Devotional - July 1, 2026

Scripture: Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Saturday is July 4th!  A time to celebrate our nation's independence and freedom from monarchical rule.  Something, we celebrate each Sunday in Christ.  For, in Christ, we are set free!  I hope you have embraced that freedom in your life.  For in Him, you are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).  The ways in which you used to live, your experiences, mistakes, mess-ups, all of it.  In Christ, you can leave it behind.  Moreover, you can be honest about it.  You don't need to mislead, misrepresent, or embellish any of it.  You can embrace your humanity and claim your misgivings.  Where possible, ask for forgiveness or make reparations (Luke 6:31).  We are not perfect.  In Christ, you can stop struggling and let the dust settle in your life.  What is ... is, so be it.  Go onward.  Now, you live for Christ and in the ways of Christ.  You still are not perfect, but you don't suffer from the shame and guilt that used to permeate your life and dictate your behavior.  Popular opinion is not your concern.  But more than that, you can freely love others knowing they are not perfect either.  Yes, you still need to keep good boundaries, but it also allows you to be compassionate and sympathetic.  Grace is not just a great thing to receive from others.  It is just as great to give it to others as well.  So while you celebrate our nation's independence, watching the fireworks explode in front of you, let the celebration of your spiritual freedom be present as well.  Celebrate that through Christ, you are forgiven, and you can forgive as well.  Enjoy the hamburgers and hotdogs smothered in your favorite accompaniments and be thankful that you live in a nation, the United States of America, where you can enjoy the freedom we celebrate.   

Pray with me..., Holy God, thank You for all the blessings You have provided in my life.  Thank you for the freedom You have provided for me.  Help me live fully within it.  Lord, here us as we pray for our loved ones.  We ask Your blessing upon their lives and the life of our church.  Bless us, O God, so we can be a blessing to others, in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

God's peace,

Pastor Brian