July 2, 2023
Freedom from and freedom to
In the United States of America, we celebrate our freedom on July 4th , Independence Day. We honor those who fought so that we could be a free country. This is particularly meaningful to me as I have both a son and a grandson in the military. They stand ready today to fight for freedom and I am grateful for that. I wear my patriotic red, white and blue and pray for them. And I stand in awe of fireworks that light up the sky to commemorate freedom to be independent. Freedom is precious and I am grateful for all who have fought and still fight for it. But I never want to forget the One who fought for the most important freedom of all. Jesus. He fought and died so that we could be free from the power of sin and death. Romans 8:2 says it clearly: “…through Christ Jesus the law of the spirit who gives life set you free from the law of sin and death.” (NIV) This “free from” is more powerful than any “free to.” It is because we are free from the power of sin that we are free to love, serve, help, and sacrifice our will and our wants. This dependence on Jesus is true independence. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) Freedom is a gift from above, a gift that we can share with others who are bound in slavery to sin. On July 4th this year, take time to honor and remember those who fought for your freedom and independence, then also take time to pray a prayer of gratitude to Jesus who died to set you “free indeed,” free to pass on His love.How will your 4th of July be different this year because you are remembering that Jesus has set you free? by Jeannie Blocher, Fort Wayne, IN
Jeannie and her husband Roy Blocher founded Body & Soul® in 1981 and she currently serves as the Director of Spiritual Impact, leading a dedicated team of Instructors in creating spiritual resources for the ministry. Jeannie loves spending time with family, which now includes 9 grandchildren, spread over three states. She loves encouraging both family and Body & Soul® friends to grow in faith & fitness!