Paul records in Philippians 3:13-14 “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” People tend to drift between tow extremes when considering the past, Some believe that past is nothing and say “just suck it up and move on” others believe that the past is everything and blame the failures of today on their shaping influences in the past. They argue, “I can help it, it is just the way that I am!” We need to develop a biblical theology of the past on a practical, understandable level. While we are not to allow the past to control our present, at the same time we need to learn from our past so that as we make decisions in the present it will make for a better future. Our past is simply the accumulation of events, choices, responses, habits, attitudes, desires, feelings, and beliefs that frame the patterns, interpretations, and routines of our lives today. We need to learn that as we learn from the past it will help us as we “press toward the goal for … READ MORE

We need to honor those who sacrifice so that we can live in a free country. How do we honor the sacrifices of others? First, by treating them with the respect and honor deserved by their sacrifice. And Second, while we may not agree with what they are doing, we need to recognize that their sacrifices make my life possible. Gratitude is an expression that must be intentional. Our lives have been made possible because of the sacrifices of others. The ultimate expression of sacrifice was seen in the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to this earth, to give His life as a sacrifice for our sin. Memorial day is a day set aside to remember! We need to remember on a daily basis, all those who have given of their time, energy, and sometimes their lives, to make sure that we can live in the freedom that we enjoy. May you come to understand that your sacrifices will not go unnoticed in eternity, and your reward is not based on the recognition that you receive now, but in the appreciation of a truly grateful god, as you are and have stood against the sinful conduct of our world.… READ MORE

The freedoms that we enjoy today, are built upon the shoulders of many who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for that privilege. What has made this a great nation is not just the power of our nation, but the willingness of so many to sacrifice for the country. Unfortunately, we are losing our sense of pride for a nation, who has stood as a beacon of freedom and truth in a dark world. If we loos this sense of pride, the value of our nation will continue to decline and a voice of truth will be silenced in the world. Our satisficing in service is not deemed valuable because of the recognition of the sacrifice, but in the personal satisfaction of a job well done. Many serve not for those they do not know, but for the people who stand to their left and right. Brothers and sisters in arms who depend on the sacrifice of their compatriots to accomplish their intended objectives. The goal of all who sacrifice is characterized in the parable of the talents, told by Jesus in Matthew 25:21. Our longing is to hear one day from the Lord, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” … READ MORE