In Memory

Today is the day we celebrate Memorial Day. A day of reflection for those who gave their all that we might have what we have today - freedom. Many are the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. Even more however, are the men and women who placed themselves in the service of this great nation, willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice, but hoping they wouldn't. A heartbeat is the difference between honoring fallen heroes and living veterans. When one falls we all should feel a bit of loss, and much greater pain if we actually knew them. This is the responsibility of a people who lives in a freedom purchased with the sacrificial blood of a fellow citizen. But let's not forget those that, though living, ventured into the valley of the shadow of death and placed themselves in harm's way to protect the American ideal. I am a veteran, and proud of my service. I am grateful for all of the men and women who served beside me, whether in my generation, generations future or generations past. These too, are our nations heroes and my hat is off to them. I too, am thankful for all of the spouses, sweethearts, children and parents that supported, prayed for and remained committed to those that rose to the noble causes. My dad served during the Korean War. He has always been my hero, but his sense of commitment and duty to this great country during a time of war makes me elevate him just a little bit more. He and his generation fought to preserve freedom, not for us, but for a nation threatened by the false promises and ideologies of communism. If communism was so great, why did millions flee to America instead of the Soviet Union, Red China, North Korea or any of the other Marxist stongholds? Communism was not great. It failed to deliver its promises. It only benefited the leaders, but to what degree? They too were in the bondage of a system that could only offer repression and punishment for those that sought freedom. Throughout the centuries men have waged wars to conquer people and nations. Power hungry madmen sought to overthrow civilizations, cultures and races for myriad reasons. But this blog is not about them. It is about those that resisted them. It is about those that were willing to lay it all down for freedom. America's wars have never been about conquering people. They have always been about freeing men and women from bondage. I know that some of you have fallen into the trap of thinking that we have fought some wars for oil or corporate greed, or whatever. As a nation we must protect our interests therefore we have to be selective in our choices. But all of our choices have been tempered by the need to free people from tyranny and bonds of oppression. But again, this blog is not about political ramifications, justification or motives. It is about American men and women who have made themselves available to the cause of freedom. Our nation's own birth through freedom from Britain during the War for Independence - commonly called The Revolutionary War - was purchased by the blood of 4,435 killed and 6,188 wounded. Over 217,000 men ascribed to, and fought for, the basic tenet that we are endowed by God with freedom and should never by subject to tyrants like King George of England. This may not seem like a large number, but remember there were only 13 colonies at the time. The American ideal is not uniquely American. It comes from a biblical understanding that good and evil forces war for our souls. Righteousness affords us freedom and evil offers only bondage. Thankfully, men realized this fact and were willing to fight and die for it. During America's short history over 41.6 million men and women served during war time. Millions more served during peace and they too qualify for honor and thanks from our nation. But of those that served over 1.5 million were wounded and over 630,000 were killed in action or died from their wounds. A staggering price, but one they were willing to pay. This is why they are our nation's heroes. Today, America faces many challenges. We are comprised of many different ideologies. We have many special interest groups that want to make policy for the nation. We still have racial tensions and prejudice. We argue over issues as diverse as the environment, welfare programs and taxation. Such has always been the history of our nation. I personally think that the greatest challenge that we face is that of freedom of religion. It was never the intent of the frames of our Constitution, nor the signers of the Declaration of Independence, nor any of the Founding Fathers that there be freedom FROM religion. The First Amendment very succinctly addresses the problems of state-run religion and state-run press. If you don't think that these can be problems look at the former Soviet media, Pravda and the Tass news agency. As the propaganda machine for communism they only spread lies and kept the people in the bondage of darkened and slanted news and dis-information. Consider also the radical Islamic groups that threaten freedom of religion in their nations, or the Inquisition of several hundred years ago. And don't ever forget that this nation was settled by those fleeing religious persecution in England. This brings me to the point of this blog. We must maintain our freedoms at all cost. I'm not as young, nor as strong as I once was, but I am as determined to stay free as I have ever been. More so now that I see my freedoms threatened. At any cost. Others have paid the price. I too, am willing, even wanting, if necessary. I want to see this nation, United, Under God, with Liberty and Justice for All. Not just some. All. You, me and the other guy. All of us. Always. Deep in my heart I feel that though we are challenged by and amongst ourselves we still hold to the American ideal. The Cause of Freedom. When we are again challenged, we will forget our differences and rally around Liberty, under God's principles, and strengthened by the resolve given us by our fathers. We will unite and we will fight. We will be wounded. We will die. But we will be free. It's the American way! God Bless America. God Bless You.

