A Memorial Challenge??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #453

As we take time to celebrate “Memorial Day” here in the US, I simply want to share a few things to consider as we think about remembering and honoring those who have not only gone on before us, but those who have given their service to our country (my father was one who gave during WWII, and was a Purple Heart recipient, who also gave over 21 years to the US Navy!) in the military services.

Living in a military community makes most around us here sensitive to the need to recognize and thank those who have given or are giving service to our nation. How sad that we often forget this in these perilous times.

Memorial:  something designed to preserve the memory of a person, event, etc. as a monument or a holiday.

As we consider things this weekend, may we consider those who have sacrificed for our freedom—especially the many who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives.  May we not abandon the old landmarks.

“Remove not the ancient landmark,

which thy fathers have set.

29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business?

he shall stand before kings…”.  Proverbs 22:28-29a

How sad that we as a nation are abandoning that which our parents and forefathers have set before us.  I pray that we will turn back to the God who blessed us with this freedom.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident,

that all men are created equal,

that they are endowed by their Creator

with certain unalienable Rights,

that among these

are Life, Liberty

and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Notice that our founders declared that we are entitled to “the pursuit of Happiness”, NOT “Happiness”!  We are free to pursue success and prosperity, but not at the expense of others.  While God called ancient Israel to respect and preserve the “ancient landmark”, may we as Americans see the need to repent and return to God and His Word upon which this nation was founded (regardless of what people deny today!)!

As we seek to remember the sacrifice of others, may we more than anything, remember the sacrifice that the Lamb of God made for us on Calvary! What will you do with this “ancient landmark”—Jesus has paid the price for our sin and will save all who will come to Him in repentance of sin, and faith in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice!  May we consider just a few things as we spend time together remembering the past and the present blessings of our God.

       The goodness of God—always—

              For our family–

              For our friends—

              For real beauty—that which God has created

                      (rather than man’s pretense of beauty.)

                             Like a rose—

                             Like a sunset/sunrise–

                             Like a full moon—

                             Like a baby’s laugh–

                                    or joy in new accomplishments—

       The blessings of life—

       The Word of God—not only its truths of yesterday,

But its power to help us choose wisely today and tomorrow!

God please bless America to remember the landmarks!