Avalon Chronicles #64: "Compromised"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Fifty years ago in August 1966 I was deployed to South Vietnam to serve my country in our effort to preserve freedom from communism for that troubled land. My assignment as a prisoner of war interrogator was unfulfilling as no prisoners made it to my military intelligence detachment located in Nha Trang, the Riviera of South Vietnam. It would have been a comfortable and safe war for me as I enjoyed Nha Trang's beautiful beach every day, when I finished my daily duties. A chance encounter with fellow West Pointer, Lieutenant Colonel Lee Parmly (class of 1946), on a plane motivated me to a probable much more satisfying and rewarding opportunity by transferring to his unit of the Army's Special Forces (the Green Berets), also headquartered in Nha Trang. As occurs sometimes, my orders were changed from his unit to that of Detachment B-57 of Special Forces, a newly-formed clandestine organization headquartered in the capitol, Saigon, where I was required to be clothed in civilian apparel and to store my military uniforms. That led to an incredibly exciting tour of duty, encompassing debriefing a defector from Cambodia (who was later murdered with his case making the front page of the New York Times), residing in safe houses as I trained young Cambodian anti-communists for helicopter infiltration missions on the border, and eventual assignment in the spring of 1967 to an isolated Special Forces camp in what was called the "Tri-Border" area, where South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia come together.
Cambodia was targeted by the United States because it was a supposed "neutral" country in which Chief of State Sihanouk acquiesced to allowing the North Vietnamese Army, after their travels down the Ho Cho Minh Trail, to establish base camps from which they attacked our troops and the South Vietnamese, and then retreated to the safety of their sanctuaries. He probably did it out of fear for his personal safety, if not for political belief.
At Dak To I was an infantry captain under cover with an assumed name with a mission, through a Vietnamese interpreter and a Montagnard mercenary, to recruit other Montagnards, the mountain natives of the rugged triple canopy jungle area, to travel through the jungle toward Cambodia to collect intelligence on enemy bases and activities. My mission was nearly impossible as it was a fifteen mile trek to the border through what I discovered later was the most heavily populated enemy positions possibly in the country in underground supply points, hospitals, and base camps. In early June 1967 my Vietnamese interpreter informed me that one of our "agents" had informed his village chief that he was to be paid for his mission by someone in the Special Forces camp. My mission had been "compromised" and I was at risk of being targeted when I made my frequent visits to neighboring villages. This was an example at the lowest tactical level of a "compromised" spying operation. My operation actually was closed down a few days later because one of those North Vietnamese Army units from Cambodia attacked our camp in an intense mortar barrage on June 17, 1967 in which I was wounded, losing both my legs below the knee from heavy shrapnel wounds.
With my background in Army intelligence it has always spurred on my interest in reading spy stories. The world of spying at the higher strategic level, way above where I had been, is pregnant with individuals and operations being compromised, sometimes due to agents being revealed and sometimes to moral problems of either the agents or their "handlers" due to disloyalty or being desirous of intrigue, money, substance abuse or illicit romantic escapades.
When a compromise occurs, there is a breaking down of a commitment and obligation to perform as expected to fulfill the "handler's" mission for their country, etc. or for that of the agent. As an Army officer I took very seriously my loyalty to my country and my mission to be disciplined to perform my duties. Many missions are aborted or compromised due to alcohol or drug abuse, corruption in handling of the monies involved for paying agents, or inappropriate romantic activities in an arena that lends itself to immorality.
