READY FOR BATTLE?

Today is the day set aside in these United States to honor and pay tribute to each and every military veteran who ever served in the Armed Forces whether in peace time or in combat and regardless if they served 1 year or over twenty to achieve retired status. Those who defend our country often have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Today because of all battles or in peace we say thanks. The saying goes "Freedom is not free" or "If you enjoy your freedom thanks a vet."

Battles have been fought since the beginning of time. Not all are military ones but the biggest battle of all is the battle of spiritual warfare going on each and every day when Satan tries to trick us and drag us into his pit getting us to believe his lies, trickery,and deceit. Sadly he has gathered many into his trap to do his work for him. We must not condemn these "blind" people but instead must pray for them.

There is indeed a battle of good versus evil. Ever since the serpent deceived Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden a war has been raging for our souls.

Ephesians 6:10-13(NIV) says 'Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." Look up Ephesians 6 and read the entire chapter.

In the meantime you can not afford to not be "armed" against Satan. You do this by reading God's word daily. Make it more important than the morning newspaper. It is your shield. Make it your priority today to get ready for battle.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for being my shield and the lifter of my head and keeping me ready for the battle ahead. I love you Word Lord so help me not ignore picking it up daily and getting strng for the day ahead. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WE SALUTE YOU

Today November 11th, is Veteran's Day, which is a time to pay tribute to all those who have served this nation in its' Armed Forces whether in peacetime or at war. We all owe a debt of gratitude to all service personnel for the sacrifices they made to help keep us free. Many today are serving in dangerous overseas locations. Even here stateside there is danger as we have seen in the past couple years with terrorism attacks on secure military installations.

What does it mean to sacrifice and what exactly is honor? Scripture in John 15:13 says that "Greater love hath no man than a man lay down his life for his friends." In 1 John 3:16 it says "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." This is sacrificial love. The greatest love ever was when Jesus died for us on the cross and took the blame for all of our sins past, present, and future.

Now to the subject of honor. We pay tribute and show honor today to those who serve us now and have served in the past. The definition of honor is personal integrity: strong moral character or strength, and adherence to ethical principles,respect: great respect and admiration and finally dignity: personal dignity that sometimes leads to recognition and glory. There is a movie based on a true story that was recently shown on TV about a Navy diver entitled of 'Men of Honor'. Duty, honor, and country is what is important to the military service member. If they do something dishonorable they can get put in military jail or discharged with a dishonorable or general discharge. Most service members end their tour of service with an honorable discharge.

Who do you show honor to? First it should be the Lord Jesus Christ as he is above all things. Next we show honor to our spouse if we are blessed to be married. The Bible speaks in Exodus Chapter 20 about honoring your father and your mother. At the state park near here at the entrance there is a box when an attendant is not on duty which says 'Honor Box' where a motorist, upon entrance to the park, if they are 'honorable' will put their park entrance fee in there. So you see what honor is. We show honor to the Lord by giving the first fruits of our labors in tithing. (Proverbs 3:9).

Today stop a moment and take the time to pray for the service men and women currently in harms' way and those stateside and those who served at any time. Learn what honor and sacrifice are and put it to practice in your own daily life. When you are out enjoying your 3 day weekend think of those who made it all possible.

PRAYER: Father we do humbly thank you for those men and women who signed up to serve this country to protect our freedoms. May you put your angels around them Lord. Show us what it means to honor and respect others as we honor and show respect to our military who serve and give their lives so that we might live. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link and listen to a song that will make you be very grateful for the United States and its' military.

http://youtu.be/wFQUOxcYmLY

SERVICE TO OTHERS

 

Today we stop to honor those men and women who at one time or another have served in our nations armed forces. Now Memorial Day in May is when we honor and pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this nation by giving their life in combat so we could remain free. But Veterans Day is to honor all those who have served, living or dead. Those who have been in the military we salute you and thank you. 

 

What is this service all about? It is like no other job in that you truly do not know when you will be called upon to go into combat or be put in harms way. This is not just a job, but a privilege to protect and defend this great nation and help keep the freedoms we enjoy. You have seen the bumper sticker I am sure which says 'If you love your freedom thank a Vet!'  A 'civilian' really has no concept of the things soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines go through in their jobs. 

Concerning service in general 1 Peter 4:10 says "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its' various forms. A military member really knows what service is all about. The United States is truly unique. We enjoy freedom like none other. This is due in great part to our military heroes who put their lives on the line without any thanks or fanfare on a regular basis. Even those soldiers who  have been stateside and not in danger on the physical battlefield deserve a big debt of gratitude. Not too long ago as you may recall a terrorist infiltrated the ranks of the military at Fort Hood and killed many of his fellow soldiers. Freedom truly is not free!

 

Galatians 5:1 says " It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery."

 

Today stop your golf game, shopping, movie going, and all other activities and reflect for a moment on those men and women, some of whom may be friends and family members , serving so that you might enjoy the things that you do.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord Jesus for this great United States of America. Thank you to those who feel the call to serve this fine country. Thank you for those who have served in the past no who are serving now. May they feel appreciated by the country they defend and protect. In Jesus name. Amen.

 

Note: enjoy a patriotic song included at link below.

 http://youtu.be/jz0AqemvMxk