Honoring the Sacrifice: A Memorial Day Message

Memorial Day is not just another day or a mere long weekend; it is a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring the brave souls who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Originating after the Civil War, Memorial Day was initially known as Decoration Day, a time set aside for Americans to decorate the graves of the fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. Officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1971, it serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom. As we reflect on the significance of this day, let us remember the profound words of Psalm 116:15, "The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die" (NLT). Today, we join together not only to remember the valor and dedication of our fallen heroes but also to offer a prayer of gratitude for the liberties they have secured for us. Let us honor their memories with the respect and solemnity they deserve.

Sacrifice is a cornerstone of our faith and a fundamental aspect of the freedoms we enjoy. It involves giving up something precious for a greater cause, often requiring immense courage and selflessness. In the context of Memorial Day, we reflect on the profound sacrifices made by those who have laid down their lives in service to our country. As Jesus said in John 15:13, "There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (NLT). This verse encapsulates the spirit of those who have fallen in battle, demonstrating the highest form of love and devotion. Furthermore, we are reminded of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, who gave His life for our salvation, as expressed in Romans 5:8: "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners" (NLT). The sacrifices of our soldiers echo this divine act of love, highlighting a parallel that deepens our understanding and appreciation. As we honor these heroes, we are called to reflect on the magnitude of their sacrifice and the profound impact it has had on our lives and our nation.

The act of remembrance is essential to honoring those who have given their lives in service to our nation. Today, we particularly remember and honor those brave individuals whose sacrifices have granted us the freedoms we cherish. On this day, I am reminded of my own father, who valiantly served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. God watched over him, granting him the gift of returning home to his family. However, we must also remember that many families did not have the same blessing. They faced the heart-wrenching reality of seeing military staff cars approach their homes, accompanied by an officer and a priest or pastor, to deliver the news that their loved one would not be coming home. Living on a military base during times of war was fraught with anxiety and fear, as every family dreaded receiving that call.

This solemn occasion invites us to reflect on the ultimate sacrifices made by our fallen heroes and to honor their memories with the utmost respect. As the Scriptures remind us in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, "And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died" (NLT). These words provide us with comfort and hope, assuring us that our fallen heroes are not forgotten.

By sharing personal stories and testimonies, we keep their memories alive. We honor their bravery by visiting memorials, participating in ceremonies, and supporting the families left behind. Let us commit to acts of honor and remembrance, ensuring that the legacy of those who sacrificed everything for our freedom is preserved and revered for generations to come.

As we honor the sacrifices of our fallen heroes, we are called to live lives that are worthy of their immense contributions. A poignant illustration of this is found in the movie "Saving Private Ryan." In a deeply moving scene, an older Private Ryan visits the grave of Captain Miller, who, along with his men, had the mission of finding Ryan and bringing him home safely to his family. Captain Miller and several of his comrades gave their lives to fulfill this mission. Kneeling at Captain Miller’s grave, Ryan, overwhelmed with emotion and in tears, turns to his wife and asks, "Tell me I have led a good life. Tell me I'm a good man."

This scene underscores the profound responsibility we bear to honor the sacrifices made on our behalf. As Ryan sought reassurance that his life had been lived in a manner worthy of the sacrifices made for him, we too must reflect on how we can live honorably and responsibly in the freedom secured by others’ ultimate sacrifices. Galatians 5:13 reminds us, "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love" (NLT). This verse calls us to use our freedom to serve and uplift others, embodying the values for which so many have laid down their lives.

In living lives that honor these sacrifices, we are encouraged to embrace service and community involvement. As Paul exhorts us in Romans 12:1, "And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him" (NLT). By serving others and contributing to the common good, we pay tribute to the legacy of those who have sacrificed everything for our freedom. Let us strive to lead lives that reflect their bravery and dedication, ensuring that their sacrifices were not in vain and that their legacy endures through our actions and commitments.

As we conclude this solemn remembrance of Memorial Day, I challenge each one of us to live lives worthy of the sacrifices made for our freedom. We must honor the valor and dedication of our fallen heroes by embodying the principles and values for which they fought and died. This echoes the powerful line from the "Battle Hymn of the Republic": "As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free." Just as Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for our salvation, we too may be called upon to stand for the oppressed and fight for justice and freedom.

