Memorial Day Thoughts....

I was working on a few writings this week, helping with Jim's Chaplaincy and realized Memorial Day was fast approaching. And thought, hum, I wonder what most folks think about "Memorial" Day...what does it mean to you? Memorial Day is the day we, as a nation, come together to remember our fallen heros - the men and women that fought for our freedoms and gave completely of themselves, they gave their life. I plan to spend some time this weekend praying for those families that have lost loved ones that served our country, as well as those men and women still serving this great nation and their families.

Now to some, Memorial Day signals the start of summer, when the beaches open and we fire up the BBQ for cookouts with friends and family. And you know I'm all for a good BBQ. But truly it was meant as a time for reflection and a chance to honor those who have served us and died in doing so. Now when I was thinking about that, and what Memorial Day means to me, it came to mind that for myself and probably other faithful Christians, Memorial Day comes once a week, every single week...not just once a year. The first day of the week, Sunday (the Lord’s Day) has been set aside as a day of remembrance. To some folks Sunday symbolizes a time to kick our feet up, relax, do yard work, or catch a game. And you’re right, in a way it was partially meant to be a day of rest in a few ways: a time for spiritual growth, family activities, restoration, reading and spiritual refreshment. First and foremost, for Christians, it was set aside to remember and honor the One that gave of his life so we may have life: Christ, who came and gave up his physical life so we could have our spiritual life, our eternal life with God. It’s a day to worship and give praise and thanks to him, which is in obedience to His Word and what God desires.

So yes, for sure let us remember those that have died serving our country so we may have our freedoms, but let us also this weekend and every Sunday remember the One who died and conquered the grave. Christ lives today so that we may no longer be bound. How are you spending your two Memorial Days this weekend? I pray that they will be full of blessings and joy for you and your family. 3 nails, 1 cross and an empty grave, to me Christ is the original freedom fighter!

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

Romans 5:7-8 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I Corinthians 15:51 Listen, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed…

Luke 22:19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."