Let Freedom Ring

If you’re an American, 4^th of July is a great day of celebration. This day is remembered for severing ties with Great Britain after they imposed unreasonable conditions upon their citizens. God made man free therefore it is a basic human right.

While it is great to be free as a nation, what is more important is that we’re free as individuals. We may no longer succumb to the tyranny of an unjust government; many today are trapped in bondage much more sinister than political control.

Abraham Lincoln said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” What he was saying is that if we become free as an individual, we can be free as a nation.

Today, let’s look at five areas of life where God wants us to be free.

1. Freedom from wrong mindsets. Too many people are trapped into wrong thinking. A wrong mindset is anything contrary to the Bible. Self-limiting thoughts like: I’m nothing special, I’m not attractive, I’m not smart, I’m not gifted, I will never own my own house, I’ll never get married, I’ll never retire are contrary to God’s promises. Our wrong way of thinking is keeping us from experiencing God’s best as an individual, and collectively as a nation. When we disagree with God, we’re dwarfing our potential. A wrong mindset is more dangerous than a venomous snake because it makes us believe we’re doing the right thing while it leads us to destruction. Our freedom has to do with our mindset. What we believe is what we will become.

2. Freedom from want. A great deal of our lives is spent on gathering for ourselves. While we need to assume responsibility for our own provision, we shouldn’t stretch ourselves too thin. When we live beyond our means, we’re digging a hole for ourselves. We should not be greedy. On the other hand, God wants us to have a mentality of abundance. We limit ourselves by thinking that if God has to provide, it has to be through a job, business, stocks, and bonds. While this is a good place to start, why not believe in God for the supernatural? John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” God created the diamond and gold mines. Can we trust Him to meet our needs over and beyond and have plenty left over to help others? Instead of praying to pay off your own house, pray to pay off someone else’s and see what God does! In God, government or job we trust?

3. Freedom from pain. There are different kinds of pain. When we’re in pain, we think differently. Physical, mental, and emotional pain cause us to live a constrained life. God wants to heal our body, mind, spirit, and soul. One way we can be free from that is to forgive those who have done us wrong. When you forgive others, you set a prisoner free and that that prisoner is you. Often people asked Jesus if He wanted to heal. Jesus replied, “I will.” Jesus still wants to heal today! He will heal every place you hurt.

4. Freedom from bad habits. Habits come in different shapes, sizes, and forms. Let’s not judge people because their sin is different from ours. All of us have issues. We can all improve. Thomas Jefferson said, “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” Here are simple steps to overcome a bad habit. Acknowledge > Make yourself accountable > Get help > Give it time.

5. Freedom from sin. God said all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. We’re professional sinners but we don’t have to live that way. John F Kennedy said, “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” You may feel that you’ve failed miserably but Christ paid the ultimate price our freedom. You’re no longer a weak, worm of the dust. You’re the righteousness of God. If you don’t like the way you’re born, today I urge you to be born again. If God can change the world inside of you, He can change the world through you.

Friend, let freedom ring loudest in your heart and let us remember that righteousness exalts a nation. A nation will prosper if we’re living right individually. Jesus didn’t come to change a political order He came to change the heart of men, women and children. Everything changes when the heart is powered by Jesus.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV).

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Be Free

If you’re an American today is the day to celebrate the freedom of this country. It is the only country in the world that was founded on the principles of God’s Word. Our rights and liberties were earned by millions of people giving up their lives.

In real life, nothing is free. Someone always has to pay for the freedom others enjoy. Today is a good day to ponder some of the freedom we enjoy. In America, we have freedom of speech, equal rights, freedom of religion so on and so forth. No other countries in the world enjoy freedom like we do in America.

Like most countries in the world, there’s plenty for us to pray about. But have you ever wonder what’s right with us? You never hear about people wanting to immigrate to China but the whole world wants to come to America. Why is that? The blessings of God still remain upon this great country. We enjoy our freedom because people before us made great sacrifices. If we want to ensure our freedom to continue, we must also be equally committed to God and our country.

There’s a lot of talk about the moral decay of our nation. Frankly, it concerns me too. I wonder what kind of world my children will grow up in. However, you cannot legislate morality. Washington is not responsible for the sins that are so prevalent in our society today. What is lacking is personal responsibility. We’d not have moral and social issues if they’re dealt with at home. Our society is only a reflection of our homes. What we permit in our home and in our private life will ultimate permeate our society.

As we celebrate the freedom of our nation it’s sad to think millions of Americans are still trapped in the bondage of alcohol, drugs, debt, pornography and other harmful addictions. True measure of a nation’s freedom depends on being free from these vices. When we allow God to work in our individual lives our family will be impacted. When our family is touched, our community will be impacted. When our communities are touched, we can influence a nation and the world.

Today, I want talk about three simple steps to overcome any bondage.

1. Admit your weakness and faults. The Bible says that if we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us. Don’t allow people to label you the rest of your life but if we want to change, we must admit and take ownership of our internal problems.

2. Get help from someone else. Just like our founding Fathers had to band together to drive out the opposition, we have to join forces together to overcome the Goliath in our lives. The enemy would make us believe that we’re the only one with this problem. Truth is more people struggle with the same problem as you do. Asking for help shows you’re humble and ready to change. When you ask for help, you’ll get help. What you’re facing is a stronghold. You cannot win with small efforts. Involve others who are an expert in this area. Talk to your mentors.

