God Takes The Summer Off

“We are sorry to inform you that God will not be available during the summer beginning June 1st.  He feels He deserves some time off, so He has canceled His normal duties for the summer.
He has agreed to send the sun and rain occasionally when He happens to be in town, but so far as answering prayers for the needs of your family, please don’t count on Him.

God has let church leaders know that they should not plan any outreach efforts or mission trips during the summer—or at least if they do, they will have to do it without Him because He plans to be gone a lot to see relatives, baseball games and the lake.  God has expressed the opinion that we should find someone else to take His place.

Then we reminded Him of His promise, “Surely I will be with you always,” but He said He didn’t realize when He said it that it meant going two or three years without a break.  He expressed His sincere regret and hopes that it will not cause anyone any inconvenience.

God may be contacted anytime after September 1st at which time He hopes to get back into the routine.  “Please defer all requests until then,” He requested.

Aren’t you glad God doesn’t take the summer off?  As we approach summer, make it your determination to bring yourself and your family to God’s House on Sunday.  He’ll be waiting for us to worship Him.”

Guest Post: Josh Griffin

Proud to have Josh Griffin, High School Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA do a guest spot this month!

God’s Love Brings Permanent Results

by Josh Griffin on February 16, 2014 in Youth Ministry Posts

There is NOTHING like LOVE. Things may heal us temporarily, money can buy us happiness for a short period before we want more of it, and cupcakes may put smiles on our faces…until they are gone. As I once heard, permanent results do not come from temporary change. Permanent results only come from permanent change. These things are only temporary. The only thing that is permanent is LOVE. God is love. Love is the only thing that heals from the inside out…PERMANENTLY!
When I was living the way I wanted to, when I wanted to; I hung out with people with a like-mind. They didn’t want what was best for me or try to build me up. We encouraged each other to do things like cuss and steal, breaking each other down. Neither one of us had direction, how could we lead the other? Living for yourself, with others who do the same, leads to destruction and does not produce love.
That’s why it is so important for us to love people who have no direction, because they have not experienced love. Love will affect their lifestyle choices and change the way the see life. When I first experience God’s love, I was at the lowest point in my life. I walked into the church I am at now for the first time, and people chose to reach out to me. There were people who wanted the best for me and who built me up with the power of love. Through them, I could see it wasn’t over, there was hope, and God had a plan for my life. Only because I could sense the change that was happening on the inside of me, all because of the love God’s people chose to share when I was at my lowest.
Never underestimate the power of love. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18) And where there is no fear, people are empowered and free to do all that God has called them to do!! Let’s be so filled up with God’s love that His love comes out of the overflow of our hearts and into the lives of those who need it most! Let’s bring on some permanent change!!
Ashley Fordinal is the Children’s Church volunteer at Family Life Church in Sulphur Springs, TX.

About Josh Griffin

Josh is the High School Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. He's a prolific blogger and has had the #1 blog in youth ministry for several years running. He's written several books and is one of the co-founders of Download Youth Ministry. He's been in the trenches of youth ministry for 20 years! See all of Josh's DYM Resources right here!

View all posts by Josh Griffin →

He Loves YOU.

Christmas.  Lots of activities, and parties and places to go and things to see and things to buy and whew.
Remember what Christmas was like when you were a kid?  Or even better...remember hearing your grandparents talk about what Christmas was like when they were kids.  Some had it better than others.  My Mom and Dad were in the recession.  There wasn't any money to buy shoes much less gifts.  My grandparents had it even harder.  They made gifts for each other.  That might be a dress, a shirt or a pair of socks.  But one thing they had was each other.  The family unit was important then.  It should be important now.

We just had a Christmas party with gifts, pictures with Santa, and worship for the children and foster parents/parents of Anderson County, Tennessee at our church.  This is an important thing to let people know they are loved and more importantly that God loves them more than they know.

But how do you tell a child that they are loved by God when their own parents and family members abuse and neglect them and tell them they are no better than the dirt they were living in?  I remember when we first received our precious 3 year old foster child.  She was skinny little girl matted with dirt on her face and her hair and her clothes of which had dog feces all over it due to the conditions she was pulled from.  My wife and I immediately took her to Wal-Mart and bought her some clothes.  I remember her when we asked if she like these clothes she would take them in her little hands, and smell them (to make sure they were clean) , then say they were fine.  It almost broke our hearts that she could be so neglected. 

How do you tell a little one like that that there is a Savior who loves her and died for her and that she is loved more than in just telling her?  Most of these kids came from lives we wouldn't wish on our worst enemies.  I won't go into more detail than this, except all you can do when you pray is say "Why?"
Why would a parent allow their children to be neglected and uncared for no matter how much drugs they shoot or swallow or inhale?  The capacity of cruelty we humans are capable of will stagger the mind.

Then you ask..."How can a God love such wretched souls as the human race?"  I mean God knows the hearts of everyone and He still chose to send His only Son to be murdered on the cross by us so that He can pay for our sins and give us the choice of our eternity.  That is a love that I still find hard to believe, but I do.

So in answering our question of the children:  Show them what love is.  Show them what it means to be loved.  Show them what a true man and woman of God is.  Show them that although we make mistakes, that although we heinously mess up, that there is a God who loves them NO MATTER WHAT!!!

I don't claim to be a Billy Graham.  But I am trying daily or as the apostle Paul said "crucify myself daily" to be the love of God on this planet while I am here.  I will mess up.  I will miss opportunities.  But I will make a conscience effort to be the love of God  to these hurting people who know no love.

So this Christmas, be the love of God to everyone you meet.  No, make an effort all through the year.  I am not saying you should Foster some children - although God may lead you into that - all I am saying in this is show the love of the Father.  Christians unfortunately lose sight of that along the way.  Ask a waitress.

The point of this is to say that He Loves You.  No matter where you have been, and no matter where you are going.  His arms are open wide patiently waiting for you to turn to Him.  If you do not know Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, the Creator and Finisher of our faith, the King of Glory, and the best friend you could ever know, think on these things we just talked about.  It is so easy because of His sacrifice on the Cross for your sins.  Ask Him for forgiveness in your doubt, to come into your life right now, and help you to live daily with His love.  That's all.  It's that easy.  No hoops to jump through, nothing to chant, just a God who loves you.  It's called free eternal salvation.  And it's yours for the asking.  But you will need help for daily living.  Find a church and someone to mentor you in this new Christian life.

I would love to hear from you if you need prayer or just to rejoice with you in your decision.
May God bless you and your family this Christmas and throughout the New Year.

-Pastor Rob Lawler
pastorrob01@gmail.com

Should a Christian Celebrate Halloween?!!

It’s the end of October.  Fall is beginning to show in full force as the leaves change quickly, the World Series - an end to our national pastime (Congratulations RedSoxs fans!), and Halloween sends us to the store for last-minute candy.
Many churches and Christians don’t like Halloween. And to offset Halloween, several churches sponsor trunk or treat and parties of their own to try and lure kids away from the traditions of Halloween. But why? Isn’t it all just harmless fun?
Although Halloween has come to be thought of as a night of fun, superstitious spells, and eerie games that people take only as superstitious nonsense, it origins is just the opposite.  Halloween practices began more than 2,500 years ago with Festival of Samhain, otherwise known as the Day of the Dead, or Dia de Muertos.
Many of the Halloween customs that we now practice came from a pagan order of priests called Druids. The Druids would dress up in dark robes (costumes) and go from house to house to collect food for their dead spirits (treat). If you did not have what they wanted, your household could be cursed or, even worse, a loved one would be taken for a human sacrifice (trick). They even carried lanterns with them, made from hollowed-out turnips or gourds with and oil lamp inside and the face of the evil spirit that guides them carved into it. This evil spirit was named Jock of the lantern (or Jack-O- Lantern).
In the eighth century, the Pope, in an attempt to get the people to give up the Festival of Samhain, established All Saints Day on November 1. All Saints Day came to called All Halloweds, since it was a day to worship all the hallowed ones. Since the Day of the Dead occurred the day before, it came to be called All Halloweds Evening, later Hallows E’en, and finally Halloween.
Obviously, Halloween has an evil origin, which is why most churches probably frown upon it. After all the Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:22, “Avoid every kind of evil”.
The Bible tells us to avoid the practices that Halloween promotes. “When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. (Deuteronomy 18:9-12)
I’m not against Halloween, but I am against the evil that it stands for. If you don’t believe me, then look in the newspaper or listen to the evening news on November 1. You’ll hear all about it. Is it any wonder what Paul was talking about when he said, “You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.”? (Galatians 4:10-11)
The Bible states in  Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
The famous Bible teacher J. Vernon McGee wrote, “Being a light means giving out the Word of God in one way or another. This doesn’t mean that you should be quoting Scripture all the time, but it does mean that you are to share the light that God has given you. It is very easy to cultivate some person, then quietly and graciously introduce them to a Bible-teaching church or radio program. There are many ways in which you can be light in the world.”
It’s necessary to have that quiet, personal relationship with God, but you must also live openly in such a way that others may see actions that show God’s love and goodness and bring Him praise. That’s what letting your light shine is all about.
The holiday season is nearly here, starting with Halloween on October 31. This time of the year provides you with multiply opportunities to let the light of God shine through you.

