I like a good paradox: 
It seems counter-intuitive, but the truest, most lasting freedom comes from giving up one’s independence. Sounds wrong, right? What do you think I mean by that? *
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
* Give up being independent from the Lord. Instead, be independent from sin; from the need for large amounts of status, power, and money. Trust and depend on Jesus alone for your freedom, and you will be free indeed; free at last!
Happy 4th of July! God bless you, dear reader, and God bless America!
Alone in the Rockies.
Gloryteller 
Jul 20, 2011 @ 10:05:49
Good points
Jul 06, 2011 @ 12:30:11
HI, Len! Such a beautiful thought for this week of Independence celebrations. I echo all that has been said in previous comments. It is only in the opening of our hands that the Lord is free to fill. blessings to you. 🙂
Jul 06, 2011 @ 13:26:59
Well, thanks Laura, for adding your wisdom. Opening our hands and hearts does form a vessel to be freely filled by His Highness. Filled to overflowing with the freedoms only He can supply like the privilege of personal playdates with Him.
As Jane said, Happy Depenence Week! Magnified blessings be yours, Sis,
Jul 05, 2011 @ 14:25:52
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
It is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me.
I currently have a child who is not living for the Lord. One of the first and most obvious things I’ve noticed about the change in him, is his selfishness. It astounds me! This once very sensitive boy and young man lives only to justify his actions and satisfy his flesh. Every word, action and relationship is for him.
His condition has totally showed me how ugly it is when we live only for ourselves. It has also struck me how that his wandering from what he is has been taught has appeared to be freedom to him. However, it has only brought him further restrictions here at home, and the possibility of long term slavery (alcoholism and drug addiction, etc.)
Satan deceives us into thinking his way is freedom. It is such a lie. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Jul 05, 2011 @ 23:20:09
I hear your anguish, Kimmie, and it fills me with sorrow, for I have been there and I am there. When anyone we know (especially our child) sets ‘themself’ up as a god it is a painful thing to endure. Satan can’t give the gift of freedom, he can only deceive one into thinking that the sin of selfishness is the ultimate freedom when, in spiritual and earthly reality, it fastens tight fetters that can only be broken by trusting the One who is completely unselfish.
They can ignore our instruction, scoff at our admonition, laugh at our exhortations, and break our rules and our hearts, but they can’t fight our prayers. We, who do depend upon Him, can stand in the gap for them until the Lamb picks up their chains and they turn and see Him in all His glorious FREENESS.
Therefore, you and he are in my prayers.
Thanks for your personal testimony and the great link.
We, your fellow siblings in Christ, are always here for you.
Jul 05, 2011 @ 14:02:13
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
or, The Message translation:
1 Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.
]
I choose FREEDOM through OBEDIENCE to God’s commands/call on my life–my life, which is a gift from HIM, in the first place…
blessings, and Happy Dependence Day!
jane
Jul 05, 2011 @ 22:26:50
Nice! There are still a couple more that I’m thinking of. Happy Dependence Day indeed. Well said, Jane and thank you for your indispensable participation. His blessings upon the heads of you and yours!
Jul 04, 2011 @ 22:39:48
Happy 4th of July!!
Jul 04, 2011 @ 22:37:42
God is in control!
Jul 05, 2011 @ 10:08:17
Shouldn’t we choose to follow the One who is really in control?
Thanks for tuning in, Patricia. Let’s Celebrate, Celebrate, dance to the music!
Blessings upon you.
Jul 03, 2011 @ 22:44:56
Mark 8:34-35 – KJV – And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.
I’m sure there are many verses that illustrate what you have said, and some better than this one. I like the way you put it. It fits so well with Independence Day. We celebrate our dependence on Him. Blessings to you, Len…
Jul 05, 2011 @ 10:01:04
That’s excellent. We can always count on you, Carol Ann. Yes there are other verses and they are all good, especially taken together as a whole, like a multicourse dinner. Altogether delicious. Wholly holy.
Thanks for weighing in. I like the way you said CELEBRATE our dependence on Him! Blessings returned to you, Sister.