On this Memorial Day weekend

 I will honor my grandpa

Carl Hendricks

and all of those who gave their lives for our freedoms we have in this wonderful country we call America.

But as I ponder what this Memorial Holiday represents, those who have died for our freedoms here in our country, I also want to honor my Lord

and Savior for giving His life so we all can receive a greater freedom.  A freedom from sin and death, with peace and joy in this life and the hope of eternal life with Him forever!

There are so many conversations these days about our country and the fears so many have of what the future may hold.  2 Chronicles 7:14 states “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  This is my prayer that we as Americans will do this, as I know God keeps His promises, and America could be healed for centuries to come for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  But as a country, if we do not do this, and things go in a different direction on this earth, I am grateful there is hope for eternity through our Lord and Savior, as He overcame sin and death by His willingness to die for each of us.  And if we believe, repent and be baptized as He states in His word, we have the hope of eternal life forever — that’s so comforting.  So we may not know what the future holds here on this earth, but I know who holds our future, and one day as His word states in Romans 14:11, every

knee shall bow and every tongue confess He is Lord.  I’m grateful I am claiming that now, and am comforted that the Living God who is full of love and great power even over death, holds the future in His hands.

If men and women are willing to go to death for our freedom here on this earth, I pray I am willing, with God’s love and power, to go to my death, not just for the freedoms of this earth, which is for a small amount of time and then it’s over, but for men and women’s souls which will live for ever in eternity.  I also pray that in all I do and say daily will reflect the love and power of our Amazing, Loving, Living, Powerful, Wise Heavenly Father so souls will be saved from eternal damnation to eternal life and that He may be glorified.

So today I gratefully say “Thank You grandpa and all of those who gave their lives for our freedoms here in America”, “Thank You God for providing the hope of eternal life, for each of us if we will open our hearts, minds, body and souls to accept your free gift of salvation”, and I pray “God Bless America!”