"The Freedom In Christ"
We enjoy holidays because they mean an extra day off from work to spend with friends and family, but we sometimes forget to examine and celebrate their real meaning. We should dwell on the importance of our National holidays, which orginated as days to honor the fallen soldiers of the many wars. We celebrate to honor those who gave their lives in defense of freedom. Just think about this for a moment. They gave their lives for freedom. Imagine the courage, pain and sacrifice. Much like the bravery of our Lord our soldiers of this nation exhibit today, the fallen soldiers of yesteryear helped make the world a safer place, promoting freedom and democracy. As they crushed fasism, halted the advances of communism, broke the will of terrorists or toppled a sadistic dictator, our soldiers past and present, deserve remembrance and honor.
The valiant efforts of our nation's soldiers at home and overseas have preserved America's freedom: freedom of speech, the right to assemble and the right to worship freely without government interference. While our freedoms were endowed to us by God, the privilege of enjoying them was purchased by the sacrifice of soldiers. Their sacrifices give weight to the phrase, "Freedom isn't free."
Because of their great efforts, We should remain committed to honoring those who currently serve, as well as our nation's fallen heroes. Unfortunately, not all Americans value what our service men and women do for us. In fact, some have conducted several protests over the years at the funerals of fallen soldiers nationwide. These radicals increase the suffering of grieving families and dishonor the fallen by shouting obscenities and carrying signs with hateful messages. In response to these callous actions. Assembly Bill 2707 was introduced to prohibit picketing at funerals. Our armed forces have given a great deal so we can enjoy freedoms that much of the rest of the world may never experience. Having given thier lives, the least we can do is to provide a safe place for their families to say goodbye.
If you wonder how you can honor our nation's heroes, it can be as simple as flying the American flags at half-staff until noon, observing a moment of silent prayer, not just during a National holiday but every day of the year in remembrance of our fallen heores. To honor those currently serving in the military, say a simple "thank you" to service men and women you meet or donate to organiztions that send care pakages overseas. For those of you that are blessed with businesses, sponsor a military family to a Raiders game this season? Maybe next time when you see someone with a yellow ribbon on their car, stop to wonder if that person has a family member serving overseas.
There is another real freedom we can have. We can display it every day of the year, and that is our personal freedom "In Christ Jesus" to live a life to glorify Him, so that His shield of love, truth, and peace can be seen by all. Just like the flag that represents freedom, "Old Glory" Jesus is a banner over us, protecting and shielding us. He is the "Glory and the provider of Life" at all times. Let freedom ring out in your heart today. "God Bless Amercia! "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death." (Romans 8:2)
Pastor Mando
"keep the faith"
