Sacrifice and Devotion

Note: This was originally written in July 2005 but is still applicable today.


This past weekend my family traveled to Washington D.C. for our summer vacation. Going to our nation’s capital and seeing the sites and monuments was a privilege. We did the “tourist” thing - taking pictures, looking lost, etc.

The day we arrived, we walked around downtown to explore, see some of the shops and find some dinner. Washington is a beautiful city. The White House was only two blocks away from our hotel. Seeing The White House for the first time was both awe-inspiring and disappointing at the same time. While it is a beautiful place that represents the rich history of our country, it’s much smaller than I ever imagined it to be.

On Saturday, we visited Arlington National Cemetery. As you make your way through the grounds, you see countless rows of headstones of those who have served their country. Most of the graves are marked with names, rank, branch of service, and the dates of their lifetime. Other graves honor those who are nameless. One of the most memorable moments of our trip came at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, watching the changing of the guard. The tomb is guarded by a soldier 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. While the guards do not know who they are watching over, they are honored to serve them through all conditions. Only the best are given the honor to stand guard at the tomb.

There are thousands in our own community who are unknown. While they all have a name and are not unknown in the sense of the Unknown Soldiers, they are unknown to the family of God. They do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior. The guards of the tomb should serve as an example to all Christians. We should be willing to serve the unknowns through rain, sleet, snow or hail. We should never step down from the duty God has given us to reach our world.

Are you willing to give your all for the unknowns in our community?

Feeling Anxious?

If watching the stock market has you feeling a little anxious these days, consider 1 Peter 5:6-7: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Remember, no matter what, God is in control!

Where Is the Calm Amidst the Storm?

• Last week Hurricane Ike came ashore in Texas and gas prices skyrocketed.
• On Monday, one large investment bank filed for bankruptcy and another was bought out to avoid bankruptcy.
• The stock market had the sixth largest drop in history.
  

These are stormy times. Do you wish you could find the calm in the storm. Jesus Christ offers answers and calm to the storms of your life. Luke 8:25 says. "He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."

'Where is your faith?" To find calm during the storm, place your faith in Jesus Christ and he will bring peace to you.

Freedom

Galatians 5: 1 tells us that "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." As you celebrate Independence Day, thank God for the freedom we have as Americans to openly worship Him. Also take a moment to think about what you do with that freedom to serve God. Do you take freedom for granted or do you use your freedom to advance His kingdom? We should ever take our Heavenly freedom or our freedom as Americans for granted.

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the baptism of three individuals as they publicly proclaim the freedom they have found in Christ.

I hope to see you on Sunday!