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Remember Their Sacrifice

Remembering their sacrifice in American War cemeteries – A Quiet Tribute That Speaks Volumes

On this Memorial Day Week-end remember their sacrifice and reflect on the cost of freedom paid by those who never returned home. Near Maastricht, Netherlands, 8,301 American soldiers rest. They died in Operation Market Garden during the fall and winter of 1944. But their memory is not lost. Each grave has been lovingly adopted by a Dutch family. These families care for the sites, lay flowers, and even display portraits of “their” American soldier in their homes. They remember their sacrifice.

On Liberation Day, the Dutch host memorial services to honor these fallen heroes. The day always ends with the hauntingly beautiful “Il Silenzio,” a trumpet piece first played in 1965.

In 2014, a 13-year-old Dutch girl, Melissa Venema, performed it with André Rieu and the Royal Orchestra of the Netherlands. This moving piece, inspired by the original Taps, honors the dead in solemn silence. This tribute beautifully remembers their sacrifice and is featured below in our song section.

These are not the only hallowed grounds. All across Europe, 104,366 American soldiers are buried. From the fields of Normandy to the hills of Florence, they rest in peace under foreign skies, remembered by grateful nations. Their silent legacy reminds us that freedom is never free.

John 15:13 (ESV): “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

This verse echoes across each marble cross and Star of David. These men and women did not die in vain. They laid down their lives for liberty, for justice, for us. Let us always remember their sacrifice.

Let Us Pray

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the brave men and women who gave everything for our freedom. May their memory live on in our hearts, and may we never take their sacrifice lightly. Give peace to their families and protect those who still serve.
Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

Watch this moving tribute:
“Il Silenzio” performed by Melissa Venema and André Rieu
https://www.youtube.com/embed/DRrTujHaHis

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Jesus Has Your Back


Jesus has your back, so do not be afraid—He will never leave you or forsake you.

God Goes Before You

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.“
— Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)

The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, guided by the presence of the Lord. That same faithful God walks with us now—not in a pillar of cloud or fire, but through the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus came, He sealed a new covenant with each of us. Bound not by tablets or laws alone, but by grace and the indwelling presence of His Spirit. Though the times are tough—and they will be—His strength is within us.

He Lives In You

“Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.“
— 1 John 4:4 (KJV)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.“
— John 14:27 (ESV)

Jesus knew fear would come. He knew trials would shake us. Yet He offered peace—a divine calm, unlike anything the world provides.

Just as the God of Abraham did not forsake His people in the wilderness, Jesus will not forsake you in the storm. His final promise still stands:

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.“
— Matthew 28:20 (ESV)

So rise this morning with boldness. Jesus has your back. Walk confidently in His peace.

Let Us Pray

Lord Jesus, thank You for walking with me today. When I feel fear, remind me that You are near. Help me trust Your strength and live with courage. Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford<iframe width=”560″

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Suggested Featured Image Alt Text:
“Jesus has your back” — symbolic image of Christ walking beside someone on a rocky path, with warm light breaking through clouds.

Stay on the Path

Stay on the path of righteousness with God guiding every step ahead.

Stay on the path. Follow the Shepherd Through Life’s Rough Spots

“He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
— Psalm 23:3 (ESV)

We are not called to wander. We are called to walk. And the path God calls us to walk is not wide or easy—it is narrow.
“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” — Matthew 7:14 (NIV)

This narrow road is full of obstacles. We stumble into potholes of discouragement, detours of distraction, and even long stretches of spiritual silence. These hard spots can tempt us to give up or stray.

But here’s the truth: we’re not walking alone. Stay on the path.

God, our Shepherd, not only walks with us—He goes ahead of us. He leads us through. And more than that, He transforms every hardship for our good.
“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (ESV)

Even our darkest valleys are opportunities for God to reveal His light. When we stay on the path, we discover that He is not just a guide—He’s our strength.

We don’t need to kick down doors or demand our way forward. God is the Forever Gentleman. He opens doors in His perfect time. Our job is to follow. His job is to lead.

And as we walk, we bear His name. We are Christians—Christ-followers. That identity is not just a title; it’s a testimony.

So today, take a moment. Ask yourself: Am I walking with Him, or wandering on my own? Let’s choose again to stay on the path.

Let Us Pray

Lord, thank You for being my Shepherd. Help me stay on the path, even when it’s hard. Lead me through every rough place. I trust You. Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

Merle Haggard – Precious Lord, Take My Hand

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Anointed by the Holy Spirit

The Overflow of His Spirit

“You anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.” — Psalm 23:5 (ESV) This verse beautifully illustrates being anointed by the Holy Spirit, a profound blessing and empowerment in one’s spiritual journey.

