THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

This is the July writing from Cathy Friberg...July

During the month of July the United States of America will be celebrating its Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Our freedom from the then oppressive rule of our mother country came at a great price. In 1775 we began a battle with Great Britain. This war continued on until 1783 when Britain finally acknowledged our independence. Many lives were given up in order to achieve our freedom as a nation.

The great sacrifice which our forefathers made reminds me of the sacrifice which Jesus made to purchase our liberty. Jesus willingly gave up his life that we might be made free. God Himself underwent such intense suffering that we might escape the punishment of hell and the bondage of sin, bitterness, guilt, and condemnation. Christ's victory on the cross profoundly impacts our self image. To serve a God who would humble himself to that degree for our salvation elevates the worth of the human soul to the ultimate level.

We are all aware that we must continue to preserve our country's freedom. Praying and fasting concerning our laws, leaders, and the spiritual condition of our citizens, educating ourselves about current events, speaking up in truth without fear, and being diligent to vote are all steps we can take to help maintain our liberties. Likewise the Bible admonishes us to preserve our freedom in Christ. 

Galatians 5:1 warns us...
“So Christ has really set us free.
Now make sure that you stay free,
and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.”

(NLT) Galatians 5:13 states...

 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.
But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; 

rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

(NIV) Hebrews 2:3 reminds us...
 “So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore
 this great salvation that was first announced
by the Lord Jesus Himself and then delivered to us by
those who heard Him speak?” 

As we celebrate our nation's freedom this year may we set aside time to pray for a great revival in the land, for an outpouring of God's Spirit, and a return to the morality and values on which we were founded. May we thank Jesus for His sacrifice on the cross from which all freedoms emanate.

By Cathy Friberg

HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW..JUNE 2, 2014

I am an avid gardener. My results may not be that impressive, however I absolutely love the process. Being outdoors, weeding, trimming, and watering is one of my most enjoyable and therapeutic pursuits. Recently I was trimming a bush in front of my house. Much to my amazement I discovered a carefully woven nest cradling two adorable baby birds and a stunning tiny blue egg. As I hovered over the nest, the fledglings stretched up their necks and opened their beaks wide in anticipation of food. After my initial feeling of delight at this precious finding, a flood of dismay and remorse came over me. What had I done? With no more leaves and branches covering their home these newborn chicks were exposed and vulnerable.

Would their mother return to nuture and care for them? 

I went into the house to search on line for advice. Interfere as little as possible was the main recommendation. Watch to see if the mother returns within two hours. I immediately went into prayer mode. “Lord, not a sparrow falls to the ground without you knowing it,” I reminded the Father. (Matthew 10:29) I must admit I had a good deal of anxiety until the mother bird did return. Also that night as I lay in bed I could't help but think how much colder it must be for mama that evening tending to her babies, with no foliage to shelter her from above. I continued in prayer, asking God to let her stay on task and not give up. The next day she was sitting faithfully at her post. I continued to petition our Creator as I knew it would be much hotter during the afternoon for the family without the covering which I had clipped away. I kept checking each day, ecstatic to find that all was well, until finally the nest was totally vacated. I had a peace that the youngsters had matured enough to venture out on their own.

The lesson I came away from this experience with was that often times we make mistakes which cause harm to others. Even as believers, ignorance or weakness in our own character can cause us to do things which we truly regret. An unkind word, a thoughtless action, forgetfulness, or even a moment of apathy can hurt those we love. 

Sometimes we are the victims of such unintentional wrongdoings. However,  when we bring our missteps to God in prayer, 

He can make all things right. He will never leave us or forsake us.  

(Hebrews 13:5) 

He gives us wisdom and doesn't rebuke us for asking for it. 

(James 1:5) 

God abounds with creative and innovative ideas to bring restoration and healing. He can touch the hearts of those we have offended, giving them grace to understand and forgive. Our Heavenly Father can and will even turn the whole situation around for everyone's good and for His glory. We are so blessed to have a merciful and all powerful God who will come to our aid no matter how hopeless the circumstance appears. He is our redeemer and His love never fails.

By Cathy Friberg