Tuesday, November 11, 2014

11-11-2014



Good Morning All,
         John 15:13; “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
        The definition has a melodic ring to it; “at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.”  The year was 1918 and after years of the most destructive war ever to be waged in Europe; both sides were worn and tired and, to a certain extent beaten down.  So the war was declared over.  The armistice was signed between the allied forces and Germany.  The “war to end all wars” came to a whimpering end.  Entire countries were destroyed, empires ceased to exist and the world was forever changed.  Most will tell you that the rise of communism was hastened by the disastrous effects upon Russia.  Many will tell you that much of the problems in the Middle East arise from something called the Sykes-Picot agreement. 
    Unfortunately, the war to end wars has simply become the yardstick that current wars are measured by.  The level of destruction, both in terms of human suffering and physical destruction exceeded anything before but not anything afterwards.  Many of our struggles today seem to grow out of this war.  Much of what we see as the “rules of war” came about because of World War 1; sadly, the rule to end wars has not been obeyed.
    Take time today to thank a veteran, a veteran’s survivor, or an active armed forces member.  These men and women have taken an oath to defend this country, with their lives if necessary.  This is never an oath to be taken lightly nor should we ever forget the tremendous cost that this oath may expend.  Fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, children do not return home alive.  Their life forever cut short because talking and civilization fails.  Thank these men and women often
    We should also give thanks to God that there are people who will die for you if necessary.  While today’s focus is on the military, don’t forget the police and firemen along with the other first responders.  Be sure to keep them in your prayers as well.  Pray that God will keep them safe, faithful in duty and life, diligent and that they will always come home safely.  Also keep their families in your prayers as well.  Pray that God will keep them in his loving arms and that they may live with the comfort of God’s hope and with the Spirit of consolation to guide them.
    Above all, pray for peace; that the willingness of these men and women to die will go unneeded.  Pray that God will end all tyranny and injustice and while we pray for it; let us try and practice it in our own life as well.
God of mercy, we give you thanks for all those who are willing to lay down their life for us.  Keep them safe from all danger.  End all injustice; rebuke every tyranny that your peace may prevail.  We ask that you especially be with those who are harm’s way at this time.  Be with the families who wait for the return of their loved ones.  We ask that they may return safely.  All this we ask in the name of the One who laid down his life and took it back up for us, Jesus our risen Lord, amen.
God’s Peace,
Pastor Bret          

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