“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13)

Today in America we remember the Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Coast Guard service men and women who died while serving the United States. These selfless men and women have denied themselves to ensure the freedom of others.  My husband and I recently watched ‘Act of Valor’ and one of my favorite quotes from that movie is:

“If you are not willing to give up everything, you’ve already lost.”

As a veteran I understand this statement completely. When I joined the military, I joined with the intention and volition I would give my life for my Country. The oath I took solidified my intentions:

I, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

So help me God.  I’ve always needed God’s help.  As a Soldier in God’s Kingdom I still need God’s help because if I am not willing to give up everything—even myself, then I have already lost.  Jesus Christ tells us:

“…If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.” Mark 8:35

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for my brothers and sisters who have sacrificed their physical lives to protect the freedom of others.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, I pray You will comfort those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. As Your ambassador and soldier I pray for those currently serving in the armed forces and those serving to build Your kingdom; praying we serve with the strength that You provide so that in all things You may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The greatest sacrifice I know that has ever been given extends beyond this Nation and has been given for the FREEDOM of all…everyday may I memorialize that day by the way I love and serve others. I thank God our Father for Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice, the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

“Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:3-4