4 Jul, 2008
Celebrating Our Independence
Should we be celebrating our dependence?
Think of all the fireworks God can watch tonight!
photo courtesy images.google.com
Joshua 24:14-15
Choose Whom You Will Serve
14 “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about dependence on God?
Today's scripture is the story of Joshua challenging the Israelites to choose to always honor, obey and serve God. Though they talked like they would always follow God, they soon started worshiping other "gods" and idols. As a result they faced God's judgment.
When our country was first founded, our leaders declared a dependence on God. Now our culture is following many other "gods" and idols.
We have the incredible privilege of celebrating our nation’s birthday today, but God wants us to stop declaring our independence from Him and live in dependence on Him in every way.
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
The best way is to daily declare a personal dependence on God. Each of us must choose between living for ourselves or for Jesus Christ.
Make a written list of how you practice independence from God and confess it to Him. Keep it where you will see it every day for the next month. Let Jesus help you make the necessary changes. As you abide in Him, He will abide in you. Depending on Jesus will become a great habit!
If you see fireworks tonight, thank God for your freedom in America and pray that she will come back to a dependence on God.
Pray…..God, thank you for our freedom in this country. Thank you for the freedom from sin you have given me. I confess the ways I have been living in independence from you. Jesus, help me to stay connected to you every day…that’s when the real “fireworks” will be displayed to this world! Amen….
How can we connect today's God's Story and our story to others?
When you go see fireworks tonight, do all the “oohs and ahas”, but you might have an interesting conversation with someone by asking them:
- Do you think God is watching fireworks? How many?
- What do you think God wants from us – independence or dependence?
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