Celebrating the Ultimate Freedom this 4th of July Weekend
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photo by congerdesign on pexels
I’ve been thinking about blood lately. No, I’ve haven’t been reading Dracula or watching horror films (which I NEVER do anyway—yuck!).
But I have been reading The Power of Communion by Beni and Bill Johnson (if you’re not familiar with communion—also called the Lord's Supper—it's a Christian practice in which we remember how Jesus’ blood was spilled and His body was broken during His death—you can read more here), and I also recently had some blood drawn for some lab tests.
Blood is something I often take for granted, but it is actually really amazing. In their book, Bill and Beni Johnson say, “It truly is the river of life. Blood has three main functions: to provide life, health, and protection. The red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to every area of the body. They also disperse nutrients and vitamins to the exact parts of the body where they are needed…The white blood cells, along with lymphocytes, help to build the body’s entire immune system…It’s no accident that blood plays such an integral role in the Bible. There is life in the blood.”
Our blood sustains our life and, when analyzed, can let us know of any illnesses or imbalances.
But as amazing as human blood is, the blood of Jesus—the focal point of communion, along with His body—is beyond awesome. We look at our own blood to find out if something is wrong inside us, but it’s through Jesus' blood that all that is wrong can be made right.
Through Jesus’ blood we gain
Freedom from fear and worry. (2 Tim. 1:7)
Freedom from addictions. (1 Cor. 10:13-14)
Freedom from physical and emotional pain. (Is. 53)
Freedom to walk with meaning and purpose. (Rom. 4)
Freedom to come boldly into the presence of God Himself. (Heb. 4)
This week in America, we’re celebrating the freedoms we enjoy in this great country and remembering the blood spilled to provide our freedom. And for that I am utterly thankful. But I am even more thankful for freedom I’ve found in Christ and the power the most precious, powerful blood of God Himself.
As you celebrate freedom this weekend, both as an American (if you are American) and as a follower of Christ (if you are one), consider: What will you do with this freedom you’ve been given? How can you walk in purposeful love today? How can you positively impact the people around you?
You have a purpose, and God wants to partner with you to empower you to make a difference!
With love,
P.S. If you feel like communion is a dry ritual you perform at church every once in a while, check out Beni and Bill’s book on communion! It has been so encouraging to me and has really been changing the way I see—and do—communion. Really, at it’s core, it’s about remembering what Jesus did for us, and for all the freedom He provided for us through his blood! You can find the book here!
Meditate
“You have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other” (Galatians 5:13 TLB).
I want to hear from you!
What freedoms are you most thankful for? How you are using your freedom to impact those around you? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!
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P.S.
I wrote this post because I’m on a mission to encourage and equip women to live the life of faith, passion, and purpose that we were made for. You can help make a difference by sharing this post with a friend (or friends!) who you think would be encouraged or inspired by it. Thanks!
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