What does Freedom mean to you?

When you think of Freedom, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For many it's the Freedoms we have in the United States. Over the weekend I was able to visit Mount Rushmore and was reminded how blessed we are to live in such an amazing country where our Freedom is valued and that so many have sacrificed their lives so we can continue living in a Free country.

And then, I think about the ultimate sacrifice for our eternal Freedom, Jesus Christ. In a way, Jesus dying for our sins and sacrificing himself, so we can have Freedom from our sins to enter into God's Kingdom someday has some similarities of the sacrifice others gave of themselves to have Freedom while we live on this earth.

Each day, we have a choice. We can choose to walk in the Freedom spiritually that Jesus gives us when we live a life of obedience, repentance and surrender to him. Or we can choose the opposite, which doesn't bring Freedom, it brings bondage, chains and a life of darkness.

Over the weekend, I was able to be thankful for two Freedoms - the Freedom I live daily in American, grateful for those who sacrifice their lives so we can have this Freedom and the second and most important Freedom, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior who gives us the ultimate Freedom to live an eternal life with him and forgiveness of our sins.

Romans 6:22 "But now that you have been set FREE from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life."

Galatians 5:13 "For you were called to FREEDOM, brothers. Only do not use your FREEDOM as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

John 8:32 "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you FREE."

1 Peter 2:16 "Live as FREE people, but do not use your FREEDOM as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves."