"You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. " Psalm 31:8, NIV
During this weekend we're reminded of all of those who've gone before to fight for our country so that we can remain America the Free. I'm not sure how many truly realize the cost of freedom and what it takes for us to remain that way. In fact, many of our basic rights such as freedom of religion are disintegrating right before our eyes and yet with so much apathy prevalent it seems as though we're sleeping right through a take-over.
There is always a cost to freedom. The funny thing is freedom does not come free! The cost for freedom usually has a high debt attached and always with the shedding of blood. Just ask any soldier returning from war.
It has been this way since Adam and Eve ate of the tree. God had to shed the blood of animals to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve, and we've been shedding blood ever since.
In order to be freed from sin God shed the blood of His only Son. What? Don't you mean we did? Well yes and no. God is always in control and all things work together for the good of those who love Him; according to His purpose and will. So really God GAVE us His only Son who then willingly, obediently went to the Cross to die for our transgressions. Those nails could not have held Him there. Love did.
Freedom is really very expensive. It's not free. We find freedom when we can willingly lay down our lives for others, regarding them as better than us, loving them as Jesus loves us and all for the greater good. Freedom isn't about us as individuals, it's about giving up the right to yourself. Giving up the right to your own life if necessary.
I've been reading my friend Nani Aki Linder's book, Trial by Fire, and the entire book is one of selfless suffering, giving, integrity and honor. She writes, "A person's character is measured by what he does for all creatures, be they animal or human being. Beyond that, when you help those who can do nothing for you in return, then the blessings will come. "
You see she understands that through her immense suffering, she has found the freedom in letting go and letting God. While that may sound cliche to you, it is the simple truth. Freedom is a gift that is not acquired but earned.
As Americans we have freedom because others were willing to die for the privilege. Expecting it without earning it, is naive at best and apathetic at worst. We find freedom when we are willing to sacrifice ourselves, our lives, our own freedom even for the greater good. Remember freedom is never free.
*Dedicated to all the men and women who have given their lives in bravery and courage that we might continue to be a free America. Thank you!*
About the Author:
Kim Bloomer is a natural pet care consultant who teaches others how to care for their pets naturally and preventatively using therapeutic grade essential oils, whole food supplements and natural feeding. Go to aspenbloom pet care to learn more. Visit her dog's blog to find out what the animals say about caring for them naturally aspenbloom pet care
Originally published for aspenbloom pet care
It is tough being here on this plane. You have... Read More
I was recently asked how I interpreted the Mayan and... Read More
There is an prayer process in every religion and everyone... Read More
We want to hear from God so that we may... Read More
I always thought Ecclesiastes was like Proverbs. That's probably because... Read More
The possibility of almost 400 Old Testament prophesies coming to... Read More
You decide! We are often asked to make decisions. Decision... Read More
I was walking down the street the other day, walking... Read More
There is an inherent generosity in the human spirit to... Read More
Until recently, miracles were usually credited to a supernatural power.... Read More
Some people go to physics and spiritual readers for advice... Read More
Is it not true that only after gaining Enlightenment (Self-Realization)... Read More
Is it really possible that Don Juan could command the... Read More
Life, no matter how we choose to look at it,... Read More
Most of us know that the universe - God's universe... Read More
In the game of billiards there are two things you... Read More
Did we just overlook the amount of love that God... Read More
Many of us have been taught that it is wrong... Read More
Do you want victory in your life? Do you have... Read More
Throughout history, what is portrayed in all religions as being... Read More
Catch the express or the super fast bullet train. If... Read More
Have you ever noticed how much our lives resemble a... Read More
With those words recorded in Exodus 15:26, God proclaims to... Read More
While I do hope to avoid arguing the merits or... Read More
There is nothing more valuable to a sentient being then... Read More
high-end home cleaning Winnetka ..Here they are, our Ladies of Mercy and Divine Benevolence.... Read More
Did you ever get a feeling or gain notion of... Read More
Aristotle referred to happiness as the most we can achieve.... Read More
Last week, I sat at my computer and watched the... Read More
Some may ask why in a disaster some people are... Read More
Do you ever feel that what you read in some... Read More
In the year 2000, I went on a mission trip... Read More
I thought I would draw this article up as a... Read More
I still remember the scene vividly. I was getting out... Read More
Baptism and christening ceremonies are an important event that signifies... Read More
How did an artist accidently learn healing visualizations and improve... Read More
As a child growing up, whenever I was worried about... Read More
How does God see you? Does He like what He... Read More
My mentor, a brilliant Ph.D, with a powerful marriage counseling... Read More
Five verses specify that we are to live by faith.... Read More
In Corrogue I am finding it's a wonderful life.Let me... Read More
1. How can anyone receive direct communication from Divine Source,... Read More
The following fragment was found in Qumran along with the... Read More
2 Corinthians 6:17-6:17For God so loved the world, that He... Read More
Connecting with the Moon phases, the Full and New Moon... Read More
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. --ROMANS... Read More
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- =-Excerpt From The Relationship Handbook: How to Understand and... Read More
Good morning beloved,I always feel a need to let people... Read More
Just for a moment think of what is stopping you... Read More
Are you facing some challenges in your life right now?... Read More
Spirituality |