Remembering the Sacrifice | Fuel For The Weekend

The last Monday every May is a federal holiday in the United States of America. Each year, on Memorial Day many Americans gather with family and friends to have cook outs and events as they enjoy the day off from work. Flags flying and graves decorated with red, white, and blue flowers remind us of why we should honor this special federal holiday. We honor the brave men and women who courageously gave their lives for our freedom while actively serving in the United States Armed Forces. May we never take our freedom for granted, nor forget the great cost that was paid on our behalf.

Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." Today, let's say a prayer for the families left behind. Let's weep with those who weep and mourn the loss of their loved ones who died in battle. Matthew 5:4 says, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Jesus promised us this when He walked on the earth, and the promise is still good for us today. His Word will never fade away.

When I think of the sacrifice these incredible heroes of war made for me, I get choked up. It moves me! I feel so much gratitude in my heart and I am so thankful for the freedom I have. I am thankful for what the flag stands for. I appreciate all the blood, sweat, and tears shed for me. And it reminds me of what Jesus did so long ago for all of us. It was the supreme sacrifice.

ROMANS 5:7-8 (7)For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. (8)But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 is a familiar verse to so many of us. I have heard some quote it so fast I hardly heard the words. But it is a wonderful verse that sums up who God is and what He has given to us. It says that God loved the world so much that He freely gave up His very own Son: His one and only Son. Jesus came to save us. He came to love us. He came to free us. He came to forgive us. And the offer still stands. The offer is to whosoever will. Let's read that verse again, slower this time, and ask Holy Spirit to show you what He has truly done for us through the redemption of the cross of Calvary.

JOHN 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

It is a free gift. You cannot earn it. You will never be good enough to obtain it. You do not have the power to save yourself. You cannot free yourself from the bondage of sin. You need a Savior if You do not know Jesus. God loves you so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for your sins. You just have to believe in Him. He will save you when you call upon His name. This is the greatest decision you will ever make in your life and if you choose Jesus it will be the best decision you will ever make.

I hope you have a safe, happy, healthy, and blessed Memorial Day weekend. Let's honor the fallen men and women who bravely gave their lives for our freedom! Hold up the families left behind in prayer. Thank God for the sacrifice He made through Jesus, His Son, and love one another! Jesus is coming back very soon! We want to be ready!!!

I hope something I shared today has given you strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!

~Bridgett Owens