Today is Veteran's Day.
As I was thinking about this day, I recalled a very famous quote by General William Tecumseh Sherman:
"War is hell."
Yes, it is. But I might add to that phrase a bit -
"War is FROM hell."
The history of America is peppered with stories of war. And though war often brings moments of glory and honor, at its core, war is really a reflection of the evil that lives in the human heart. It reflects the unending urge for power, and the inner drive to rule.
And human war had its beginnings in that other battle – the epic battle between good and evil.
Once, a long time ago, an angel with evil in his heart also desired power, and wanted to rule everything – he wanted to be like God.
It didn't quite work out – he was cast out from Heaven for his rebellion – and he became Satan, the Adversary, the Accuser.
And since that time, Satan has used every available strategy to continue waging war against God. He even used humanity to injure the very heart of God. And we were complicit in the injury.
That epic battle is still being fought – every day. And though ultimate victory for God and His children is assured, the battle still rages on. We are an integral part of that battle, we are soldiers in the war.
How to be effective warriors for God?
Well, I don't know about you, but I'm wearing armor!
"Therefore put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground…" (Ephesians 6:13-14, NLT)
Here's what we've got:
The Belt of Truth – the only way to defeat the enemy's lies
The Breastplate, the Body Armor, of Righteousness – God's righteousness is the only thing that protects our hearts and ensures His approval through Christ
The Footgear, the Shoes, of the Peace that comes from the Good News – the motivation to proclaim the true peace that is available in God
The Shield of Faith – protection against the fiery arrows of the devil
The Helmet of Salvation – protecting our minds from doubting God's saving work done for us by Jesus, and the assurance that ultimate victory is ours
The Sword – the Word of God, the Bible, our Scriptures – the only weapon of offense in this list – we must use the Word of God as a weapon against lies, and deceptions, and temptations
So yes, today let us remember the spiritual war – the one that Satan brought, the one that we are engaged in.
But let's also take today to remember the earthly wars being waged by courageous and self-sacrificing men and women.
Let us remember all those who have served – all those who were injured, or captured, or tortured – all those who are missing – all those who have died.
And all those who are serving now.
And all those who are serving now.
We have so much to be grateful for…
FREEDOM.
We do so many things that would not be possible if someone hadn't fought for this country – for my country – for your country.
We have the glorious freedom to worship our Lord – freely and publicly. We are not in danger of being thrown in jail, or tortured, or killed. And our veterans have sacrificed so much in order for us to have that freedom.
Today it doesn't matter whether we agree or don't agree with political policy.
Today we simply focus on people – real, live people who served our country, or are serving now – who did this for our sakes – because they believed in freedom.
Thank you.
May we take today to remember what they have fought for – what they have sacrificed for – what they have believed in…
One nation…under GOD.
If you know someone who has served, or is serving, this country in the armed forces, I would encourage you to reach out to them today. Tell them how much you appreciate them. Tell them we will always remember them. Tell them…
Thank you.
Remind them that God sees – He upholds them – He will never forget what they have done – in the name of…
FREEDOM.
Remind them that we are praying for them.
Remind them that they do not fight alone - for in one way or the other, we are all participants in the Great War of the Heavens - the war that lurks behind every human power struggle on earth.
We are all spiritual war vets.
So, let's keep up the good fight, and stand against our enemy with the Holy Spirit's power. We are enlisted soldiers in God's army, and we have joined the forces of the Lord's Kingdom.
Always faithful, may we fight on.
 |
Sacrifices Never Forgotten |
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, NIV)
"'The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come'" (Luke 4:18, NLT)
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7, NIV)
What freedom are you most thankful for today?
***A BLESSED VETERAN'S DAY TO ALL***
***A BLESSED VETERAN'S DAY TO ALL***
(Above photo is of The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall)
Linked today with:
Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Jen at UNITE
Salina at HEART REFLECTED
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Rosalind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAY
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY
Jacqueline at ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Nannette at WISDOM WEDNESDAY
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Leslie at FAITHFUL FRIDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Sandra at STILL SATURDAY
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
I'm most grateful for the freedom that is found in Christ. And I'm so grateful for all the men and women who serve in our military fighting for our nation's freedom.
ReplyDeleteI like the armor we can put on to do battle, Sharon. I too am thankful for those that have fought for our freedom and the sacrifices they have made. I'm glad Jesus was willing to make the sacrifice he did for the freedom we have in him.
ReplyDeletebetty
This is so powerful. Yes, war is from hell.....yes, we need to be reminded that we are in a spiritual war daily with the enemy. We are blessed to be given the armor we need . Blessed to know that no matter what comes, in the end we win!
ReplyDeleteHi Dear! Yes, we are all spiritual war vets, I love that! And your list of armor was so great. I am so grateful too all the men and women who served us in the military. Including my husband! He's an ex-Marine. We flew the flag today, until the rain came.
ReplyDeleteI am most thankful for the freedom of speech and to practice the religion of my choice. To hear about all the places where that doesn't happen is just jaw-dropping. We are SO fortunate and blessed to be free to say and pray as we would like.
