| The Armistice Carriage |
Today is Remembrance Day or Armistice Day. On this day in 1918 the Armistice treaty was signed, thus ending the First World War - one of the bloodiest in history. This day is always commemorated on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. Added to this, this year we've got another 11 (2011)!!
This is a very special day to remember the sacrifice our soldiers have paid to guarantee us freedom and peace. I have deep respect and admiration for those who put their lives willingly at risk to defend us. May God bless them and protect them. It is a great blessing to live in a free country. It's more precious to me especially when I look at other countries who do not have this blessing, who have their own armies against their own people (Remember Tiananmen Square in China or more recently, the Copts in Egypt).
So, today let's thank God for all these blessings and pray for our soldiers who are giving so much for us.
They shall not grow old,
as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM!
~ From For The Fallen (1914) by
Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)
Peace and Freedom are very precious things and are never cheap. It also reminds me of our own spiritual journey to heaven, as portrayed so beautifully in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. It is a journey full of dangers and snares - a narrow way - as we fight our own flesh and Satan's attacks and snares. But if we persevere we shall overcome and gain the crown of life. (see James 1:12, Revelation 2:10)
Here is a lovely song - 'He That Overcomes' by Jimmy and Carol Owens:
The trailer of the movie the Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2009), said something very true, touching, and profound:
There can be
No triumph without loss.
No victory without suffering.
No freedom without a sacrifice.
This is what our Saviour has done to purchase our freedom form sin and to defeat Satan. This is our journey, too. We are to follow in His steps. May the Lord grant us the grace to endure and persevere to the end. We must not give up.
~God bless
7 comments:
Yes, Sarah, I really have a deep respect and admiration for those who laid down their lives and are risking them even now for the freedom of our country. Such recent and graphic examples of countries who do not own such a blessing make me all the more thankful to the Lord, and grateful for these soldiers.
I love those words from the Return of the King Trailer... yes, they are so profound. I was very touched when I read it: Jesus has gone this way, and oh, may we follow in His steps!
Thank you for sharing this, dear Sarah! I love you so! (I think I'm going to find you and give you a big hug :).
God bless,
~Joy
ah yes dear Sarah it is important to remember and praise God for those who serve so we may have freedom and to pray for those still serving in war torn lands where peace is not known, ans well as lands where freedom is suppressed; "to remember them in bonds as bound with them." blessings from heaven above with all exam,s etc end of year doings Shaz.xx
Dearest Joy,
I love you, too....thanks for the hug:)
I'm glad this has blessed you.
Yes, aren't those words so true ...I was also touched by them.
With love,
Sarah
My dear friend, Shaz!
Yes, this is indeed a time when we need to lift our hearts to God for mercy and for peace. He is our peace.
Thank you for your prayers. I, too, pray for God's blessings for you at this very busy time of year.
God bless.
Much love,
Sarah
Dear Sarah,
Amen, a heavy price was paid during WWI, and it was a blessing on Remembrance Day to remember that other great War which is raging... and to remember that greatest Sacrifice of all history, when our Saviour laid down His life and won the final victory in this war for His people, victory over sin and death!
Truly it is a great blessing to live in a free country, and may He bless those who willingly risked their lives for this freedom.
And oh, what a great, immeasurable blessing there is in the truth that "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death"... the bondage to the law of sin and death has been broken, as He was broken for us. Praise the Name of Jesus!
Thank you for sharing this Sarah.
God bless,
Love,
Maddy
Dearest Maddy,
It's really good having you back also in the 'blog world':) it's been quite a while, isn't it?
Yes, it is true. Often the battles and conflicts raging on in our physical world are a reflection or reminder of the greater spiritual war raging around us. It requires the same determination and endurance as any warrior in battle. However, there is a great difference....Jesus Christ our Lord has already overcome the enemy. Victory is sure because He is Victor! Hallelujah! Yes, there are pains and sorrows and losses, yet we have His living Hope within us. This gives me great encouragement.
Thank you for your encouragement.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
love,
Sarah
P.S. I noticed your new post...it looks quite encouraging. I'll read it more carefully ASAP.
Hey Sarah!
I'm glad nrelate worked ;), and thank you for putting my blog button on your sidebar! Love you, dear sister!
God bless,
~Joy
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