Independence Day

"Twenty beheaded bodies were discovered Thursday on the banks of the Tigris River…a parked car bomb killing at least 20 people and wounding more than 50…three mortar rounds slammed into a popular shopping district."  These are some snippets of news that came from one article that contained information of the violence in Iraq.  Those who live there are trying to survive an onslaught of pressure from religious extremists who seek to gain power and control by coercion.  With our armed forces securing our defenses around the world and keeping us safe while we sleep, how will you celebrate the Fourth of July?

I am very thankful that we live in a country that allows religious freedom.  We are indebted to those who came to this country hundreds of years ago and declared our independence as a free, self-governing nation. Later, our Founding Fathers established a constitution that guaranteed religious freedom.  This freedom allows me to worship God in spirit and in truth and in all probability I won't be blown up or beheaded for doing so.

The Apostle Paul said, "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18) Freedom to choose my religion gives me the right to find the truth about God's word, but I have an obligation to express gratitude for the price of that freedom.

Paul