Yesterday we visited the first Statue of Liberty erected on Calvary 20 centuries ago, and the second Statue erected in New York's harbor in 1886. Both proclaim freedom to captives and liberty to all. Like the second statue, the cross has withstood the storms of time and today remains a symbol of freedom, pointing the way to heaven. As the nails were driven through Jesus' feet, the shackles of sin were broken. Now Jesus stands with arms outstretched, still lighting the way for millions to freedom. Each Sunday is "Independence Day" as we celebrate our freedom from sin and hope of eternal joy.

Does America need us to help her people follow Jesus? Would you agree with Jesus this morning? Would you make it your personal life purpose to help people follow him? Would you make your career, your relationships, your work this week a means to that end? Would you help America follow Jesus by starting with the Americans you know?

We must each find our reason for being. Abraham Maslow said it well: "An artist must paint, a poet must write, a musician must make music if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself." What is your purpose, your vision for your life? And how does that vision relate to the country whose birth we celebrated yesterday?

Once upon a time there was a stonecutter. He lived all alone. Though he had great skills, he was very poor. He lived in a tiny bamboo hut and wore tattered clothing.