We face death all day long ….
Psalm 44:2a
Hall of FAITH and HEROES of the FAITH
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.
By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.
By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Hebrews 11
As plenary at the Military Ministry fundraising event in Dallas, Texas, last evening, Colonel Ollie North made a strong case for our U.S. soldier’s heroic work in the battlefield as they protect American interests. Illustrating several specific scenarios, Colonel North’s brilliant presentation and message were particularly penetrating. Colonel North flashed a photograph on the screen, depicting how an American Soldier was saving the lives of wounded warriors in battle, risking his own life to do so. The rescuing soldier was carrying another man on his shoulders and running to safety, away from the crossfire. The compelling point is this: the photo we saw was one of the four injured soldiers he saved …. and this one happened to be that of an Iraqi soldier. The witnessing press corp. taunted the soldier’s actions as if the soldier didn’t realize that he was saving an enemy combatant. The soldier’s response was astonishing, which, in essence, boldly declared to the press corp. that the enemy soldier was an injured human being, and that, as Americans, is what we do.
Being on the front line of the battlefield, our Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps continue to sacrifice greatly as we enjoy FREEDOM on U.S. soil. Facing the enemy and combat tours which can last an average of more than one year, most of our young military HEROES go unrecognized and many deal with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome upon their return to the states.
Irene, too, faces a battle, except that her colossal enemy is an unseen, vicious disease. Her “tour of duty” has caused her to endure, to date, a two year raging battle. This encounter has caused significant, ongoing pain and suffering. Although currently in remission, the callous enemy has ravaged her body and continues to challenge her with chronic nausea and fatigue. Dialysis treatment, which has been occurring now for almost 22 months, is still required three days a week because the disease has attacked her kidneys, rendering them ailing and useless.
She perseveres, however, with a joyful and inspiring perspective, placing her complete trust in the Commanding General of the Universe, God Himself, in and through the Person of Jesus Christ.
Above, General Bob Dees (standing), the Executive Director of Military Ministry, poses with friends, Mary and AC Musgrave. General Dees’ bio is here.
We are extremely grateful for our Armed Forces and the indiscernible, heroic deeds they perform 24/7 in the battlefield and on our behalf. Without their selfless work, our FREEDOM would be non existent.
We’re also grateful for Great American Heroes like Colonel Oliver North, who boldly challenge those who don’t understand nor appreciate all that our military represents.
General Bob Dees is also a Great American Hero, leading Military Ministry and valiantly proclaiming truth, serving the spiritual needs of the Armed Forces both here and abroad.
Irene’s battle has not only grotesque physical challenges and uncertainty ahead, but takes on many spiritual dimensions. With an unwavering faith, she is showing all of us how to face the relentless enemy at HEROIC proportions, quietly and reverently trusting the Loving and Sovereign God of all Creation.
We face death all day long ….
Psalm 44:2a
Caminando con Fé
Dave