What can Christians do on Halloween?

Every community needs churches to put on “Hell House” or “Judgment House” productions ,“Trunk or Treats” to counter the haunted houses. Make sure your home is well lit and inviting for children out trick or treating. In addition to candy, give them a gospel tract. Also, pray with each group of kids before they leave. If you don’t know where to get tracts, you can order from one of my favorites at www.chick.com .

NO CHILD SHOULD COME TO YOUR HOME AND LEAVE WITHOUT KNOWING THAT JESUS IS LORD!
For those with children, go ahead and take them out trick-or-treating! They can dress up as Bible characters. Let them go door to door for candy, BUT, in return for the candy, they should give the homeowner a tract. GOD CAN USE THESE CHILDREN TO HELP SPREAD THE
God can use these children to share the hope and love of Christ with people that will never hear the message any other way. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE HOW GOD CAN USE THE CHILDREN ON THIS NIGHT!!!
There is no reason a Christian should have to fear Halloween, nor is there any reason a Christian should have to participate in the way the world celebrates Halloween. It actually is a perfect opportunity to go on the offensive and make this a day to celebrate witnessing our faith to this lost and dying world.

Top 10 Christian Cliches

Christians say some crazy things.
We think we are being spiritual, godly, helpful, wise, encouraging, but really we are sticking our big stinky feet in our big open mouths. There are quite a few phrases within the church that irk me. I’m guessing you feel the same.
Here are the Top 10 Christian phrases I never want to hear again--starting with … 

1. “Guard your heart.”

Yes, this phrase is scriptural and comes from Proverbs 4:23. I have usually heard this snippet of Scripture used in reference to a dating relationship.
One girl would pray for another, something like this: “Lord, please help her ‘guard her heart’ in this relationship with this particular boy … ” What they really want to pray and what they really should pray is: “Lord, help her be sexually pure and stay out of bed in this relationship with this particular boy … ” Just pray what you mean.

2. “I’ll pray for you.”

OK, this one is tricky, because I don’t want to judge. I want to believe that when someone says they will pray for you, they will actually pray.
I suspect, however, that all too often, Christians throw this phrase out as a nice-ism to either make someone feel better or because they don’t know what else to say.
Side note: I take this phrase very seriously, and I want you to know that when I say that I will pray for you I actually will.

3. “Quiet time.”

I’m going to be honest—I despise this phrase. It does not exist in the Bible (the concept does on some level, perhaps), yet we throw this around like law.
Did you have your “quiet time?” Don’t forget your “quiet time.” It goes on and on.
How about setting aside time to be quiet before the Lord, yes, but also meeting with Him in the loud times, the crazy times, the exhausting times—basically throughout your day and throughout your life?

4. “I don’t feel led.”

 This is another time when you just need to say what you mean. More often than not, it’s not that we “don’t feel led,” but rather, we just don’t want to.
Instead of being honest, we blame God, as if He was directing us elsewhere.

5. “It was the Lord’s will … ” when something fails.

Again, this is not always the case, but I have witnessed this phrase become a catch-all to excuse irresponsibility or sin.
Perhaps a ministry, or church, or (worst of all) a marriage failed because responsible parties allowed it to fail. Perhaps it really wasn’t “the Lord’s will.”

