Having Isn't Necessarily Living

Well, it's Freedom Day!!  Independence Day, as celebrated in these, wonderful United States of America.

Don't listen to the naysayers.
Yes, we have problems, just like every other country.
Our communities have issues, just like all the rest.
There is no "perfect" school anywhere.
And companies are always looking for the next improvement.

Meanwhile, every family has it's battles.
Every marriage has it's moments of strife.
And every life has it's crisis of faith.

There's so much that factors in to the freedom that we enjoy.  And so often we focus on the external things. To go anywhere. To do anything (within the legal framework). To be anyone that we want desire to be. To create a life of our own.

And yet, we don't always experience "freedom" as such. We miss out on financial freedom, thanks to debt and the pressure or desire as the case may be, to keep up with the neighbors, across the street or across the country. People struggle with addictions and substance abuse. We don't experience freedom because of clutter, both physically around our homes as well as that which resides mentally in the one square foot of real estate that is the head. We overthink matters. We overwork the process. We invest our time and energy into everything except that which matters most; relationship.

With God. With family. With friends. With those with whom we share this great land; for which many have lived, fought and died to ensure it's existence.

On this #youthPastorWednesday, let us first thank for freedom. While we celebrate what has been granted to us as a nation, may we remember the true freedom that exists through Jesus Christ. Pray for pastors living an experience that is more stress and struggle than freedom and joy. For whatever challenges they are facing, pray that God would grant them clarity and wisdom. Pray that chains would be broken and states of bondage loosened. Pray for the young people to whom they minister, that are facing similar struggles. May God help them to effective share the truth that God has a plan, purpose and destiny for their lives. May we never forget that freedom always comes at a price... whether by those who serve our country, or Christ who served for all humanity.

For the glory of God
We celebrate true freedom.

- PNC