In Psalm 23, the Good Shepherd anoints His sheep with oil. In ancient times, this protected and soothed sheep from insects and wounds. Spiritually, it symbolized God’s healing, protection, and favor.

Throughout the Old Testament, oil anointing marked holy appointments—prophets, priests, and kings were set apart with fragrant oil. But in the New Testament, the anointing transcends the physical.

“…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.” — Acts 10:37-38 (ESV)

Jesus affirmed this in His hometown:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” — Luke 4:18 (ESV)

Paul later declares:
“And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” — 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV)

Though modern believers may debate baptism’s method, the Spirit’s role in sealing our hearts is divine truth. Oil and water do mix when God moves. His Spirit rests on us with purpose, promise, and power.

Let Us Pray

Lord, thank You for anointing me with Your Holy Spirit. Seal my heart with Your love and lead me in Your truth. Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

He Leadeth Me – Candi Pearson

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Singing From the Heart

Let God’s Word Sing From The Heart

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing from the heart the psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
— Colossians 3:16 (ESV)

The early church had a beautiful simplicity. They gathered around truth and sang it—psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. These weren’t just melodies; they were memory verses in motion. Singing was both a celebration and a strategy, a heartfelt act of worship and a way to anchor biblical wisdom in daily life.

Paul encouraged believers to sing from the heart, allowing gratitude and truth to rise together. When we sing from the heart, we not only glorify God—we resist the enemy, strengthen each other, and align our minds with heaven.

Ancient hymns are sermons set to melody. Today’s contemporary songs, though more fleeting, still stir the soul when sung together. Regardless of style, it’s not the music but the heart behind the melody that matters most.

So today, lift your voice—not just with music, but with meaningful, spiritual songs that dwell in your heart long after the music fades.

Let Us Pray

Lord, help me sing from the heart. Let Your Word fill my spirit and guard my mind. May my worship always reflect gratitude and truth. Amen.

Let Us Sing From The Heart

🎵 In My Heart There Rings a Melody – Andy Harsant

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Come Jesus Come

Are You Ready for His Return?

While I drive, K-LOVE is always on. This week, they played “Come Jesus Come” by CeCe Winans — and I couldn’t stop humming it. A few days later, I heard it again. Then came “Jesus Is Coming Back” by Jordan Feliz. These songs stirred something deep.

God’s Word stirs us too. The second coming of Christ is mentioned more than 1,500 times in the Old Testament and in 1 out of every 25 verses in the New Testament. That’s a lot of reminders. Why? Because Jesus wants us ready.

“Behold, I am coming quickly.” — Revelation 22:12–13 (KJV)

“Yes, I am coming back.” — Revelation 22:20 (KJV)

In “Jesus Is Coming Back,” Jordan Feliz asks: “Are you ready?” That question still echoes in me. What are you doing to bring honor and glory to Jesus today?

Let Us Pray

Lord Jesus, stir my heart with the truth of Your return. Help me to live with readiness, joy, and holy anticipation. Use my life to bring You glory. Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

CeCe Winans – Come Jesus Come

Jordan Feliz – Jesus Is Coming Back

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For additional scriptures and study, go to GotQuestions.org and search for: “Where does the Old Testament predict the coming of Jesus Christ?” Also, “Is Jesus coming soon?” Also, “What did Jesus mean when He said, “Behold I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:7)?”

Sins of Omission

Seeing What We Ignore

Sins of omission reveal hearts that fail to act when compassion calls us to move.

Jesus warned not only against the things we do wrong but also against the good we fail to do.

In Matthew 25:41–45, He said:
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ … ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

This passage reveals a powerful truth: ignoring the needs of others carries eternal consequences. The sin wasn’t cruelty—it was indifference.

Compassion in Action

The Apostle John echoes this message:

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” —1 John 3:17–18

Real love is active. It shows love through service. It clothes, feeds, and visits. It looks like kindness, shown not only in words but in works.

If we’ve failed to act in the past, grace remains. The antidote for sins of omission is compassion—feelings turned into action.

Today, look differently at those in need. Be the hands of Christ to someone who needs hope.

