Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
As I have gone through each day recently part of my prayers have been that God will move mightily in America and within the hearts of every believer in America. With all the struggles that we are facing at this time my heart has been hurting.
I have been told that we don’t know the exact outcome of anything at this point. There are still unanswered questions that will ultimately determine the direction our nation takes in the coming days. Because of this I continue to pray that God’s will is done and His people stand strong for Him.
This Wednesday, November 11 will once again be a very special time for many. We call it Veteran’s Day. This is a time when we have the opportunity to ‘shine the light’ on those who have served in one of the branches of the military. I believe it is important to remember what they have done and what they have given in their service for our nation.
I have known Veteran’s that served in WWI and WWII. As I have visited with them the stories that they shared have truly been an inspiration to me. But I have also talked with Veteran’s from Korea and Vietnam. Then we look at the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan and we find the stories keep coming.
The one thing that continually comes to my mind as I visit with a Veteran is that they left loved ones and friends to serve their country. Yes, I know they made friends with fellow soldiers, but they still had to leave behind those who were so close to them to serve. I stand in total respect for those who gave so much that we might enjoy the freedoms we have here in America.
To be totally honest I have never talked with a Veteran that told me they wish they had never gone. Even when they have gone through some tough times, they held to the belief that they did what needed to be done. I’m so thankful that they still stand as a beacon of hope in the midst of the times in which we live.
The Veteran’s that I have talked with and known are proud of the opportunity they had to serve their nation. It was through their service that the freedom we have in this nation has continued. It is an example of love they gave for this nation.
In Galatians 5:13-14, Paul wrote –For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Yes, I know that Paul was talking to the church in Galatia and encouraging them to let their freedom in Christ be at the very foundation of their service to one another. Christ had set them free from their sin and now their service to others would reveal that love which they had in Christ.
Freedom is at the very foundation of our nation. The freedom we enjoy in this nation is something that we should never take for granted. While our founding fathers saw what freedom meant to the people, we must also understand that freedom is still a large part of what our founding fathers desired to be ongoing.
Our Veteran’s gave of themselves so that we can enjoy the freedoms here in America. So, when you see a Veteran, just tell them ‘Thank You’ for their service to our country. Let them know that you truly appreciate what they did to protect the freedoms we enjoy in America.
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!
Christ only, always,
Bro. Paul
Brother Paul Nachtigall is the preacher at Highland Baptist Church. He can be reached at bropaul@centramedia.net.
