Good morning,
Lord, help us not to forget!
Next weekend in America we will be celebrating Memorial day, a day to remember the men and women who have fought and died in order to keep America free. This all started long ago, May 30, 1868, after the Civil War between the North and Southern states when around 600,000 men died for what they believed was right. If all of our war casualties in America were added together we have well over a million people who have paid the price of their lives to perfect our country. Now we are faced with a new kind of war. A deadly virus has become the enemy for so many of us from all over the world. This year we need to remember on our memorial days the thousands of doctors and nurses and support helpers of all kinds who have died in trying to save the millions of people all around the world who are caught this virus. This battle is based on the fear and sickness and death that no one has the right medicine to cure. As God’s family is concerned, we need to remember that the people around us who are not in in God’s family are facing terror, anger and hatred for our leaders and the God of the Bible for letting something like this to happen to them. The God of the Bible knows what he is doing in allowing this to happen, and God’s sworn Enemy is delighted to do his best to create confusion and destruction.
There is something else that those of us who are genuine members of God’s family need to keep remembering, that our Savior, Good Shepherd, Lover and perfect planner will never forget his promises to us. Remember, Jesus said, My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me,(Jn.10:27,28) and then he adds, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand.(v.29) We can also remember that, For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.(1Th.5:9) We are also told, Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.(v.10) Another thing is, Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1Pt.5:8) While the world around us is overwhelmed, we are told, Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.(v.9) Then God tell us, So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.(v.10)
There is one more very important issue that we need to be aware of every day. We need to keep remembering that Jesus promised to come back for His church. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God.(1Th.4:16) The believers who have already died will be raised first and then, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.(v.17) We can not know the day or hour, but I think it is very close indeed. Dear Lord, please help us to stay awake and alert and to obey you gladly so that when you come, we will be ready.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Roy Wisner
