Monday, November 11, 2024 - BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS-VETERANS DAY 2024

 

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Monday, November 11, 2024 - Day 316 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Joshua 1)

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS-VETERANS DAY 2024

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 ESV)

Today is Veterans Day 2024. The first chapter of Joshua contains three times when it the reader is encouraged to “be strong and courageous.” This truly defines those who serve in the United States military. We pause today to thank our veterans for their service to America and our freedom.

In John’s Gospel we find a verse that can apply to those who gave the highest measure of devotion and paid for our freedom with their lives. However, the following words apply first to what Jesus has done for us. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 ESV) 

● Because Jesus laid down His life for you, fellow believer, your sins are forgiven and you have been reconciled to almighty God! 

● Because Jesus laid down His life for you, you are now part of His forever family, the holy Christian Church.

● Because Jesus laid down His life for you, you can now be strong and courageous no matter what you may face in this life.

1. Eternal Father, strong to save, 

    Whose arm has bound the restless wave,

    Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep 

    Its own appointed limits keep:

    O hear us when we cry to Thee 

    For those in peril on the sea.

2. O Christ, the Lord of hill and plain, 

    O’er which our traffic runs amain

    By mountain pass or valley low, 

    Wherever, Lord, Thy people go,

    Protect them by Thy guarding hand 

    From every peril of the land.

3. O Spirit, whom the Father sent 

    To spread abroad the firmament,

    O wind of heaven, by Thy might 

    Save all who dare the eagles flight,

    And keep them by Thy watchful care 

    From every peril of the air.

4. O Trinity of love and pow’r, 

    Our people shield in danger’s hour,

    From rock and tempest, fire and foe, 

    Protect them wheresoe’er they go;

    Thus evermore shall rise to Thee 

    Glad hymns and praise from land and sea.

   (Lutheran Service Book #717)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the sacrifice of those who have served in the United States military. Please watch over those who are serving now. Above all, I thank You for Jesus sacrifice for me on Calvary’s cross. Help me to be strong and courageous as I remember all that You have done for me and are still doing today. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape