On Memorial Day weekend, I’m happy to be able to go to the lake, or the pool, or enjoy a gathering with friends—but we cannot afford to forget the reason for this holiday.
Memorial Day was originally established to commemorate the Civil War’s 600,000 casualties. Our church stands very close to where the Battle of Stones River took place, and the nearby national battlefield holds the graves of more than 6,000 Civil War soldiers. Many wars have happened since that time, and this weekend we stop to remember the hundreds of thousands of men and women who have died on behalf of our freedoms.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father,
We pause this weekend to give thanks for the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice so we might know liberty and freedom. I pray for the families touched by those losses—that they would be strengthened, and that they would know those sacrifices are not forgotten nor presumed upon.
And Lord, I pray you’ll stir our hearts. Help us be willing to make the sacrifices necessary on our part to let liberty, freedom, and the gospel of Jesus Christ continue to be shouted from every house top—so the name of Jesus can be exalted and His purposes fulfilled in our generation.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
I recently took two trips to our nation’s capitol to talk with policy-makers and thought-leaders, and I came home more convinced than I’ve ever been that the solution to our nation’s problems will not begin in Washington, DC—It will begin in the hearts of God’s people. Politicians are a reflection of what’s happening in our lives. They will follow our lead.
Our future will not be determined by the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, or the Supreme Court. Our future will be determined by the obedience of the people of God. If we choose to honor God, live uprightly before Him, and walk with integrity, humility, and repentance—then we might see His blessings come upon our nation again. It’s the only way our children and grandchildren will continue to know the liberties and freedoms so many gave their lives to protect.
Onward in Him,
Pastor Allen Jackson