Devotion by Russ Innes
"Memorial Day [which we recently observed] is about remembering those soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to defend and protect the freedoms we enjoy in the U.S.A.
"Because of my experience in Vietnam, this day of remembrance has always produced very personal and emotional feelings that I cannot dwell on for very long, since soldiers with whom I served lost their lives during fighting in which I participated. It brings back memories that overwhelm me, which I try to suppress more often than not.
"At Cedarcroft Bible Chapel, on Sunday, 5/25/09, at a service to remember
"Because of my experience in Vietnam, this day of remembrance has always produced very personal and emotional feelings that I cannot dwell on for very long, since soldiers with whom I served lost their lives during fighting in which I participated. It brings back memories that overwhelm me, which I try to suppress more often than not.
"At Cedarcroft Bible Chapel, on Sunday, 5/25/09, at a service to remember
the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us,
Steve Kuitems shared his thoughts about some similarities between Jesus’ sacrifice and that of soldiers who have given their lives in battle.
"A light went on in my head, and God showed me that He wants me to tap into those thoughts of soldiers who died next to me when I remember that
"A light went on in my head, and God showed me that He wants me to tap into those thoughts of soldiers who died next to me when I remember that
His Son Jesus Christ died for me.
"My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ died in my place to give me a freedom that can never be lost or taken away by any force in this world or beyond. The gratefulness, love, and peace that overwhelm me when I remember what He did on the cross should never be suppressed, as I try to do with the memories of the Vietnam war.
So as one who has accepted Jesus’ death as payment for the death penalty of my sin, our memorial service of Jesus’ sacrifice which we hold each Sunday, has a very special meaning for me.
"Jesus said it best in John 15:13: ‘There is no greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.’” – Russ Innes
So as one who has accepted Jesus’ death as payment for the death penalty of my sin, our memorial service of Jesus’ sacrifice which we hold each Sunday, has a very special meaning for me.
"Jesus said it best in John 15:13: ‘There is no greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.’” – Russ Innes
American soldiers lay down their lives for their country.
Jesus laid down His life for you.
They, to preserve the freedoms we already have.
Jesus, to offer you freedoms you do not have:
Salvation from sin.
Freedom from the power of sin
now
and from the presence of sin in heaven.
Freedom to enjoy the abundant life
He wants to give you.
Salvation from sin.
Freedom from the power of sin
now
and from the presence of sin in heaven.
Freedom to enjoy the abundant life
He wants to give you.
So,
why not make this day,
[the day you are reading this],
a memorable day in your life,
the day that you receive
why not make this day,
[the day you are reading this],
a memorable day in your life,
the day that you receive
the Lord Jesus Christ
as your Savior and Lord.
as your Savior and Lord.
[This devotion is by Russ Innes, a Vietnam veteran who served for one year with the 1st Infantry Division in 1969.]