Celebrate Your Freedoms

According to a recent article in Christianity Today, “Christians endured more pushback than any other religious group each year from 2007 to 2017, when they faced harassment in 143 countries.”

“The most recent data indicate that 52 governments, more than 1 in 4, imposed ‘high’ or ‘very high’ levels of religious restrictions two years ago,” the article goes on to say.

Though there have been encroachment in recent years, for the most part we Americans can worship and thank God for his undying love without fear of prosecution. We are blessed to live in a country where our freedom allows us to live our lives as we choose.

Unfortunately, not all of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are so lucky. They often live in constant fear of being exiled, tortured, or even killed for practicing Christianity.

As we celebrate Independence Day, I’m reminded of two verses that speak to the freedom that God’s love provides.

In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free (Psalms 118:5).

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Please take time today to pray for the Christians in restricted countries who are being persecuted for their beliefs.

I hope that your Independence Day is blessed and filled with love and celebration.

God bless,

David Cerullo