(Pastor James Scarborough, Donalsonville Assembly of God)

Memorial Day was a remarkable day for me. It consisted of two opportunities that I was able to participate in that reminded me of how truly blessed I am personally and how blessed we all are as a nation.

The first of those two events was going to the courthouse lawn for the Memorial Day service to remember those who have given their lives to defend our nation and preserve our freedom. The reading of the names of those sacrificial military servants and the laying of the wreath in their honor, memory and appreciation was a moment that was most meaningful.

Not only was it a time of remembrance, but also a time of gratitude for those who are currently bravely protecting us from those who want to destroy us. And to really bring it all home, seeing those that were present who fought for our nation was a living testimonial to the fact that war and sacrifice are real and not just material in history books.

How blessed I was to be able to stand by my friend Dan, who, like so many others, bravely and honorably served our country many years ago!

The second of my Memorial Day events was spending time with my family. Even in that, the results of those who protect our nation was evident. We were able to go and come as we chose, we had the privilege of going to the park without fear of enemy attack, and we were able to come home and cook up a huge meal at the place that we can claim as our own that we do not have to fret over a selfish dictator taking it away.

In reflecting upon such things, it is essential that we do not forget how God has so richly blessed us as individuals and as a nation. It should be the goal of each of us to offer to Him sincere gratitude for His goodness and to seek to learn more about Him and how He wants us to live. Unlike what some claim, I am convinced that our nation could not have become what it is nor remain as a great nation without the favor of God resting upon us. There is absolute truth in this statement credited to President George Washington: “It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. Of all the dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, our religion and morality are indispensable supporters.”

I expect that most of us know that we are blessed, but we need to purposefully remind ourselves often.

As the apostle Peter addressed the people of his day regarding their relationship with God, he wrote, “So I will always remind you

of these things, even

though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have” (II Peter 1:12, NIV). In that same context he stated, “it is right to refresh your memory” (verse 13), and in verse 15 “you will always be able to remember these things.”

There is much that we already know about God, His Word and His goodness, but we do need to have our memories refreshed and awakened so that we will always remember what He has done for us, those He has used to do it and what is required if we expect to continue to experience the benefit of His favor upon us.