Even when we accept Jesus Christ as Savior and thereby become a committed "Christian", we are forever tempted, as we enter the next level of faith, the "Lordship" phase of our faith walk, to compromise ourselves with disloyalty to our principles, those we love, and ultimately in each case to our Lord with sins, big and little. Our self with its attendant pride becomes preeminent in guiding us to forego what we know to be appropriate behavior. One of the most important aspects of the Christian faith is that we can be returned to "friendly territory" after entering "enemy territory" by sincere repentance and confession of our sins in the Name of Jesus. We reenter the friendly lines for our safety and peace. Just as I was loyal to my country, we must be loyal to our Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit with righteous living. If there is a final judgment in Heaven and I believe there will be, we should all hope it is short because we maintained our loyalty to our faith and our principles
We must praise our Lord for His mercy, grace, and love that endures forever. It should be the ultimate motivator for our righteous behavior in our earthly life.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #63: "No Dread of Death"
Avalon Chronicles #63: "No Dread of Death"
by Allen B. Clark and Linda Frost-Clark
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
allenbclark@aol.com
The triggers of our memories are rarely deleted. Yesterday Linda went to lunch at Northpark Shopping Center in Dallas and passed the area in front of Neiman Marcus, where she looked wistfully and nostalgically upon a simple structure, that children instinctively with great glee, liked to slide down. She recollected, when her young son Vincent would rush off ahead of her to slide over and over, until she passed him and he would run to catch up.
August 10, 2016 marks the one year anniversary of the demise of Vincent, who, at 52 and as her only child, succumbed to a probable heart attack. The normal order of life is that parents predecease their children. It has been a tumultuous year for Linda, but herewith we present you an uplifting update.
Awhile back I recommended that Linda read Imagine Heaven by Pastor John Burke. She has read it three times! We heartily recommend it as a book to relate collected reports of a multitude of individuals, who encountered what is termed "Near Death Experiences (NDEs)," wherein they were transported to Heaven after some life-threatening situation, where they viewed Heaven's awesomeness, beauty, and unimaginable tranquility. They were allowed to return quite and decidedly unwillingly to the mundane normalcy of Mother Earth, never again to be the same. The book is an eye and soul-opener to be sure!
Linda has had a full year to grieve Vincent's death, but she is delighted to express some of the spiritual happenings that have transpired.
It is indeed challenging for us to hear of certain encounters and happenings in our lives that verge on the supernatural and we are wont not to lend them credence. However, when they are related by the balanced, credible, and stable person that is my dear Linda, they are distinctly believable. One morning during her quiet time she had a demonstrably strong impression from Vincent declaring, "Mom, I am so happy. Now you try to be happy too." Linda knew it was a divine communication from Vincent allowed by our Lord to comfort her. It granted her tremendous contentment and peace to know he is free from the bonds of our lives, free from pain and conflict. Because of that she knows she will be reunited and see him again. For her there is no dread of physical death because her spirit will live on.
Linda is assured that the Lord is her strength and Vincent is with him. For several decades she has been consumed in the hours upon hours dedicated to her formal worship, Bible study, and prayer life. She received another impression from our Father, that, those endeavors and strivings to understand His Word, had created a sustenance/deposit, which can now be drawn upon to support her during this time of her grieving.
We commend to all reading these words to be convicted and convinced that there is life in the spirit after physical death. It is available to all who confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that Jesus is Who He said He was, died on the cross for the redemption of our sins, and all who believe this simple message need not dread death. For us it means we pass on to an incredible existence in Heaven.
"We can have the joy that overcomes the spirit of heaviness, with which we are burdened so painfully so many times and in so many ways," declares Linda. For Linda the bottom line is that God the Father in the Name of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit is the power that has sustained her because she knows her beloved Vincent is with our Lord.
When Linda returned from her walk this morning, she related how she had prayed to the Lord to gift her the spirit of joy instead of the spirit of heaviness. With the confidence this joy displays and with the certainty that Vincent is with the Lord, this is a witness to the hope of eternal life.
by Allen B. Clark and Linda Frost-Clark
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
allenbclark@aol.com
The triggers of our memories are rarely deleted. Yesterday Linda went to lunch at Northpark Shopping Center in Dallas and passed the area in front of Neiman Marcus, where she looked wistfully and nostalgically upon a simple structure, that children instinctively with great glee, liked to slide down. She recollected, when her young son Vincent would rush off ahead of her to slide over and over, until she passed him and he would run to catch up.
August 10, 2016 marks the one year anniversary of the demise of Vincent, who, at 52 and as her only child, succumbed to a probable heart attack. The normal order of life is that parents predecease their children. It has been a tumultuous year for Linda, but herewith we present you an uplifting update.
Awhile back I recommended that Linda read Imagine Heaven by Pastor John Burke. She has read it three times! We heartily recommend it as a book to relate collected reports of a multitude of individuals, who encountered what is termed "Near Death Experiences (NDEs)," wherein they were transported to Heaven after some life-threatening situation, where they viewed Heaven's awesomeness, beauty, and unimaginable tranquility. They were allowed to return quite and decidedly unwillingly to the mundane normalcy of Mother Earth, never again to be the same. The book is an eye and soul-opener to be sure!
Linda has had a full year to grieve Vincent's death, but she is delighted to express some of the spiritual happenings that have transpired.
It is indeed challenging for us to hear of certain encounters and happenings in our lives that verge on the supernatural and we are wont not to lend them credence. However, when they are related by the balanced, credible, and stable person that is my dear Linda, they are distinctly believable. One morning during her quiet time she had a demonstrably strong impression from Vincent declaring, "Mom, I am so happy. Now you try to be happy too." Linda knew it was a divine communication from Vincent allowed by our Lord to comfort her. It granted her tremendous contentment and peace to know he is free from the bonds of our lives, free from pain and conflict. Because of that she knows she will be reunited and see him again. For her there is no dread of physical death because her spirit will live on.
Linda is assured that the Lord is her strength and Vincent is with him. For several decades she has been consumed in the hours upon hours dedicated to her formal worship, Bible study, and prayer life. She received another impression from our Father, that, those endeavors and strivings to understand His Word, had created a sustenance/deposit, which can now be drawn upon to support her during this time of her grieving.
We commend to all reading these words to be convicted and convinced that there is life in the spirit after physical death. It is available to all who confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that Jesus is Who He said He was, died on the cross for the redemption of our sins, and all who believe this simple message need not dread death. For us it means we pass on to an incredible existence in Heaven.
"We can have the joy that overcomes the spirit of heaviness, with which we are burdened so painfully so many times and in so many ways," declares Linda. For Linda the bottom line is that God the Father in the Name of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit is the power that has sustained her because she knows her beloved Vincent is with our Lord.
When Linda returned from her walk this morning, she related how she had prayed to the Lord to gift her the spirit of joy instead of the spirit of heaviness. With the confidence this joy displays and with the certainty that Vincent is with the Lord, this is a witness to the hope of eternal life.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #62: "America's Documents and Our Legacy of Virtue"
Avalon Chronicles #62: "America's Documents and Our Legacy of Virtue"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Reference: Unto the Generations the Roots of True Americanism
Daniel L. Marsh Life Chancellor Boston University
The Long House, Inc: New Canaan, CT. 1968
For a recent church presentation in Terrell, Tx. on July 3, 2016 I pulled from my book shelves the above book which I probably had not opened since our Bicentennial year 1976. My next eight Chronicles will be written based on the contents of this exceptional book, a treasure indeed! After my talk a mother, home-schooling four children, approached me in the parking lot and said she was ordering the book to introduce it to her children. I commented it surely must be out of print. She said she had already ordered it on Amazon!
The author's motivation to write it in the turbulent 1960s is expressed thusly:
"Almost a generation later conditions throughout the country became in many ways parallel to those of the 1930s, only now they had become truly alarming. Our systems of government-local, State, and national-were honeycombed with corruption and malfeasance, and sinister legislation was being bought and paid for by those whom it would benefit. Vice and crime of every sort was transmuting our urban and rural thoroughfares into labyrinths of danger. It is hardly necessary to further recite the obvious."
