3 hours ago
Memorial Day is not about the three-day weekend.
It's not about the picnics.
It's not about the camping.
It's not about the parades.
Today is a day to remember the sacrifices of those who have fought and died to protect our precious freedem that we enjoy in this country. Let's remember that today and also remember to thank our God for the freedom He grants us, and pray that He will continue to allow it to be preserved.
Freedom Is Not Free
By Kelly Strong
I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of TAPS one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That TAPS had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.
More Day poems and songs at Memorial Day Tribute.
It's not about the picnics.
It's not about the camping.
It's not about the parades.
Today is a day to remember the sacrifices of those who have fought and died to protect our precious freedem that we enjoy in this country. Let's remember that today and also remember to thank our God for the freedom He grants us, and pray that He will continue to allow it to be preserved.
Freedom Is Not Free
By Kelly Strong
I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.
I heard the sound of TAPS one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That TAPS had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.
More Day poems and songs at Memorial Day Tribute.
This is my favorite Resurrection Day hymn, and I thought I'd share it here this morning. He is Risen! He is risen indeed.
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
Music: Lyra Davidica, 1708
Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!
Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun's eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!
Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!
Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
Hail, the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection day, Alleluia!
King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He's King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Go to this link to hear the music to the song. I hope you all have a blessed Resurrection Day! Our Lord is Risen!
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
Music: Lyra Davidica, 1708
Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!
Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun's eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!
Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!
Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
Hail, the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection day, Alleluia!
King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He's King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Go to this link to hear the music to the song. I hope you all have a blessed Resurrection Day! Our Lord is Risen!
This morning I read the story of Jesus's crucifixion in all four gospels. Every Good Friday I like to read about what our Saviour suffered in order to save us - it's always helps me refocus on Jesus for the rest of the day. This year as I was reading I started thinking about some of the people who were there when He was crucified. Not those who actually hung Him on the cross, and not His disciples, but some of the minor characters in the story. It makes me wonder what some of them were thinking as they saw this Man who they didn't even know, but perhaps had heard of, being killed.
What did Simon of Cyrene think? He was from the country, only in Jerusalem to observe the Passover and sacrifice his lamb. Yet they compelled him to help Jesus carry His cross to Golgotha. I always thought that Simon was granted a great honor that day - to be able to help our Lord carry His cross, to make Jesus's load even a little lighter, just for a moment. I wonder what ever happened to Simon of Cyrene - I wonder if he knew what an honor that simple act was.
What made the thief on the cross realize Jesus was not just any man? He probably didn't realize it before that moment, or I doubt he would be hanging on that cross for stealing. But something that occured on the way to the Golgotha or while they were hanging on the crosses must have convinced him. I always thought that thief was so brave. He believed, but he was so humble - he knew he deserved to be punished. Yet he asked Jesus to remember him, when Jesus came into his throne. What courage! To ask the Son of God to remember him. And Jesus reassured him that it wasn't too late to believe, that the thief would be with Him in heaven. I can't wait until I get there too, so I can ask him about his story.
I also wonder about that centurian, the one who exclaimed that "Truly this was the Son of God!" after he saw Jesus die. That centurian was in the perfect position to observe everything that happened to Jesus during His last hours, everything that was said, every significant event. And after all was said and done, the centurian was also convinced that this was something out of the ordinary - this was not just any man. I wonder what he did with that knowledge? Did he become one of the many believers in Jesus after He rose from the dead? Did he see Jesus ascending to heaven? What happened next?
The stories of these people intrigue me, because they were there. They were present when our God died in our place - they had some small part to share in His story. Whenever I read the accounts of Jesus's death, these two things always strike me - how much our Lord suffered and endured for us; I can't even imagine everything He went through, and it always reminds me of how unworthy I am of such a sacrifice on His part. And the second thing is the individual people who were involved. What must have gone through their minds? And if they lived, what did they do with what they had seen? Did they believe - did they glorify God? Did they help establish the early church, did they tell others about what they had seen? Or did they just go on their way?
What do we do with our knowledge? Do we tell others what we know, what we have seen? I for one don't share my story often enough. Let's remember what Jesus did for us this Good Friday, and endeavor to share what we know in the future.