Living lives worthy of these sacrifices means committing ourselves to service, integrity, and love. It means standing up against injustice and oppression with the courage that God provides. As the Lord commanded Joshua, we are also encouraged in Joshua 1:9: "This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (NLT). With God's strength and presence, we can face any challenge and uphold the freedoms and values secured by the sacrifices of our brave servicemen and women who “gave the last full measure of devotion”.

Let us leave here today with renewed determination to honor their legacy through our actions. May we strive to be worthy of their sacrifices, living lives marked by service, compassion, and unwavering courage. In doing so, we ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain and that their legacy of bravery and freedom continues to inspire future generations.

Mid-Week Message - This is the Day

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."  Psalm 94:19  (NIV) 

How are your days going?  Are you accomplishing what you wish to?  Are you feeling so rushed that you don't have time to appreciate the smaller things?  Are you thankful for what you are experiencing or do you wish you could either rewind or speed up the clock to get to a time that is more pleasant?  

I have a good reason for asking these questions.  According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control in 2019, approximately 2,854,838 people die per year in the United States.  That works out to over 7,800 deaths per day.  This represents hugs that were never given, birthdays that were never celebrated, holidays that weren't observed, graduates that never received a diploma, "I love you's" that were never spoken and last visits that were never made.  

Overwhelming thoughts?  Truly.  As we approach Memorial Day, my mind is on those service men and women who never returned home to their families.  They all had people they loved and that loved them.  They all had plans for when their times of service were over.  Many carried pictures of loved ones in their pockets and would pull them out to remind them of how much there was to live for.  Yet, sadly, in any military conflict or war, there are those who make the ultimate sacrifice.  

Perhaps someone in your family lost his or her life in battle.  I know I am just one person, but I would like to let you know how much I appreciate what your loved one gave to enable this country to maintain its freedom.  To say that I am grateful is far beyond an understatement.  I know that those who are left behind suffer great grief and I pray for God's consolation to be with you.  

Life is fleeting and, sadly, there are reminders of that around us everyday.  Just by turning on the evening news we are reminded of that fact.  This is why it is so important that we remember that each day we open our eyes is a new gift from the Lord.  Each breath we take should be a reminder that He has a plan for each of us.  

Psalm 118:24 tells us, "This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."  On this day, as on every other day that we are gifted with, let us rejoice and find reasons to praise.  As other people enter our lives, whether for a moment or a lifetime, let's love them with hearts that have been touched by His perfect love.  In order to make the most of the time we have on earth, we need to keep our focus on things above, even though we may be experiencing pain, heartache or troubles in this earthly realm.  

I pray that you will be enveloped in God's holy arms and that your eyes will be opened to the wonders that He has created for our enjoyment.  No matter what you are going through, please remember that He loved you enough to send His Son for you.  Life, as we know it now, is not forever.  So, while we still have time, let's focus on that which is most important and allow Him to walk us through whatever difficulties we may have.  God bless. 

Memorial Day - Remembering Those Who Gave the Last Full Measure of Devotion

 

"But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States

November 19, 1863

On this special day, let us remember those who "laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom" and the Gold Star families who, through their devotion, we pledge never to forget.

Mid-Week Message - Cherish the Day

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."  Psalm 94:19  (NIV) 

How are your days going?  Are you accomplishing what you wish to?  Are you feeling so rushed that you don't have time to appreciate the smaller things?  Are you thankful for what you are experiencing or do you wish you could either rewind or speed up the clock to get to a time that is more pleasant?  

I have a good reason for asking these questions.  According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control in 2019, approximately 2,854,838 people die per year in the United States.  That works out to over 7,800 deaths per day.  This represents hugs that were never given, birthdays that were never celebrated, holidays that weren't observed, graduates that never received a diploma, "I love you's" that were never spoken and last visits that were never made.  

Overwhelming thoughts?  Truly.  As we approach Memorial Day, my mind is on those service men and women who never returned home to their families.  They all had people they loved and that loved them.  They all had plans for when their times of service were over.  Many carried pictures of loved ones in their pockets and would pull them out to remind them of how much there was to live for.  Yet, sadly, in any military conflict or war, there are those who make the ultimate sacrifice.  

Perhaps someone in your family lost his or her life in battle.  I know I am just one person, but I would like to let you know how much I appreciate what your loved one gave to enable this country to maintain its freedom.  To say that I am grateful is far beyond an understatement.  I know that those who are left behind suffer great grief and I pray for God's consolation to be with you.  

