Guest post by Evangelist Tim Lee
Yesterday our nation paused to say two simple words that carry a lifetime of meaning: thank you. At Marcus Pointe Baptist Church we did more than say them—we stood, we applauded, and we prayed over the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States of America. From the bottom of my heart: veterans, we honor you.
I’m grateful to Pastor Gordon Godfrey—my dear friend and a faithful board member of Tim Lee Ministries—for opening the pulpit on this special weekend. Marcus Pointe is one of my favorite churches anywhere. You love Jesus, you love people, and you love this country. That combination is powerful.
Honoring the Flag—and Those Who Paid the Price
We don’t worship the American flag. But we honor it, because it represents sacrifice. Men and women—husbands and wives, sons and daughters—gave their lives so that flag could fly and so that our children and grandchildren could grow up in freedom. It’s right and good to stand, to salute, and to say “thank you.”
This week also marks a milestone close to my heart: the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps (November 10). I served in the Corps; my dad served in the Navy during World War II. We used to tease each other—he’d remind me the Marines are a department of the Navy, and I’d answer, “Yes sir—the men’s department!” We laughed, but beneath the jokes was deep respect. Whatever branch you served—Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard—we honor you.
America Is Worth Our Best
I’ve traveled the world and I’m still convinced: with all our flaws and failures, America is worth loving, serving, and improving. That means good people stepping up—at home, at church, and yes, in public service. School boards, city councils, county commissions, state houses, and Washington, D.C. need men and women of integrity—people who love God, love the Bible, and love their neighbor.
And for the rest of us? It means praying, voting, volunteering, mentoring, and modeling what it looks like to be a grateful, engaged citizen.
A Word from God’s Word (Hebrews 12)
Veterans Day is a good time to talk about discipline—not just military discipline, but spiritual discipline. Hebrews 12:5–7, 11 reminds us that the Lord disciplines those He loves, “for our good, that we may share His holiness.” Loving parents correct their children; a loving God corrects His people. It isn’t always comfortable in the moment, but “later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” If you belong to Jesus and you drift, He will draw you back—because you’re His.
My Story: From Running to Surrender
I was saved as a ten-year-old boy in southern Illinois. As a teenager I drifted—wrong priorities, wrong crowd, wrong direction. I joined the Marine Corps looking for a fresh start and found more than I bargained for. On March 8, 1971, while leading a mine sweep in Vietnam, I stepped on a 60-pound mine. In an instant, both of my legs were gone.
I should have died that day. But God had a plan. My best friend in our squad, a believer named Lee Gore, cradled my head and prayed out loud while chaos swirled around us. I cried out to God too: “If You’ll let me live, I’ll do what You want me to do.”
There were long months in military hospitals—surgeries, infections, setbacks. But God spared my life. I came home to my dad’s church like the prodigal son, asked forgiveness, and soon after married Connie—53 years and counting! Not long after, the Lord called me to preach. For nearly five decades I’ve shared the gospel across America and around the world—from a wheelchair, yes, but with a heart set free.
I’m not a hero. Jesus is. But I am a grateful American and a grateful Christian whose life was changed by grace.
Two Invitations—One to Veterans, One to Everyone
To our veterans and military families: thank you. You’ve carried burdens most people never see. We see you. We honor your courage, your sacrifice, and the quiet strength you bring to our communities and our church. If your service left wounds—seen or unseen—this church family wants to walk with you. You don’t have to carry it alone.
To everyone reading: Veterans Day points beyond citizenship in an earthly nation to citizenship in heaven. The greatest freedom isn’t political; it’s spiritual. A little over 2,000 years ago, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to do what none of us could do—live a sinless life, die for our sins on the cross, and rise again on the third day. That’s not religion; that’s the good news. Salvation isn’t achieved; it’s received—by grace through faith.
If you’re far from God, come home. If you’re a believer who’s drifted, stop running. Today can be the day you lay down your pride, your guilt, your excuses, and say, “Yes, Lord.”
A Simple Prayer
If this is your moment, you can pray something like this from a sincere heart:
“Lord Jesus, I know I’m a sinner and I can’t save myself. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and trust You alone as my Savior and Lord. Take my life—every part of it. I am Yours. Amen.”
If you prayed that prayer—or if you’re ready to talk to someone—tell us. Let a pastor, a friend, or a small-group leader know so we can help you take your next steps.
A Closing Blessing
To every veteran: may the Lord bless you and keep you. May He heal what’s broken, strengthen what’s weary, and fill your home with peace. Thank you for standing the watch so the rest of us could live in freedom.
To our church family: let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Let’s love our neighbors, serve our city, and shine the light of Christ. And let’s keep waving the flag with gratitude—not because our nation is perfect, but because we’re thankful for those who paid the price, and because we believe the truest freedom is found in the One who sets us free indeed.
Semper Fi—and God bless America.