The image above was from Little Spark Mission.
Last night Derek and I went to our church Bible study. We haven't been going as regularly as we'd like, but we decided to start trying to go every week. It was such a blessing to go spend time with fellow believers and study God's word! Last night we were studying 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22. Our church elder, Herb, who leads the Bible study called these "Admonitions On 'How To Live In Order To Please God'", and I thought they were really good things to work on in my own life. I thought I'd share this list here; you can also look up the Bible verse and read them for yourself!
Admonitions On How To Live In Order To Please God
1. Appreciate those who labor among you and have charge over you in the Lord; esteem them highly in love.
2. Live in peace with one another.
3. Admonish the unruly. (Other versions said the lazy or idle as well)
4. Encourage the fainthearted.
5. Help the weak.
6. Be patient with everyone.
7. See that no one repays evil for evil.
8. Seek after that which is good for each other and all people.
9. Rejoice always.
10. Pray without ceasing.
11. In everything give thanks.
12. Do not quench the Spirit. (I was a little confused on this one at first, but we read different Bible versions, and it was explained to me that this means not to ignore the Holy Spirit when He convicts you, or when He is leading you to do or say something. I usually pay attention when the Holy Spirit convicts me, but I don't always listen when He is calling me to some action - that is something I need to work on).
13. Do not despise prophetic utterances, but examine everything carefully. (Test everything against Scripture).
14. Hold fast to that which is good.
15. Abstain from every form of evil. (Or every appearance of evil; the Greek word there is eidos, which means "that which strikes the eye").
I thought these admonitions for living were really good, and I'm going to work on these personally; because what better goal is there than to live in order to please God?
Admonitions On How To Live In Order To Please God
1. Appreciate those who labor among you and have charge over you in the Lord; esteem them highly in love.
2. Live in peace with one another.
3. Admonish the unruly. (Other versions said the lazy or idle as well)
4. Encourage the fainthearted.
5. Help the weak.
6. Be patient with everyone.
7. See that no one repays evil for evil.
8. Seek after that which is good for each other and all people.
9. Rejoice always.
10. Pray without ceasing.
11. In everything give thanks.
12. Do not quench the Spirit. (I was a little confused on this one at first, but we read different Bible versions, and it was explained to me that this means not to ignore the Holy Spirit when He convicts you, or when He is leading you to do or say something. I usually pay attention when the Holy Spirit convicts me, but I don't always listen when He is calling me to some action - that is something I need to work on).
13. Do not despise prophetic utterances, but examine everything carefully. (Test everything against Scripture).
14. Hold fast to that which is good.
15. Abstain from every form of evil. (Or every appearance of evil; the Greek word there is eidos, which means "that which strikes the eye").
I thought these admonitions for living were really good, and I'm going to work on these personally; because what better goal is there than to live in order to please God?
I recently stumbled across a website called Internet Cafe Devtions. This is a website that provides devotions for Christian women. They also have a weekly meme where a question is asked, and those who want to participate answer the question in a blog post. I thought I'd try it this week.
The question had to do with a story of a Missionary in the Congo who chose to stay and minister to the people there in a very dangerous time. She was attacked by a truckload of soldiers who did awful things to her, but she escaped with her life and was taken away from the Congo for her recovery. This is a quote from David Jeremiah regarding Helen's attitude about what happened to her.
We're supposed to tell our thoughts about this question.
I think if something similar had happened to me my first response would be to ask God why He had let this happen to me when all I was trying to do was to serve Him. I would probably start out depressed and maybe a little angry. But I'm not the type to stay that way, and I think if I heard the above question I would be able to say yes, that I would trust my Lord that He had let this happen for a reason, even if I never knew why.
Not that my questions and anger would go away just like that. I'm sure I would struggle with the why questions for years to come, and there would certainly be occasional moments of anger or bitterness. But the Lord is in control of everything that happens, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) I would find comfort in that verse, that there has to be some purpose in my suffering, even though I may never know it.
It's easy to say how I think I would react now, when I'm in the safety and comfort of my living room. The real test comes when something bad really does happen to you. But I'm still confident that I would respond in a very similar way to what I described above. Though I may have twinges of anger at God, I couldn't stay angry at Him. Though my faith my be in danger for a brief time, I couldn't lose it entirely. Though I may cry out to God why He would let this happen, I couldn't turn my back on Him. Because without Jesus, what else do I have? I know that though I may react in a very negative and ungodly way at first, He would gently draw me back, hold me together in my time of weakness, remind me to just trust Him, and bring me out stronger in the end. I'm safely in the palm of His hand, and He would never let me go; the only way I could get through it would be to cling to Him. I have nothing, I am nothing without Him, and He suffered much worse for me.
The following is one of my much loved songs sung by Aaron Shust, and I think the section in bold would be my refrain through a time of suffering, and I think the thought would bring me much comfort.
The question had to do with a story of a Missionary in the Congo who chose to stay and minister to the people there in a very dangerous time. She was attacked by a truckload of soldiers who did awful things to her, but she escaped with her life and was taken away from the Congo for her recovery. This is a quote from David Jeremiah regarding Helen's attitude about what happened to her.
"There was no bitterness within her, though Helen had experienced terrible, mindless evil. It would have been so easy to demand of God why He allowed these atrocities, when she had been so faithful to His service. But in her heart of hearts, she felt that God’s question would be, 'Can you thank Me for trusting you with this experience, even if I never tell you why?'"
We're supposed to tell our thoughts about this question.
I think if something similar had happened to me my first response would be to ask God why He had let this happen to me when all I was trying to do was to serve Him. I would probably start out depressed and maybe a little angry. But I'm not the type to stay that way, and I think if I heard the above question I would be able to say yes, that I would trust my Lord that He had let this happen for a reason, even if I never knew why.
Not that my questions and anger would go away just like that. I'm sure I would struggle with the why questions for years to come, and there would certainly be occasional moments of anger or bitterness. But the Lord is in control of everything that happens, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) I would find comfort in that verse, that there has to be some purpose in my suffering, even though I may never know it.
It's easy to say how I think I would react now, when I'm in the safety and comfort of my living room. The real test comes when something bad really does happen to you. But I'm still confident that I would respond in a very similar way to what I described above. Though I may have twinges of anger at God, I couldn't stay angry at Him. Though my faith my be in danger for a brief time, I couldn't lose it entirely. Though I may cry out to God why He would let this happen, I couldn't turn my back on Him. Because without Jesus, what else do I have? I know that though I may react in a very negative and ungodly way at first, He would gently draw me back, hold me together in my time of weakness, remind me to just trust Him, and bring me out stronger in the end. I'm safely in the palm of His hand, and He would never let me go; the only way I could get through it would be to cling to Him. I have nothing, I am nothing without Him, and He suffered much worse for me.
The following is one of my much loved songs sung by Aaron Shust, and I think the section in bold would be my refrain through a time of suffering, and I think the thought would bring me much comfort.
"I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior
I take Him at His word and deed
Christ died to save me; this I read
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my savior
That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior
Chorus (2x's)
My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be
Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior
That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior
Chorus (2x's)
My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be"
One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Carols Those Kids Used To Sing" by the Statler Brothers. I think I love it so much, because of the lyrics. I had a terrible time trying to find the lyrics to post on here, but if you would like to hear the song you can go to this link: http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/statler_brothers/800209/album.jhtml.
This song talks about kids who gather together before Christmas and go around their town singing Christmas carols to their neighbors. The second verse talks about how one year they decided to bring turkey and toys to a family who otherwise wouldn't have a Christmas. The chorus says:
"Joy to the World!
The Lord has come;
Let Earth recieve her King!
And at Christmas each year,
I still love to hear
The carols those kids used to sing!"
I think there are a few reasons why I love this song. One would be my own memories of Christmas caroling. I've been going to my church since I was ten years old, and every year our church gathers together in mid-December and goes caroling door to door. It was always such a joy to see people's faces light up when we came to sing at their house, and being able to carol with people I love made the experience fun and special. Most of my friends from those days have moved on; one by one they moved away, and they no longer come to our church. However, my wonderful memories of that time will always bring a smile to my face, and this song by the Statler Brothers reminds me of all the fun times we had caroling.
