HCC Weekly - May 26th, 2025 Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day

Pastor David

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8-For everything there is a season,

a time for every activity under heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die.

A time to plant and a time to harvest.

A time to kill and a time to heal.

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to cry and a time to laugh.

A time to grieve and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.

A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

A time to search and a time to quit searching.

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear and a time to mend.

A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate.

A time for war and a time for peace.

Today is Memorial Day where we remember those who have given their lives serving in our armed forces. One thing we as Christians can take for granted in the United States is the freedom we have to worship our Savior without the concerns of authorities breaking down the church doors as we do so. This is not something that all our brothers and sisters in Christ have the freedom or right to do around the world. In the passage above we see that there is a time for everything, including war. The United States has fought in 12 major wars since its inception (starting with the Revolutionary war). An estimated 1.2 million American lives have been lost in wars fought by the US since it’s inception.

So, today take a moment to thank God for living in a country that has paid a heavy price to allow us the freedom to worship Him.

Also, take some time to pray for those living in countries around the world where they don’t have that freedom. Pray that the Lord strengthens their faith and fortitude as they navigate life where following the mandate of the great commission risks having fines placed on them or being thrown in prison or even losing their lives (there is an estimated 13 Christians killed a day for their faith. Last February, 70 Christians were found beheaded in a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo). Matthew 5:10 – “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, or the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”

And while we talk about the freedom we have, also thank God for the freedom he has given us! Galatians 5:1-It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

So, on this day of remembrance, also make it a day of thanks!