Truth be told...

... and it will shine like the light that penetrates darkness.

"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
Ephesians 5:11-14

Galatians 4:8-11 (The Message Bible)
"Earlier, before you knew God personally, you were enslaved to so-called gods that had nothing of the divine about them. But now that you know the real God—or rather since God knows you—how can you possibly subject yourselves again to those paper tigers? For that is exactly what you do when you are intimidated into scrupulously observing all the traditions, taboos, and superstitions associated with special days and seasons and years. I am afraid that all my hard work among you has gone up in a puff of smoke!"

Paul the Apostle is speaking to the Galatian church, yet as the Word is "living and active" (Hebrews 4:12), he is speaking to His Body today.

Research the origin of Christmas, taking into great consideration how Santa Clause has manifested itself to take on the "abilities" of Jesus Christ. Then look at the real "birthday" of Jesus Christ. Show me in the Scriptures the exchanging of presents, a lit Christmas tree, etc. on this holiday.

Research Valentine's Day. Who are we lifting up???

What about today's holiday? Is this truly our day of liberty?

EVERYDAY is a day of remembering not just the birth, but also the death, burial, resurrection AND ascension of Jesus Christ. There is no point in us putting aside one day of our paid (or unpaid) vacation to honor JUST the birth of Christ when that is not where the story ends. Beyond that, we would not even be here if it weren't for the entire story with a soon to come finale.

EVERYDAY is a day of Thanksgiving. Who do you think brought you out of that abusive relationship, saved you in the horrible car accident, freed you from addiction? And to think that we wake up everyday, forgetful and unthankful of what God did on the yesterdays of our lives? Yet and still, we'll bake a turkey, drive miles away, spend time with "loved ones" we don't touch base with and thank God when we don't even do it at home on a daily basis!

EVERYDAY is a day of loving God and those around us, not just one day. How are we treating those around us when it's NOT Valentine's day? What are we doing? "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor circumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6 For believers, I don't even have to tell you how many times love is talked about in the Bible. When we celebrate God and thank Him everyday for who He is, we ARE celebrating the ultimate love. "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:16) How many days of the year is God really living in us?

Aahhh... and the most present(today). Our nation is in a battlefield unseen to many eyes but seen by those who understand their purpose- to see and hear God. Yes, our nation finalized its "independence" years ago today, but what has it become bondaged by? (It was actually drafted two days before the 4th... go read.) As believers who are called to present our bodies a living sacrifice unto God- holy and acceptable- which is just average- not extreme- why are we not crying out to God on this day, asking Him to heal the land and give us the power to take back the land? Furthermore, does this day exemplify the freedom and liberty you prayerfully now have in Christ?

Today's holiday combined with birthdays: let me ask you- what do you do on those days that represent the birth and freedom you have in Christ? Where is the focus? If we are "Christians" (which I inwardly dislike the term, preferring "born-again believer who's given their life to Christ"), what of Jesus Christ's walk is reflected in our fireworks, birthday cakes and gifts, and so on? Was Jesus not a servant, always about His Heavenly Father's business- the kingdom of God? Yes, we recognize our earthly birthdays and national liberty, but if our Father's business is not at the forefront of the agenda, what are we really doing with our time?

God is raising up a people who will really hear the voice of God and see as He does, recognizing the idleness of our time and seeking to make a revolutionary turn back to the heart of God. People of God... when we will REALLY be reflections of the light of Christ and stop compromising with the world? It's black or white- hot or cold. We can't compromise with the rituals of the world and the realness of God. We are not in the world to "do as the Romans do." As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have been commissioned. When will you stand and accept the call?

John 17:14-19 (Jesus' prayers for His disciples)
"I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify [separate for holy use] them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."

Men and women of God... It is and has been time to wake up...