Two generations later in 2016 how would he view the further deterioration of the moral and ethical conditions of our land? Many of us truly weep as we view the landscape of our land. It is appears a Trojan Horse in the dark of night, while we have slept, has emptied its combatants into our "City on a Hill." They are pillaging what is expressed by my friend Bill Wilson (www.DailyJot.com), "The Founding Fathers chose a Constitutional Republic as the governmental system because they wanted the rule of law in our nation. They wanted one law for all so that the rich, the mighty, the despot would not be able to escape justice; so that the poor, the weak, the lesser in society would have the same justice as all citizens....The Biblical principle behind the rule of law is God's way to hold society accountable and provide individual protections....The beauty of the American Republic was that people were not above the law."
Author Marsh has compiled some monumental documents of America into a sequencing that relate to our Christian Bible in a very unique and creative fashion. The Foreword by John Howard relates that these documents can only be held valid to people of virtue. He describes the documents to be pregnant with wisdom that does not fail to be impactful and enduring, if we but reflect on their timeless content. He wrote, "Here are giants of American history, men who not only led our Nation through times of stress, but lived their religious faith, and earnestly and humbly sought to do their utmost for the lasting good of their fellow beings."
May these recollections of our past inspire us to emulate their ideals for our future.
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Reference: Unto the Generations the Roots of True Americanism
Daniel L. Marsh Life Chancellor Boston University
The Long House, Inc: New Canaan, CT. 1968
For a recent church presentation in Terrell, Tx. on July 3, 2016 I pulled from my book shelves the above book which I probably had not opened since our Bicentennial year 1976. My next eight Chronicles will be written based on the contents of this exceptional book, a treasure indeed! After my talk a mother, home-schooling four children, approached me in the parking lot and said she was ordering the book to introduce it to her children. I commented it surely must be out of print. She said she had already ordered it on Amazon!
The author's motivation to write it in the turbulent 1960s is expressed thusly:
"Almost a generation later conditions throughout the country became in many ways parallel to those of the 1930s, only now they had become truly alarming. Our systems of government-local, State, and national-were honeycombed with corruption and malfeasance, and sinister legislation was being bought and paid for by those whom it would benefit. Vice and crime of every sort was transmuting our urban and rural thoroughfares into labyrinths of danger. It is hardly necessary to further recite the obvious."
Two generations later in 2016 how would he view the further deterioration of the moral and ethical conditions of our land? Many of us truly weep as we view the landscape of our land. It is appears a Trojan Horse in the dark of night, while we have slept, has emptied its combatants into our "City on a Hill." They are pillaging what is expressed by my friend Bill Wilson (www.DailyJot.com), "The Founding Fathers chose a Constitutional Republic as the governmental system because they wanted the rule of law in our nation. They wanted one law for all so that the rich, the mighty, the despot would not be able to escape justice; so that the poor, the weak, the lesser in society would have the same justice as all citizens....The Biblical principle behind the rule of law is God's way to hold society accountable and provide individual protections....The beauty of the American Republic was that people were not above the law."
Author Marsh has compiled some monumental documents of America into a sequencing that relate to our Christian Bible in a very unique and creative fashion. The Foreword by John Howard relates that these documents can only be held valid to people of virtue. He describes the documents to be pregnant with wisdom that does not fail to be impactful and enduring, if we but reflect on their timeless content. He wrote, "Here are giants of American history, men who not only led our Nation through times of stress, but lived their religious faith, and earnestly and humbly sought to do their utmost for the lasting good of their fellow beings."
May these recollections of our past inspire us to emulate their ideals for our future.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #61: "Religion and Morality"
Avalon Chronicles #61: "Religion and Morality"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
There are incredible gems of wisdom, patriotism, good government, and all matters of personal and public conduct in George Washington's Farewell Address.
