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Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International. |
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Freedom to Worship
Now the Lord is
the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.1 After visiting America in 1831, French writer Alexis
de Tocqueville said, “I sought for the greatness of the United States in her
commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests;
and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world
commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning;
and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her
matchless Constitution; and it was not there. Not until I went into the
churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I
understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America
is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!”2
When Tocqueville passed through America, there were
roughly 10,000 to 15,000 Christian congregations nationwide. As of 2026,
there are an estimated 350,000 to 370,000 Christian churches and
religious congregations in the United States.3 We are blessed to live in a county where we are free
to worship the one true God and openly share His love with everyone! And
where Jesus is, there is freedom! America was founded on a hope and trust in
God. The founding fathers looked to God for the guidance of the country. Over
the last two centuries, that faith has waned and, amongst the good, sin has
become increasingly tolerated; and although churches are growing, so is sin.
The great news is that the Spirit of the Lord continues to abide among us! This great American nation still celebrates their
freedom every year, and this year, as America celebrates 250 years, may we also
celebrate the God that this great nation was founded upon. May we seek to make
God the center of our lives, our families, and the center of our country.
Only then can our country be truly great! Suggested prayer: Dear Holy Father, today as I
consider the freedom to worship that I enjoy, I lift up to you the Christians
in the nations around the world who are suffering oppression and persecution in
your name. I pray that you fill them with courage and joy as they seek to share
your love with those who deny you. I pray that they will know freedom in you.
In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 1.
2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV).
2.
Source Unknown. 3.
Hartford Institute for Religion
Research. Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B. |
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