A Warrior’s Prayer
May 28, 2010 at 4:50 pm | Posted in prayer, Veterans, warriors | Leave a commentTags: A Warrior's Prayer, Lacy Veach, Memorial Day, Veterans
Pray for Veterans, part 5
I thought I would let two veterans, one alive and one deceased, speak to us today about veterans and Memorial Day. I found this information on www.jdwetterling.com and I retyped it to fit this format. Even though I have never met J.D. I want to thank him for his site and work.
I hope you get to make it to a Memorial Day Parade to show respect to the veterans who march and to the veterans who died in service to their country.I also want to encourage you to thank a veteran this weekend for their service to our country. I also want to encourage you to pray for a veteran and their family also. You can read one of the past four Friday posts, “Pray for Veterans” to get an idea of what to pray.
Have a great weekend and stay faithful and hopeful,
Bill (a fellow-laborer)
Romans 15:13; Psalm 18:25-50
A Friend’s Testimony
Lacy Veach was my friend and roommate in a tiny trailer on skids parked among lots of trailers on the beach of the South China Sea at Tuy Hoa Airbase, South Vietnam, in 1968-69. He died October 3, 1995, when cancer attacked his brilliant mind. Lacy did it all in his short life. He was a USAF Academy graduate, F-100 pilot, Misty FAC (the bravest of the brave), F-105 Wild Weasel pilot (just brave), solo pilot with the USAF Thunderbirds, astronaut, husband, father and born again child of God. I flew top cover for his rescue when he was shot down over the Ho Chi Minh trail in Laos. On October 22, 1992 I watched him blast into space aboard the Columbia (STS 52) on a clear Florida day from my backyard in Tampa. His voice coming over my TV as he rode that rocket into the wild blue was a couple octaves lower than it was the day he hung from his parachute atop a tall tree in Laos, calling for help. If Lacy knew the Lord back then he kept it a secret from me (he probably thought the same about my faith), but his dying prayer below removes all doubt in my mind. Every fighter pilot considers himself the world’s greatest fighter pilot, but I’ll confess now, 35 years later, that Lacy was a better “stick” than I. A few weeks before he succumbed to cancer he wrote the following prayer with the help of Kathleen Golgin Ph.D. At his request, his space shuttle commander and good friend, Astronaut Mike Coats, read it at his funeral. His ashes were dropped from a plane over home state of Hawaii.
My friend for eternity, Lacy Veach, speaks for me from heaven this Veterans Day, 2004.
May God continue to have mercy on America.
JD Wetterling
The Warrior’s Prayer
Lord, I am a warrior…
My education began early in life. I studied the ancient civilizations and learned of modern politics. Mankind’s history, I discovered, swelled and ebbed with the seemingly perpetual tides of war. Military campaigns and strategies, past and present, were made familiar to me, as were expert soldiers who fought for justice and those who did not.
From the passionately fierce and ruthless Attila, who assailed and subdued the Roman Empire, I remembered a shameless declaration which, nevertheless captured his fighting spirit’s uncompromising singularity of purpose:
“Nothing brings greater joy to my heart,” Attila cried, “than to murder my enemies and pillage his flocks and fields.”
Here for all time was the clear and unromanticized reality of war.
From Scottish warrior Robert Bruce, who freed Scotland from English rule, emerged, for me, one of the justifications for taking up arms. Declared Bruce:
“We fight not for honor, nor glory, nor for wealth. But only and alone we fight for freedom, which no good man surrenders but with his life.”
To fight in the defense of freedom, in the defense of justice, in defense of eternal principals of morality transcendentally ordained. To fight against oppression and wickedness. To fight what Milton would call, “The Adversary of God and Man.” For these reasons I am a warrior, Lord.
It was to establish justice and forge freedom that I was once locked in a battle to survive, to survive in a sky thundering with gunfire and clouded by the smoke of exploding rockets. Lord, in those moments, I knew what it was to implore Your protection….to be shielded by Your mercy.
