Semiquincentennial

05 / Sun  | Read Philippians 3:20-21

Overview: July 4 is our country’s 250th anniversary of Independence Day. Due to recent events, many are not sure about how (or if) they’ll celebrate it. It’s a good time to remember that God is still in control.

06 / Mon – Keep this in mind  |  Read Philippians 3:20-21 / Hebrews 12:28

In politically-charged and stressful times, it can be easy to forget our roots, the values/principles upon which this country was founded, and see only the problems before us. Legitimate immigrant citizens born in other countries compare our values with their former country’s and are among the most grateful people you will ever meet. As God’s born-anew son or daughter, you are a citizen of an eternal country where the LORD God is president, king, supreme authority. He’s good, kind, and just. Does it help remembering your present address is only temporary? Keep looking up.

07 / Tue – Seeing them from God’s perspective  |  Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4 / Romans 13:1-7

What are God’s instructions in 1 Timothy concerning people who govern us? Now look at what Paul told the Christians in Rome. What makes Paul’s words so unexpected is that he knew his readers were under Caesar’s iron rule. What counterintuitive fact is in 13:1? How does this differ from what some Christians believe today? Do these verses alter the way you look at your government officials? Read 2:4 again. What is God’s desire? Maybe praying for them is more important than judging people for their politics or seeing them as the enemy? Who will you intercede for today?

08 / Wed – Liberty or freedom?  |  Read John 8:33-36 / Galatians 5:1, 13 / 2 Corinthians 3:17

Liberty and freedom are often used interchangeably, but have distinct meanings in our culture. “Liberty emphasizes the importance of individual rights and the limitations of government power, while freedom focuses on the ability of individuals to pursue their own interests.” In the Bible, the Greek word is translated as liberty in some places and freedom in others. As you read through the verses above, do you get new insights? What can you apply in your own life today?

09 / Thu – Freedom goals #1 and #2  |  Read scriptures below

President Franklin Roosevelt’s 4 Freedoms Speech in 1941 during World War II expressed the freedoms he wanted for every nation…freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. Those ambitious worldwide goals have never been realized as sin keeps getting in the way, but they are available to every citizen in God’s kingdom. Read what He says about these two. Freedom of speech…Eph 4:29; James 1:19, 26; James 3:2, 9; 1 Peter 3:9; Matthew 12:37. Freedom of worship… John 4:23-24; Psalm 100. Which insights will you focus on today?

10 / Fri – Freedom goals #3 and #4  |  Read scriptures below

The next two are freedom from something. Read what God says about these things you can be free of. Freedom from want…Psalm 34:10; Philippians 4:19. Freedom from fear…Psalm 56:3; Psalm 34:4; Psalm 23:4; 1 Peter 5:7; John 16:33. Which verses speak to your heart and mind? How will you apply them today? Now look back over all four. Have you allowed yourself to be drawn away from these truths in any area? If so, talk to the Lord about it. He is the ultimate freedom giver.

11 / Sat – Me, myself and I  |  Read Proverbs 3:5-6 / Philippians 2:3-4

Independence is a good thing, right? The opposite is slavery to or unhealthy dependence on others. Jesus has set you free to be independent of slavery to sin, but not independent of Him or your family in Christ. What does He want? For you to be fully reliant on Him and working together in His body, each one helping the other in healthy ways. This is quite a goal, and you probably need help keeping that balance. The Holy Spirit will do so when you let him. Will you?