6. “Hedge of protection.”

I have caught myself starting to pray it as well, and I stop in my tracks. It’s just a silly Christian-ism.
Again, pray what you mean.

7. “Walk with the Lord.”

I don’t dislike this phrase so much as I think it has become trite.
More than that, we say this in front of unbelievers constantly, and they must be thinking, “What the what?”

8. “Invite Jesus into your heart.”

Again, I don’t despise this Christian-ism; however, I think besides not being entirely scriptural, it fails to communicate the fact that a life devoted unto Christ is the goal—total surrender, nothing less.

9. “Sinner’s prayer” or “Prayer of salvation.”

This phrase is not Biblical. God reaches us all differently.

10. “Jesus loves you.”

It is completely, 100 percent true. He does love you … and me. A bumper sticker isn’t the way to communicate His love, however. Action is.
 _________________________________________________________________

by Nicole Cottrell

Start The School Year Off Right!!!

This is a great time to get rid of a few of our bad habits, start a some good ones, and try to do  better than last year.

Have A Daily Quiet Time With God

The time we personally spend with God defines us. If we skip spending time with Him, our lives lack true definition. The reasons for studying the Bible and praying are far too great to neglect. 

If you struggle to keep a daily quiet time schedule, don't freak out. A lot of people struggle with  this. But let me encourage you to really commit to making time each day to spend reading God's Word, praying, and listening. 

Psalm 119:9-16 (NIV)  -"How can a young person keep their way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word."

Eat Better

About nine in 10 teenagers eat junk food every day. This might be fizzy drinks and high-cholestrol snacks like potato chips. However, your body can’t run properly on inferior fuel.  A poor diet can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, constipation, fatigue and concentration problems – even when you’re young. If you don't feel good, it's hard to be effective!

       1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)-  "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit       within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.         So glorify  God in your body."  -this goes with the next point as well.

Exercise

I Timothy 4:8 – which reads “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 

Studies show that exercise gives us physical and mental energy, it gives us stronger muscles and bones, helps us sleep better, reduces fatigue, depression, and anxiety, fights heart disease, and generally gives you a longer, healthier life. “Physical training is of some value.”

Start A Routine

Some tips for how to stop bad habits and start good habits, from Awaken the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins:

1) Identify what you want. Be very clear and specific.
2) Link intense pain to not changing and intense pleasure to immediate change.
3) Interrupt the bad habit when it is occurring.
4) Replace the bad habit with a new, good habit.

Think about your life: What do you want to change?

Routines can be good when they help us establish good working habits. I find when I stick to a routine, I accomplish some of the little things that I may not always enjoy doing. 

       Romans 12:2 (ESV) - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your         mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Psalm 119:9, (NIV) - “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word” .

These are only some of the ways you can begin your new year off to the right start.  Begin today.

Bad habits are called "Bad Habits" for a reason.  Be all you can be for God!

Independence Day from a Christian-American perspective.

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

To most people, it's just some scribbled lines on an old piece of paper under glass in a museum. But what really happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

These brave men who paved the way for the United States of America to become the great nation it is today.

Think about it for a minute. These men didn't get to enjoy all the freedoms we do.  

5 of the ones who signed were tortured by the British as traitors before they died. 12 had their homes ransacked and burned. 2 lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. 9 of the 56 fought and died in the brutal Revolutionary War. They signed, and they pledged their lives, their homes, and their honor.

24 were lawyers and jurists. 11 were merchants, 9 were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing that the penalty would be death if they were captured!

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without any pay, and he kept his family in hiding. All of his possessions were taken from him, and he was in poverty.

 Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and also died in poverty.

Vandals and soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr, stated that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. They put his wife in jail, and she died within a few months. John Hart was taken from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children ran for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were destroyed. For over a year he lived in the forests and caves, and upon returning home, he found his wife dead and his children gone. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar tragedies.

This 4th of July we get together with family and friends, and enjoy the time off from work. But I would suggest taking a few moments to reflect and thank God for the amazing sacrifices that were made so that we could enjoy freedom. And moreover, take some time to reflect on the One who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom from sin and death. Jesus was the ultimate revolutionary who bought our freedom from a life of chasing ridiculous things like money, fame, and power. 