I am an old warrior now, Lord, and, as the saying goes, perhaps “a wiser one.” And, I now know of a war waged between Time and Eternity. A war, which if lost makes empty the victory of all others. A war which, if finally fought and won, would make all other wars unnecessary, indeed, impossible.
In this siege I need no spears or scimitars, no ballistics or gunners.
I NEED ONLY THE LIGHT OF YOUR LOVE
I NEED ONLY THE SPLENDOR OF YOUR WISDOM
IN NEED ONLY THE GUIDANCE OF YOUR WORD
In this war, the strategy is as simple as it is profound. For this is a Crusade of the Soul. And in this Crusade, the battle cry is clear:
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all Thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Upon these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Let my warrior’s life begin with end. Lord, I pray when You crack the sky, that You will find me….find me faithful.
I AM A WARRIOR, LORD.
NO….I AM YOUR WARRIOR, LORD.
Lacy Veach
Excerpted from MISTY, edited by Maj. Gen. Don Shepperd, USAF (Ret.)
I got this information from www.jdwetterling.com
Read his article: Still the Noblest Calling
Pray for Veterans, part 4
May 21, 2010 at 2:04 pm | Posted in pray, Veterans | Leave a commentTags: God Bless America, Memorial Day, National Anthem, pray for veterans
I like to think that I am patriotic. I am glad that God has allowed me to be born and raised in the United States of America. I take part in the privilege of voting. I obey the laws of the land. I love to hear the National Anthem sung by large crowds before athletic events. As I sing the National Anthem I cover my heart with my right hand. I usually don’t eat hot dogs or apple pie any more, but I do enjoy them occasionally in moderation.
There is something about the singing of God Bless America too. I can remember a lady by the name of Kate Smith singing it. If I remember correctly she used to sing it before Philadelphia Flyers games and it brought them good luck. I like that song too. You can watch her sing it on YouTube if want to and it is quite moving.
The Vet’s are out at different locations at this time of year collecting funds to help other veterans. You can get a poppy to twist around your rearview mirror if you donate. Let me encourage you to donate to a legitimate veteran’s fund. Veterans deserve our support and help as they transition back into civilian life after serving. Some may need a little more support than others and that’s o.k. How are you willing to help a veteran or veterans?
Do you know a veteran you can pray for? Can you take some of your time to intercede for the vet and their family? They may never know you prayed but God will. Take a few minutes and pray for someone by name who is currently serving in the military. They need our intercessory prayers. Then take a few minutes to pray for someone who used to serve and is currently a discharged veteran. They need our prayers too. Let’s pray for:
1. Their protection, spiritually, emotionally and physically.
2. Their family’s protection and for God’s provision in their lives.
3. Many to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
4. The many godly chaplains to do their ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.
5. The families that have had loved ones die to experience God’s comfort, mercy and presence as they grieve (2 Corinthians 1:3).
6. The general public to appreciate what these men and women do to serve their country.
7. The healing of broken bodies and emotions because of what they have gone through.
8. That no matter what the circumstances they have experienced, they would turn to God and not away from Him.
9. However else God may lead you to intercede for someone.
Thank you for praying. Your prayers make a difference and they are important. Someone may not know you are praying for them down here, but Almighty God knows you are praying. God responds to His people’s prayers. Stay faithful and hopeful!
Much GRACE and peace to you,
Bill (a fellow-laborer)
Romans 15:13; John 15:7
A “veteran” – whether active duty, discharged, retired or reserve – is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to the “United States of America,” for an amount “up to and including his/her life.”
– Anonymous
– Daily Strength for the Battle, p.12.
____________________________
“The nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools.”
– Thucydides
If I Knew Then by Brian Willis, p. 59.
I have reviewed both of these books and the reviews are on the Book Reviews page.
Pray for Veterans, part 3
May 14, 2010 at 5:44 pm | Posted in prayer, Veterans, warriors | Leave a commentTags: Memorial Day, The Sentinel's Creed, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and every week of the year a soldier guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D. C. This action is part of the respect paid to fallen military veterans. I visited that site as boy with my family. We watched the guard at his post and we watched the changing of the guard. It is quite a moving ceremony. This Friday I want to share something about this ceremony.
