Dedicated to our valiant soldiers and disciples of Christ who died to preserve our life, liberty, and happiness. I am truly appreciative of the sacrifice that they made for us, and I thank all of our veterans (and those currently serving in uniform) for fighting the Good fight, standing against tyranny, and protecting us from evil -- thank you!! NOBLE WARRIORS Emblazoned across the antlers of history, Superseding upon the realms of lore, Inscribed in the archives of protracted narration, Are the noble warriors who proceeded before. Born in the wilds of meek and meager, But bound for a destined glory, Their early travels would lay the groundwork, Their hearts of gold would tell the story. Leading the oppressed in their fight for freedom, With the reign of terror obstructing their sights, They assisted the distressed shackled in chains, And guided the impoverished to establish new heights. They didn’t recoil as the oceans raged, Or the waves beat wildly on the native sands, They conquered the evil that dared to challenge, And vanquished the giants who stalked the lands. With the enemy constantly within their face, Courage and strength were the tools of their trade, But they graciously declined the showering fortunes, The search for Righteousness was their rewarding crusade. When they each enter the Celestial Gates, They can hold their heads as high as can be, They lived their lives not fearing to die, And will receive proper acclaim in Eternity. Their noble deeds will dance through time, Their battles will be enshrined in remnants past, But the flames of war will scorch no longer, These heroes will finally be immortalized at last. I love and appreciate the Godly who stand up and fight for those of us who can't -- again thank you! Humbly P.S. This is for our veterans (passed and still alive) and those unbelievable Christians who died torturous deaths in the Colosseum to proudly display their faith in Christ. Although they died a mortal death, their undying devotion to Christ ensured their Eternal life in Heaven! Indeed I also have the greatest respect for those that sacrificed, suffered and died for their faith! Whether marytr's or the great cloud of witnesses who conquered in their faith. Indeed their battles and victories should inspire us all, I know it does me! Now with regards to those who served in the military. I being ex military myself would like to make a distinction between those that simply worked 9 to 5 jobs albeit in uniform, and those that were in active combat! Thankfully I also have every respect for those that paid the ultimate price. I myself was fortunate not to be called into harms way! Though I did forfeit 6 yrs of my life to the uniform, I hardly consider myself a warrior of any ilk! And even as a Christian man for over 50 yrs I have rarely seen direct persecution. My battles have been by and large in the unseen realms of the spirit! No doubt by comparison my rewards will be meager and few! Quite frankly, it's not about the rewards for me, but rather proving my love for Him and blessing His heart! This is not a false modesty, but a modesty born in fact. Though my flesh daily cries out asking to be fed, I can only hope that He glories in small victories that He has given me. TR While some who serve(d) in the military are not necessarily in harms way and not nearly to the extent of combat personnel, they still can find themselves in situations that civilians may never see. How many in the reserves have been called up only to lose their lives. I have such respect for any man or woman wearing the uniform, be it a combat veteran or a file clerk. Interesting thread as I was just reading from the Foxe's Book of Martyrs this morning. How tragic so many suffered for their faith. Mark, the author of the Gospel by his name, was dragged to pieces! The cruelties that so many have suffered for their faith should give us courage when people simply laugh and chide us for ours. Indeed Yohanan, I recommend that every believer read Fox's book of martyr's. Sadly many would now condemn those for not appropriating the scriptures of power or their kingdom rights! Thank you, I was a file clerk, albeit SECRET material! But let us also remember, the Lord is just seeking a growing faith. This is what He takes pleasure in. And if we grow in the disciplines of spiritual however that is manifest! I think the greatest accomplishment is truly dying to self. Some literally, some spiritually. TR I was curious ... so I just started reading the free on-line version this morning. I was surprised by this miracle ... all these years I thought John was in pain on the Isle of Patmos while writing the book of Revelation. And they said he is the only one who escaped a violent death? I would think being thrown into boiling oil would be violent. Also being stuck on the island by himself? Were there wild animals there? Was there food and water? Or did the Lord send an angel to supply him with food every day? Or was he fed food while in heaven? Plus anybody know how long he was in heaven observing the future events? And was he later able to get off the island or did he die there? John From Ephesus he was ordered to be sent to Rome, where it is affirmed he was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil. He escaped by miracle, without injury. Domitian afterwards banished him to the Isle of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. Nerva, the successor of Domitian, recalled him. He was the only apostle who escaped a violent death. ———————— I also didn’t know there were two James .. James “the Great” James ”the Less: ... :mdrmdr: I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be laughing but can you imagine being called James the Less? :scratch: John was the youngest of the disciples and brother of James. But was immediately accepted into Christ's inner circle with Peter and James. He was known as John the beloved, for his great love of Christ and great need to be in constant physical contact with Him. John was also the only disciple that was at the crucifixion. He then was the only one who was given responsibility over Mary the mother of Christ even though she had other children. He did die a natural death. I believe in Ephesus and the only thing he could share with the saints is to love Christ! Lastly, he alone was given the honor of the visions of Patmos and to write them down for a future time. Given the example of his life, ministry and love of Christ it is no wonder that he was honored by Christ as he was! TR
