Have you ever thought about the fact that you have an obligation to defend our nation’s freedoms? You live in the Land of the Free; your contributions are needed. We all have a role.

Joshua 1:9 commands us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Sure, maybe you’re not a Navy SEAL. Maybe you don’t fly supersonic jets in combat. You never served in the military. Most citizens haven’t, and won’t.

But that doesn’t mean we can sit on our hands and not participate.

Your gift and contribution might be instilling values in your children. Or you might be in the medical field, helping keep folks healthy. Maybe you’ve been entrusted by the Lord to be a pastor, protecting your congregation from spiritual dangers.

Many things have joined forces to make America a place millions want to come, to improve their lives. It takes a lot of effort and many moving parts.

Many of our ancestors moved through New York Harbor and shielded their eyes from the sun so they could see the Statue of Liberty. Each of them made the choice to be a piece of a large quilt that makes up our nation.

It is up to us to be courageous and continue the tradition. Our freedom depends on it.

Let’s pray.

Lord, we acknowledge those who came before us. We take up our own responsibility to do our part. Amen.

On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about remaining cool under fire when life is a battle.

Psalm 27:3 says, “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”

In both literal and figurative combat, our confidence comes from faith in the Lord’s promises to go before us.

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Keanon Lowe was walking to a classroom to meet with a student. Not an unusual task for the security guard & football coach at an Oregon high school.

As he made his way down the hallway, Mr. Lowe spotted a student standing alone and realized something was amiss; the young man was armed with a shotgun, hand on the trigger.

What would you do, in a fight-or-flight moment like that?

Lowe made a split second decision that changed this young man’s life. He lunged for the gun, grabbed it with both hands, and quickly moved it out of reach.

In the midst of the fear and shock of this adrenaline-packed moment, what Keanon Lowe did next may surprise you. He reached for the student and embraced him, holding the crying boy who only moments before was willing to shoot him.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so

that no one can boast.”

The most valiant heroes don’t always move mountains...sometimes they simply choose to offer grace under fire.

Let’s pray.

Lord, give us the courage to offer the gift of grace to those around us. Even when it’s tough, help us to remember your amazing grace for us, and to pass it on.

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Do you know Who Jesus is? Do you really understand His identity?

We know from the Bible that He is many things: a child, a carpenter, a leader of men. We know that He is our Savior, the One who went to the cross to take on our sin.

He is also our King.

1 Timothy 1:17 - All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.

In this letter to his young friend, Paul emphasized to Timothy that Jesus has dominion over everything and everyone. That’s because Jesus knows exactly what needs to be done in every situation.

While His earthly characteristics and roles give us some picture of Him, it is the picture of Him as King that best describes Him. God the Father has made Jesus Lord over all, and in Him we find true peace.

Have you ever felt safe because you knew your dad or mom was in charge and would do everything right?

We have that confidence in Jesus times infinity! He is our great and good King, forevermore.

Let’s pray.

Lord, you have set Jesus aside as unlike anyone else, ever. You have placed kingly robes and a special crown on His head. Thank you for sending your Son for our sake. Amen.

In May 1962, an intimidating figure delivered a final public speech at West Point Military Academy.

Douglas MacArthur, who led America to victory in the Pacific during World War 2, addressed cadets. He told them simple truths, ones that define honor and glory.

The hall was completely still as the old general spoke in hushed tones. Everyone heard him speak of the honorable soldier who must rely on “those divine attributes which his Maker gave when He created man in His own image.”

Here was perhaps the most legendary military man in this country in the 20th century, and despite his personal awards and recognition, he humbled himself to acknowledge the One who deserves all our honor and glory.

Psalm 115:1 tells us, “Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”

The name of Christ is the one that leads us to final victory. MacArthur spoke to those cadets of the American tradition of seeing things through to complete and decisive victory.

The Bible tells us we are soldiers in Christ’s army. We are standing on the most important battlefield in all of history. Our mandate is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, so that individuals live for eternity with their Creator.

Let us glory in that.

Let’s pray.

Lord, you are our deliverer and the Victor. We honor you with our worship, and with our eternal thanks. Amen.

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