Dear Faith Family, 

     So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God, Galatians 4:7.

      It was bright and sunny day, Tuesday to be exact. My wife and I enjoyed lunch as we watched the James River roll before our eyes. In an attempt to walk off the hamburgers that we had just consumed, across the bridge we did walk (a bridge not far enough).

     Below the bridge, goslings followed their parents, both enjoying the beauty of the day as they splashed about. Turtles, like solar panels, decorated the rocks absorbing the sun. And hiding in the shadows, a grey heron was patiently fishing. 

     And there we were enjoying with freedom the beauty of God's creation. As we strolled across the bridge, there beneath our feet were the words proclaimed by our sixteenth president, one hundred fifty-nine years ago: 

     "My poor friends," he said, "you are free - free as air. You can cast off the name of slave and trample upon it; it will come to you no more. "

     Wow! Those words. They echo from Richmond, until today and through eternity. 

     Two thoughts. One: exercise yourself His freedom. By His grace follow Jesus. Enjoy your relationship with Him today through faith. Two: extend to others His freedom.

Striving to exercise and extend His freedom, 

Pastor Karl