Numbers 1:2-3 (KJV) Says, "Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their poles; From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies." Deuteronomy Chapter 20 (KJV) Covers the laws of war. Deuteronomy 20:8 (KJV) Says, "And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren's heart faint as well as his heart." John 15:13 (KJV) Says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
The need for armed services has been around for a very long time, and as you can see in the above scripture taken from the book of Numbers service for most begins at a very young age. Chapter 20 in the book of Deuteronomy covers the laws of war. Deuteronomy 20:8 (KJV) tells us that those who are fearful of war should be allowed to return home so that they do not with their fear create anxiety and fear among the other servicemen and women. Although it has not always been that way, I am grateful that we as a country now have an all volunteer service. I think that the men and women who serve are such special individuals. Not everyone could be a surgeon as some would faint, not everyone could be a paramedic, not everyone could be a mortician, and so on and so forth. God recognized that, and allowed those who were fearful of serving to return to their homes without shame. We all have gifts given to us from God, and our gifts vary.
Those who serve do so with strength, honor, integrity, selflessness, determination, perseverance, and so much more. They risk their very lives, and as the above scripture taken from John tells us there is no greater love than that of one who would sacrifice his or her own life for their friends. Not only do they sacrifice a tremendous amount for their country and it's citizens, but their families do as well. I hope everyone takes a moment not just on the holidays that are set aside to honor veterans and active servicemen and women, but everyday to pray for them. We go about our everyday lives enjoying great food, air conditioning, climate appropriate clothing, and all the other comforts of home while we have many active servicemen and women at war in other countries, separated from their families, dealing with the stress and pressure of combat zones, dressed in uniforms, wearing boots, carrying heavy equipment, all in an atmosphere of intense heat.
There is no room for complacency, when it comes to remembering our troops, and all they do and have done for our country and its citizens. To all the soldiers who served in the past, present, and those who plan to serve in the future, whether you were drafted or volunteered, there are no words to express the gratitude we owe you as a country, and as individuals. You deserve to be honored and respected by all who are enjoying the freedom, liberty, and protection you and your families have sacrificed, and do sacrifice so much for us to have. As for me personally, I am extremely grateful for each of you, and I thank you and your families from the bottom of my heart.
May God bless each and every one of these brave men and women, along with their families. May God place a hedge of protection around those involved in active duty. May God bless those who have sustained injuries, and be with them on their road to recovery. May God bless the families of all those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom, and May God bless our great country.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
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