Onward Christian Soldiers

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs--he wants to please his commanding officer… Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. (2 Timothy 2:3-9)

Last week we observed Veterans Day, a tribute to all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and other veterans who have sacrificed a part or all of their lives to advance and protect our freedoms. It was fitting to take a moment to give thanks for veterans, since their service to us has been a gift of God and a reminder that we are all called to a similar mission. Like those who serve our nation in the military, we who serve God in His Church are called to endure hardships, remain focused on our mission at all times, and sacrifice to liberate others from sin, death, and the devil. The war was decisively won by Christ on the cross, but the liberation is ongoing, and we are each commissioned to be part of it.

“Heavenly Father, thank you for the freedoms we enjoy and the sacrifices which have made them possible. We especially thank You for the freedom from sin, death, and evil won for us on the cross, and ask that you give us courage and willing hearts to promote its advance, in Christ Jesus, amen.”

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MILITARY CONFLICTS
Why do Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines bicker so much? 
One reason is that they don’t speak the same language. 
For instance, take the simple command, “secure the building.”
The Army will post guards around the place. 
The Navy will turn out the lights and lock the doors. 
The Marines will kill everyone inside and set up a headquarters. 
The Air Force will take out a 5 year lease with an option to buy.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE
A military base shared a landing field with civilian flights. 
The tower received a call from a pilot asking, "What time is it?"
The airman in the tower responded, "Who is calling?"
The pilot replied, "What difference does it make?"
The airman replied "It makes a lot of difference.
If this is an Air Force plane, it is 1500 hours.
If this is a civilian flight, it is 3 o'clock.
If this is a Navy aircraft, it is 6 bells.
If this is the Army, the big hand is on 12, the little hand is on 3.
If this is the Marine Corps, it's 120 minutes to Happy Hour.”
FINALLY
At the beginning of the Army-Navy football game the coin toss is made. 
The Navy captain shouts, “HEADS!”
Immediately the Army captain shouts, “LATRINES!”
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The Lord give you discernment and endurance this week!
In Jesus,
Pastor Kirk