Nov. 11, 2025

Freedom Isn't Free

Freedom Isn't Free

Send me a text Freedom always costs something. In this special Veterans Day episode, we honor those who’ve sacrificed for our nation and remember the ultimate freedom purchased through Christ. Freedom is never free. Every generation has men and women who’ve paid the price to defend it. On this Veterans Day, we pause to give thanks and to remember that the greatest freedom of all was purchased not on a battlefield, but on a cross. In today’s devotion, you’ll hear the true story of Marine Corpo...

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Send me a text

Freedom always costs something. In this special Veterans Day episode, we honor those who’ve sacrificed for our nation and remember the ultimate freedom purchased through Christ.

Freedom is never free.

Every generation has men and women who’ve paid the price to defend it. On this Veterans Day, we pause to give thanks and to remember that the greatest freedom of all was purchased not on a battlefield, but on a cross.

In today’s devotion, you’ll hear the true story of Marine Corporal Kyle Carpenter, who threw himself on a grenade in Afghanistan to save a fellow Marine. His sacrifice mirrors a deeper truth: the love of a Savior who gave His life so we could live.

Main Scriptures:

Galatians 5:1 – “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”

Psalm 33:12 – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.”

You’ll learn:

  • Why freedom, both national and spiritual, always carries a cost
  • How gratitude can deepen your faith and renew your joy
  • What it means to live as someone truly set free in Christ
  • A simple way to honor both veterans and the Savior who gave His life for you

Today’s Challenge:

Thank a veteran today. Tell them their service matters.

Then take a quiet moment to thank Jesus, who paid the ultimate price to set you free forever.

Encouraged by today’s devotion?

Share this Veterans Day episode with someone who’s served or with someone who needs the reminder that freedom, both earthly and eternal, is worth the cost.

https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/106

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WEBVTT

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On a rooftop in Helmand Province, late 2010, two young Marines, Kyle Carpenter and his buddy Nick Eufrazio, are pulling security when a grenade lands between them. In less than a heartbeat, Kyle moves toward it, throws his body between the blast and his friend. The blast deflected down, with Carpenter absorbing most of the explosion.

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That is real courage. The willingness to sacrifice oneself so someone else might live.

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Welcome to Daily Devotions for Busy Lives. I'm Bart Lege. Today, we pause to honor those who have served in the military and those who still serve to protect our freedom. Veterans Day reminds us that freedom isn't automatic.

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It's costly. Someone paid a price so we could live free. And that truth points us to something way deeper. Galatians 5, verse 1 says, Our national freedom came at a cost. And so did our spiritual freedom. Jesus paid the ultimate price, not with medals or honors, but with his own blood, to free us from sin and death. Kyle should not have survived. The blast much of his face and right eye and broke bones throughout his body. Doctors would fight for him through long surgeries and grueling recovery. Years later, President Obama placed the Medal of Honor around his neck and told a story so we wouldn't forget what love like that cost. Kyle has since shared the Medal of Honor around his life. Kyle has since shared the story about why it mattered. You are worth it. That's the line behind his book and his life after the blast. Sacrifice for another. Freedom that isn't free.

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When we talk about freedom, it's easy to take it for granted, both as citizens and as followers of Jesus. But every freedom we enjoy was purchased at a cost. Men and women have bled and sacrificed so we can live in peace and worship openly.

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And Jesus sacrificed himself so we could live forgiven and eternally free. Psalm 33, 12 says, Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen as his own inheritance. When we remember the cost of freedom, both earthly and eternal, gratitude becomes our right response. We honor those who served by living with integrity and faithfulness.

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And we honor Christ by walking in the freedom he purchased for us. We don't have to live as slaves to fear or guilt, but as people set free to love and serve others. So whether you've worn the uniform or simply carry a grateful heart, let today be a reminder. Freedom is never free.

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It always costs someone something. And both our veterans and our Savior remind us what real love looks like, laying down your life for another.

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Here's today's challenge. Take time today to thank a veteran.

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Shake their hand and listen to their story. Tell them how much their sacrifice means. Then take a quiet moment to thank Jesus, who paid the greatest price of all to set you free forever.

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Father, thank you for the men and women who have defended our freedom with courage and sacrifice. And thank you most of all for Jesus, who gave his life so we could be free from sin and death. Help us to never take freedom for granted, but to live gratefully and humbly and faithfully in your service. In Jesus' name, amen. Thanks for joining me today on Daily Devotions for Busy Lives.

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Remember, freedom isn't free, but it's worth everything. Come back next time for more encouragement to help you live grounded in God's truth. Until then, God bless and have a great day.