REMEMBERING THOSE WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR OUR FREEDOM

Yesterday we had Memorial Day, which is about remembering those who died for this country. Since it was a holiday, many had a chance to go to the park, rest, clean, or work on their home projects. For Linda and I, we were busy cleaning and fixing the leak that we had in one of our bathrooms. In any case, we are blessed with the freedom that we have in this country because of those who sacrificed their lives for this country. We have not experienced what other nations or people groups have experienced due to war and conflicts. Many are still suffering today because of the war that happened in their countries. I have a first hand experience ministering to the refugees from many parts of the world, and hearing their horrible stories because of war and conflict made me more thankful for the men and women who sacrificed their lives to preserve the freedom and peace that we have in this country. We are truly blessed that we don't experience bombs falling on our roof. Although this country is not perfect, we can still peacefully sleep at night, go to work the next day, and eat three times a day. We have many reasons to thank God for those who sacrificed their lives for this country.

As I contemplated Memorial Day yesterday, God reminded me of how our Lord Jesus Christ sacrificed His life so that we could have a better life in Him. Our Lord Jesus brought us from death to life with His own life. We were lost in our sins and destined to go to hell, but because of His grace and mercy, He came into this world to rescue us. Romans 5:8 says, "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." God knew that we were hopeless in our sins and incapable of saving ourselves. Being a good person is not enough to be forgiven of our sins because, in order for God to forgive our sins, someone has to pay the penalty for our sins. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Jesus paid the penalty of our sins by dying on the cross for us so that those who believe in Him will be forgiven of sin and receive eternal life. Our salvation is free by believing in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, but it cost Jesus His life to save us. 

We have so much to be thankful for those who died on our behalf so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today, especially our Lord Jesus, who saved us from our sins and gave us eternal life. We have been forgiven of our sins because our Lord Jesus washed away our sins with His blood that He shed on the cross. So when we stand before God, He sees us forgiven, not because of what we have done or how remorseful we are, but because of what our Lord Jesus has done for us. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What should my attitude be, knowing that someone sacrificed their life for the freedom I have today? How should I respond to what Jesus Christ did on the cross for me? Why is it important to remember what others have done for my freedom today?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for all the goodness and love that you have shown me. Thank you to those who sacrificed their lives for this country so that we can have the freedom that we have today. Thank you for what my Lord Jesus has done for me. I am saved and forgiven today because of His death and resurrection. May I always be thankful. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.