What a joy and privilege it is to celebrate Independence Day! It is a day of celebration but also a day of reflection. On July 4, 1776, a new nation was born out of the heart of God, called “America.” 12 British colonies came together to declare they no longer wanted to be ruled by King George III. They were tired of his tyranny and needed their voices to be heard. They knew many battles had to be fought, and many lives would be lost, but they were willing to pay the price for freedom. So, on July 4, 1776, representatives from the colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence states three basic ideas: 

 

(1) God made all men equal and gave them the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

(2) The main business of government is to protect these rights.

(3) If a government tries to withhold these rights, the people are free to revolt. 

 

The Declaration did not establish the independence of the American colonies. Complete separation from Britain would have to be accomplished by force. Once the Declaration had been adopted, there was no turning back.

 

God established this nation. Even though our country is adrift from its godly foundation, the fervent prayers of the children of God will keep us. We will not forget what our Heavenly Father has done and the motto our country adopted first in 1854 and on our currency in 1956. So, we stand boldly declaring our Declaration of Dependence – “In God We Trust”

 

In You, our fathers trusted [leaned on, relied on, and were confident]. They trusted, and You rescued them. Psalm 22:4 (Amplified)

 

 

 

 For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son…Colossians 1:13 (AMP)

 

 In Christ, We are Equal

 

There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. 29 And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise. Galatians 3:28-29 (AMP)

 

In Christ, We are Secure

 

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15 (AMP)

 

In Christ, We Have Authority

 

And in Him, you have been made complete [achieving spiritual stature through Christ], and He is the head over all rule and authority [of every angelic and earthly power]. Galatians 2:10 (AMP)

 

In Christ, We are Righteous and Holy

 

He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (AMP)

 

In Christ, We Have Intimacy

 

See what an incredible quality of love the Father has shown to us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so, we are! For this reason, the world does not know us because it did not know Him. I John 3:1 (AMP)

 

Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory]. I John 3:2 (AMP)

 

By this the children of God and the children of the devil are clearly identified: anyone who does not practice righteousness [who does not seek God’s will in thought, action, and purpose] is not of God, nor is the one who does not [unselfishly] love his [believing] brother. 1 John 3:10 (AMP)

 

As children of the Most High God, we are grateful for the founding of the United States of America, and we will continue to pray for our country, leaders, and government. However, the loyalty of every believer is to the eternal Kingdom of God. And His kingdom has no end.

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Enjoy Christ, Enjoy (ZOE) Our Life!