5 Reasons to Celebrate Memorial Day

Several years ago my son and I visited a local cemetery to place wreaths and flags on the graves of veterans. It is an American tradition to honor the men and women who died while serving in U.S. Military. My Dad fought in Vietnam and my grandfather served in WWII. So, I’m honored to thank those who continue to serve.

Some families celebrate Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries, while others gather their family members close for an outdoor barbecue. Many cities even celebrate the fallen soldiers of their community by hosting a parade.

Why do Americans celebrate Memorial Day?

The Civil War claimed more soldiers’ lives than any other conflict in U.S. history. So many died that the very first national cemetery became necessary.

According to History.com Americans began decorating the fallen soldier’s graves with flowers and reciting prayers at the grave sites.

Did you know that the moment of Remembrance is at 3 pm?

5 Reasons to Celebrate Memorial Day

1. To honor the men and women who have died serving in U.S. military
2. To give thanks that the soul does not perish with the body.

Many worry about cancer, financial matters, jobs, family disagreements….the list can go on and on…..

But what about your soul or your loved one’s soul?

3. To give thanks that Jesus saves souls.

If you have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ to be your Savior. He saves your soul. The Salvation of our souls glorifies God.

Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into my presence, so that you also may be where I am (John 14:3 Berean Study Bible).

 

4. Give thanks if you had the honor of fighting with someone who has fallen.

One thing I have asked of the LORD;

this is what I desire:

to dwell in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life,

to gaze on the beauty of the LORD

and seek Him in His temple.

For in the day of trouble

He will hide me in His shelter;

He will conceal me under the cover of His tent;

He will set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be held high

above my enemies around me.

At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy;

I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Psalm 27 :4-5 Berean Study Bible

5. If you are a current fighting soldier or a family member you celebrate how the Lord has provided for you.  Consider the following:

A Psalm of David.

Blessed be the LORD my strength,

which teacheth my hands to war,

and my fingers to fight:

My goodness, and my fortress;

my high tower, and my deliverer;

my shield, and he in whom I trust;

who subdueth my people under me.

Psalm 144: 1-2 King James Bible

 

S. Conway in his sermon, What the Goodness of God Does for Me, describes how if you stand at the top of a high tower, you can see all of the enemy’s movements. The High Tower guards you from attack.

The Lord is our shield. He turns aside “strokes of swords, thrusts of spears, points of darts, and arrows.”

Just like God taught Gideon’s hand to war, he trained David’s fingers to fight. God gives warlike skills and wisdom that commands success to those who trust in him.

If you have a loved one who died while serving or is currently serving in the military, please feel free to post a picture of them in the comments.

I would love to pray for them, in the meantime May I pray for you?

Heavenly Father, thank you for not expecting us to do big things today.

You only require one small task.

 

To drink our daily living water.

You refresh us every morning we seek your face.

 

Daily you pour us a small cup from your well of salvation.

Knowing you are walking with us ignites joy within.

 

As we bow our heads, your compassion stirs our heart.

To forgive those who have pierced our souls.

 

I choose to trust you once again.

To place our festering hurts into your gentle hands.

 

Each morning, we kneel before you with our heart laid bare before you.

We trust you to knit our severed hearts together again.

 

You are the great healer.

We are thankful for your gift of salvation.

 

Thank you Jesus for revealing your strength.

For releasing your power to overcome the obstacle looming over us.

 

As we rush through our tasks, a new bloom breathes life.

Stooping to admire the red poppy, we feel your loving presence.

 

Your love comforts.

Your love strengthens.

 

Jesus, only you can draw our eyes to look beyond ourselves.

Join a free online bible study this week. We are just now reading chapter 2 in Jill Briscoe’s book, Here I am Lord, Send someone else

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I’m a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Married to a firefighter, a Mother of two college age sons and one lovable rescue pup. I’m a Instructional Designer.My background is teaching Elementary school so I’m a Thinking Math Enthusiast, a Write from the Beginning Believer, and Technology junkie.

 

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