July 4, 2026 - Isaiah 36-39

These chapters in Isaiah tell about the invasion of Judah by Assyria and also Hezekiah’s illness and recovery.  Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sought to defeat and dominate Judah, the very definition of political and military oppression, this Fourth of July.  I’d like to do something a bit different, this morning, as I reflect on these chapters.  Dr. Sarah S., who has had to leave Sudan because of the fighting and is temporarily living in another country in North Africa, sent the following email, just this morning.  I thought you might enjoy it.  At Baxter, we have often prayed for Sarah.  And, as we think of her situation, we can be extremely grateful for the freedom we enjoy (politically and spiritually) and God’s blessing on us.

Happy July 4th!!

I hope everyone has a fun day planned.  I was gonna wait to send out another email tomorrow but this was too good…

Yesterday, I was able to meet with some S ladies to do a trauma healing lesson and asked them how I should ask you all to lift them up.  And what did the ask for?  Freedom!  And since today is July 4th, I had to share that with you all.

They shared how they are constantly in fear.  The S in Goshen and the S in their home country.  From war, corrupt officials, hunger, violence, deportation.

So, as you celebrate today, first of all give thanks for the freedom you have - part of your heritage and gift from previous generations.  But also an even better freedom.  A freedom that no man can take away from you no matter how powerful.  You are free from sin and death!!! You are free because that is how you were created and nothing separates us from our Maker!!

Second, please ask that these ladies would more fully comprehend that they also have that same spiritual freedom that you have.  That they would feel the Love that they cannot be separated from.

Third, ask that they would also be free from fear.  That they could find peace here in Goshen but also that the war would end and they would have peace back home and start to rebuild.  And this might seem like a really big request, but that they would be able to rebuild on a foundation of Freedom.

Thanks everyone!  Send me some July 4th pics!!  I’ll attach some celebratory photos from late last night when some friends and I went out on the streets and celebrated with the locals after big win in the World Cup.  I actually stayed up and watched the game!! Over time and a shoot out!

Sarah