Actually he began writing this valedictory letter to the American people to be delivered after what he had planned to be only one term in office, but he decided to run for a second term as president due to the "...rancor between his Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton (later killed in a duel by Aaron Burr) and his Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson..." (Wikipedia) which reflected significant political disunity in the new country between the two new parties recently formed (Federalist and Republican). So what is else is new 220 years later? He believed his leadership was needed to keep America on a strong course. He put the letter aside until his second term was at its end and he declined a third term. He was completing 20 years of service to the new country.
The Wikipedia page on the Address (accessed June 21, 2016) has this to say: "One of the most referenced parts of Washington's letter was his strong support of the importance of religion and morality in not only promoting private and public happiness, but also in promoting the public prosperity of the nation. He argues that religious principles promote the protection of property, reputation, and life that are the foundations of justice. Washington goes so far as to say that the nation's morality cannot be maintained without religion and, since morality is necessary in popularly elected governments, religious principle is vital in maintaining the popularly elected government of the United States. He writes."
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."
Amendment 1 to the Constitution states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;..." This amendment to the Bill of Rights was ratified (with the other nine) on December 15, 1791. A major reason for this amendment was so that no denomination or specific faith would be favored as had been the case for the Church of England's influence in the colonies. It did not abolish religion per se nor its freedom to be exercised by any means. It definitely did not preclude the free expression of morality so lacking then and especially as I view the landscape of our land today. My honor code at West Point was that a cadet would not lie, cheat, nor steal, nor tolerate those who did. This surely would be an appropriate practical application of Washington's passage above for private and public lives.
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
There are incredible gems of wisdom, patriotism, good government, and all matters of personal and public conduct in George Washington's Farewell Address.
Actually he began writing this valedictory letter to the American people to be delivered after what he had planned to be only one term in office, but he decided to run for a second term as president due to the "...rancor between his Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton (later killed in a duel by Aaron Burr) and his Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson..." (Wikipedia) which reflected significant political disunity in the new country between the two new parties recently formed (Federalist and Republican). So what is else is new 220 years later? He believed his leadership was needed to keep America on a strong course. He put the letter aside until his second term was at its end and he declined a third term. He was completing 20 years of service to the new country.
The Wikipedia page on the Address (accessed June 21, 2016) has this to say: "One of the most referenced parts of Washington's letter was his strong support of the importance of religion and morality in not only promoting private and public happiness, but also in promoting the public prosperity of the nation. He argues that religious principles promote the protection of property, reputation, and life that are the foundations of justice. Washington goes so far as to say that the nation's morality cannot be maintained without religion and, since morality is necessary in popularly elected governments, religious principle is vital in maintaining the popularly elected government of the United States. He writes."
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."
Amendment 1 to the Constitution states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;..." This amendment to the Bill of Rights was ratified (with the other nine) on December 15, 1791. A major reason for this amendment was so that no denomination or specific faith would be favored as had been the case for the Church of England's influence in the colonies. It did not abolish religion per se nor its freedom to be exercised by any means. It definitely did not preclude the free expression of morality so lacking then and especially as I view the landscape of our land today. My honor code at West Point was that a cadet would not lie, cheat, nor steal, nor tolerate those who did. This surely would be an appropriate practical application of Washington's passage above for private and public lives.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #60: "Liberty and America"
Avalon Chronicles #60: "Liberty and America"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
In light of all the recent political rhetoric and especially after the horrendous attack in Orlando, I was moved to read George Washington's Farewell Address delivered to Congress on September 17, 1796, Constitution Day. There is magnificent wisdom in his address. Recall he would have had to write it out long-hand, no computer, and most probably no speech writer! We were much smaller then and less diverse than today, but, if any desire to reflect on some unchangeable sentiment about our foundations and values, we could go no further than to recollect the richness of these remarks.
"The unity of government, which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquillity at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned; ...
For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations....You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes."
REMEMBER OUR ROOTS AS AMERICANS!
