(Click on this flag above, there is a great video to be seen)
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
…When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
…We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; …
- The Declaration of Independence
Please remember to pray for our Military and the families that have lost their loved ones since 9/11/01.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man
lay down his life for his friends.
Let us not forget where it is we came from, remembering those who gave all, so that we may live.
A big
THANK YOU
tall that have served aserving
and gave or are giving up your freedom to protect ours.
We will not take this for granted we will
SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS
READY – AIM – FIRE
The fear of God makes a hero; the fear of man makes a coward. - Alvin York
One of the best known decorated heroes of World War I was a hero’s hero, Alvin York. He set the standard by which many young, brave, men dared emulate. Audie Murphy of World War II fame came close, and others besides, but none set the bar higher or epitomized “hero” more than this quiet, unassuming, and frank Tennessean.
It isn’t feat and accomplishment which define a hero, but the motivation and character within the soul, which bears the fruit of spontaneous, unthinking, and selfless sacrifice. The real hero isn’t defined by a moment, but a moment reveals the hero. Alvin York was faced with a grim situation. He proclaimed the blood of Christ, knew God’s commandments, and lived for His honor and glory. Could he be a man to defend another’s right to life and liberty? Can one with liberty from death itself do any less?
“I knew now I was in it. I was bothered a plenty as to whether it was right or wrong. I knew that if it was right, everything would be all right. And I also knew that if it was wrong and we were only fighting for a bunch of foreigners, it would be all wrong. And I prayed and prayed. I prayed two whole days and a night out on the mountainside. And I received my assurance that it was all right, that I should go, and that I would come back without a scratch. …And so I never asked for exemption from service on any grounds at all. I never was a conscientious objector. I am not today. I didn't want to go and fight and kill. But I had to answer the call of my country, and I did. And I believed it was right.” – Alvin’s Diary.
Alvin embraced the Great Commission, knew salvation was for the whole world, and knew he was an instrument of God. Would God allow him to be a life taker rather than a life saver? Before the day in which Alvin York revealed his true mettle this question burned in his heart and soul. Before this day he had not fully comprehended the scope of his commitment or the consequence of actions. Yet, when he faced the fire, it was with determination, skill, accuracy, and foremost, his compassion.
The bodies of Alvin’s friends lay around him in grotesque, misshapen, and unnatural posture; positions foreign to any living soul. Every moment another man succumbed in death to the assault of machine gun fire or writhed in agony from severe wounds. Alvin, I’m sure, prayed in earnest for understanding and direction, perhaps even divine deliverance.
How many men would die? Would it be necessary for God to holler a plan for the moment in Alvin’s ear? Such a man devoted to God, immersed in God’s Word, bearing the Holy Spirit, should harbor no fear of death. Other men had been known to brave horror and impending death because of faith in God and promise of salvation. It was not a faith in their “life”, but in God’s promise of life after death. Who can sway a man with threat of death when death holds no sting and has no power? From what wellspring of strength and power did David drink before facing Goliath? (David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. 1 Samual 17:37) Which feast of fortitude did Jackson partake of before riding his horse between Confederate and Union lines of apparent, impenetrable, musket fire to embolden troops and frighten the enemy? (My religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. My Lord Jesus Christ has fixed the time of my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to always be ready, no matter when it may overtake me. - Stonewall Jackson) This wellspring; the water of Life, this feast; God’s Word, and this confidence; the Lord’s accompaniment, leads faithful servants into God’s purpose.
As Alvin made his way toward the enemy, realization struck that God had a plan. As Alvin, we should all come to the realization that in all things God has a plan and a part for us to play. Some parts seem minor and small, others seem insurmountable and grand. In either case we are to perform to our utmost the desires and will of the Lord. So, how do you know when to seize your moment or time in God’s plan? When is it not the moment?
“Our general was very popular. He was a natural born fighter and he could swear just as awful as he could fight. He could swear most awful bad.
And when I marched him back to our old lines he said to me, "York, how did you do it?" And I answered him, "Sir, it is not man power. A higher power than man power guided and watched over me and told me what to do." And the general bowed his head and put his hand on my shoulder and solemnly said, "York, you are right."
There can be no doubt in the world of the fact of the divine power being in that. No other power under heaven could bring a man out of a place like that. Men were killed on both sides of me; and I was the biggest and the most exposed of all. Over thirty machine guns were maintaining rapid fire at me, point-blank from a range of about twenty-five yards.” – Alvin’s diary
In the battle which ensued, a one sided battle of God’s man against the world, many men were saved; saved from death or maiming. As Alvin stood in the midst of a rain of hot lead, he calmly and compassionately killed his enemy. Occasionally, perhaps when compassion overwhelmed, he’d call for surrender. Not surrender to his authority, but surrender from unnecessary death. Can you imagine being surrounded by the dead and dying as a hailstorm of death’s small hunter-killer’s scream by your ears and split the very air to pelt the ground around, tearing through wood, clothing, and flesh, yet, calmly stop fighting, not once, but many times to shout for surrender? Finally, Alvin realized he was not understood and asked a German prisoner to call for the machine gunner’s surrender. And, immediately, they did! Many men would have continued to die as the gun-sight of Alvin’s weapon found its mark on their bodies. Over twenty had already succumbed to his rifle and pistol. Many more would have died from these same gunners when the allies advanced. Alvin killed more than twenty, but captured 129. These 129 were saved from possible death, and those which would have encountered these 129 enemy soldiers, were also saved. How many? A rule of thumb for assaults against ready defenders and defenses is a three to one loss. So, he didn’t save only 129, but at least another 400, for a total over 500. And, this estimate is for one day at one time in one assault. Many families owe a debt to Alvin and ultimately to God.
Alvin was the product of a God fearing nation. We have been a nation serving God for man’s liberty from man and man’s liberty from death. We, as a nation, must continue to embrace these two indivisible imperatives.
Ready – Be alert and aware. Aim – Know your enemy.
