Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24)

Today in the United States of America we celebrate Independence Day, which commemorates our separation from Great Britain. While I could’ve have written about our ultimate freedom in Christ from Sin, the Holy Spirit hit me with a play on words, separating Independence to IN DEPENDENCE on God!

The wisest man to ever live wrote…Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. [7] Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. [8] Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. – Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT

Consider…
We live in a world that increasingly promotes independent thinking and living. But the Apostle Paul tells believers…Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. – Romans 12:2 NLT

That means living with a submission to the King of Kings mentality rather than a “have it your way” Burger King one. Instead of seeking to “have it your way” we should let Christ be King of our lives and say Have It, Yaweh! (Shout out to my Minister of Music KP for the T-shirt share) 🤗

This liberating thinking allows us freedom chasing windmills and instead find everything we need in the Wind-maker.

That’s what Jesus means when He says…“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ [32] These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. [33] Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. – Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

You see the key to having everything we need isn’t independent living, rather it’s living dependent on the only One capable of meeting all our needs.

That’s what the Apostle Paul promised a generously and sacrificially selfless group of believers when he wrote…And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19 NLT

Paul was saying as they selflessly focused on supporting him for the cause of Christ, God would support them in return. 🙏🏾

That reminds me of the old spiritual offering chant we used to sing growing up…

You can’t beat God’s giving, no matter how you try
And just as sure as you are living
And the Lord is in heaven on high
The more you give, the more He give to you
But keep on giving because it’s really true
That you can’t beat God’s giving, no matter how you try

You see the misguided thinking of independence is self-centered and self-reliant pursuit of all our wants and needs. I say it’s misguided because the irony is it depends on others…

• We’re born because of our parent’s decision
• We’re employed by employers
• We live in homes built by others
• We’ve been educated and trust the teaching of others
• We buy products and groceries produced by others
• We seek medical care and support from others…and so on

Ironically, even America’s Declaration of Independence actual only celebrates shifting from Great Britain’s monarchy to our democracy, both are governing authorities dictating the rules for it’s royal subjects or citizens.

That’s no different than the Apostle Paul pointing out…When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. [21] And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. [22] But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. – Romans 6:20-22 NLT

You see God freed us from the power of sin to live dependent on Him!

That’s what 2 Corinthians 5:15 (NLT) is emphasizing…He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

So today, as America celebrates it’s Independence, let’s re-ratify our personal resolution to live IN DEPENDENCE on God for everything!

Today’s song is make Christ your…
Firm Foundation

Blessings 4HG (1 Corinthians 10:31)