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
In light of all the recent political rhetoric and especially after the horrendous attack in Orlando, I was moved to read George Washington's Farewell Address delivered to Congress on September 17, 1796, Constitution Day. There is magnificent wisdom in his address. Recall he would have had to write it out long-hand, no computer, and most probably no speech writer! We were much smaller then and less diverse than today, but, if any desire to reflect on some unchangeable sentiment about our foundations and values, we could go no further than to recollect the richness of these remarks.
"The unity of government, which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquillity at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned; ...
For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations....You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes."
REMEMBER OUR ROOTS AS AMERICANS!
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #59: "Jesus is Lord"
Avalon Chronicles #59: "Jesus is Lord"
by Allen B. Clark www.combatfaith.com
allenbclark@aol.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Romans 10: 9-10 NIV Life Application Study Bible
"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
In this my 59th message I relate the most important of all I have ever written. For those that have been recipients of these messages over approximately five years I have related special spiritual and patriotic thoughts. This is the culmination of all before!
This is the Big Picture very simplistically. I am not one to know doctrine or theology. I have always attempted to use my Christianity in practical application. In the military we used the K.I.S.S. formula. Keep It Simple Stupid.
Here goes. It is generally accepted that God created and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden approximately 6000 years ago. For the next 4000 years he was laying the groundwork for a momentous happening which occurred 2000 years ago. He brought forth Abraham from the land today comprising Iraq (a full circle historic occurence with all its attendant contemporary publicity) to Palestine and with his descendants, Isaac and Ishmael, laid the foundation for what became the three major world religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Judaism in the Old Testament was full of "Religious Ritual" as is evident today in much of current day "faith" expression.
For 4000 years there were constant conflicts, crises, murders and abominable behaviors amongst humanity, the created of God. I am what is defined as a Trintarian, meaning I believe in the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The only way God could reach "humans" was to send among us another human. This was His Son, Jesus the Christ. The New Testament very simply stated is the biography of Jesus. Jesus came to set an example for living and loving. The New Testament is POWERFUL! If one desires to have a guideline or a blueprint for life, read, study, and appropriate for one's healthy attitudes, motivations, and emotional balance, what has been written, preserved, and available for us today, the Holy Bible. We spend hours in front of the television, pursue cultural trivia, read self-help books, and worship our cars, homes, stars, celebrities, money, pleasures, etc., all the current day idols of our normal secular lives. Time is short not to get with God's program. It is time to graduate from head knowledge of God and develop an inner faith in the living God with a 'Personal Relationship with Jesus." If not now, when?
It is time to believe, God created all. He is worthy of worship, not worship of all He created. He sent His Son to die on the cross for our redemption from sins, which, when confessed, are all cleansed and gone. When we truly believe "Jesus is Lord," my Christianity teaches me I will live in eternity upon my earthly death. I believe that! When Jesus returned to Heaven, he left here for us a Helper, the Holy Spirit, available and ready to be our partner each and every day for every challenge. Prayer works. God must be asked to open up floodgates of blessings. Pray for your unhealed hurts, unmet needs, unresolved issues in the "Name of Jesus."
Vincent, Linda's only child, died on August 10 last year at age 52 of a heart attack. Linda's greatest joy and comfort is that, because he believed and lived what is written above, he is in Heaven and undeniably and definitely believably, she will join and see him again someday.
It takes three simple audible words spoken personally for you to claim a new life, "Jesus is Lord." If you already know Jesus, do not be hesitant to leave a legacy, especially for your family members to impart to them what you know and believe. Tell them and others, in a manner that is loving and not pushy. Live it as Jesus did, not just speaking of it.
by Allen B. Clark www.combatfaith.com
allenbclark@aol.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Romans 10: 9-10 NIV Life Application Study Bible
"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
In this my 59th message I relate the most important of all I have ever written. For those that have been recipients of these messages over approximately five years I have related special spiritual and patriotic thoughts. This is the culmination of all before!
