This morning I received an email from a good friend with the words, “Valley Forge Park this morning.” As he drove to work, he stopped and took a picture of the park and sent it to me; knowing I love Revolutionary War history.
I was immediately reminded of the cost so many people paid at Valley Forge in order to secure our freedom and independence as a nation. George Washington chose this location, about 25 miles northwest of Philadelphia, for the Continental Army to winter in and train for future battles. Wikipedia describes it this way:
“Named for an iron forge on Valley Creek, the area was close enough to the British to keep their raiding and foraging parties out of the interior of Pennsylvania, yet far enough away to halt the threat of British surprise attacks. The high ground of Mount Joy and the adjoining elevated ground of Mount Misery combined with the Schuylkill River to the north, made the area easily defensible.
On December 19, 1777, when Washington's poorly fed, ill-equipped army, weary from long marches, staggered into Valley Forge, winds blew as the 12,000 Continentals prepared for winter's fury. Only about 1/3 of them had shoes, and many of their feet were leaving bloody footprints from the marching. Grounds for brigade encampments were selected, and defense lines were planned and begun. Though construction of more than a thousand huts provided shelter, it did little to offset the critical shortages that continually plagued the army.” Wikipedia on Valley Forge
Freedom is not free, nor is it ever painless…never has been, never will be. We must never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. We must live with an attitude of gratitude for those who have given so much. And we must be willing to speak out, suffer when necessary, and make personal sacrifices if we are to preserve those freedoms. Why not take a moment to thank God for those serve in our armed forces today; who have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedoms.
One more thing…there is another battle, an eternal one, being waged that affects every one of us. The victory in this battle has already be secured and required the shedding of blood. Freedom from sin’s bondage required the suffering and the death of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice has paved the way for forgiveness of sin and freedom from its bondage. But are you experiencing the freedom He secured with His death.Have you thanked God for sending His Son, Jesus, to die on a cross for you that you might live? Have you placed your faith in His Son and received His gift of eternal life? No greater gratitude can be shown to Him than to humbly receive His gift. Freedom is yours if you’ll receive it.
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1 comments:
Yes,a great sacrifice has been paid and God's providence and promise is only eclipsed by His Glorious victory at Calvary and at the ones to come by The American Army once, as Washington put it "due to the great Author of all the care and good that has been extended in relieving us in difficulties and distress." as the General prayed. R. K. Eskew an American who honors our founders because of their great devotion to God and freedom.
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