Texas (and leading singing and teaching class!) It seems such a short time ago that he was four years old playing church, preaching and leading singing, entertaining us with his exuberance. He is living his life in dependence on God, even thru the tough days. You can read about part of his rough past week in Revenge of the Naked Gown. Here's part of what he'll say this morning:

Today, as on every other Independence Day let us celebrate and recognize those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Let us take pride in our heritage and history. Let us sit back and enjoy the wide expanse of a firework filled night sky! Yet above all let us remember that our true identity is found in the One who gave his life as a sacrifice for mankind once and for all providing us with the ultimate gift of freedom. To him we owe our allegiance. In him we place our hope. There’s more to life for us who are in Christ Jesus. Throughout the journey, may we run the race together, united in the same goal, as we eagerly await the arrival of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I don’t know about you but I am thankful to be a citizen—that is, first and foremost a citizen of the Kingdom!

Amen.