THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Lord, I’m amazed looking at pictures of the Normandy invasion forces. These men were young. Most I would call ‘kids.’ How many thousands were just months out of high school on that D-Day, June 6, 1944? Their mission: storm the Normandy coast and liberate the European continent, known as Fortress Hitler. The tough, seasoned veterans achieved an astonishing feat, turning these kids into brave, ferocious fighting forces.

Survivors said there were no atheists in the landing crafts. Despite the gripping fear, you gave them a divine courage they must have known was beyond them. Undoubtedly, everyone’s mortality and eternity occupied their thoughts. You must have given these rapidly maturing kids the grace to accept that their fate could be they would die that day.

The Allied forces on that one day suffered over 10,000 casualties, of which 4,414 paid the ultimate sacrifice, their young lives forever cradled into the arms of our loving God. Within a year, Allied troops liberated Europe from the evil of Fortress Hitler. Today we commemorate the memories of the brave men and women who shed their blood for freedom, resting in the sacred grounds of Normandy. We must remember all whose lives were forever changed participating in the horrors of that bloody invasion.

The wars of righteousness vs. wickedness have never been without the shedding of innocent blood.

The war to free our souls from Fortress Satan has already been won. Jesus, you willingly went to the cross to shed your innocent blood to pay for our sins.  You stormed the gates of Hell to take the keys to death and the grave. You took the penalties for our sins and in exchange, gave your righteousness and eternal life to all who believe, (John 3:16,17).

Fortress Satan lies forever defeated. We live in freedom in Fortress Jesus. Amen.