Casandra Martin

Why do you live where you live? We choose our addresses for many different reasons – the neighborhood, the schools, or proximity to work, church, family, or friends. Perhaps we love the beauty of the surrounding country, the weather, or the lifestyle a certain address affords. We choose our addresses because of convenience, economics, or our dreams for the future.

Have you ever considered that your address might be God-directed? Acts 17:26b-27 says, “…He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.”

God determined the exact time and place where you live. He picked this time and this place for you. You are not here by accident. He placed you here because this is the best place for you to meet Him. His deep desire is for you to discover the wonder of His presence. He longs for you to be completely His. He wants to be the address of your heart.

Your neighbors are not your neighbors by coincidence. Perhaps you are God’s instrument for revealing the presence of Jesus to their hearts. Your town needs you to lift Him up high. God has planted you in the middle of your family, neighborhood, and job for His purpose. He calls you to let His glory shine as you walk through the grocery store, gas station, bank, and post office. You may be the glimpse of Jesus someone has today.

My Jesus Resolution is to look at my address with new eyes. I am going to ask God to help me see His presence clearly in my home. I am going to pray for my neighbors. I am going to find peace and contentment in the truth that God has His hand on the times and places of my life. God cares about my address – not just my physical location, but the address of my heart. Where is your home?

This weekend our eyes turn to celebrating the freedom we have as Americans. Our minds travel back to the first patriots who had a vision for a nation in which freedom defines the landscape and hearts of its citizens. We honor those who died in defense of the freedom we hold so dear. We take a moment to be grateful for a country so rich with opportunity and blessing.

In the United States, Independence Day is celebrated with flags, food, and fireworks. We fly a flag which stands as a symbol of freedom all over the world. We gather around grills, feasting on hot dogs and apple pie as we celebrate the blessings that bring us together as family and friends. Fireworks light up the sky in the same way that freedom shines as a beacon of hope, security, and privilege.

As you enjoy Independence Day, let the words of Jesus echo in your heart. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36. The freedom we enjoy as Americans is an echo of the freedom we have in Christ. The longing we have for freedom is ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus. He gives us a free indeed life. We live as citizens of a kingdom that has no boundaries and will know no end. A cross and an empty tomb mark the time and place where our freedom was bought at a terrible price. The free indeed life calls us to light up the darkness with praise and hope.

My Jesus Resolution today is to celebrate the freedom I have in Christ. Oppression has been conquered. Hope has been restored. Grace flows like a river. Light penetrates the darkness. Sin has been washed away. The promise of transformation is unfolding daily. Today I am going to honor the flag and lift up the cross. I am going to eat good food and share the Bread of Life. I am going to watch the fireworks and live as a light.