Memorial Day Writing...5/28/18..."A Dose of God and Patriotism"

Good Morning,

This is a devotional I borrowed in part from a blog called "Settled in Heaven." I grew up in an era when patriotism was a universal way of thinking. I am not a Pollyanna, and I do know our country has issues. However, as I watch the news my heart breaks for the horrors I see that are going on. I am not referring to happenings like our next generation stepping up to the plate to have a voice in their country. I am referring to the stories of violence that are a horror, and the worst of these occurs in schools. I just got carried away with thoughts of how amazing our country is - warts and all. We are so blessed, and we don't always count our blessings. I could go on and on, but my purpose started out to thank those who were willing to sacrifice all for us. These soldiers follow The example of what Jesus was willing to do for the world peoples 2000+ years ago. Here is a quote from this writing, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Could we have one day of thankfulness and say "God bless America!"

Have a great day

Corinne
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Memorial Day Devotional 

"A Dose of God and Patriotism"

shared by
Corinne Mustafa

 “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: 
that my joy might be your joy,
and your joy wholly mature.
This is my command: Love one another
the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love.
Put your life on the line for your friends.
You are my friends when you do the things I command you.
I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning.
No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in
on everything I’ve heard from the Father.

John 15:12-15 The Message (MSG)

Here, we find that our Lord recognized the tremendous sacrifice involved when a person is willing to give up their life for their friend.   He describes it as an act of “great love.”   Who better to be able to understand and define the very essence of self-sacrifice and love, but our Lord Himself?

Think about what Christ has done for His people.  He willingly humbled Himself and came to the earth, God in human flesh, giving up the glories of heaven to live among us.   Then, during His life on earth, He set the ultimate example of service, teaching, feeding, praying for and healing those who were in need.   Next, He was willing to be falsely accused, mocked, physically beaten, mistreated and convicted for a set of crimes that He did not commit. Finally, submitting to a horrible death of slow suffocation while hanging on a cross, all so that His people could receive forgiveness and deliverance from their sin and its results.  This is what the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ brought about for us.

And, now for the most amazing part of all this, He did this for us, not when we were friends with Him, but when we were His enemies…   When we were opposed to Him, He still choose to love us and die for us on the cross. 

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

Remember in the above verse Christ Himself said there was no greater love among man than to die for a friend?  How much greater is a love that would make Jesus, God the Son,  be willing to die for an enemy, one that wants nothing to do with Him and who rebels against Him at every turn?  It is described as “the love of God” that cannot be fully understood by man. This is the ultimate example of love for another.

 Neither height nor depth,nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:39

To know this love that surpasses knowledge

so that you may be filled to the measure
of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:19

On this Memorial Day weekend, we need to remember the brave soldiers who have so unselfishly given of themselves for us.   Let’s not only appreciate their actions but also take steps to help these veterans and their families whenever and wherever we can.

But also this weekend, we remember the Lord Jesus Christ and all that He has done for us so that we might be saved from the eternal punishment for our sins.  And then out of appreciation for His works, we should be willing to give ourselves for others, thereby following the perfect example of Christ.

Please read 1 John 4:7-12

Wishing you a joy-filled Memorial Day
where you remember not only the history it represents
but also enjoy time spent with family and friends,

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My Country Tis of Thee

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