Good to see you today :)
Ceil
Yes, may we be covered with that spiritual armor and understand that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers of darkness. However Jesus is the Light of the World and His light dispells the darkness. Thank you for sharing your lovely story with us here at "Tell Me a Story."
ReplyDeleteSharon - don't you feel that we are fighting in Hell sometimes here on earth - I do.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and suit up - seems we need to sleep in that armor sometimes! Just reading the paper and I have to suit up! Can't leave home without my armor all. Good reminder . . .
ReplyDeleteJoy!
Kathy
Dear Sharon
ReplyDeleteI was reminded of that verse where Jesus tells the Jews to respect their worldly leaders for they were His servant serving them when I read your words today. They are God's servants even though not all of them necessarily are His Kingdom children.
Blessings XX
Mia
Hi Sharon, as always a very good and true blog, how we do need that armour. God Bless and thank you for sharing this
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully stated, Sharon. I hope the weekend was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good reminder of the origin of war, Sharon.
ReplyDeleteGod has always sent His people into battles to conquer evil. But nowadays, it seems that sometimes wars are started for greed. I don't know...but our country is still standing strong against the forces that oppress the innocent in other countries...yet, we are yielding to some pretty evil and perverse things here within our own...things like abortion and gay marriage! God help us!...but it is the same in many other countries too...May we never forget our God when we think about our freedoms, for fear of perverting and abusing those very freedoms that so many have sacrificed so much for !
Blessings and love~ Lisa
Thank you Rose of Sharon! Thank you for your beautiful words and message of freedom! Thank you as a spiritual war vet in the Lord's of Heaven's Army, great connection you made as always and with mine on Yahweh Sabaoth (*Tsebaoth)
ReplyDeleteThe Lord of Hosts, giving thanks this day. Thanks for taking a day to give tribute to those who defend our freedom and how well worded this all was to our own spiritual freedom, armor and battles. I am ever so thankful we have the Great Defender and can trust in Him and His heavenly hosts fighting principalities yet somehow we need to have our Sword ready to draw ... and so need the full armor. I'm grateful also for our religious freedom still in our country. Praise God! (although that door seems to be narrowing each day). We must be prepared and ready! Powerful message! Wonderful spiritual connection. Outstanding historical and biblical facts and knowledge. So very enjoyable to read every post you write with such amazing wonder and gifted pen. Thank God for the sacrifices made, His and each defender of freedom, from Jesus' cross to the wars that are waging. Let freedom ring! Long live Our King! Defender of Truth, Righteousness and our Liberty, Freedom is found in Jesus Christ and God's Word, His promises ... and that we can take to the "bank" and count it credited to our account! Blessed to know you as a Freedom Fighter, Believer in the Lord of Hosts ... and such a wonderful writer, you are and remain... hope your weekend was blessed and as wonderful as you! (I left a reply to your recent comment at NOG at AG)!
Love and peace,
Peggy
Left a comment - didn't seem to take. Anyway, grateful for the reach and rescue of our Father in times of spiritual warfare. My husband preached on this text this past Sunday.
ReplyDeleteBlessings~elaine
Oh my gosh - I love when God works this way in my life. I posted on the same topic in the link right after yours on Winsome Wed. Veteran's Day serves as a reminder of many sorts & I am grateful to our vets for that!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Joanne
So true.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with Woman to Woman's Word Filled Wednesday God bless.
Put on the whole armor of God, yes!
ReplyDeleteLoved this, Sharon.
Sometimes we think that we fight alone for freedom but it's better to have someone to fight with and think that God is on our side. No matter how hard could it be He'd give us the strength to carry on.
ReplyDeleteSpiritual thoughts
Such a good reminder of how to use each part of the armor. We continually need to put it on. The battle is ongoing. I can remember an extremely rough season in my life when I couldn't figure out what was wrong or how to shake it off. A wise counselor told me--"You're just one of those who have been hit hard in our spiritual battle." It was such encouragement to know that I wasn't doing anything wrong--just the opposite. I was doing exactly what God wanted but I was under severe attack.
ReplyDeleteWhat am I thankful for today~our youngest son whose ship is on its way to the Philippines to help with the humanitarian relief effort. I think this will be his greatest accomplishment while in the Navy. And I have emailed him to let him know how proud I am of him.
Blessings,
Janis
I always love a good "charge to faith"! Yes, we are in a war, and we cannot lay our weapons down, until we see Him coming in the clouds, making all things new! Oh what a glorious day that will be! Blessings from UNITE friend, Jen
ReplyDeleteI actually just finished a study on Ephesians this week, so your post is a like a big "Amen." So thankful I was linked up after you at "Spiritual Sundays." Blessings :)
ReplyDeleteAmen! We need to remember this all year long and certainly never give up fighting for our freedom in Christ each day! Blessings! Love, Rachael @ Inking the Heart
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon for the reminder that we need our armor as we are fighting a war. Sometimes it is easy not to view life as a battle and make mistakes in our choices as we become complacent and don't pay attention to the dangers we are facing.
ReplyDelete