Let Us Pray

Lord, forgive me for the times I have looked away. Help me to see, to care, and to move with Your compassion. Teach me to love not just in words, but in truth and in action. Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

**Somebody’s Prayin – Ricky Skaggs**

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Resurrection of Christ and Faith

A Testament of Faith

The resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and defines our hope in Him. Faith in the resurrection was so strong that the disciples died for Christ. As I reflect on my faith, I find myself asking: How strong is my belief in the resurrection of Christ?

Christianity hinges on two pivotal events: Christ’s crucifixion and His resurrection. The crucifixion is a widely accepted historical fact. But the resurrection—central to our belief—has faced skepticism throughout the centuries.

The Bible tells us that the risen Christ appeared to the apostles and over 500 others. Despite this, many still question the account. So, I considered the unwavering conviction of those closest to Jesus—His disciples.

Disciples Died for Christ

What convinces me most is how the disciples lived—and died. Their faith in the resurrection of Christ was such that the disciples died for it.

They had nothing worldly to gain and everything to lose. Yet they stood firm. Historical accounts and Christian tradition tell us the apostles faced martyrdom rather than deny the resurrection.

Here are their reported fates:

  • Peter – Crucified upside down in Rome
  • Andrew – Crucified on an X-shaped cross in Greece
  • James (son of Zebedee) – Beheaded in Jerusalem
  • John – Died in Ephesus, possibly martyred
  • Philip – Crucified or stoned in Asia Minor
  • Bartholomew – Flayed alive, then crucified or beheaded in India
  • Thomas – Speared in India
  • Matthew – Killed by the sword in Ethiopia
  • James (son of Alphaeus) – Thrown from the temple, then stoned
  • Thaddeus (Jude) – Martyred in Persia
  • Simon the Zealot – Martyred late in life
  • Judas Iscariot – Died by suicide
  • Matthias – Stoned and beheaded (traditionally)

Their willingness to face torture and death speaks volumes. They could have lived—if only they had denied the resurrection. But they didn’t.

They believed.
I believe.
Do you believe?

Let Us Pray

Lord, thank You for the powerful witness of those who walked with Jesus. Strengthen my faith in the resurrection of Christ and help me live boldly, knowing that death has been defeated. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let Us Worship In Song

This I Believe (The Creed) – Hillsong Worship

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PREPARE YOUR MIND

Get Your Mind Ready for Battle

Prepare your mind for spiritual action and resist the subtle lies of Satan with God’s truth.

“Preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:13 (ESV)

Peter challenges believers to actively prepare our minds. Why? Because a distracted, unguarded mind becomes a playground for Satan.

When we neglect spiritual discipline, the enemy seizes the opportunity to sow lies. Here’s what Satan whispers to an unprepared mind:

  • God didn’t really mean that
  • It won’t hurt to miss church
  • Let someone else serve
  • That’s not your responsibility
  • Enjoy the day, skip your devotion
  • (And you know the rest of your personal list…)

He’s cunning, crafty, and persistent. But the truth remains: we are saved by grace through faith. The more we prepare our minds with Scripture and prayer, the more alert we become to his tactics.

Start today with intention. Don’t coast. Be sober-minded. Fill your mind with God’s Word. Anchor your hope fully on Christ.

Let us Pray

Lord, help me prepare my mind for action today. Let me recognize the lies of the enemy and stay grounded in Your truth. Amen.

A Song for Your Spirit

“Be Thou My Vision” by Nathan Pacheco

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Play Life Like a Winner

Live Abundantly, Live Victoriously

Play life like a winner—Jesus already secured the victory, so live in His power today. Many ballgames have been lost by playing “not to lose.” That same mindset can keep us from fully living the victorious life Jesus died to give us.

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
— John 10:10 (ESV)

When you accepted Jesus as your Savior, the battle for your soul was won. Your name was written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. The enemy no longer has authority over you so you can play life like a winner.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
— Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

This is your new identity—born again, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and destined for eternal life with God. You are in position to play life like a winner.

Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
— John 11:25 (ESV)

If you truly believe this (and only Satan would want you to doubt), then it’s time to live life like a winner! Turn on the power of your position in Christ:

  • Frame your adoption papers
  • Claim your inheritance in the Kingdom
  • Bear fruit that lasts
  • Be a bold witness
  • Walk in the good works God has prepared
  • Shake off the shackles of sin

You’re not just surviving—you’re called to thrive!

Brief Prayer

Lord, thank You for giving me victory through Jesus. Help me walk boldly in the life You won for me. Remind me that I am Yours, and You are enough. Amen.

A Song to Lift Your Spirit

You’ve Already Won – Shane & Shane
This song is so powerful, you’ll want to listen twice!


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