The Sentinel’s Creed
My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection. Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect, his bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day alone in thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.
Amazing isn’t it? We in America are blest with freedoms most people would leave the countries of their birth for. Yet it seems so many born under this freedom have so little respect for the veterans of this country. It also seems to me at times that so many born under this great freedom have so little common sense anymore. Take the time to thank a living veteran for the freedom you have. Take time this Memorial Day to honor the veterans who gave their lives to protect our freedoms. Take the time to pray for a veteran. Let’s pray for:
1. Their protection, spiritually, emotionally and physically.
2. Their family’s protection and for God’s provision in their lives.
3. Many to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
4. The many godly chaplains to do their ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.
5. The families that have had loved ones die to experience God’s comfort, mercy and presence as they grieve (2 Corinthians 1:3).
6. The general public to appreciate what these men and women do to serve their country.
7. The healing of broken bodies and emotions because of what they have gone through.
8. That no matter what the circumstances they have experienced, they would turn to God and not away from Him.
9. However else God may lead you to intercede for someone.
Thank you for praying. Your prayers make a difference and they are important. Someone may not know you are praying for them down here, but Almighty God knows you are praying. God responds to His people’s prayers. Stay faithful and hopeful!
Much GRACE and peace to you,
Bill (a fellow-laborer)
Romans 15:13; John 15:7
A “veteran” – whether active duty, discharged, retired or reserve – is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to the “United States of America,” for an amount “up to and including his/her life.”
– Anonymous
– Daily Strength for the Battle, p.12.
____________________________
“The nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools.”
– Thucydides
If I Knew Then by Brian Willis, p. 59.
Pray for Veterans, part 2
May 7, 2010 at 1:33 pm | Posted in prayer, Veterans | Leave a commentTags: Memorial Day, prayer, Veterans
As we get ready to celebrate Memorial Day we need to remember that it is much more than a day off from work. It is much more than an extended weekend. Now, too some people that is all it means to them. It’s just time off from work or time to put the garden in or time to go to the cookout with family and friends. It is also a time to remember the brave men and women who served in the military of our country and who gave their lives in the call of duty.
I shared last week about my family’s tradition of going to Bedford Cemetery to stand and watch the parade go down Broadway. They would put flowers on the graves of family members who died. I’ve wondered who will carry on that tradition when my uncle dies. You see he puts the flowers on graves now and I’m not sure who will do it when he dies. Will the tradition die then? I don’t know.
What I do know is that some traditions are worth keeping, like the singing of the National Anthem. When I attend sporting events and the National Anthem is played I put my right hand over my heart when I sing. That is the way I was taught and it is tradition. I’ve been in the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium when about 80,000 people were singing the National Anthem. I am a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan, but that is another story for another time. Thousands of people would cheer and clap at the end of the song. It is a moving experience to me.
These are some of my thoughts as I get ready for Memorial Day Weekend. For some reason this year more than past years my thoughts are on showing practical appreciation to our veterans. Is there a veteran that you can personally say “thank you” to? If so, do it, don’t wait, do it as soon as possible. Is there a veteran that you can pray for now? What about praying for their family? If so, pray now. They may not know you have prayed, but God knows when you pray and He answers prayer. Let’s pray for:
1. Their protection, spiritually, emotionally and physically.
2. Their family’s protection and for God’s provision in their lives.
3. Many to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
4. The many godly chaplains to do their ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.
5. The families that have had loved ones die to experience God’s comfort, mercy and presence as they grieve (2 Corinthians 1:3).
6. The general public to appreciate what these men and women do to serve their country.
7. The healing of broken bodies and emotions because of what they have gone through.
8. That no matter what the circumstances they have experienced, they would turn to God and not away from Him.
9. However else God may lead you to intercede for someone.
Thank you for praying. Your prayers make a difference and they are important. Someone may not know you are praying for them down here, but Almighty God knows you are praying. God responds to His people’s prayers. Stay faithful and hopeful!
