As we reflect each Independence day on the "freedom" we have as a nation and as churches and individuals are able to worship without restraints, I still find that there are bondages to freedom that we often succumb to in our own minds. Are we truly "free" when we paralize ourselves with fear, anger, bitterness, and self-hate coupled with great regrets? Many even in the body of Christ, though regular Church attenders, are in bondage to wrong thought patterns that spiral into full blown inner defeat. As a nation, our true worship and intimacy with God has waned to the point where we no longer linger in His presence for peace and guidance. Instead we look to others and what the media has to say for our compass. I think we are less free today than ever and paradoxally despite having more today than in previous generations. Individual freedom will come when we revert back to the times like when our early church leaders got alone with God and pressed on and wanted nothing more than Him

Well said, but oh so meaningless in today's "Church". As I'm sure you know, the church is NOT the building but the body, the body of Christ. But it\'s a mystical body full of mystery and power. Today's church knows neither the mystery or the power of God.

"Abiding in Christ" is more than nice words. It's a "joy unspeakable and full of glory"; a "peace that passses all understanding"; and a transforming glory, "beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory... by the Spirit of the Lord".

When God is present in POWER no one can speak a single word. Stop going to chuch and started being the church! When you truly obey Christ\'s command to "Love one another as I have loved you" you will not be content to spend only a few hours a week together. Try telling your spouse, "I love you, but two hours a week is love enough". You believe you KNOW God when in truth, you have only learned ABOUT God.