Memorial Day: A time to Remember!

25 May Memorial Day: A time to Remember!

May 25, 2025

Memorial Day is a time of reflection. 

We are celebrating Memorial Day in the United States of America this weekend.  It is a time to remember our military and those who have served and are still serving this country so that we can stay the land of the free.  The bravery our military displays, seen and unseen by us, should be acknowledged and always celebrated.   We all have/know people who have served in the military. My family recently spent time in a veteran’s hospital where my brother was a patient.  I loved going to the cafeteria where all branches ate while waiting or finishing appointments or some just came for the fellowship.  What I saw was that even though there were various branches in the room, there was always respect among the ranks and across the branches, along with order and discipline in everything they did, even in allowing you to go in front of them in the checkout line or as they gave up their seat if the room was crowded.

More needs to be done for our soldiers. Dan Lipinski said, “On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.” Thank You for Your Service!

Soldiers in God’s Army 

When you hear the word soldier you think of war and conflict.  This is also noted in the Bible. Spiritual Warfare.   It’s an ongoing state, and as the military is always on the alert, so should the body of Christ be individually and collectively.  1 Peter 5:8-9 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Also, read Ephesians 6:10-13 and Deuteronomy chapter twenty, which discusses laws about warfare and the soldiers sent into battle.

There is a spiritual warfare mode.

I like what minister/author Francis Frangipane says,” There is a spiritual war mode that we must appropriate. It is an aggressive stance that we take against evil.” How many have been/are in situations where you cannot figure out where this attack is coming from? You may not have done anything. Something is fighting against you and/or your family or in various areas. Physically, mentally, feeling fearful, temptations coming from left field… Jesus said “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33, and as my pastor says, whenever we are in trouble, Jesus comes to us.  So, we take an aggressive stance.  Knowing this battle can’t be fought with bullets and guns, as the enemy is one you can’t see with human facilities, it’s in the realm of the spirit.  Don’t get rattled or scared; slow down, check the spirit and remember, “In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

Every military person knows their weapons.

Every military person knows their weapon(s), from the hand weapons to the aircraft.  Stay prayed-up, in the Word, discerning, and study the subject. We talked about hearing and listening to/for the voice of God last week; as soldiers in the army of the Lord, ask your commanding officer, but unlike the military, we don’t have to go through the ranks to get to Him.  Ask the Lord what’s going on, and He will tell you.  “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;).”  Get your mind right! Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”       2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  Line up with the Word of God and His instruction to you, the strategy may be different this time, so don’t assume anything. Get your speech right, “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the Lord.” Isaiah 54:17 Take authority, bind and loose Matthew 18:18 and Revelation 12:11: “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”   As my School of Ministry administrator would say “You got this”

Enjoy your Memorial Day celebrations, remember the veterans and our loved ones, and pray for our neighborhoods, cities, states, country, and the world.  

Theresa Woodard