Hollow Eyes

Not only are our eyes portals for images to enter into our brain, and hence our person, they also are a point of egress, letting others see our inner feelings. You can peer into someone's eyes and see many things, some they want to show and some they don't. How many times have you commented on someone's happiness, not because they told you they were happy, but because you saw joy in their eyes? Likewise you can tell when they are sad. No rocket science here, just good old-fashioned observation. There are times that you and I seem to be in a cloud. We used to use a term called "zoned." I think it comes from "being in the Twilight Zone." You and I would appear little more than a zombie, but it was simply the result of intense focus, or blissful daydreaming. Back then someone would say, "you look zoned," or "I was zoned." Anyway, I'm giving you an idea of my age and background. Let me move on. This morning I dropped my wife off at the school where she works. As I was driving away, there was a woman turning the corner into the school, apparently to drop off her child. As she turned in front of me I was struck by the hollowness of her gaze. As she turned the corner she didn't look forward, sideways, backwards or any other direction. It was as if she were on autopilot. It was more than being "zoned." It was more than daydreaming or being intensely focused. It was an empty stare. It betrayed her in the sense that anyone who saw her would immediately notice this emptiness. Emptiness is not necessarily a term of vacancy. An empty room would be vacant, no one present, no one home. But the empty stare that I saw indicated to me that there was definitely something there. Perhaps it was depression. Maybe loneliness. Maybe that overwhelming feeling of despondency. I don't know exactly what it was, but it was there - in that emptiness. I couldn't help but think about the times that I have felt lonely, perplexed, concerned and worried. These are natural human emotions and I have my fair share of them. But rising out of that morose moment came the realization that even though I deal with these emotions, I have a relationship with Jesus Christ that brings great inner cheer. King David, (I'm on a King David kick lately, have you noticed?) was a great man with many accomplishments. He was a man after God's heart. But he had enemies. Lots of them. Some from the neighboring country, but some from his own people. Even some in his own family. Though he was a valiant warrior, he had a very tender side as well. I believe that if you looked into his eyes you would see what he was feeling. I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. (Psalms 6:6-8 KJV) Have you ever seen someone who has been crying recently? Sure, we all have. What gets me is when you ask if everything is alright you get as an answer, "Yes, I've just got something in my eye." Well, yes you do, it's called sorrow. It comes from being hurt. If we're not careful today's hurt becomes tomorrow's scar tissue. But how can we be careful? What can I do to prevent this from happening? Let's see what the Apostle Paul told us to do... Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV) There is a peace of God which you and I cannot understand. It's like a covering, an invisible shield that seems to protect our spirits from the negativity that ordinarily comes with some problems. Let me show you what I mean. A month ago I lost my job. Never pleasant, this was even more hurtful when you consider the circumstances, which I will not go into today. Since that time, money has been very scarce. My wife returned to work the week after I came home and it took four weeks to get a paycheck. In fact, it came yesterday. My unemployment checks are just a fraction of what my income used to be. Funny thing though, the bills still come. Our stomachs still need food and our cars need gas. Neither is cheap. Life goes on. At Tuesday night Prayer and Praise, my son-in-law was praying for me. He referred to the way I am handling this present situation as "stoic." If you know me you know I'm not very "stoic." Anything but stoic. He went on to explain that I wasn't representing my circumstance with outward expression. Do you want to know why? Jesus. Simply Jesus. Not a pie-in-the-sky, fix everything that's wrong, candy-coated Savior, but an understanding that what He has given me is far more that what I have lost. If you look into my eyes I hope you see a radiance. That is my intent. Not a facade. A real, true, emanation of the goodness of Jesus in my countenance. Life is not easy, never has been. And to top it off, it's not fair either. So what. If you have Jesus, you have all that you need. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 KJV) You too, can experience the joy and hope that comes from having a relationship with the savior of the world. In the days before the arrival of the Messiah, men still understood that their God, Jehovah, saw their situations and understood their plight. But even more than this, He lightened their eyes. He gave hope to them and lifted their heads. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. (Psalms 19:8 KJV) But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. (Psalms 3:3 KJV) God has a gift for you that will replace the emptiness. It will fill whatever void you have. It's the Gift of the Holy Ghost. He promised it to you. You don't pay for it, neither can you earn it. But you must go and receive it. Where do you go? To Him. I encourage you to read the Book of Acts. Specifically, chapters 2, 3, 10, 11, 19. See how others received it. See what a difference it made in their lives. There is no greater treatment for hollow eyes.

