Well, it’s another Sunday morning. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)
American revolutionary War, 50,000, War of 1812, 19,505, Mexican-American War, 17,435, Civil War, 1,084,938, Spanish-American War, 4,068, World War I, 320,518, World War II, 1,076,245, Korean War, 128,650, Vietnam War, 211,512, Persian Gulf War, 1,143, Iraq War, 36,710, Afghanistan War, 4,442, for a total of 2,955,166 American lives lost to these major wars. This is not including the lives lost to other conflicts or lives lost to other issues. 2,955,166 families that lost their loved ones, many of which was the last of their family name or the only son or daughter they had. We owe everything to these great men and women. We have the right and privilege to do all we do because these people gave their all for their country.
My prayer for all of these people is that when they set at the feet of our great LORD and Savior, He tells them “well done my good and faithful servant.” I pray that when we see someone in the military, we think about what they are putting on the line for all of us every time they are deployed, and we show them the respect that they deserve.
We set aside two days a year to honor our military men and women, one day for the living, Veteran’s Day; and one for the ones that have gone home to our Father’s house, Memorial Day. Two days is not enough, I believe we should remember them every time we see the flag of our country. I can think of over 2,955,166 reasons to be in constant prayer for our brothers and sisters that protect us and allow us the freedom to sleep without worry. They deserve our love and prayers and so much more.
Their efforts allow us freedom to pursue our own beliefs. I, like so many others, believe we are God’s warriors in this battle of good and evil. We are God’s military, we are his feet on the ground. We are to do his will and take up the battle against evil. Ephesians 6:10-20 tells us this about being God’s warriors, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
I hope all of you take the time to thank someone that served or still is serving. I pray you take the time to think about those that gave their all so we can live free. I pray you take up the armor of our great LORD and fight the good fight. Spread the word of our LORD tell others of His mercy and of His might. Tell them of His wonderful grace. Tell them that God truly loves each and every one of you and so do I.
