Here in America, we can swell with pride over this land of our fathers which abounds in blood-bought liberty. And we can reflect with gratitude upon the struggle and sacrifice that was the price paid by many who fought and died for freedom in other nations around the world.

Patriotic pride is justified when freedom is bought so dearly with the flow of human blood. Everyone in free lands can go to sleep each night with thanks to God upon their lips. The more we reflect on the past days of difficulty and danger that are the foundation of our liberty the more we appreciate our inheritance of freedom.

Whether you live in a free land or not, there is another liberty that is yours and mine this night. It is a liberty that was also bought with blood by One Who paid the price for many. It is a liberty from the constrictions of the law and bondage of a common enemy. It is a freedom from the clutches of sin and death.

Yes, beloved, as precious as a free land is, it still does not compare to the pricelessness of the liberty we have through the shed blood of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ!

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2).

Father, forgive me for taking Your freedoms for granted. I have so much to be grateful for yet I have not stopped to acknowledge Your blessings. Thank you for granting me freedom through the blood of Your Son Jesus. Tonight I am free to sleep undisturbed, and I take that liberty now. In Jesus' Name, Amen.