This weekend, across America, we remember and celebrate Independence Day and all the freedoms we enjoy thanks to the great sacrifice of those who fought for them.

Among the many freedoms we enjoy in our country, the freedom to worship is one that we believers hold dear. The right to worship God openly and the free access to God's Word, the Bible. In many countries around the world, this freedom still does not exist. Here at ACTS International, we are so thankful for the opportunity we have to share the Word of God with friends around the world through the internet. It is something we do not take for granted and we are filled with gratitude to God for this.

Just as the freedoms in our country were given to us through great sacrifice, so, too, our freedom in Christ required great sacrifice. Jesus gave his life willingly for us to have life, forgiveness, and hope. His sacrifice saved us from the wages of sin which was death.

Many times it is easy to get busy and forget about the sacrifices made, but I encourage you to take a moment daily to thank God for His sacrifice for our salvation and for allowing us the privilege of living in a free country. In gratitude, let us not take for granted the freedoms we have, but use every opportunity to live our faith out loud and share the Gospel of Jesus with others, not only through words, but through our actions. May we always stand up for what is right in God's eyes and make his Word a priority in our lives.

While we look with gratitude to the past on this 4^th of July, may we also look to the future with great faith, and commit our lives to God and His will. The words of the Psalmist are still true today: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."²

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the privilege of living in a country where we can enjoy the many freedoms we have, specifically the right we have to worship you. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us to have life. I pray that you would never allow me to take this great sacrifice for granted, but that you would daily give me opportunities to be a testimony for you. May I always live in gratitude for the freedom I have in you and share your message of hope and love with others openly. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen."  

1.      Romans 8:2 (NIV).

2.      Psalm 33:12.