Freedom is powerful. It's a gift. A treasure.
The most significant, important gifts in life are always worth fighting for. And often, they come with a great price. They are not free. Somewhere along the way, someone paid dearly for the liberties we enjoy so freely today. But sometimes, we forget. It’s easy to take them for granted. We enjoy freedom, but most of us alive today, have always had it. We may not even be fully aware of just how many men and women have paid dearly for the gifts we enjoy today. The price was paid through many long years.
On the heels of a heated Presidential race, this is a day to unite, to remember and pray, to show our gratitude for so many who have fought on behalf of our country.
For all those who have protected our nation, for the men and women in uniform, together, we say "Thank You."
There’s great power and strength in the loyalty of your service, because of these things:
- There's power in unity and standing strong together.
- There's power in fighting on behalf of our nation, and for those who cannot fight for themselves.
- There's power in rising up in courage, pursuing victory for what is right.
- There's power in knowing that God Himself fights on our behalf.
- There's power in prayer and in the One who sets us truly free.
Thank you for reminding us that there’s incredible love and sacrifice displayed, when one is willing to stand strong, and fight for freedom.
This service of love and sacrifice on behalf of all people, points us directly to the greatest love of all, the very gift and sacrifice of Christ. Our Savior was willing to pay the ultimate price, so that we can live free.
Forever.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Cor. 9:15
Remembering today. And thankful that so many have been willing to pay a great price for our freedom. May God help us to live so bravely today…
11 Reminders of God’s Freedom and Protection
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm…” Gal. 5:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;" Ps. 23:4
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” Is. 61:1
For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." Deut. 20:4
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom. 8:31
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Josh. 1:9
"Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge..." Ps. 144:1-2
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance.” Ps. 33:12
"The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy." Zeph. 3:17
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” Ps. 91:1-2
A Prayer for Veterans: for the Men and Women in Uniform
Dear God,
We thank you for the freedom you have given to us, and for the price that was paid by Christ so that we could live free. We remember today. The cost of it all. The great sacrifice for freedom.
We thank you for the brave who have fought, and continue to fight, so courageously for our nation. We ask for your covering and blessing over them and their families. We pray that you would be gracious and encircle them with your peace. We pray for your great favor and goodness to be evident in their lives.
Please be with the men and women in uniform, who serve our communities and nation every single day. We ask that you provide your protection, that you would be their guiding force who leads the way, and their rear guard who keeps them safe from behind. We ask that you would draw them to yourself amidst the dangers they face in a dark world, for you are the Truth, you are the Way, you are the Light.
When the voice of hate rises up against them, we ask that you would silence it. When the plans of the enemy rise up to cause them to stumble, we ask that you would thwart it. When the forces of evil rise up to strike them down, we ask that you would stop it. Lord, we know how powerful you are, all have heard of your Great Name, and we ask that you would indeed be the wind beneath their wings, the power behind their efforts, the heart behind their service, as they are on the front lines against evil in our world today.
Help them to walk wisely. To stay covered in your armor. Give them godly discernment. Make them constantly aware of what lurks close by. Help them to be men and women of prayer, realizing that this is where their greatest help comes from. Help them to stay united and strong, bold and resolute, determined and unwavering.
Lord bless all those who wear the uniform, who serve our cities, our nation, our people. Bless their families. Bless those they love. Give them your great favor, this day, and every day.
Thank you that in our nation today, we are free to worship. We are free to pray. We are free to read your Word. We are free to speak. We are free to share. For this, we are incredibly grateful. Yet, we understand how quickly these freedoms can be taken away. Give us an increased awareness of the spiritual battle we're in. Help us to stand strong in you and for your purposes.
Thank you that as believers, we can be assured, you never leave us, and you are with us always, in this life, and the next.
In the Powerful Name of Jesus,
Amen.
We honor you today Veterans, and all those who wear the uniform, as we pray...and give thanks...and remember.
The Lord bless you greatly for your service and sacrifice.
And may God bless America!
(This article also appeared here: http://debbiemcdaniel.com/2016/11/11/veterans-day-prayer-protect-nation/#)
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's facebook page, DebbieWebbMcDaniel, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives.
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