Life is fleeting and, sadly, there are reminders of that around us everyday.  Just by turning on the evening news we are reminded of that fact.  This is why it is so important that we remember that each day we open our eyes is a new gift from the Lord.  Each breath we take should be a reminder that He has a plan for each of us.  

Psalm 118:24 tells us, "This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."  On this day, as on every other day that we are gifted with, let us rejoice and find reasons to praise.  As other people enter our lives, whether for a moment or a lifetime, let's love them with hearts that have been touched by His perfect love.  In order to make the most of the time we have on earth, we need to keep our focus on things above, even though we may be experiencing pain, heartache or troubles in this earthly realm.  

I pray that you will be enveloped in God's holy arms and that your eyes will be opened to the wonders that He has created for our enjoyment.  No matter what you are going through, please remember that He loved you enough to send His Son for you.  Life, as we know it now, is not forever.  So, while we still have time, let's focus on that which is most important and allow Him to walk us through whatever difficulties we may have.  God bless.

Memorial Day - We Shall Never Forget

On this special day, please take a moment to remember those who "laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom" and their families. It is only through their devotion to this great nation that we are able to live free and enjoy the liberties protected and defended by the brave.

A grateful nation remembers and honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

John 15:13 New Living Translation (NLT)

13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Memorial Day - Remembering the Sacrifices They Made

John 15:13 New Living Translation (NLT)

13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Memorial Day - Remembering the Sacrifices They Made

Psalm 112 New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 112[a]

1 Praise the Lord!

How joyful are those who fear the Lord
    and delight in obeying his commands.
2 Their children will be successful everywhere;
    an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3 They themselves will be wealthy,
    and their good deeds will last forever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
    They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously
    and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil.
    Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
7 They do not fear bad news;
    they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
8 They are confident and fearless
    and can face their foes triumphantly.
9 They share freely and give generously to those in need.
    Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
    They will have influence and honor.
10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated.
    They will grind their teeth in anger;
    they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

Footnotes:

1. 112 This psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; after the introductory note of praise, each line begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Memorial Day - Remembering the Sacrifices They Made

Psalm 27:3-4 New Living Translation (NLT)

3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,
    my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
    I will remain confident.

4 The one thing I ask of the Lord—
    the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
    delighting in the Lord’s perfections
    and meditating in his Temple.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Sacrifices We Make

As we enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend, many of us, I hope, take time to remember the sacrifices made by those who wear a uniform and their families. It is all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of a three-day weekend. Memorial Day is traditionally the official kick-off of summer and many rush to the lakes, have cook-outs and spend time just enjoying the time away from work. But, Memorial Day is more than just those things. This holiday was started years after the American Civil War and became officially recognized in 1971. It was created for Americans to remember and thank those who gave their “last full measure of devotion” upon “the altar of Freedom”.

When I see the parades and ceremonies dedicated to those brave individuals, I cannot help but think of their sacrifices and what courage it took for each of them to step forth and lay down their lives for their nation so that that nation “shall not perish from the earth”. To those who survived the conflicts, I say, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your dedication to the great dream of freedom and to this nation will never be forgotten by me.”

The great statesman and Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II, Winston Churchill, said this on August 20, 1940, of those who gave their lives in the Battle of Britain, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

Mr. Churchill could not have better captured the feelings of a grateful nation in such a deeply touching way. We, the many, do owe so much to the sacrifices of those few. In every conflict that this nation endured, those who rallied and came to the aid of this great nation knew the meaning of the word sacrifice and what they might have to do to preserve the nation and defend the freedoms of those opposed.

Of all of the words I used in such a short period of time, one word should stand out above all others. It is a word that should give us all a moment of pause in reverence to those who gave so much to so few. That word is “sacrifice”.

When you look up the definition of the word, you will read, “To suffer loss of, give up, renounce, injure, or destroy especially for an ideal, belief, or end.”

In the Bible, you will read other instances of the act of sacrifice. It is the spilling of blood on an altar for a specific reason. It could be done as an atonement for sin or to give thanks. Another form of sacrifice could be that you are asked to give up something that means so very much to you.

In Luke 9, Jesus, while walking along a road with his disciples, came across a man who tells him that he will follow him wherever he goes. Jesus responds, “58 Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

When you think about Jesus’ reply, you realize that Jesus is telling him that should he decide to follow him, it would require giving up the things that make life comfortable. In this case, a roof and a bed would be the sacrifice. If you were the man on the road that offered to follow Jesus, could you give up your home and those items that make your life comfortable? 

