Tomorrow, we commemorate Veterans Day. On the eleventh hour on the eleventh day in the eleventh month in 1918 a treaty was signed to end WWI. A year later “Armistice Day” was designated as a day to remember and honor the sacrifices of the men and women who served during the war. Armistice Day was declared a national holiday by Congress in 1938. Following WWII, Congress changed the name day of remembrance to Veterans Day to include honoring veterans of all United States wars.

I am very glad that the service and sacrifice of our military veterans is generally recognized today. I grew up during the Vietnam War and unfortunately those brave men and women who sacrificed so much were never treated with the respect they deserved for their service. Instead of receiving a warm welcome for their service, the Vietnam veterans were treated as outcasts. I view this treatment as appalling. May we never again allow our political views to impact the way we treat our brave soldiers who serve so gallantly in our military; their service demands our respect.

The freedoms that we take for granted have come at a great cost. Around the world religious freedom is longed for by many but sadly not granted. Our freedom to worship as citizens of the United States of America is coveted by so many around the world. We can freely attend the church of our choice and carry our Bibles, openly in public, without fear of government persecution. These freedoms have been granted to us because since the birth of our great nation, courageous men and women have stepped forward and sacrificed greatly on our behalf.

As incredibly blessed as we are to enjoy these freedoms, the Eternal Son entered this world and sacrificed greatly to insure the greatest freedom of all, freedom from the entanglement of sin and victory over death. This freedom comes through a conscious decision to accept what has been provided on your behalf, for today and all eternity.

Today as you consider Bending-A-Knee in prayer at noon, may you lift up our present military personnel and ask God to sustain them and support them through their time of service. May you also remember the service of so many who have ensured the freedoms that we enjoy today. Look for ways to provide a tangible act of gratitude to our military services members both past & present. Do not forget to thank God for the ultimate freedom provided by the Eternal Son, named Jesus. May you embrace this freedom through your daily words and deeds.

Stay connected to God & to others

God’s Peace,

Pastor Mike