This is Memorial Day. And as such, we honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. This day was originally known as Decoration Day, it actually originated in the years following the Civil War. It was known as Decoration day because they established the practice of decorating the graves of the Union war dead with flowers. This memorial practice and remembrance finally became an official federal holiday in 1971. Our soldiers continually watch over the safety and freedom of our nation, and ensure the process of mutual respect among the nations. Christians are also soldiers. We are soldiers of the Lord. Paul called Epaphroditus a fellow soldier (Phillipians 2:25). He called Archippius a fellow soldier (Philemon 1:2). He also called Timothy a soldier (Acts 2;2). Paul reminded Timothy that soldiers endure hardship. They will be involved in battles and struggles. They need to be focused in their warfare and not engaged with or consumed by the affairs of this life. Their ultimate goal is to please the Lord. Do you feel that you have been in a war of sorts? If so, remember that you are a soldier of the Lord, and you do have an enemy that is trying to take you and your family down. However, never forget that the army you are a part of is greater and stronger than any other army, and your general is the Lord of Lords and the King of kings! As you enjoy this weekend, take a moment to pray for all of our soldiers and their families. May God bless and keep all of our soldiers in every military branch, and may God bless the legacy and families of all those precious soldiers that have given their lives to ensure our freedoms and way of life.
2 Timothy 2:3,4: “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
