“Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
   
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free                     
                                              This fourth of July, I’m taking a moment to pause and celebrate the
My God, my Savior has ransomed me                              freedom I experience every day in the USA.  For many years, I have taken
And like a flood His mercy rains                                         the freedom of opportunities, freedom of choice, freedom of                  
Unending love, Amazing grace                                          speech, freedom to express love, freedom to worship for granted.  Yet as
                                                                                                  I stand here today at the precipice of an adventure that may strip me of
The Lord has promised good to me                                 many of these freedoms, I am reminded of true freedom that is found not
His word my hope secures                                                 in a country’s consttution or bill of rights, but in Christ alone.  Many people
 
He will my shield and portion be                                       believe that freedom is doing what I want to achieve a feeling I want, when
As long as life endures                                                        I want and with whomever I want.  For me, true freedom is described in 
                                                                                                  Galations 5 and Romans 8 as a Spirit-filled life, a  life of hope and
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow                          sanctification.  Freedom is never about me, it’s about serving others
The sun forbear to shine                                                      (Gal. 5:13).  It’s about taking joy in being unchained by the control of sin
But God, Who called me here below                                 nature and holding secure to God’s promises.  Freedom is trading
Will be forever mine                                                              control for obedience.  Freedom is experiencing peace and security in the
Will be forever mine                                                              midst of chaotic and dangerous situations.  Freedom is loving on others
You are forever mine”                                                           and giving grace even when I feel wronged.  I have freedom only because
~ Chris Tomlin                                                                       Jesus Christ conquered sin and death on my behalf.  It is this freedom 
                                                                                                  that I celebrate today: freedom in Christ.