Peace Through Strength
“The 1000 underground missiles were already “at the ready.” They held the power to destroy civilization but were meant as a deterrent to preserve peace.”
The brochure put into a few words the heartbeat of the Cold War. As a child of the 50s and teenager of the 60’s the threat of nuclear war was a constant. In elementary school we learned to hide under our desks with hands covering our heads if the “A Bombs” ever went off. No one ever bothered to explain the absolute absurdity of this practice. Or, as we went into junior high we practiced protection by huddling together in the hallways by our lockers – a sure defense!
Knowing that numberless missiles still resided beneath our feet at the Minuteman Missile facility “gave one pause.” I am not sure the safety they promised hadn’t passed its “use by” date.
Of course, then I had to think about the spiritual analogies and illustrations… You know me!
What missiles are hidden within my mind planted to protect me from hurt? What sharp retorts are able to shatter another who threatens to hurt? Even where are the school desks where I hide from rejection and attack? And of course, how often do I cover my head and duck when life gets tense?
Just as the missiles seem outmoded, so do my own personal defense systems. Our country declares us safer when we can show “peace through strength.” I often fool myself into thinking that the walls I build between myself and others shows strength, when it only shows immaturity and immunity from growth.
I guess the missiles will stay in the ground on the plains of South Dakota awaiting the buzzer which sends them on a programmed mission of destruction. Hopefully, I will excavate mine and enjoy a walk without dreading the emotional explosion.
Prayer Network
by Brenda A. Smith, BWFLI.com, BreakfastWithFred.com
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:2
Long before President Lincoln declared an official day of Thanksgiving, the apostle Paul reminded his beloved church at Philippi of his love, prayer, and support. We as a prayer network have the distinct privilege of remembering our Christian colleges and universities day by day. We thank the Lord for their partnership in the Gospel, for their perseverance in difficult times, and their joy in building men and women who will stand strong for the faith throughout the globe.
The world comes with lies, temptations, attacks, and mayhem – but the Word endures! Let’s make November a month of perpetual thanksgiving for all who serve Him in Christian higher education. Let’s rejoice and hold firm to their purpose, supporting them prayerfully and financially.
The Value of a Personal Testimony
Philippians 3:4-11
by Bob Deffinbaugh, Bible.org, BWFLI.com
4 If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. 7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:4-11, NAS).
I believe we all know that our personal testimony of coming to faith in Jesus is important. I see three important functions that Paul’s testimony fulfills. First, three times in the Book of Acts (chapters 9, 22, 26) the story of Paul’s conversion is reported. Our testimony plays a vital role in sharing our faith with others. Second, our testimony is a reminder of the fact that our salvation was not the result of our good works, but of God’s grace. Third, our testimony is a reminder that the Christian life, like one’s salvation, is attained by trusting in Christ, and not by our efforts at being good enough for God.
May there be numerous conversions in our colleges and universities this year, creating more and more testimonies, to share with others who need to hear the gospel. And may we constantly be reminded that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus.
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Values or Virtues
Weekly Thought – November 19, 2024
Fred used a tape recorder to capture his observations and thoughts. As technology changed, his collection grew… all the way from a giant box housing a reel to reel to the last one which was a small handheld downloadable to a computer file. The familiar refrain “period – paragraph” let everyone in the family know he was in his office taping mini essays to be transcribed by his faithful secretary. This week features two examples.
Values or Virtues
Unless our values are rooted in scriptural virtues they may be moral or ethical, but they are not Christian. Our society is full of slogans, ads, and even sermons urging us to return to family values, historical models, and proper ethics. But rarely are we challenged to return to Biblical virtues.
We talk about values because subconsciously we are exercising control as we choose our standards and values. Biblical virtues, however, exert authority over us and come from revealed truth. They are in control not under our control.
Returning to even the best human values is not good enough – we must return to virtue, for in doing so we are returning to God.
(“MK, period, paragraph. New mini essay”)
What Are You Becoming?
Those around us judge us by our accomplishment. They know what we have done, built, titles we have worn, honors we have garnered, and who we are. But on the inside we continually ask ourselves: Am I content with who I am becoming or who I have become?
In East Texas we have the large pine beetle. When it dies it remains clinging to the bark of the pine tree. Its insides dry up, and thought the body of the insect appears to be alive. But an approach and touch reveals nothing but a hollow shell.
Occasionally I meet someone whose life has evaporated. He has become a walking hollow shell. His living has used up his life.
This week carefully consider: 1) What idea am I thinking about right now? 2) How can I assess my direction? 3) Who can help me evaluate my progress?
Words of Wisdom: “Am I content with who I am becoming?”
Wisdom from the Word: “And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond.” (Colossians 3:14 NET Bible)