Memorial Day Tribute 2011

God bless those heroes that have given everything for the ideal of freedom!

May they know the Love of Christ so that they are living in eternity. May they know that their sacrifice is not for nothing. “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” (1 John 3:16).

"General George Patton once advised: ‘Not every man can be a soldier. To be a soldier is the highest profession of life; [it] comes closest to being a life like Christ who gave his life for others, as we may do.’" Quoted in General Patton's Principles for Life and Leadership by his wartime aide Porter B. Williamson (p. 132) (Kraft)

In Flanders Fields
John McCrae, 1915.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.


I pledge allegiance to the flag
When we recite the Pledge, we are promising to be faithful to the ideals of our country.

Of the United States of America
The flag symbolizes our fifty states joined in a common bond to fulfill those ideals.

And the Republic for which it stands,
We elect representatives who govern for a time and are accountable to us for the job they do.

One Nation under God,
Our founders understood that the government does not give us our freedom. Our freedom ultimately comes from God, and our government was established to secure that God-given freedom.

Indivisible,
We pledge ourselves to stay together as a country, even when we disagree.

With liberty and justice for all.
We commit ourselves to such liberties as the freedom to worship, freedom to assemble, and freedom to speak. We also commit ourselves to justice which means being fair and right in our judgment of people.

Gateways to Better Education Pledge Poster:www.gtbe.org (Buehrer)

Videos and Links:

The True Meaning of Memorial Day

Battle Hymn of the Republic

US Navy Presidential Ceremonial Honor Guard at Norway

Awesome video of U.S Navy SEALs

US Army Drill Team

USAF Honor Guard Drill Team

Battle Hymn of the Republic (Christian Soldiers Tribute) Caution: crusader slant

Veteran's Day 2010 - Battle Hymn of The Republic - Taps Caution: some graphic concentration camp images

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When will Jesus return? no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son

Jesus Says: No One Knows That Day and Hour

See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, 'Look, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look, he is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man...

But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

Matthew 24:25-27,36 (English Standard Version)

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Thoughts on Bin Laden and Governments Role

Thoughts on the news of Bin Laden's execution and the role of civil governments...

It is my understanding that national defense is the primary role of the U.S. Federal Government. Further more, it is a primary God ordained purpose of civil authorities to enforce law, prevent anarchy, and to execute punishment upon evil doers.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities... for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
Romans 13:1-7

It is uncomfortable to acknowledge God's just righteousness sometimes. I recommend reading the short article "Is God Glad bin Laden is Dead?" by John Piper, and "The Death of bin Laden and the Limits of Justice" by Albert Mohler.

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Various Trials and a thankful heart - part 2 (updated)

Just a follow up to my Various Trials - part 1 post that may turn into an ongoing storyline as I grow.

(updated after Blogger errors)

First, I want to clarify that my struggle isn't should we stay in this area of Peoria, because we don't really have on option. We are living within our means and don't have the luxury of a choice at the moment.

Second, the struggle is in my heart. I had become a wimpish whinny complaining victim. How disgusted I am with where my heart is! There are spiritual as well as practical applications that I will unpack as I grow. I am a work in progress after all!

On the spiritual side... I just started listening to a new sermon series on the book of James. This is exactly what I need to hear.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds
James 1:2

This is a cursed world. Jesus has paid the price for those that believe. But he leaves us here with a mission. We will face trials while carrying out our mission, but count them all joy! That's where my heart needs to be!

On the practical side... I'll start addressing this in a future post. I need to repent, or turn from, some of the junk in my heart first.

Ready for the battle?

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Struggles in Egypt Not Over (Updated!)

"The riots, in Imbaba, a poor, densely populated district in the city, have heightened fears that a power vacuum following Hosni Mubarak's overthrow will lead to a power grab by Islamic fundamentalists, more sectarian strife and a collapse in law and order... Dozens held a protest outside the American embassy on Sunday demanding that the United States intervene on their behalf. "
"Egypt in crisis talks after Muslim mobs attack Christian churches" Egypt's caretaker government has held crisis talks after attacks by Muslim mobs on Coptic Christian churches in Cairo left at least 12 people dead and drove the country's growing religious tensions to the brink.

An Anglican bishop in the Church of England has criticized the West’s reticence on violence against Christians and other minority communities in the Middle East, South Asia and other parts of the world...

He suggested a rethink of Western aid to Pakistan to address extremism.

“Pakistan is the recipient of massive aid from Western countries. This is to assist with basic services and to prevent the spread of extremism. But why should it not be targeted, first and foremost, at those areas which are most susceptible to extremist influence?” ...

He said resurgent Islam was the common element in much of the turmoil in the Middle East, North and West Africa, and South Asia...

Democracy by itself will not be enough, the bishop warned, and liberty for women and non-Muslims needs to be guaranteed.

Similarly, improving the economic situation in recruiting hotspots is only part of the answer to confronting extreme forms of Islamism...

