As we celebrate the 4th of July today, and our independence as a country here in the USA, let us all remember that the secret of our strength as sons and daughters of Christ is not our independance, but our dependance on God and our interdependance on each other.

As the financial underpinnings of this world become more and more eroded and unhinged, and we face uncertain times ahead, one of the true hidden blessings of this is that we will be thrust ever harder on depending on Him just for our daily bread and a roof over our heads. How hard it often is in a nation as prosperous as the United States has been, to trust Him as our one source and supplier, when we can run to the grocery day or night and buy whatever is desired from a myriad of products. How difficult it is to consider the sparrows when we can run to Old Navy for a hoodie in one of 18 designer colors.

May God prepare our hearts for the final chaper in the saga of man's foolish reign over himself and gird up the loins of our minds in preparation to endure to the end and see our Lord descend from heaven with a shout. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

bruce

[Israel]

Originally Posted by BruceG

As we celebrate the 4th of July today, and our independence as a country here in the USA, let us all remember that the secret of our strength as sons and daughters of Christ is not our independance, but our dependance on God and our interdependance on each other.

As the financial underpinnings of this world become more and more eroded and unhinged, and we face uncertain times ahead, one of the true hidden blessings of this is that we will be thrust ever harder on depending on Him just for our daily bread and a roof over our heads. How hard it often is in a nation as prosperous as the United States has been, to trust Him as our one source and supplier, when we can run to the grocery day or night and buy whatever is desired from a myriad of products. How difficult it is to consider the sparrows when we can run to Old Navy for a hoodie in one of 18 designer colors.

May God prepare our hearts for the final chaper in the saga of man's foolish reign over himself and gird up the loins of our minds in preparation to endure to the end and see our Lord descend from heaven with a shout. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

bruce

Thank you brother bruce. That was execellent. Our dependents is on God, and as we do this our independence is being independent from the flesh and its nature. Sorry to add to what you said for it was aready straight, to the point, and needed.

Originally Posted by Israel

Thank you brother bruce. That was execellent. Our dependents is on God, and as we do this our independence is being independent from the flesh and its nature. Sorry to add to what you said for it was aready straight, to the point, and needed.

No need to be sorry, my friend. I always enjoy what you have to add. Hope you are having a great 4th.

[doinghiswill]

In the book "The Shack" the issue of mans independence from God is a huge issue. The results of this kind of rebellion is staggering.It is waht has moved our Nation from being Christian to 'Not'.

Originally Posted by doinghiswill

In the book "The Shack" the issue of mans independence from God is a huge issue. The results of this kind of rebellion is staggering.It is waht has moved our Nation from being Christian to 'Not'.

Keith, I think that if it ever really dawned on a man's heart in full weight how our typical way of living for ourselves, our goals and our dreams, and then being a Christian on Sundays hinders Gods full work in us, and robs us of the joy we seek but so often never find, it would send us to our knees.

In our minds, how often we have the perception, that somehow we can do a good job of it living the Christian life without it being Christ IN US, the hope of glory, who is living it out through us as we fully submit to the potters masterful hands. It seems such a small point, this difference, but I am convinced it will have huge implications, both in how we enjoy this life and in the end results of our stay on earth.

How often satan convinces us that His will is to be feared, that somehow we will end up religious fanatics, and ruin our reputation. Living fully in Gods will has the inference of poverty, sadness, emptyness, dread, and yet being in the center of God's will, I am convinced, gives us our greatest joy, our ultimate purpose in our existance, and a peace that passes all understanding.

Satan lies, convinces us to hold to a bit of us for "balance" and how often we have believed the lies to our own hurt, and filling up our lives with regrets and missed opportunities.

The good news is when a brother or a sister chooses to finally walk with God in full submission to what He wants for us, put ourselves squarely in the center of the potters wheel and say to God "I am yours, do with me what you will", to "lose our lives for His sake", no matter the lateness of the hour or the years spent in vanity, the result is the very same as for the one who walked fully submitted His whole walk. Is that fair? In God's eyes, you bet. In the end, all that truly matters is where you are found at the end.

bruce

[Amadeus]

Originally Posted by Israel

Thank you brother bruce. That was execellent. Our dependents is on God, and as we do this our independence is being independent from the flesh and its nature. Sorry to add to what you said for it was aready straight, to the point, and needed.

Amen, brothers Bruce and Israel!