On this day, I remember my Father who was in the Navy and part of the cleanup crew after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He rarely spoke of it. However, it had a profound influence on him the rest of his life upon this earth. He dealt with depression and was hospitalized not just once but several times. I watch the History Channel and weep with the old veterans as they reminisce. So much sacrifice. It seems as though freedom requires a constant contending. It does not come cheap or easy. My heart cries over all the white crosses, past, present and future. Yes, future. We would not be human if we denied the fact that sacrifice has always been involved in freedom. It is for human freedom life is given. As Americans we can recount the freedoms for which we fight: religion; speech; the press; right to protect ourselves; right to assemble; to vote, etc. Mainly, the right for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As Christians we understand that over 2,000 years ago, the ultimate sacrifice was given by God of His only Son so that mankind could be set free and receive true life, not only in this time frame but in eternity as well. The freedom we have received is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And Love your neighbor as yourself." The right to be in "right relationship" with our Creator, our Father God and the freedom to walk in unbroken fellowship with one another. Then again comes the contending. Just as in the physical realm we must contend for our freedom or it will be taken from us, the spiritual realm holds the same dangers. In the Book of Jude we are told to contend for the faith which has been given to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. As we realize our American freedom does not depend on the strength of man alone but through the Grace of Almighty God, our freedom as human beings comes as we believe in none other than the Lord Jesus Christ as the Only Way to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. So, please take time to pray today and in the days to come not only for our great country of America, "The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave", but for our Troops who are fighting to make it so and our Veterans who understand the price. Let us love one another deeply through our mutual faith in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and pray for one another as we contend for that which brings Freedom.
Blessings!
