Greetings Veterans, Saints and Friends,
​“Hey, mister! Why are you putting up all those American flag banners?” “Hello, young man! We are setting up for our Veterans Day awards ceremony. Will you be attending?” “I don’t know. What is it?” “It is a time when we honor those who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces to keep us safe and free during times of peace and war.” “Are you going to have ice cream?” “Yes! We are going to have cake ‘and’ ice cream!” “Can I bring a friend, too?” “You certainly can.” “Oh boy! I’ll see you later!” “See you later, sonny!” “Tommy! Tommy!” “What is it, Tony?” “I found a place that has free cake and ice cream this Monday! The man said I could bring a friend, too. You wanna go?” “That sounds swell! What flavor ice cream?” “I don’t know. Does it matter?” “No, I was just wondering. I need to ask my dad if I can go, though. Come on, he’s in the backyard. Dad! Dad!” “What is it, Tommy?!” “Dad, Tony found a place that is going to have free cake and ice cream this Monday. Can I go with him?” “What place is it, Tony?” “It is that building downtown that has the statue of military men holding the American flag.” “Oh, the Veterans Hall. I tell you what, how about if we go to the Veterans Day parade first, then go to the awards ceremony?” “Do you think they will still have cake and ice cream?” “Yes. The Veterans Hall will not open until after the parade.” “Okay! Who do you think will be in the parade?” “There will be a military marching band and at least one band made up of veterans. There will be floats with veterans from the different branches of our military, like Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. There will be a variety of military vehicles in the parade, too. And the Grand Marshall will be the oldest living veteran in the United States! The parade will start at the Capitol Building and end at the Veterans Hall, where those who have faithfully served our country will be rewarded.” “They deserve it, too! Right, Dad!?” “Yes, they do!” “What kind of rewards will they receive?” “I do not know for sure, but depending how they served, they could receive plaques, gift cards, and words of recognition from important people.”
“Tony, remember when Pastor Harold was teaching about receiving rewards in heaven?” “Yes. I was thinking about that, too, when I heard the word ‘rewards.’ He said that those who faithfully serve Jesus will receive rewards from Him!”
​“Yes, boys. The Bible sometimes refers to Christians as soldiers who must put on the armor of God and stand fast against our spiritual enemy, Satan. He often seeks to do battle with us and overcome us. But even though Satan is a powerful created being of God, Jesus gives us victory over him. One of my favorite Bible verses is, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Philippians 4:13 In Sunday School, Mr. Johnson showed us from the Bible that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 And He has given us a message to share with others of how to have peace with Him. But there is one who does not want us to share that message – Satan. He is our enemy because he opposes God. He fights against us, and we need to be prepared.” “Dad, Pastor Harold told us that after Jesus was baptized, Satan even tried to overcome Him in the wilderness. But Jesus took the sword of the spirit, the Word of God, and won that battle, too.” Matthew 4:1-11 “Yes, He sure did!” “Dad, I know the Bible says that Satan and all his fallen angel friends will one day be put in hell forever, but why doesn’t God do that now instead of waiting?” “Son, while we can not know why God does everything the way He does, He has already told us how wonderful everything turns out for those who trust in His Son, Jesus. Since we know the ending, He says we can trust Him for the present and the future. Our eternal home is in heaven and He will reward us for serving Him now. Jesus said, ‘Behold, I am coming quickly and my reward is with me to give to everyone according to his work.’ Revelation 22:12 Since Jesus is doing the rewarding, it will be very good!” “Can anyone serve Him?” “Only those who sincerely tell Him, ‘Jesus, thank You for paying for my sins when You died in my place and rose again. Help me to live in victory every day as I serve You. Amen’”
Are you looking forward to seeing Jesus and receiving your heavenly rewards?