The gospel of Jesus Christ is our declaration of independence, and we should have the same attitude as those men who signed the Declaration of Independence:

"For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Let this holiday remind you that we have been set free from a life of slavery to sin, now we can proclaim the message of true spiritual independence to our friends and family.

Dedicate yourself to being a true patriot for God! 

...and may God bless you and your families this July 4th.

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

To most people, it's just a bunch of scribbled lines on an old piece of parchment under a glass case in a museum. That's why the majority of Americans have never stopped and pondered what actually happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Sad - because they are the brave souls who paved the way for the United States of America to become the great nation it is today.
- See more at: http://www.dare2share.org/devotions/a-patriot-for-god/#sthash.eBDFtBlI.dpuf

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

To most people, it's just a bunch of scribbled lines on an old piece of parchment under a glass case in a museum. That's why the majority of Americans have never stopped and pondered what actually happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Sad - because they are the brave souls who paved the way for the United States of America to become the great nation it is today.
Just for the record, these men didn't get to enjoy the freedoms we do. Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr, noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
This 4th of July we get together with family and friends, and enjoy the time off from work. But I would suggest taking a few moments to reflect and thank God for the astonishing sacrifices that were made so that we could enjoy freedom. As well, take some time to reflect on the One who made the ultimate sacrifice to acquire for us freedom from sin and death. Jesus was the ultimate revolutionary who bought our freedom from a life of chasing ridiculous things like money, fame, and power. The gospel is our declaration of independence, and we should have the same attitude as the men who signed the Declaration of Independence:

"For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Let this holiday remind you that we have been set free from a life of slavery to Satan, now we can proclaim the message of true spiritual independence to our friends and family. Dedicate yourself to being a patriot for God, then watch the spiritual fireworks begin!
- See more at: http://www.dare2share.org/devotions/a-patriot-for-god/#sthash.eBDFtBlI.dpuf

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

To most people, it's just a bunch of scribbled lines on an old piece of parchment under a glass case in a museum. That's why the majority of Americans have never stopped and pondered what actually happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Sad - because they are the brave souls who paved the way for the United States of America to become the great nation it is today.
Just for the record, these men didn't get to enjoy the freedoms we do. Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr, noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
This 4th of July we get together with family and friends, and enjoy the time off from work. But I would suggest taking a few moments to reflect and thank God for the astonishing sacrifices that were made so that we could enjoy freedom. As well, take some time to reflect on the One who made the ultimate sacrifice to acquire for us freedom from sin and death. Jesus was the ultimate revolutionary who bought our freedom from a life of chasing ridiculous things like money, fame, and power. The gospel is our declaration of independence, and we should have the same attitude as the men who signed the Declaration of Independence:

"For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Let this holiday remind you that we have been set free from a life of slavery to Satan, now we can proclaim the message of true spiritual independence to our friends and family. Dedicate yourself to being a patriot for God, then watch the spiritual fireworks begin!
- See more at: http://www.dare2share.org/devotions/a-patriot-for-god/#sthash.eBDFtBlI.dpuf

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

To most people, it's just a bunch of scribbled lines on an old piece of parchment under a glass case in a museum. That's why the majority of Americans have never stopped and pondered what actually happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Sad - because they are the brave souls who paved the way for the United States of America to become the great nation it is today.
Just for the record, these men didn't get to enjoy the freedoms we do. Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr, noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.
This 4th of July we get together with family and friends, and enjoy the time off from work. But I would suggest taking a few moments to reflect and thank God for the astonishing sacrifices that were made so that we could enjoy freedom. As well, take some time to reflect on the One who made the ultimate sacrifice to acquire for us freedom from sin and death. Jesus was the ultimate revolutionary who bought our freedom from a life of chasing ridiculous things like money, fame, and power. The gospel is our declaration of independence, and we should have the same attitude as the men who signed the Declaration of Independence:

"For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Let this holiday remind you that we have been set free from a life of slavery to Satan, now we can proclaim the message of true spiritual independence to our friends and family. Dedicate yourself to being a patriot for God, then watch the spiritual fireworks begin!
- See more at: http://www.dare2share.org/devotions/a-patriot-for-god/#sthash.eBDFtBlI.dpuf