Our Response to the Military

The calendar has several days during the year that refer to the military.  However, three of those days are notable ones: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Veteran’s Day.  These are days of remembrance when honor should be given to specific military members or families.

      Armed Forces Day is celebrated the 3^rd Sunday of May.  Those to be honored are still serving in the military.

      Memorial Day is celebrated the last Monday in May.  Those who gave their lives in service to our country should be honored and families thanked.

·       Veteran’s Day is celebrated on November 11.  This day is to honor those who have served, but who no longer wear a military uniform.

The Bible identifies three action steps to take.

1)    Pray.  The Bible says, “First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need” (I Timothy 2:1a).  “All people” means that we pray for everyone – including military men, women and their families.  Pray that God would provide good health and strength to those who are currently serving and those who have previously served.  Also pray for the families who have lost loved ones.

2)    Give Thanks.  The Bible tells us that we should “give thanks” (I Timothy 2:1b).  Prayers for the military ought to include giving thanks to God for them.  If we see a military person (or know one) we should take time to let them know we appreciate their service.  We should also remember that the freedoms we enjoy have come through both sacrifice and service.

3)    Honor.  Scripture says that we are to, “Give everyone what you owe them. If you owe them any kind of tax, then pay it. Show respect to those you should respect. And show honor to those you should honor” (Romans 13:7).  Honor and respect is due to all those who hold positions of authority or who have made significant contributions to our society.  Our appreciation for service rendered should be expressed with much gratefulness.

Do you know someone who has served or is currently serving in the military?  Say “thank you” to them.  Tell them that you appreciate what they have done. Either audibly or silently pray for them giving thanks to God for the freedom you enjoy because of what they have done.

Get Ready. Get Set. Give Thanks!

What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things in your possession that you thanked God for today?  If that were the case, what might you have to enjoy or share?  If you are honest with yourself, most likely you could count on one hand what you thanked God for yesterday and probably have some fingers left.  By human nature we are an ungrateful people.  We so easily fall into the rut of thinking that things will be much the same today as they were yesterday, so we get in the “lean back and relax” mode.  If it were not for the grace of God, we would be woefully lacking in many of the necessities of life.

Usually, the Thanksgiving season is the time of year when people express thanks in some manner.  It is good for us to give thanks.  The Bible helps express this importance when the Apostle Paul instructs people to give thanks.  Notice that along with thankfulness, joyfulness and prayer are also included.  He says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).   In another place he says, “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything” (Ephesians 5:20).  Look carefully at the qualifications for these three activities.

1)      Joyfulness is to constantly be a part of our lives

2)      Prayer should be made repeatedly

3)      Thanksgiving should be expressed in all situations

According to these verses the giving of thanks is not to be reserved for just one season of the year.  Thanks to God ought to overflow from our hearts and be expressed from our lips every day of the year.  Here are three questions to ask yourself as you work your way through the Thanksgiving season.

 1) Am I joyful always?

2) Do I Pray continually?

3) Do I Give thanks in all circumstances?

Giving thanks should be a daily activity.  Let’s make sure that the fruit of our lips express thanks to God and the actions of our hands and feet show our thankfulness to Him and to others.  Let’s not relegate the giving of thanks to Thanksgiving Day in November.  So, Get ready. Get set. Give thanks!  And – and give thanks again and again.

War in Our World

We all cringe when we see on TV the terrible things that are happening in our world today.  The war that is going on in Ukraine including the bombing of civilian homes, the people (women and children) scurrying to try to get out of the country, the people staying in underground subways to avoid bombs and missiles, and the thousands of refugees fleeing for their lives.  What a tearful sight to see orphanage children being displaced, the bombing of a children’s hospital, civilians being killed and others begging for food and water, with many needing shelter, and safety.

Whatever is happening in our world – be it good or bad – does not mean that God is sitting on the sidelines wringing his hands because the good isn’t good enough or the bad is too terrible.  We need to remember that nothing is beyond God’s control.  He is sovereign.  There is nothing that happens that is outside of His influence and authority.  God has no limitations, and He has the right to govern His creation as He sees best.  The Bible says that He “works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:11).  It also says, “God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne” (Psalm 47:8).  It further states that “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).

Despite the calamity we see happening in Ukraine, God is in control.  He is in charge.  However, we wonder if there is anything we can do.  The psalmist asked this same question when he said, “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).  Yes, there is much that we can do.  Many people are already responding to help organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse which is providing medical and other assistance.  We can rest in the fact that God is sovereign, even though we don’t understand why these atrocities are taking place.  In addition, we can pray.  The Bible affirms that prayer is efficient action when it says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). We should pray for a quick end to the conflict, for safety of innocent people, and for those who are Christians who may be persecuted under the aggressor. Are you resting in God’s sovereignty?  Maybe all of us need to get to work on our knees before God.

First of All

If you are like most people you probably have several errands that you need to run or some things that you need to purchase.  In order not to forget, some people make a list of the items they need to purchase and identify the errands that need to be run.  If a list has been made the most important item will usually be located on the top of the list.  The Apostle Paul did something similar when he wrote to his friend Timothy.  He said, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (I Timothy 2:1-2).  Notice several things from this verse:

(1) Prayer is of utmost importance.  It is on the top of the list being prefaced by the words “first of all.”

(2) Prayer is expressed in several ways.  These ways include both personal and corporate expression to God using the words – “requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving.”

(3) Prayer is inclusive.  As noted by the words “for everyone” our prayers should be expressed to God for all people including political officials.

(4) Prayer is personal.  It should impact our personal lives and draw us closer to Christ – “that we may live.”  

What this verse suggests to me is that amid the busyness we experience every day, prayer needs to be a vital part of our lives.  We need to pray for everyone we can think of – people in our family, the people with whom we work, neighbors and friends.  And do not forget prayer for schoolteachers, pastors, law enforcement officers, and political leaders.  Maybe you need to pray specifically for someone whom you know that needs to begin a personal relationship with the Lord this year.  Has someone offended you or hurt you?  Pray for them.  Has something not gone the way you expected it to go?  Pray about it.  Have you been discouraged?  Take that to the Lord in prayer.  In every situation remember to “first of all” pray.