Fireworks and Freedom!

Friday night we experienced up close a phenomenal fireworks display at Lake Harrington. Our host had organized the most amazing selection of colors and sounds to entertain family, friends and their neighbors on the lake. It was super! What power---dynamite! We were thrilled. Then tonight, we attended a patriotic concert in Woodford county. What great ways to celebrate our nation's birthday!

How blessed we are to live in the United States of America!

As our CURE International GO Team travels outside of the USA, we have been training to serve the Lord with our eyes wide open. We will observe many cultural differences for sure. We will hopefully learn and share stories with those we meet. We will be challenged and blessed. We will certainly return with gratitude for the many blessings we enjoy in the USA.

The Declaration of Independence speaks of Liberty and Justice for all. Consequently, the USA is a nation established to provide opportunity for all.

*Opportunity and freedom to worship the Lord Jesus Christ

*Opportunities of education and employment

*Opportunity to live in security....

With opportunity comes responsibility........

*To share our material blessings

*To share our knowledge base and to empower those who have been marginalized by society due to poverty, ignorance or other discrimination.

There is the responsibility to do the right thing.

Our responsibility-my responsibility as I go to Uganda is to follow God's instructions in Ephesians 5:15-21 which include the commands:
1. Live carefully
2. Be wise
3. Make the most of every opportunity
4.Understand what the Lord's will is
5. Be filled with the Holy Spirit
6. Speak and sing the words that are a melody to God from your heart
7. Give thanks always to God for everything
8. Be willing to relinquish my personal rights out of respect for Christ

Yes, I enjoy liberty in the USA and liberty as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. With that liberty comes responsibility of relinquishing my rights to self direction and align myself with God's words and ways. OUCH!

To do that consistently----I'll be needing a power that is stronger than fireworks!
Thankfully, the same power that raised Christ from the dead is available--the Holy Spirit's power-spiritual life giving and empowering to do the right thing---obey God!

What a freedom!!