This is Memorial Day in America and we remember those who have given their lives for our freedom.  Indeed, freedom does not come without cost.  Today, I want to pay tribute to the men and women of the US military who paid the ultimate price.  In addition, I salute the peace officers, firefighters, and intelligence operatives who also put their lives on the line for us, both domestically and internationally.

If you have family members or friends who have lost their lives in service to America, please know that I pray for you today.  I don’t know your names or the details of your lose, but I’m praying to the God of the Universe, who knows all things, and I’m asking Him to pour out His lovingkindness upon you today.

Likewise, if you are serving (or know someone who is), I pray for you today as well.  May our gracious Lord protect you and give you His strength.  If you are a veteran, many thanks to you for your service and your sacrifice as well.

Sacrifice….

It is a characteristic of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He sacrificed in everyday life by considering others more significant than Himself.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
~Philippians 2:3-7

He also made the ultimate sacrifice by giving His life for us.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
~Philippians 2:8

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
~Romans 5:8

Knowingly or unknowingly, those who died in service to America were demonstrating the love of Christ.  Today, let’s thank God for salvation given through Jesus Christ, but let’s also thank the family members of those who gave us freedom through their ultimate sacrifice.

Blessings…