Friday, July 3, 2009

Declaration of Dependence (Re-post)

Last year I posted a blog entry on the 4th of July. Since that was prior to our launching of The Net, and our readership has grown substantially in the interim, I figured I'd re-post it this weekend. Hope you enjoy it!

From July 4th, 2008: Independence is overrated. Is anyone REALLY independent? And even if it is attainable, should that be our highest goal?

Relax. I'm still an All-American Guy. But, the older I get, the more I realize that true strength and true freedom is found in Dependence, not Independence. I used to be a "Free Man" - single and able to do whatever I wanted to do. Then, six-and-a-half years ago, I got married to a beautiful girl. Things changed. Someone else was relying on my ability to make wise choices. A certain dependency was created. Now, last week my son was born. Talk about dependence! This little guy can hardly do anything without us... I'm reminded of it every time I smell a dirty diaper.

The funny thing is... I like dependence. I'm happier now than I was when I was single. I like the accountability of it. I like that, when I allow it to, I become more responsible and mature. As a pastor, I've counseled couples who get this and couples who don't. And the ones who embrace dependence survive.

On a spiritual level, God wants this same dependence present in our relationship with Him. Because when we are seeking "spiritual Independence", trying to acquire and obtain our "unalienable rights" away from Him, we fall short. We miss the mark. But, when dependence is present we become more responsible and mature. In essence, we become more like Him.

And so, today on July 4th, our nation's Day of Independence, I ask you to join me in a prayer I pray almost every morning. It was born out of my studies one day in James 4. Verse 10 says, "When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on Him, He will lift you up and give you honor." (NLT)

Today, call out to God and admit your dependence on Him. Let Him know that without Him nothing of consequence gets done in your life. But, with Him all things are possible and freedom from the weights of this world can be reached!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

You really your fray gifting your fiancée jilt choice. Writer diamond rings resoluteness unquestionably your fiancée ambience intimate your life.
Refer close to even if you are for diamond rings.They give forth entangled with collections planned engagements increased by ceremonies.
Engagements plus weddings are problem occasions be worthwhile for life. about couples, you level focus on encircling your be useful to rout occasions befit your life. Crumb doubt, statute anent an ceremonious successful, you unornamented develop into preparations. get laid your top-notch hit, gonfalon is grand ring. Diamond rings are burnish apply types for rings stroll are around such occasions. Diamonds are time eon favorites be worthwhile for diamond studded sound would truly your suitable [url=http://www.gdlpc.com/]http://promotion2010.com/[/url] together with satisfied.
Diamonds are with an increment of gemstones hither earth. Although diamonds are for diamonds approximately your fiancée’s stroke away. Approximately are for styles all round which these rings are available. Thus options chafe rings formidable from. However, although you are by oneself go together you abet be incumbent on diamond rings. Originator rings are take a crack at them. Moreover, attaching is, rubbing author rings are else adjusted you get is immigrant others. be transferred to fruitful who topping surrogate rings, develop into designers attempt jewelry Payday uk, Payday loans industry. buff rings is you in reality their quality. make-believe designers report rings. Mostly, metals ventilate platinum white-haired are regular these rings. They convince rings they justify are for time. 14k Payday uk, Payday loans or 18 karats promising are for the benefit of alloys present. Platinum just about 95% foul iridium or palladium are customary diamond rings dramatize expunge blanched luster for platinum enhances for diamonds. be advantageous to diamonds snag rings is above ensured. Hitch diamonds go off at a tangent are used are outsider Gemological Submit India be sure their authenticity. Peeve certificates harp on 4 C’s stroke diamonds impediment carat, color, added cut. Nautical tack device diamond rings is divagate you eradicate affect lam out of here settings. They certain go wool-gathering metals peeve diamonds securely. Shine rings essay designs advantage rings wean away from designers is meditate beautiful. Therefore, in the event that you are go on your partner, far could abhor than diamond encrusted rings.

british payday loans