Memorial Day Message FGGAM 2024

Memorial Day is a time to remember those who gave the greatest sacrifice, so that others could live in peace and freedom from oppression. This day honors America’s military men and women who lost their lives in service to their country.

The Scripture explains the depth of such a sacrifice this way: “There is no greater love than this, that a man or woman would lay down their life for another.” (John 15:13) That was the sacrifice that a Jesus did for you and for me and that is the essence of the sacrifice that we as Americans recognize every Memorial Day.

To many in this nation, the celebration of these heroic men and women has been overlooked and Memorial Day has become a celebration of family outings and the beginning of summer vacations and related activities. While these are all welcome opportunities to bring families together, we should not forget why this particular day has been set aside as a national holiday. If we forget our past and those who went before us, to secure our freedoms, then the future of this nation has no significant meaning.

I encourage everyone to proudly fly the flag of the United States this Memorial Day. To visit the grave sites of these fallen warriors. To spend time in prayer. And to let your meal, your barbecue, your family outing be a time of thanksgiving. Don’t let the true significance of this day be forgotten. What a great opportunity to tell the stories of these men and women and teach the history of this nation to our children.

It is because of the sacrifice of those remembered this Memorial Day that we can say, “We are one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all!”

Blessings.

Bill Ruhl  Vice-Chairman FGGAM

From National Day of Prayer

Reflection

Greetings prayer partner,

Britannica Dictionary defines MEMORIAL as something that honors a person who has died or serves as a reminder of an event in which many people died and comes from the same root word as ‘memory’ or ‘remember’. This coming Monday, on Memorial Day, we remember those who laid down their lives in service to us and to their country.

Since 1775, the United States of America has fought in 11 wars, and in those 11 wars, 1,304,705 Americans laid down their lives fighting for our rights and freedoms, and the rights and freedoms of others. Every one of those men and women had family members and friends who grieved and mourned for them. Fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters whose lives were forever impacted by their loved one’s ultimate sacrifice.

 

Jesus taught us, and then demonstrated to us, the ultimate meaning of love when he laid His life for you and me. Paul taught in his letter to the Romans “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In the same way, the greatest act of love that a human being can show is this … that they willingly lay down their life for their friends.

 

Between now and this coming Monday, let’s pray for the families in our communities and spheres of influence who have lost loved ones in military service. Let’s reach out to them in love, to let them know that we not only remember what their loved one did, but to show appreciation for, and give honor to their sacrifice.
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About the National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. The next National Day of Prayer is May 1, 2025.

Prayer Partner, let’s pray together.

Father God, we thank you for all of those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. We thank you, that because of their sacrifice, we have the freedoms that we enjoy today. Ultimately Lord Jesus, we thank you for the example that you set for us, and the true freedom that we all find in You. May we as your people always remember and never forget, how You demonstrated Your own love toward us – ‘in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ It is in Jesus name that we pray! Amen

Rejoicing in hope,
Dion Elmore
Vice President

LIGHT Your Path!

Please join us as we “Lift up the Word and Light Up the World.” Here is some LIGHT for your path as you ponder Memorial Day and Freedom in Christ.

 

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV)

 

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

 

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1 ESV)

 

Please add your favorites to this list and be encouraged to repeat them in faith-filled prayer.

Did You Catch the 2024 Broadcast?

If you missed the 2024 Broadcast, we would love for you to still pray with us, by watching the broadcast on your own, with your Bible study, prayer partner, or church!

Prayer Prompt Texting Opportunity

Each year, our NDP Task Force state leaders select a scripture verse to pray over their state. In 2024 we will be praying these verses over one U.S. state or territory each week, starting in the east and moving west. To begin receiving these scripture-based prayer prompts, text 2024STATES to (833) 259-8648.

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