I was honored this weekend to attend the “Valentines for Veterans” concert in Poplar Bluff. The Wake Foundation and the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center sponsor this event as part of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week. The purpose is to: pay tribute and express appreciation to hospitalized Veterans; Increase community awareness of the role of the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center; and encourage citizens to visit hospitalized Veterans and to become involved as volunteers. It was such an inspirational evening to see those men and women who served our country, rise to their feet when the military song for their branch of service was sung. I was in awe of the older men who proudly wore hats and vests full of patches and medals. What an amazing country we live in! These men and women were willing to give their lives, so that we might live free in this world.
But, alas our time here on this earth isn’t very long, and then what? “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. . .” (John 3:16) Christ was not only willing to give His life – He gave it! This great sacrifice enabled us to have the opportunity to live with Him forever. How? Paul explained to the church in Rome, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” (Romans 6:17) Our obedience to His Word enables us to live our lives in such a way that heaven will be our eternal home.
May we “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” (II Peter 3:18a) and may we never take for granted the sacrifices made on our behalf. We should give “respect and honor to whom honor is due.” (Romans 13:7) God Bless, Courtney