Happy 4th of July

Definition of independent (according to Merriam-Webster, of course)

...not subject to control by others...not looking to others for one's opinion,

or for guidance in conduct.

The synonym for independent is free. Isn't it wonderful to live in a "free" country? I so very much appreciate all the men and women who willingly go to war to preserve our freedoms. I keep little flags year round in our yard...behind the mailbox, and in some of my flower boxes. They serve as a reminder of the fact that I live in America and how blessed I am....and I think of that when I walk by the house and see those little red, white and blue flags.

But....another thing that came to my mind is "free will". Our pastor touched on it a bit in his message last evening. My prayer partner and I have talked before about how much easier life would be if we didn't have free will...if there was a strict set of rules and regulations that we have to follow. Now, you're probably thinking, "well, what about the Bible?". There is no law that says that any of has to follow the guidelines that the Bible sets forth...that's where that free will comes into play again...it's up to us.

Here is Merriam-Webster's definition of free will:

Freedom of humans to make choices that are not determined by prior causes. or by divine intervention.

Don't you agree that if, as a Christian, we're trying to live as closely to the heart of Jesus as possible...that we cannot be independent of God? Of course we can't!!! We have to bring ourselves under His control and we have to look to Him for guidance in everything that we say and do. I've said before...the most difficult thing that I ever tried to do...was be a Christian out of the will of God...it just doesn't work...it made me sick...physically, emotionally, and spiritually sick!!! Praise His name that He saw fit to continue to love me and shelter me, even when I was following my own free will...and not His!!! It's so much more peaceful in His arms than in the strong hold of the world!!!

So...I hope each of you have a safe and happy 4th of July....Independence Day!!

Just please remember the One that we are dependent on!!