Our Christian Duty
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My mind wanders from time to time, and today is one of those days. We celebrate Independence Day tomorrow, but did you know we can celebrate independence every day? We can—spiritual independence… through our relationship with God. Here are a few examples:
INDEPENDENCE FROM:
Past Sins
II Chronicles 7:14 “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” This is the freedom from past sins we can all experience through our spiritual Independence.
Romans 6:11 “Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as (being) dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.”
Guilt
Psalms 32: 1,2,5,6 : “Blessed is he whose sins are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is those whose sins the LORD does not count against them, and in whose spirit is no deceit…You forgave the guilt of my sin.”
Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am He Who blots out your sins, for My own sake and remember your sins no more”.
Loneliness
Hebrews 13:5 : "I will never forsake you or abandon you.”
Isaiah 54:10 “For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
Anguish
Matthew 11:28-29 invites us to find rest in God: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." This promise of rest is a balm for our anguish, offering a way to find peace in the midst of our troubles.
Psalms 107:19-21 “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.”
This unfailing love is a testament to our spiritual Independence and the value we hold in God's eyes.
Fear
Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Psalms 27:1: “The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?"
HAVE A BLESSED INDEPENDENCE DAY
Patti J. Mitchell (formerly Smith) is a devoted Catholic and pro-life advocate. She shares her journey from a life of sinful excess to redemption across the country, including pro-life conferences, to members of Congress, at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., and the Walks for Life in San Diego and San Francisco. She has been a guest on several radio shows, including Immaculate Heart Radio and Radio Maria. She also appears in two documentaries, "The Sidewalk Chronicles" and "Hush."
Patti writes Christian devotionals. One of them, "Redeemed – Rosary Meditations for Post-Abortive Women," is used at healing retreats and written in a way to be used by all denominations. Her most recent release is "And God Still Loves Me – A Story of Hope and Healing." She has also had articles published in the National Catholic Register, Life News, and the Southern Cross.
She is a retired background investigator, married and lives in Puyallup, Washington.
