Thankful For Freedom

Memorial Day weekend is here and I hope you have a great time with family and friends. This is a good weekend to enjoy those we love, welcome summer, go to church and most of all, remember those who have given everything for freedom.

Today I’m thankful for freedom. 

Most of the world today does not have what we do here in America. When I think of all those who have given everything, I’m humbled and grateful.

I had a friend named Brett Hershey. We played ball together and worshiped God together. He was a leader and had a great personality. In the time I knew him, I respected him and appreciated who he was and what he stood for. 

On March 26th, 2005 Brett lost his life fighting for our freedom. He gave everything and did it with class and honor. He was engaged and told his dad if he passed away, he was ready to see Jesus. 

It’s men and women like this that have made it possible to have freedom!

This weekend we celebrate and remember every solider who has given everything for us to be free. We remember them, their families, their lives, their legacy and their service. 

Freedom cost something for our country and for our salvation!

We can be saved because Jesus died in our place. He fought for us by giving His life so we could have eternal life with Him. This is amazing grace!

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭21‬

Furthermore, God so loved us that He gave us Jesus and made a way for any who call the name of the Lord to be saved.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬

We have freedom because of Jesus! We have heaven because of Jesus! We have salvation because of Jesus! We have redemption because of Jesus!

Every Memorial Day weekend, I think about Brett and all those who died for us and I think about Jesus and what He did for the world.

So this weekend, here’s two things we can do to remember.

First, list three to five freedoms we’re thankful for.

It’s easy to take for granted the freedoms we have. We go through our day and many times don’t even think twice about all of the things we can do. So, it’s great for us to take time and stop and appreciate what we do have and be thankful for it.

When we think about the blessings we have, our attitude is lifted with joy. 

In fact, this is a good practice for us daily to be thankful and remember what we do have.

What freedoms are you thankful for?

For me, I’m thankful for the freedom of religion. I serve Jesus and I’m free doing it. I’m thankful for freedom of speech. I can speak my heart and beliefs with conviction. I’m thankful for the right to assembly. Meaning we can meet as a church and worship God. 

These simple freedoms are BIG freedoms and I’m thankful.

Second, list three to five things Jesus has done in you.

It’s easy for us to take for granted all that Jesus has done in us. Many times we are thinking about our struggles, unanswered, prayers, and frustrations. But the truth is, He has done more for us than we know, and when we remember a few of these things, our heart is lifted in worship.

I’m convinced that we’re better when we remember what Jesus has done daily. It lifts us in humility, praise, thanksgiving, hope, joy and peace. If I remember what He has done, my faith is set to what He will do. This gives us courage to move forward and that we will get through what we’re facing.

Our attitudes can be lifted when we remember the freedoms we have in Jesus. 

For me, I’m thankful Jesus freed me of anger. I have peace now. I’m thankful Jesus gave me purpose. I have direction now. I’m thankful Jesus gave me my wife. I have a lady I didn’t deserve. 

What has Jesus done in you?

I encourage you to take time and make these two list. Take a moment and process why this weekend is a holiday. Take a moment and process how much God has done in you. 

Because of Jesus we can all say, “He’s done so much for me, I cannot tell it all.”

I’m thankful for freedom! I’m thankful for Brett and every solider who gave their life. I’m thankful for Jesus. 

And, I’m thankful that He’s not done and the best is yet to come!

PD