“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NIV

My friend, how do you define freedom? 

The dictionary gives us these synonyms for freedom: Self Determination, Independence and Self Governance. These words bring to mind our brave forefathers who gave their lives to fight for our freedom, don’t they?

However, today we are witnessing the chaos and confusion of an independent people determined to govern themselves, many times with no regard for God or the liberty of others.

In our church small groups, we pray for our leaders and for the people to turn their hearts back to God. But in the past few years, the surge of injustice and dishonor in our country has been staggering.

As our Country prepares to celebrate Independence Day, I am keeping my eyes fixed on God to keep hope alive for the future of our country. I could feel God leading me to write this post but my words kept failing me.

After seeking His heart, the first thing the Lord brought across my path was a quote from Abraham Lincoln on the back of a man’s t-shirt. My hubby and I were behind this couple waiting to be seated at a restaurant when my eyes fell on these words:

“My concern is not whether God is on my side. My greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” – Abraham Lincoln

I researched this quote and learned that during the Civil War, someone asked Abe Lincoln if God was on his side. His response revealed the posture of his heart and Whose guidance he sought in his decision making.

Abe knew the battle belonged to the Lord, the One Who helped us to escape religious persecution so we could be free to worship and live for Him. 

President Lincoln’s deep reverance for God is very convicting. As Christians, if we’re not careful, we can be more concerned whether God is for us rather than asking the better question: Are we for Him? Are we on God’s side?

THE TRUE MEANING OF FREEDOM

I believe God’s definition of freedom is simply this: We are truly free when we are free to live for Him!

Jesus paid the ultimate price for us to have this liberty when He died on the cross to break the power and penalty of sin so we could come boldly into the very presence of His Heavenly Father.

The father of our country, George Washington, also exemplified integrity and honor in his leadership.

I’ve always loved the painting of him kneeling in prayer during the hard winter at Valley Forge. One of his quotes encourages me to never give up praying for our nation: “Truth will ultimately prevail where pain is taken to bring it to light.” – George Washington

I hope you will be edified as you soak in the following Bible Verses about our freedom. deliverance and protection under God’s Sovereign care.

Hugs and Prayers …

FREEDOM IN CHRIST – Bible Verses about Freedom 

Please click links below to read the full verse …

• • • Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has …”
    • Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run ...”
    • John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  
    • John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” 
    • John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
    • Acts 13:38-39 “Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you …”
    • Romans 6:14 “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”
    • Romans 6:22-23 “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to …”
    • Romans 7:6 “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way …”
    •  Romans 8:1-2 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ …”
    • Romans 8:15 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received …”
    • Romans 8:21 “Creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory …”
    • Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
    • Ephesians 3:12 “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
    • Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body …”
    • Galatians 4:9 “But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak …”
    • Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again …”
    • Galatians 5:18 “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
    • Galatians 5:13-14 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh …”
    • Galatians 5:16 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
    • Galatians 5:25 “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
    • Colossians 2:20 “You have died with Christ, and He has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you …” 
    • 1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will …”
    • 1 Corinthians 8:9 “But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.”
    • 1 Corinthians 9:19 “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.”
    • 1 Corinthians 10:23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.”
    • 2 Corinthians 3:17 “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
    • James 1:25 “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a …”
    • James 2:12 “So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.”
    • 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
    • 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare …”  
    • 1 Peter 2:16 “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.”
    • Psalm 34:19 “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”
    • Psalm 91:14-15 “Because He holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows My Name. When …”
    • Psalm 97:10 “Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand …”
    • Psalm 118:5 “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.”
    • Psalm 119:45 “And I will walk in freedom, for I have sought out Your precepts.”