Freedom

Tomorrow is the 4th of July.  In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed by men who knew that their lives were forever changed.  If this declaration and war that pursued failed, they would be tried and hung for treason.  This included their families.  It was all or nothing.   They chose all.  The war that followed ensured this nations freedom and independence.  It gave everyone the ability to choose how they would live, their vocations, and where they would live.  It gave everyone a chance. 
 
Years later, another war was fought.  We call it the Civil War.  It was a war to free the slaves and over the rights of the states.   The president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln would pay dearly through this war.  He would lose a son and ultimately his life.  The Emancipation Statue was dedicated to him by the free slaves who paid for the statue with their own earnings.
 
While the history of this nation is slowly being erased, there is another kingdom which deals within the boundaries of the United States.  This kingdom is the Kingdom of Christ.  This Kingdom knows no physical boundaries, not governed by man made governments, and not swayed by societal views.  Christ’s Kingdom is governed by His commandments.  It is lead by His example.  This Kingdom listens to His Spirit.   The freedom of this Kingdom is founded on the cross, where He paid for our freedoms.