Several months ago, I had a person say this about her cellular phone, “If I didn’t have my cell phone, I would just die.”

Really? Would a person die if he or she was not able to tweet, friend someone or send a text message? Could that person make a sacrifice of going without the latest and greatest phone? It would probably be difficult to find individuals who would give up their devices just for a day.

As in the passage, Jesus calls out to a man to follow him. The man responds, “59 Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

Jesus replies, “60 Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”

Could you do what Jesus asked that man? Could you drop everything to preach the Word of God to those in darkness? That is another example of a sacrifice that Jesus asks of us. We should be willing to drop everything and preach the Word to those who desperately need to hear it.

Another man calls out to Jesus and says, “61 Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”

At the end of the passage, Jesus says this to him, “62 Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Think about the words that Jesus uttered to the man. The example that he gives is a farmer who is plowing his field. If he looks back at the furrows he has just plowed, he will, in all likelihood, have crooked furrows and they would make it difficult, if not impossible, to seed, grow and harvest a good, bountiful crop. 

If we are to make a sacrifice, we need to look ahead to the future and the potential of the fields we work. If we are constantly looking back at what we have done or have, we may decide that what we have is more important than anything in the future.

When you think about the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for our freedom, think about the words of Jesus. Those individuals who put their hands to the plow and did not look back, but, rather, looked forward and to those who would benefit from their work made their decision and gave their lives so that others might live and be free.

Are you willing to give up hearth, home and family in order to take up the cross and follow Jesus daily? That is the sacrifice that missionaries and those who are called upon have to make. If you accept Jesus’ call to serve and put the things of this world behind you and look to the future, you are indeed fit for the kingdom of God and can stand firm in His grace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Memorial Day - Remembering Their Sacrifice

Let us always remember the words of Abraham Lincoln when he gave this short, but stirring, address during the American Civil War at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the afternoon of Thursday, November 19, 1863, four and a half months after the Union armies defeated those of the Confederacy at the Battle of Gettysburg. 

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Be on Guard

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. It is the day that we, as a nation, come together to do more than have barbecues and parades. It is a day that we remember those who have served and those who currently serve this great nation. No matter what branch of service or if they are police, EMT or firefighters, we thank each for their devotion and service to protect us from harm and ensure our liberties to speak freely and to worship openly. Each day I thank our Heavenly Father for these men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day and pray for them and their families. They lead a very difficult life. It is a life of service that may require them to give “the last full measure of devotion”.

Of all the special ceremonies and observances that occur on Memorial Day, there is one that touches me very deeply. It is the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That one solemn ceremony embodies the nation’s gratitude for those who have served, those who serve and those who “laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom.”

If you have not seen the ceremony, I encourage you to watch one of them on Youtube. It is indeed a very simple, yet moving ceremony. Each time I watch one on television or watch a video of one, I weep and thank the Lord for each brave man or woman who puts on a uniform. Surrounding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are the headstones of thousands of fellow comrades in arms. You cannot help but be moved by seeing row upon row of soldiers who fought and died for this nation so that it “shall not perish from the earth”.

Although Arlington National Cemetery like other national cemeteries are guarded twenty-four hours a day, there is a special detail of soldiers called “Sentinels” who watch over the Tomb with a solemn reverence that few can really understand. They silently march their post and continue their tour until they are relieved by the relief commander or assistant relief commander, along with the oncoming guard. The relief commander orders the guard being relieved to "pass on your orders" to the oncoming guard. The guard being relieved will say to the oncoming guard, "Post and orders remain as directed." The oncoming guard's response is always, "Orders acknowledged." 

Even as I write, my eyes are filled with tears and my heart swells with pride. Who could not be touched by this simple exchange? The oncoming Sentinel then takes his or her place on the rubber mat in front of the Tomb and marches the tour. The Sentinel marches twenty-one steps, stops for twenty-one seconds and continues the same cycle throughout the tour until relieved. This changing of the guard continues in the dead of winter and the hottest summer days. Rain, shine or storm, the Sentinels are always on guard to protect the soldiers enshrined in this Tomb. Inscribed on the Tomb are these sacred words, “HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD.” The unknown soldier in the Tomb rests quietly and secure in the fact that a special individual stands guard to protect him from harm. 

