A few days ago I was sitting on the balcony at our condo in Cabo San Lucas enjoying a morning cup of coffee. Part of my view from the balcony included the Sector Naval Cabo San Lucas (Mexican Naval Base). As the sun rose in the sky, the base was coming to life and people were beginning their busy days. No matter which country or Navy you serve in, there are traditions that must be upheld. One of those traditions is raising the flag of your country in the morning. Music plays, the flag is raised, salutes are rendered and orders are given. The specifics may vary but the end result is to raise the flag and pay homage to all the things that flag stands for. In the case of the USA, one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.
There is a bond amongst those who serve a country. Part of this bond comes from the belief that at some point, you may be called upon to give your life so that what your country stands for may continue on for another generation. The other part of this bond comes from being willing to lay down your life to save the life of another serving with you. We remember the words from John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friend. Cemeteries in this country and abroad have many graves for those who in the words of Abraham Lincoln gave that last full measure of devotion. We also remember our Savior Jesus Christ who gave the last full measure of His life in devotion to His Father and out of love for all mankind. The words of John 3:16-18 ring true today as much as ever before in the past and as much as they ever will in the future. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
When will take time today to remember the men and women who served our country and gave that last full measure so that you and I can worship God freely. Today, also take time to remember the reason for their sacrifice. One nation under God.
PRAYER: Almighty God, we stand in pause today to remember those who have served our country and are gone from this life. We thank You for their lives and their sacrifice. We thank You for the country we live in. And we ask for Your will to be done in how our country is governed today and every day. To You be all praise, honor and glory - Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.
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