The
memory of the righteous is blessed… Proverbs
10:7a
Today is the official Memorial Day
holiday, the last Monday of May. Many
people see it as just a 3-day weekend, a time for cookouts and parties. But for
those who have lost someone because of war or military action, it means much
more than a day off. Every American ought to recognize this day in honor of
those who spilled their blood to make America what she is today - free, strong,
and a nation worth fighting for.
Memorial Day traces its roots back
to 1868 when General John Logan, of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared
May 30th as a day of remembrance. Flowers were placed on the graves of Union
and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
The day was originally called
"Decoration Day." It is sometimes called "Poppy Day"
because artificial red poppies, which were made by disabled veterans, are sold.
The money is used to benefit servicemen in need.
True Patriotism
Merriam Webster defines patriot as “one
who loves his or her country and supports its authority and interests.” Note the first key phrase: “One
who loves…” Patriotism is an expression of LOVE. Love calls us to
sacrifice, and who has sacrificed more than the American Soldier? John 15:13 says,
“No one has greater love than this, that someone would
lay down his life for his friends.”
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Because men and women have died for this country, we have the right to
preach God’s word freely; to live at peace in our own homes. We have the right
to pursue peace, prosperity and happiness.
The cost of freedom is
blood.
On Memorial Day we give thanks for sacrifice.
All the heroic acts on battlefields throughout history have made our country
what it is today. We enjoy freedom and wealth that are unequaled. Our freedom
and our luxuries have come and been maintained at a great price. All of us are not called upon to die
heroically or sacrificially. We should
never be ashamed that we are alive and may we never abuse the liberty we have
received by selfish indulgence on pleasures that weaken the moral strength of
this great nation.
The Freedom the Cross Bought
Every day we enjoy, and take for granted the freedoms that soldiers have
bought with their blood. We also have
another freedom that was bought with blood.
The person responsible for giving us this freedom didn’t wear fatigues;
he wore a crown of thorns. He won the war against Satan and sin for us with His
shed blood on Calvary. He waged war and fought for us and because of His
sacrifice we can be free from the bondage of sin and an eternal prison in
hell. So on this Memorial Day remember
the soldiers who have fought in wars over the years. Think about the way you live, what you have,
and what freedoms you enjoy. We are a
blessed nation. We don’t realize how
blessed we are because we do not know any different. Today, and every day, remember those who
sacrificed to give this to you and your family.
Don’t take it for granted. Many
lost their lives so we can live as we do.
Thank God for your freedom and
thank Him for the sacrifice of His son.
Thank Him for freedom from sin and for the gift of everlasting
life.
Scripture to Claim:
It
was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do
not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1