I think another reason why I appreciate this song so much is because I feel like it captures the spirit of the Christmas season. The phrase "The Christmas Spirit" is very over-used in most Christmas movies and cards today, but who actually stops to think about what that means? Christmas can only be meaningful in the true way to those of us who are Christians, and I think the Christmas Spirit can only be fully understood by Christians.
What is Christmas all about? Many people who do not believe in Christ would just say it was about being with family and friends, etc. But as we know, the true reason for Christmas is to celebrate the wonderful gift the Lord has given us by sending His Son. God Himself was born in a manger so that He could eventually die to save us from our sins. For Christians, that thought inspires us and makes the Christmas season something wonderful and special.
And if God did such a thing for us, should we not serve God by serving other people? Doesn't the Christmas Spirit have to do with our joy and gratefulness to God for the Gift He has given us? Because of our joy and gratefulness to God, we show special kindnesses to those around us, and that's the source of the Christmas Spirit, that is so often referred to at this time of year. "Carols Those Kids Used To Sing" is special to me because it captures that true spirit of joy and thanks in a beautiful way, and it reminds me not only of my childhood, but also of the Reason why we celebrate, and it inspires me to do more for others. And aren't those three things really what Christmas is all about?
Take some time to sing some carols this Christmas, and remember the source of the Christmas Spirit!
"Thanks be to God for His Indescribable gift!"
2 Corinthians 9:15
Since it's Thanksgiving tomorrow, I thought I'd post a hymn that I just found. I think it's a beautiful thanksgiving hymn. It's put to the music of "For the Beauty of the Earth" only the words are different, but beautiful just the same. The music was composed by Conrad Kocher, and the lyrics are by Josiah Conder.
O Give Thanks To Him Who Made
O give thanks to Him Who made
Morning light and evening shade;
Source and Giver of all good,
Nightly sleep and daily food;
Quickener of our wearied powers,
Guard of our unconscious hours.
O give thanks to nature’s King,
Who made every breathing thing;
His, our warm and sentient frame,
His, the mind’s immortal flame.
O how close the ties that bind
Spirits to the Eternal Mind!
O give thanks with heart and lip,
For we are His workmanship;
And all creatures are His care:
Not a bird that cleaves the air
Falls unnoticed; but who can
Speak the Father’s love to man?
O give thanks to Him Who came
In a mortal, suffering frame-
Temple of the Deity—
Came for rebel man to die;
In the path Himself hath trod
Leading back His saints to God.
I found this on www.cyberhymnal.org. If you would like to hear the melody you can go to the following link: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/g/t/ogtthwma.htm. Listen to the music, read the lyrics, and remember to thank the Lord for all He has done for us - especially for giving His Son. I wish you all a joyful Thanksgiving!
"Let us come before Him with thanksgiving, and extol Him with music and song." Psalm 95:2
O Give Thanks To Him Who Made
O give thanks to Him Who made
Morning light and evening shade;
Source and Giver of all good,
Nightly sleep and daily food;
Quickener of our wearied powers,
Guard of our unconscious hours.
O give thanks to nature’s King,
Who made every breathing thing;
His, our warm and sentient frame,
His, the mind’s immortal flame.
O how close the ties that bind
Spirits to the Eternal Mind!
O give thanks with heart and lip,
For we are His workmanship;
And all creatures are His care:
Not a bird that cleaves the air
Falls unnoticed; but who can
Speak the Father’s love to man?
O give thanks to Him Who came
In a mortal, suffering frame-
Temple of the Deity—
Came for rebel man to die;
In the path Himself hath trod
Leading back His saints to God.
I found this on www.cyberhymnal.org. If you would like to hear the melody you can go to the following link: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/g/t/ogtthwma.htm. Listen to the music, read the lyrics, and remember to thank the Lord for all He has done for us - especially for giving His Son. I wish you all a joyful Thanksgiving!
"Let us come before Him with thanksgiving, and extol Him with music and song." Psalm 95:2
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