On this Memorial Day, may we remember to remember those who sacrificed themselves for us to have freedom.  I think of those who died on Mount Suribachi 81 years ago.  During one of the bloodiest battles in US Marine history, almost 7,000 marines died at the hands of Japanese soldiers.  During that battle, the American flag was raised on Mount Suribachi on the island of Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945 to encourage and strengthen the US troops.  

Today, my mind also goes to one man, Jesus, who suffered at the hands of His enemies on Mount Calvary.  He didn't just die for one nation, He died for people of all nations.  He gave His all so that we may all have freedom from sin and the enemy.  We can all look at the cross for encouragement and strength.

This earth doesn't belong to any one person or one nation.  War will continue on this earth until the end of time until we all come to the realization that the earth belongs to God.

Psalm 24:1-2 - The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.
Are you wrestling today with the enemy of your soul, or with someone you think is your enemy in this world?  

We need to remember to remember that God still has the power to restore peace.  We aren't to hold grudges against any person or any nation.  My mother-in-law was born in Okinawa on January 24, 1946.  It was less than a year after the battle of Iwo Jima.  We must remember that the struggle isn't against flesh and blood.  My father-in-law was a Marine, and he married a woman from Okinawa.  Today, I'm celebrating Memorial Day with my husband (who is Asian American), our three children, and my son-in-law.  Our God is a God of reconciliation and restoration!

Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  

Have you ever needed to be reminded to “Focus Forward”? In the military, we were sometimes given the command, “Eyes or Ready Front”. After a command to turn our heads 45 degrees to the right for acknowledgement and a salute, we were reminded to return our eyes to the forward position. In the same way, God wants our gaze to be upon what is in front of us. “Eyes Right” is a temporary term. There is a song that reminds us to “Turn Our Eyes Upon Jesus” as we let the things of earth grow strangely dim. Another song says, “Let Me See Jesus Only” because only He can satisfy.

Remember, although Jesus had a “Focus Forward”, He didn’t ignore those in His peripheral vision. He took time to temporarily turn His “Eyes Right” but He always returned to “Eyes (Ready) Front.”

Are your eyes on Jesus? Are your ears attentive to His Voice and His Commands? He is the Shepherd and we are His sheep. He will lead us when we acknowledge and submit to HIm.

John 10:27 - My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

“Focusing Forward” requires keeping our eyes, ears, heart, and mind focused on Jesus. Make sure you follow where He leads you this week! May He use you for the praise of His glory, for the building up of His Church, and for the growth of His Kingdom here on earth and into Heaven.

To "Grow in Grace", we not only need a new mindset; we also need a new heartset.  The best growth will occur when we allow change to happen.

Grace is a blessing from God that shows His love for us.  We don't deserve it, but He gives it to us anyway.  We often refer to it as "Amazing Grace".

What God has given to us, we are also to give to others.  Is there someone in your life that you need to show grace to this week by forgiving them?  We have all been wronged in life at one time or another.  If we're honest with ourselves, we at one point in time (or maybe even still now) have wronged God or someone else.

God has shown us and given us His grace through Jesus.  May we follow His example, and show His grace to others by forgiving them or being patient with them.  If you need God's forgiveness today, ask Him for it.  His love and compassion never fail.

"Grow in Grace" this week!  Even just one tiny thought, word, or action in the right direction is progress!

Lamentations 3:22-23 - Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Romans 3:23-24 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Monday mornings can be a great time to enter into a new week with a fresh mindset off of God's Word from Sunday!  Entering into a new week with expectancy allows us to keep our eyes, ears, and hearts open to what God will reveal to us.

Expectation can bring disappointment when a desired outcome is not fulfilled.Expectancy allows us to anticipate and embrace the present moment.
"Maintain Availability" with each new day God gives you and be willing to follow Him whenever and wherever He directs you to go.  Those who follow Christ are called to be fishers of men.  This also includes women and children.  If each person caught one fish, imagine the growth of God's Kingdom!

Where will God call you to follow Him this week?  Who will He lead you to share His love with this week?  "Maintain Availability" and be open to allow God to use you for the praise of His glory, the building up of His church, and the growth of His Kingdom on this earth and into Heaven!


1. When Jesus calls us to follow Him, we need to follow Him!
-Matthew 4:18-20, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:8-11; John 1:41-42

2. God has designed each one of us for His Divine Purpose.
-Jeremiah 1:5
-Psalm 139:13-16

3. When we follow Jesus and maintain availability to Him, God will do miraculous things in us and through us.
-John 21:15-22; Acts 2:40-41

1 Corinthians 2:9
"However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him."

Be blessed this week and "maintain availability" to God knowing He's still working on you, in you, and through you!  He's not finished yet!

Monday mornings can be a great time to enter into a new week with a fresh mindset off of God's Word from Sunday!  Entering into a new week with expectancy allows us to keep our eyes, ears, and hearts open to what God will reveal to us.

"Allow Transformation" with each new day God gives you and remember:

Expectation can bring disappointment when a desired outcome is not fulfilled.Expectancy allows us to anticipate and embrace the present moment.
Romans 12:1-3(The Need for Faith in Daily Life) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy,
to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—
this is your true and proper worship.
  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.For by the grace given me I say to every one of you:
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,
but rather think of yourself with sober judgment,
in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Galatians 2:20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here!

1.  Living with expectancy requires letting go of our expectations and will.     (We need to stop kicking against the goads)
2.  Righteousness doesn't come through the law.  It comes through faith in Jesus.3.  God has the power and authority to turn sinners into saints and wretches into wise men.4.  When we are reconciled to God through Jesus, we become His ambassadors.
I hope you have a great week believing, trusting, and knowing God loves you; and He wants HIS very best for you!