July, 2006 Here's My Heart... "FREEDOM" is a word that millions of people in the world have no concept of. Yet, it is a word that you and I indeed often take for granted, even if we don't want to admit it. Let me offer a brief explanation, if I might. We have the "FREEDOM" to vote for our public officials. We also have the freedom NOT to vote in any election. We have the "FREEDOM" to express our views on political matters that concern us. We also have the freedom to KEEP SILENT, while others make decisions for us. We have the "FREEDOM" to worship in the place of our choosing. We also have the freedom NOT to worship anyplace, at any time. We have the "FREEDOM" to own, carry, and read the Word of God. We also have the freedom NOT to own, carry, read, or abide by the Word of God. We have the "FREEDOM" of knowing that our sins have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ, that we can walk and talk with Him each day, and that there is eternal life in Him. We also have the freedom to REJECT His offer of salvation and forgiveness. You see, as we prepare to celebrate another Independence Day in America, we have so much to be thankful for, because we are a "FREE" people, bought with the blood of thousands who have given their lives so that we can be free. But, our REAL Independence Day came over 2000 years ago, when a man named Jesus shed His blood that we might be "FREE" forever. Now, that's a "FREEDOM" the whole world needs to know about! God bless you. Jim Clayton, Senior Pastor