3:316 – Thank You, Veterans

#faithbites #faithjourney Veterans

Setting

Today is Veteran’s Day. It is a time for all of us to thank those who have put on the uniform of this nation to protect us from any threat. While I have never served, many of my friends, and family have. I am blessed to have those who even if they don’t agree with me or the way I live, to have fought for me and my rights. Thank you.

As I thought about Veteran’s Day, I wondered what God’s word says about military service. As always, we can learn alot about others and their choices through God’s word.

Scripture

• John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
• Psalm 144:1-2 – Of David. Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
• 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Reflection

Our first verse is about us, those who have not served. We are blessed that others are willing to lay down their lives for us even though they do not know us. They fight for an ideal and for the freedoms that many of us take for granted. Thank you, service members.

The second and third verses are for our service members. The Lord is on your side. He is your rock, your salvation, your deliverer, and your protector. You are often far from your loved ones and those places you hold dear. Thank you. Thank you for everything you have done and will do for us. May God bless you and may you be richly rewarded for all of your good work.

As we close, let’s remember that that we may not agree with the purpose of a battle or conflict. We might not even agree with our politicians and their plans. What we can agree on is thanking those who don the uniform of our country to fight four our lives and our freedoms. Thank you service members.

Challenge

Very simple: Thank a service member. Buy them a coffee or a sandwich. Write them a note of gratitude. Be grateful that they have chosen this life so you don’t have to.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for our service members. Be with them, protect them, guide them, and keep them safe. Lord, calm their hearts, give them peace, and let them know that all of us at home are thankful for their service.

Lord, help us to understand the sacrifice that they make. Help us to see being our political learnings and beyond our personal thoughts to the sacrifices they make. Let us thank them, love them, and honor them. In your name we pray, Amen.