Much GRACE and peace to you,
Bill (a fellow-laborer)
Romans 15:13; John 15:7
A “veteran” – whether active duty, discharged, retired or reserve – is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to the “United States of America,” for an amount “up to and including his/her life.”
– Anonymous
– Daily Strength for the Battle, p.12.
____________________________
“The nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools.”
– Thucydides
If I Knew Then by Brian Willis, p. 59.
Pray for Veterans, part 1
April 30, 2010 at 1:22 pm | Posted in encouragement, pray, Veterans | Leave a commentTags: Memorial Day, military, pray for veterans
Sometimes we Americans really take for granted the privileges of freedom. We also struggle with the truth that freedoms we have and most other countries want were bought at a price. Today I want to encourage my readers to pray for the brave men and women who serve in our various branches of the military. Let’s remember those who are either active duty or retired and take the time to intercede for them and their families.
Memorial Day is coming up and it is an important holiday. When I was a little kid my family used to go Bedford Ohio to watch the parade in the morning. We would go and stand in front of the Bedford Cemetery on Broadway to watch the parade. I remember a lot of people showing up for the parade. We would wave flags and clap as the parade went by. My grandmother would put flags and flowers on my grandfather’s and uncle’s graves. Now my uncle puts flowers and flags on those graves and the grave of my father also. Some traditions are worth repeating and communicating to coming generations.
When I was younger I did not understand all of this. I didn’t understand why some people were crying. I didn’t understand why some people were putting their right hand over their heart. I didn’t understand why most people clapped and cheered as the Veterans of Foreign Wars went by. I didn’t understand why all the time was spent just standing in front of a grave. As I type this I can still see it in the pictures of my mind. It is not just something I imagined; I experienced the importance of Memorial Day.
I cannot say that I fully understand what all those men and women went through because I never served in the military. Me and two of my friends registered for the draft when we were seniors in high school. But I think the draft stopped the same year so none of us were drafted. Some readers are too young to know anything about the draft. Birthdates were drawn lottery style and if your number came up, you were in the Army. You also had the option of joining one of the other branches of the military too.
As I got older and was able to do what I wanted to do and go where I wanted to go, I began to understand freedom and its privileges a little better. After God saved me and called me into the ministry and I began to counsel men who had served in Vietnam and I realized how little I knew about the military life and being in combat. So I began to learn and read and ask questions and listen and not judge. I had fewer answers and a lot more questions.
There is still a lot that I do not understand. The older I get the more thankful I am for GRACE. I may even have more questions and fewer answers to why some people go through what they go through. I recently read Daily Strength for the Battle by Chaplain (Col.) Scott McChyrstal (ret.) and I highly recommend it. You can read my review on my Book Review page. If you know of someone who served or is currently serving in the military I suggest you get it and send it to them.
But even more important than that is to pray for them. So let’s pray for the brave men and women who are currently serving and for those who have served in our country’s military. You can personalize these prayer points with specific names if you know someone or pray in a general way. Let’s pray for:
1. Their protection, spiritually, emotionally and physically.
2. Their family’s protection and for God’s provision in their lives.
3. Many to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
4. The many godly chaplains to do their ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.
5. The families that have had loved ones die to experience God’s comfort, mercy and presence as they grieve (2 Corinthians 1:3).
6. The general public to appreciate what these men and women do to serve their country.
7. The healing of broken bodies and emotions because of what they have gone through.
8. That no matter what the circumstances they have experienced, they would turn to God and not away from Him.
9. However else God may lead you to intercede for someone.
Thank you for praying. Your prayers make a difference and they are important. Someone may not know you are praying for them down here, but Almighty God knows you are praying. God responds to His people’s prayers. Stay faithful and hopeful!
Much GRACE and peace to you,
Bill (a fellow-laborer)
Romans 15:13; John 15:7
A “veteran” – whether active duty, discharged, retired or reserve – is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to the “United States of America,” for an amount “up to and including his/her life.”
– Anonymous
– Daily Strength for the Battle, p.12.
____________________________
“The nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools.”
– Thucydides
If I Knew Then by Brian Willis, p. 59.
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