First Steps – July 5, 2021

Iā€™m American. I love living in the United States where freedom is welcomed and celebrated. Iā€™m humbled by the road of freedom that has been paved for me. Yesterday, the U.S. celebrated the Fourth of Julyā€”one of my favorite holidays. As I reflected upon the many freedoms Iā€™ve inherited, I also thought about the freedoms one has with God.

Here are a few:

1. Freedom from Guilt (Romans 8:1)
2. Freedom from Shame (Romans 10:11)
3. Freedom from Fear (2 Timothy 1:10)
4. Freedom from Bondage of Sin (Romans 6:14)
5. Freedom to Approach God (Hebrews 10:19)
6. Freedom to Pray (Philippians 4:6)
7. Freedom of Salvation over Death (John 14:2,3)

Iā€™m sure you can think of some additional freedoms. What did I miss? As you make your list, I hope you will reflect on Godā€™s goodness and cry out in gratitude.

 


This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – Revelation 3
  • Tuesday – Revelation 4
  • Wednesday – Revelation 5
  • Thursday – Revelation 6
  • Friday – Revelation 7
Please Pray for:
 
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The St. Paul Church family.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world. 

ā€œDonā€™t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.ā€ – Philippians 4:6