Posted on July 3, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
There is a story about a pig and a chicken that were walking by a church where a grand party was taking place. The pig was quite thrilled about the celebration and suggested to the chicken that they each make a contribution.
“Great idea!” the chicken cried. “Let’s offer them ham and eggs?” “Not so fast,” said the pig. “For you, that’s a contribution. For me, it’s total commitment.”
For our founding fathers, they were not just looking at making a contribution when securing our freedom on July 4, 1776 — they made a total commitment. The fifty-six men who signed their names to the Declaration of Independence not knowing the risks that they would face.
Five of the men were captured and tortured before they died. Twelve of the men had their homes looted or destroyed by the enemy. Nine of the fifty-six died in the war from its hardships and bullets. One was harassed and forced to move his family five times in five months.
Thomas Nelson Jr. laid his life on the line by raising two million dollars on his on signature to help our allies. After the war, he wiped out his entire estate paying back the loads. He was never reimbursed by his government and died bankrupt and was buried in an unmarked grave. Historians tell is that Thomas Nelson Jr. pledged his life, his fortune, his sacred honor. All that for our freedom!
But One greater than our founding fathers gave an even greater sacrifice so that we could be FOREVER FREE and a part of God’s FOREVER family. God the Father gave His precious Son, Jesus Christ, to secure our freedom from the bondage of sin. Jesus died on the Cross to purchase your freedom. His was not just a “contribution” but a total “commitment.” He gave His life so that you could live victoriously in this ever-changing world.
Take some time this as we celebrate our freedom as a nation to thank HIM for securing your freedom for all eternity. “He sealed your pardon with His blood – Hallelujah! What a Savior.”
Written by Bill Welte: President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
Think About This: “Only God can provide us with an eternal perspective and speak to us with absolute and final authority.” – R.C. Sproul
The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 14, 2 Chronicles 25, Jonah 1-2. You can download our 2023 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness…’” Hebrews 3:7-8
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