When The Prophet Doesn't Hear

Several years ago, I sat in what was then our brand new home. We had high, vaulted ceilings, oversized windows, a good view and reasonably nice furnishings. I remember thinking, "what a nice house, what a blessing that we get to live in a home like this." Well, time passes and situations change. The Lord led us here to Reno and we sold our beautiful home in the Bay Area. We have not owned a home since then, but we're still expecting that we again will. I'm reminded of a story in the Bible where King David had a similar time of reflection. The verse opens like this, Now when the king lived in his house and the LORD had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, the king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent." And Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you." (2 Samuel 7:1-3 ESV) King David was experiencing a time of rest from warfare and with peace of mind took a moment to sit and ponder his blessings. His friend, the Prophet Nathan, was there with him. Perhaps they were enjoying an afternoon drink while discussing the things of God. During this respite he realized that while he sat in a luxurious house the Ark of the Covenant was inside a temporary tabernacle, for he had recently brought the Ark to Jerusalem. I think David must have been enjoying a humble moment. The crowds that sang about his victories were not present, the adrenal rush stilled for a season and no battle plans being brought up. This afforded the king an opportunity for placid reflection and the welfare of the Ark. Sometimes the best thing we can do is get our minds off ourselves and onto the work of God. I'm inclined to think that this is what was going on in the room where these two men of God were chatting. I can picture David leaning forward and telling this noble prophet, "I feel bad because I'm living in this palace and God's dwelling place is in the middle of some clotheslines. The people saw it in transit, its resplendent beauty shining as they could only imagine previous to this journey. Now however, this magnificent, ancient peice of our history sits under draped cloth." Nathan had an idea of where David was headed with this conversation. Maybe they had discussed similar thoughts earlier. It's not too hard to "read" a good friends mind and I think Nathan perceived David's desire to build a house for God. So in a noble, friendly gesture, Nathan concurred with David's plan. When Nathan stated, "Go ahead, for the Lord is with you," I don't think he meant the Lord was in this plan, rather that David was God's man and He was always with him. Why would the Lord take occasion to turn down an offer like this? Why not let the people know that the God of all creation would dwell in the most magnificent house in the land? Why should the Almighty live in a tent when the children of Israel no longer wandered in the wilderness? Many questions would all point to the same logical end - it simply made sense for the king to build a great edifice for God's Ark. So they agreed. Perhaps they even discussed some particular points like location, material and scheduling. You know how these "think-tank" sessions go. You start with a vision, the polish it until it looks really grand. The creative juices flowed and a to-do list was probably generated. More ideas and planning would surely follow in the near future. But it was time to call it a night. Here's where the story takes an amazing twist. This man Nathan, the mouthpiece of God to the King of Israel, spoke from his heart to David. However, he had not consulted the Lord. As usually happens, God had a different plan. And while the prophet was in his house that night, the Lord visited him. God's words were very simple and though they are not recorded you get the unmistakable impression that the Lord hinted, "Nathan, you didn't hear from me. This is not my plan." "Go and tell David what I have to say, not what you think I would do." I don't think it was a major rebuke. I think God understood it was two friends talking and trying to do something right. The lesson here is that even though you may be used by God at times in prophetic gifts - Prophecy, the Word of Wisdom or Knowledge - you don't always use them. Sometimes you are just an ordinary human being. You use logic as best you can, and you try to make good judgment calls. Nothing wrong with this unless God is trying to say something else. Nathan didn't ask God about David's plans. Nevertheless, God had something to say to Nathan about David's plans. Without going into all the detail - you can read it yourself - let me give you a brief synopsis. God told Nathan to ask David, "Did I ask you to build me a house? In fact did I ever ask any leader of Israel to build me a house?" And He follows with this, "David, I chose you when you were the least of your father's house. When you were not even in your father's house, but in the pasture tending sheep, I saw something in you that touched my heart - your heart." "It was upon me and after me and towards me." "It was pure, and possessed, and fervent." "So I'll tell you what I'm going to do." "I'm going to make you great among the nation and will give you a name that is great among men." And finally, "You sought to build me a house, but I'm going to build you a house." "I'm going to make a great lineage from your body." I will take your son, place him on a throne, and establish his kingdom - and your throne." Well, we all know that Jesus came from the lineage of David and has a kingdom that will never fail. Most people wouldn't want to have the prophet come back to them and say, "Oops, I made a mistake." "I should have consulted God before I agreed with your plan." But in this case it turned out good. In fact, it turned out better. Let God in on your plans, He wants you to be in on His.