THANKFUL THURSDAY...freedom ring

I trust that all of you had a wonderful 4th of July holiday. No doubt, many of you enjoyed a BBQ with the family, or watched a parade or went to a fabulous fireworks show. One of the things that I enjoy seeing around the 4th is the display of all of the American flags. It just gives me goosebumps when I see flags displayed one after another on my local streets, honoring and remembering our freedom.

Have you ever looked at the American flag and wondered what it all stood for?

First of all, it represents the emblem of the greatest nation on earth. As if that is not impressive enough for you...how about the fact that it has been carried through centuries on the battlefield! The American flag also is displayed proudly on the grave sites of many men and women who have fought for the freedoms that you and I enjoy. The American flag...it flies during peace times and during war. It is often referred to as "Old Glory".

As awesome as it is to see Americans waving their flags this time of the year, I have to wonder, why does it take a national holiday to see such spirit?

Do we Americans take our freedoms for granted?

If you have ever traveled to another country as I have, you would clearly understand that yes, we here in America do not comprehend the freedoms that we are able to enjoy. We cannot fully understand the foundation of the Constitution, because if we did comprehend it, then when our forefathers said, "In God we trust", we would all trust in Him.

I don't know when we (as a country) forgot the very foundation that we were built upon, but I declare that it is time that we get back on track. It may not be enough to just wave our banner of freedom once or twice a year, we may need a more frequent reminder of what freedom is. A reminder of what freedom cost!

Another banner of freedom that we should wave more often is the freedom that we have in Christ. I know missionaries that are not allowed to proclaim the name of Jesus in the country that they live or even carry a Bible. Yet, here in our homes, we have 4 or 5 Bibles that sometimes do not even get opened. Clearly, this is yet another freedom that we take for granted.

"because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." -ROMANS 8:2

When God comes in and washes us white as snow, cleans us up and sets us on the right road, we should be waving the flag of His redemptive power high and mighty for all to see. Just like the flag represents freedom, Jesus is a banner over us that shields us and protects us.

"But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head." - PSALM 3:3

Today is THANKFUL THURSDAY and I am honored to be hosting this month. I pray that today you will allow freedom to ring in your heart and that you will join me in praying for our country. That we will return to what it was founded upon. May God bless America (we need it more than ever before!)

Join your grateful heart with ours by linking up your post of thanks below!