The devotion that the Sentinel has for his or her most sacred of duties is the same sort of dedication and devotion that we as Christians should have when it comes to our faith. We should be devoted 100% to the Lord and work to not falter in our faith. We will be challenged from time to time with situations that will test our mettle and how we hold on to that faith. It is one thing to believe. It is quite another thing to have faith. The difference between the two is that belief with action is faith. It is easy to believe in God. Having faith means that we actively seek Him out and trust in Him without reservation. We may not understand why we go through certain trials and troubles in our lives, but we must have faith in God and know that His grace is sufficient for every need.

Part of having that faith is to remain constantly vigilant like the Sentinels watching over the Tomb and ready to act. Let us look at what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16. “13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.” We must be on constant guard. Satan, along with his demons, is always on the prowl like a hungry lion searching for those who question the Lord and are weak in their faith. 

I, as a pastor and follower of Christ Jesus, often times find my own faith weakened by horrible problems that seem to pile one right after another onto my shoulders. This year has been the most difficult year that I have ever experienced in my life. My family and I have suffered through so much misery and pain. Yes, our faith has been challenged at every turn in our tour on the mat of life. Each step has been plagued with the slings and arrows of the evil one. We have felt his claws and teeth tearing into our spirits. But, we remember the words of Paul. We must remain firm in our faith. We must be courageous and strong. We must, when we are weak, turn humbly to the Lord and call upon Him to give us strength and comfort when we need it most. 

Like the soldier in the Tomb, we know that God is always there to protect us from harm or foul. Nothing will come between us and our Heavenly Father. He remains there in our time of need and is there in our times of joy. Unlike the Sentinels of the Tomb, He never needs to be relieved from His post. He remains a constant in our lives and continues to give us strength, comfort and an unfailing love that we cannot even imagine. 

As we rest assured in His promise and commitment to us, we, too, have a sacred duty to perform. We must do everything in love and act with a Christ-like attitude. We must help those who are weak in their faith by praying for them and letting them know they are not alone. We must support them by giving them a shoulder to lean on as we all lean against God’s everlasting arms. When the evil one strikes at one of our brothers or sisters, we must close ranks around that individual and pray for God’s hedge of protection. We must realize that we have Heaven’s armory at our call. God will send legions upon legions of angels to watch over us. God will personally take charge and watch over His children. We just need to remain faithful to Him and remember that we are all children of El-Shaddai. Do you remember what this name of God means? The name appears forty-eight times in the Bible, seven times as "El Shaddai" (five times in Genesis, once in Exodus, and once in Ezekiel). It means God Almighty. His very name tells us that He is God and is mighty in all that He does. By His very power and existence, He is able to provide us with grace, comfort, strength, and most importantly, an unfailing love that nourishes our spirits in times of distress and danger. We have nothing to fear when we act boldly in our faith and know that He is there for us. If God is for us, who can honestly be against us or stand against us?

As we observe this Memorial Day, let us remember not only the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve this great nation under God but also their families. Let us remember those fallen warriors who gave their lives so that this nation would not perish from the Earth. We should never forget the sacrifices of their families and friends. Those families have have given so much to the cost of liberty.

And let us not forget the gift of salvation and freedom from the bondage of sin given to us by God through the sacrifice of His son, Christ Jesus. It is through his sacrifice that we are able to have that wonderful relationship with the Lord. We must remain devoted to our faith during the moments when Satan will try to cause us to falter in our faith. As we grow stronger in our faith, we are to be courageous and strong. We can then stand firm in His grace and show the world that we are truly followers of Christ Jesus and act in love.

May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. 
~ Numbers 6:24-26 New Living Translation (NLT)

Memorial Day - Remembering Their Sacrifice

Please remember to keep our service men and women in your prayers this week. As we approach, Memorial Day on Monday, May 28th, we must not only on this day but also on every day thank our men and women in uniform for their service and to remember those who gave "the last full measure of devotion."

It is because of their sacrifice and the sacrifice made by their families that we enjoy the freedom to worship without fear.

Remember Those Who Served and Sacrificed

Let us remember those who served this great nation and sacrificed so much for us so that we can live in peace and enjoy the freedoms that they protected and defended.

Do not let their sacrifice and the sacrifices of their families fade from your memory.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 KJV

Sunday Message - Though I am Surrounded

As we remember those brave souls that laid down their lives for a grateful nation, Chaplain Jesse will be delivering his Memorial Day message, "Though I am Surrounded". He will be examining a vision that George Washington had at Valley Forge. Our nation has a destiny to fulfill as a light in the darkness. Our faith as a nation will be tried daily, but we must continue to fight the good fight.