3. Give it some time. Most of us would love to stand in a prayer line and have the spirit of debt cast out or sickness being healed. Many people give up because it didn’t work out the first, second or the third time. Don’t be impatient. Give God some time to work with. Solving our problems is the easy part. Changing our character is what God is after. It takes time not only to get rid of bad habits but also to replace them with the good ones. If you diligently keep working at it, God has promised to reward you. Learn to have bulldog tenacity. You can have what you’re willing to fight for.

Happy Fourth of July! As you barbeque and spend the day having fun remember, freedom is not free. Take personal responsibility. Don’t point fingers at the society or the government. Be pro-active and be the change. Our nation will change when we change! Eat, pray and celebrate. Happy Birthday America!

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance” (Psalm 33:12 ESV).

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What Makes a Great Nation?

Fourth of July prompted me to think about what made America a great nation and what will it take for us to keep it that way. Let’s look at some principles upon which America was built and what she must continue to uphold if we are to keep experiencing the blessing of God. This is not only a study on America; it is a catalyst for any country that wants to be great on the earth and in the eyes of God.

Biblical principles. America is the only country in the world that was established on the fundamental belief in God’s Word. It was not only founded on the belief that all men and women are created equal, but also with the desire that God’s values and principles should be taught and upheld. Proverbs 12:28 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation.” This means no matter how a country got its start, when its people embrace God’s ordinances, they will be great. This is what happened to Singapore and South Korea. Both nations were idol worshipping countries devastated by war. But they rebuilt their country on God’s principles. Now Christians comprise 30-40% of the population in these countries, and among the most prosperous in the region. Many researchers believe China’s rise as an economic powerhouse is a result of 130 million Christians in innumerable house churches.

Education. We may breathe until we are eighty or ninety years old but we stop living when we stop learning. A great country not only has an outstanding education system but it must also promote learning at every level of society and life. Creating opportunities for affordable education (without causing debt) and providing quality education will keep a country on the cutting edge. Innovation, invention, and creativity should be rewarded. Excellence should be distinguished from the average.

Business and trade. We know governments spend money, but business and trade make money. Yet we are often burdened by bureaucracy and red tape that quenches the spirit of enterprise and trade. For many years I lived in Hong Kong. It is a great place to do business and many global companies have a presence there. One reason Hong Kong is such a great place for business is that a person can apply for a business license one morning and start doing business the next! Ecclesiastes 10:19 says, “Money answers everything.” While we know this is only a partial statement, it is true that in this world, money often equates to power. If we want to become a powerful economic force, we must create an environment of business, entrepreneurship, and trade without burdening citizens with taxes, and deal with those who are greedy for gain.

Productivity. When men become lovers of pleasure and are not willing to work hard, a nation is doomed for destruction. Productivity does not necessarily mean we have to slave away our lives. In my recent trip to Germany, I was told that all businesses are closed on Sunday, but it is still the strongest economy in Europe. When we honor God with our time, He will help us achieve more in less time. Proverbs 12:24 says, “The hand of the diligent will rule but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.” When our nation owes trillions of dollars in foreign trade it shows we are consuming more than we are producing. We should engage our work force and become self-sufficient (in agriculture, energy, economy, etc.)

Justice. No country can prosper without a fair judicial system. Only God does not judge a man until the end of his days – for everybody else, there should be justice on earth. When our judgment is polluted by bribes, lobbyists, and corruption, we shoot ourselves in the foot. Before we point a finger at the world, we must look within ourselves. Justice begins at home.

Responsibility. While it is essential for a civil society to uphold the rights of the people, it is more important to teach responsibility to our fellow citizens. President John F. Kennedy said in his inaugural speech, "Ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country." This statement is a far cry from today’s reality when we are obsessed with our rights more than our duty and responsibility to build a great nation.

Sin and humility. Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” Sin is a universal problem. As long as there are people, there will be sin. There is nothing wrong when we sin, but there is nothing right living in sin. Sinfulness is a fallen nature of humanity. The only way to deal with it is to do what is prescribed in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Benevolence and charity. No man can out give God and His people. When the poor and needy are taken care of, the city rejoices. For a country to prosper, we must help the less fortunate. But it is not productive to reward laziness, dependency, and an entitlement mentality. Charity is a choice, out of willing and compassionate hearts; it should not be coerced.

Israel. One of the easiest ways to get ahead in life is to bless Israel. Do not ask me why, but it was God’s sovereign choice to pronounce this blessing in Genesis 12:1-3. God told Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you (Israel).” The fast track to greatness for a country is found in blessing Israel and becoming its ally.

World Missions. For centuries, it has been proven and documented that when a nation is involved in world missions, it is blessed by God. Norway and New Zealand are two of the smallest countries in the world, but they are also among the greatest missionary sending nations in the world. If you have been to these countries, you know how beautiful they are! If we as Christians want to live peaceful, productive, and prosperous lives, we must think beyond ourselves and invest every resource available to reach our world. If we transmit the beacon of Hope through the Gospel, we will not have to spend billions of dollars trying to combat terrorism. When people find Hope in Christ, they will find purpose to live and make themselves great.

To build a great nation it all comes down to taking individual responsibility. The state of a country is measured by collective individuality. What we do individually will not only affect us now but it will impact our children and generations to come. God bless America.

Happy Independence Day!


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