Thank you!

I thank my God every time I remember you. (Philippians 1:3)

I want to take a moment to be honest with you today.  The truth is I don’t feel like writing a devotional.  I feel very worn out emotionally.  On Monday, I watched my brother swear into the Army.  I have been thinking about him ever since.  I watched my little brother become a man on Monday and it’s really been weighing on my heart.  The decision he made changed his life.

In fact, I came home through the Atlanta airport on Tuesday and I saw a man dressed in an Army uniform.  My eyes immediately started to water, as I thought about my brother at his first day of training.  I have to say I will never look at another soldier in the same way again.  Now I look at soldiers and see the face of my brother.  The face of someone’s son, the face of someone’s spouse, the face of someone’s father or mother, and so much more. 

I am appreciating my freedom today because many have decided to step up to the plate and defend my freedom.  I have listened to my uncle express the horrors of coming home after the Korean War and I think wow, I can’t believe we treated our soldiers in such a horrible way.  I pray that respect and honor grows for those we love.  For those who fight daily for our freedom.  I pray that we will not take for granted the opportunity we have to sit at home with our loved ones and enjoy a meal.  The opportunity we have to go to church on Sunday, enjoy family time, and simple activities.  We enjoy our safety because of so many who have gone on before us.
Thank you to all those who have fought and continue to fight for our freedoms!  I’m sorry for the pain that we have inflicted upon you at times.  I’m sorry for not understanding all that you have given up to protect our freedom.  I pray that we will be more aware of all that you stand for and all that you continue to do for us.

Today, my thoughts and prayers will be once again on my brother.  A little boy who became a man in my eyes on Monday.  A day that forever changed things in the way I think of my little brother.  A day that has challenged me to examine all that I have and the people who have fought so hard that I might have it.  Thank you for all that you do to ensure that we can keep all the freedoms we enjoy!  I pray that God will continue to keep a hedge of protection around you.  May God continue to protect your families and love your families, as you serve our country.  I’m forever grateful for your service.

Challenge: If you have not read Matthew 5 or Luke 6:1-36, please read it for tomorrow.

Memory Verse: Colossians 3:1-2 or Colossians 3:1-4, if you are up for the challenge.

Dear Father God, I lift up my brother Bart to You today.  I know that he will do well in the Army, if he has You.  Lord, please encourage him and teach him how to live for You.  May he find a good group of friends to take this journey with and may he find strength in You.  I pray that he will be determined to give his best and become all he can be in the Army.  Lord, I pray that my brother will make Jesus the center of his life and live for You in a way that determines his every step.  Lord, I give You my little brother.  I know You will protect him, guide him, and watch over him.  I trust You with his life!

Thank you to all those who have served and continue to serve in the military!