“In the West, there is an urgent need for the renewal and the strengthening of the Judeo-Christian tradition and its role in public life, if the challenges and dangers of extremist ideology are to be addressed effectively.”
"Anglican Bishop Blasts West's Reticence on Christian Persecution" By Christian Today

More info:

Egypt: Muslim rampage against Christians continues, now 12 dead, 232 wounded

"Egypt Clashes Turn Spotlight on Radicals" The Wall Street Journal

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Navy SEAL Video

A shout out and Bravo Zulu to our armed forces in general and the SEALs in particular.

May God bless you all.



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Various Trials and a thankful heart

I must confess, I've been whining and complaining a lot lately...

When we moved into our neighborhood 3 years ago, we knew it was going to be tough. We gave the decision to God and determined to bring light into the darkness instead of running from the shadows.

But the reality is much different. Rats, Crime, Gangsta Rap Bass booming in my children's bedrooms at bed time, constant contact with police and other city officials; I have let it ware me down. Oh woe is me!

Then I read about my brothers and sisters in Algeria, a predominantly Muslim nation where the Muslim faith is "protected" by law. Laws limit Christian worship, and punish activities that can be interpreted to "shake the faith of Muslims." (sounds more like preventing muslims from thinking and hearing truth for themselves to me!)

I read about a pastors wife and her friend being physically attacked by angry Muslim mobs "calling them 'kafir' (unbeliever) and throwing trash at them." My wife has never been physically and verbally attacked by angry mobs.

I read about a brother in Algeria who lost his job simply because he is a Christian, and how he had no way to feed his wife and 4 children. I may not have much excess, but I can feed and clothe my family.

What about in Pakistan, where "a [Muslim] mob attacked Christian homes and places of worship, setting fire to a number of churches. Only the action of police prevented any loss of life and injuries... Extremists threw stones and gunshots were fired against the Christian colony. A resident confirmed that many Christians fled Gujranwala. One mother said, 'We live in constant terror.'"

I've got nothing to complain about! We are the victors in Jesus Christ! No matter what our circumstances are in this cursed world, we have eternity.

Now, let me be honest again, I'm still struggling. What are the boundaries between safety for my family and mission for God? How do you reach a lost people that don't know their lost and don't want to change? How do you love a neighbor that brings serious criminal elements into your backyard?

God did not give us a spirit of fear, so I have to repent from my whining and complaining and keep my circumstances in perspective so that my attitude and life may result in "praise and glory and honor" for Jesus Christ!

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 1:6-7

Read more... Various Trials and a thankful heart - part 2

"Spiritual Revolution in Algeria" by Patrice Johnson, The Voice of the Martyrs May 2011

"Punjab: Muslim extremists attack, forcing Christian families to flee" by Jibran Khan

On a related note:
Muslim riots are no longer restricted to other countries. Here is a video of recent Muslim riots in Dearborn, Michigan. Thomas More Law Center Press Release: Dearborn Muslims Mob Pastor Terry Jones May 03, 2011

I thank God for the relative safety and freedom I have in my neighborhood, but I'm not going to let that be an excuse to become complacent or apathetic! I will live for the mission of my King, Jesus Christ!

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Serving the Poor and Declaring War on Materialism

As I've wrestled with the question of how best to serve the poor inevitably, in discipleship and fellowship circles, the discussion comes around to helping and not enabling. Which tends to stall any real attempts at just simply serving unconditionally.

Reflecting on Jesus' anointing in John chapter 12 it became clear to me that poverty is a condition of the heart (exceptions excluded of course), just like greed, lust, jealousy, etc... Jesus says, "you will always have the poor among you." (John 12:8)

We are not called to "cure" poverty. In fact I don't think we ever can. The "war on poverty" is a joke really since civil governments are not called to serve the poor, but individuals and the church are. As long as we are a fallen and cursed people, the poor will be among us. Just like the greedy, prideful, lustful, etc... The only person that can "cure" a sinful heart, whether poverty or otherwise, is Jesus Christ.

Certainly we must take pre-cautions to not enable destructive behavior. (Give clothes and food, not money that can be spent on drugs, etc...) But most importantly, we must "serve" the poor unconditionally. We can pray that Jesus would save them, but we can't save them. However, we can and must serve them. David Platt calls these acts of service our "visible" gospel proclamation. (Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 16:19-31)

My prayer today: That God would grant me the wisdom and ability to balance providing for my family and serving the poor, while avoiding that other sinful condition of the heart that's even more prevalent in America than poverty, materialism. How about we start a "war on materialism?" That would be radical!


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National Day of Prayer 2011 - Peoria

National Day of Prayer: May 5th

This year's theme is "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." It's based on Psalm 91:2, which says, "I will say to the Lord, my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."
WCIC Calendar

We will be at the Peoria County Court House from Noon to 1pm. Check the WCIC link above for more locations and events! Check the National link below for more details around the nation and prayer resources.

The National Day of Prayer

“It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”
- George Washington, October 3, 1789

“I desire to bless and praise the name of God most high for appointing me my birth in a land of Gospel Light where the glorious tidings of a Savior and of pardon and salvation through Him have been continually sounding in mine ears.”
- Robert Treat Paine, Military Chaplain; Signer of the Declaration of Independence.

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