📖 Knowledge to Ponder: Acts 10:34, Philippians 4:8
Happy Memorial Day, friends.
While many mark this weekend as the unofficial start of summer—filled with family gatherings, good food, and warm weather—we pause today for something much deeper. Memorial Day was originally created to honor Union soldiers who gave their lives during the Civil War. Over time, it grew to remember all men and women who laid down their lives in service to our country.
For me, this day hits close to home. I’m a proud veteran of the United States Navy. Though my time in service wasn’t long, it was long enough to leave a lasting impact on how I see the world—and most importantly, how I see God.
Serving in the military changes you. You leave behind everything familiar: your home, your family, your comforts. You’re stretched mentally, physically, and spiritually. You’re challenged to adopt new routines, values, and ways of thinking. Discipline and courage are no longer just words—they become your lifestyle. And for me, it was also a time where my faith deepened more than ever before.
As a young mother at sea, I remember praying to God like never before. I was trusting Him for protection, not just for myself but for my children waiting at home. In those quiet, uncertain moments, I leaned on His promises and learned what it meant to really walk by faith.
Some may believe that faith and military service don’t mix—but I’d argue that they intertwine beautifully. Why? Because wearing that uniform brings you into contact with all kinds of people, from every culture, background, and belief system. And in those moments, you’re reminded that your position doesn’t make you superior. You may be proud, yes—but never prideful. As Christians, we’re called to love and serve with humility. Just as Acts 10:34 reminds us, “God shows no partiality.”
In many ways, the life of a service member mirrors the life we’re called to live as believers. We’re taught to be disciplined, courageous, obedient, loyal, resilient. Sound familiar? It should—because these are the same virtues God calls every one of us to walk in daily.
Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on what is “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.” And in the dedication and sacrifice of our military men and women, we can clearly see these traits in action.
One of my favorite metaphors in Scripture is the image of a soldier putting on the full armor of God and fighting the good fight. That’s not just poetic language. It’s a real-life parallel. Because just as soldiers train for battle, we are called to stand firm in our faith, committed to the mission of Christ.
Jesus himself is the ultimate example of sacrificial love. He gave His life so that we could live in freedom—not just in this life, but for eternity.
So on this Memorial Day, while we enjoy our day off and time with loved ones, I encourage you to take a moment to remember. Remember those who gave everything. Honor those still serving. And most importantly, reflect on the greater mission we’re all called to—the Great Commission.
Whether you’ve worn a uniform or not, as believers, we are all enlisted in the army of God. And the work we do to bring love, hope, and truth into the world is worth fighting for.
To all the service men and women—thank you.
🙏🏾 May God bless you and keep you.
💜 And may we all continue to fight the good fight of faith.
Prayer: God thank you for allowing us the ability to be able to worship you and praise you for keeping America as a free country. Thank you for that. Lord, as we praise our own freedoms, we humbly fall at your feet begging for mercy on behalf of those who do not share the liberty in their country. Help them to find peace and look upon them to keep the innocent ones safe from harm. As we go about our day to day, help us to take a minute to pray for those who are less fortunate and to never forget to help them in some small way that will reap mighty rewards. Lord cover them with your mighty hands and keep them safe. We ask this is in your son’s name, Amen.
Ok crew….time to worship and give thanks for the service members who served. This is a special collection that you can sit back and enjoy. In God We Trust