“FREEDOM TO WORSHIP”

“FREEDOM TO WORSHIP”

Monday, May 30th, 2022

SCRIPTURE:

1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1

THOUGHTS TO PONDER:

This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day. A United States federal holiday typically observed on the last Monday of May. It’s a day in which commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action. So, as we celebrate, we remember those who have graciously gone before, and those who still serve and give their lives for our Freedom today, and we Give Thanks.

And too, this Memorial Day Weekend, might we be reminded of THE ONE, Jesus Christ, who gave His life that all those who would believe in Him, would find true freedom, freedom from sin and death, and an abundant life today and life everlasting.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:

I can’t help but to think how often we (as a country) take our freedom for granted, particularly the freedom to worship, freedom to read and study our bibles, and freedom to enjoy the fellowship of believers. Unfortunately, as you already know, there are millions of people around the world that don’t have such freedom. And so, this weekend (and in thinking about how you will spend this summer), let’s all be intentional about giving God thanks for the freedom we have to practice and live out our faith here in America. Particularly, let us be intentional about sharing our faith with even greater intentionality with our families and loved ones, classmates, coworkers, and neighbors.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, this weekend, we remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom in this country. Please hold our service men and women and all their families in your loving arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection. Pour out Your Holy Spirit and provisions upon them and may they each be filled with courage to face each day. God, we pray for peace; peace in our world, peace in our Land, peace in our homes, and peace in all our hearts.

Lord, we pray that You would forgive us for the times we take for granted the freedom we have here in country to worship You, to serve You, and to freely share Your love with others. Empower us with even greater courage to share our faith, first with our families and loved ones, and to ALL those You would bring our way.

We give You thanks for hearing our prayer and for giving us the gift of Grace through your Son, Jesus Christ, who gives us Ultimate Freedom. We worship You and We lift up this prayer in the mighty name of Jesus. – Amen

RESOURCE & APPLICATION:

Sometime this week, reach out to someone serving in the military and/or a missionary serving in another country if you know of one. Give them a call, write them a letter, or send them a word encouragement and thank them for their service and ministry.

Spend some time this week in prayer, intentionally giving God thanks for the opportunity to freely serve Him in the myriad of ways that you do.