MEMORIAL DAY

Today is Memorial Day. For many Americans, it means a day off work. For kids it means a day off school and hints at the excitement to come when every day for the next three months will be a day off school. For others, Memorial Day signals the time to start planning vacations, family reunions, firing up the trusty air conditioner and gathering glass jars to store lightning bugs.

AMERICAN SOLDIERS—Past, Present, Future 

Officially, Memorial Day is a time to remember the men and women who have died protecting the borders, rights and freedom of Americans. It is a time to remember also those men and women who have not died in service, but who have sacrificed for us the freedom part of their lives—being away from family, finding courage amid fear, putting dreams on hold.

For our family, this year is a time to celebrate with our friend, Kedar Choksey. Kedar graduated this year from Sacramento State University, as a member of the Air Force ROTC program. This Saturday he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States’ Air force.

Today we thank the members of the military—past, present and future—and honor them all.

THE HEAVENLY BATTLE

We also remember Jesus. Jesus sacrificed His earthly life in order to preserve our freedom and—not our right; but God’s gift to us—to spend eternity with Him. In the heavenly battle between good and evil, Jesus is our Commander in Chief. The Book of Revelation shows us that he rides into battle ahead of the heavenly angel warriors.

He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.

(Revelation 19:13-14)

There is a good old Christian hymn, called "Onward, Christian Soldiers." It reminds us that we Christians are called to be soldiers for Christ—faithful, obedient and disciplined in our faith. As we live our faith, we are to march into the world, with the cross of Jesus before us, like a banner.

This Memorial Day, let us also remember the many Christians who have died for their faith. They have given us powerful examples to reinforce the foundational strength of what we believe. And we thank them for their sacrifice and their example.

MEMORIAL DAY IS EVERY DAY

Today we remember and honor the American men and women who died to ensure our political freedom in this country. And we remember and honor the American men and women who today and tomorrow are fighting to ensure our political freedom.

We also remember and honor Jesus who died to ensure our spiritual freedom and our place in heaven and who continues to work in our lives by the Holy Spirit, to free us to live for Him.

God himself never forgets us nor forsakes us. For God, every day is Memorial Day, because every day He remembers us. As it should be with us for Him.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for the lives of the men and women who protect our freedom. Be with their families; encourage and strengthen them. Thank you, Jesus for dying to protect our souls. Remind us of your love, Holy Spirit, so that we can be encouraged and can encourage others in their faith. Amen.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Do you have a family member who has died in the service of our country? Or someone you know who is currently setting aside their personal plans for our sake? “Thank you” to them!