This is the Big Picture very simplistically. I am not one to know doctrine or theology. I have always attempted to use my Christianity in practical application. In the military we used the K.I.S.S. formula. Keep It Simple Stupid.
Here goes. It is generally accepted that God created and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden approximately 6000 years ago. For the next 4000 years he was laying the groundwork for a momentous happening which occurred 2000 years ago. He brought forth Abraham from the land today comprising Iraq (a full circle historic occurence with all its attendant contemporary publicity) to Palestine and with his descendants, Isaac and Ishmael, laid the foundation for what became the three major world religions Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Judaism in the Old Testament was full of "Religious Ritual" as is evident today in much of current day "faith" expression.
For 4000 years there were constant conflicts, crises, murders and abominable behaviors amongst humanity, the created of God. I am what is defined as a Trintarian, meaning I believe in the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The only way God could reach "humans" was to send among us another human. This was His Son, Jesus the Christ. The New Testament very simply stated is the biography of Jesus. Jesus came to set an example for living and loving. The New Testament is POWERFUL! If one desires to have a guideline or a blueprint for life, read, study, and appropriate for one's healthy attitudes, motivations, and emotional balance, what has been written, preserved, and available for us today, the Holy Bible. We spend hours in front of the television, pursue cultural trivia, read self-help books, and worship our cars, homes, stars, celebrities, money, pleasures, etc., all the current day idols of our normal secular lives. Time is short not to get with God's program. It is time to graduate from head knowledge of God and develop an inner faith in the living God with a 'Personal Relationship with Jesus." If not now, when?
It is time to believe, God created all. He is worthy of worship, not worship of all He created. He sent His Son to die on the cross for our redemption from sins, which, when confessed, are all cleansed and gone. When we truly believe "Jesus is Lord," my Christianity teaches me I will live in eternity upon my earthly death. I believe that! When Jesus returned to Heaven, he left here for us a Helper, the Holy Spirit, available and ready to be our partner each and every day for every challenge. Prayer works. God must be asked to open up floodgates of blessings. Pray for your unhealed hurts, unmet needs, unresolved issues in the "Name of Jesus."
Vincent, Linda's only child, died on August 10 last year at age 52 of a heart attack. Linda's greatest joy and comfort is that, because he believed and lived what is written above, he is in Heaven and undeniably and definitely believably, she will join and see him again someday.
It takes three simple audible words spoken personally for you to claim a new life, "Jesus is Lord." If you already know Jesus, do not be hesitant to leave a legacy, especially for your family members to impart to them what you know and believe. Tell them and others, in a manner that is loving and not pushy. Live it as Jesus did, not just speaking of it.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Avalon Chronicles #58: "Grace"
Avalon Chronicles #58: "Grace"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever."
I Chronicles 16:34 (KJV)
In my prayers I have said, "I praise you Lord, for your mercy endureth forever." Recently, I've begun adding "and grace" to mercy. Today I thought I would go to my Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary to look up "grace." When I did so, I found 20 usages. The ones I found the most applicable were these:
"Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him."
Linda has completed twice and I am in the midst of reading Imagine Heaven by John Burke. Persons who experienced a Near Death Experience frequently indicate that their exposure to God/Jesus reflects his relating to them all their wrongs committed or omissions in an instant, but, what follows is an expression of incredible and forgiving love.
"Favorable influence of God; divine influence or the influence of the spirit, in renewing the heart and restraining from sin."
If we appropriate the divine influence or the influence of the spirit of our Lord, we will reflect in our words and deeds the following definitions of grace, will be gracious and will reflect graciousness.
"Goodwill; kindness; disposition to oblige another; virtuous or religious affection or disposition, as a liberal disposition, faith, meekness, humility, patience, proceeding from divine influence. That in manner, deportment or language which renders it appropriate and agreeable; suitableness; elegance with appropriate dignity."
Linda's and my personal pastor is the Rev. Hugh Morgan of Georgia, retired military chaplain, whom we consider our personal pastor. His example of graciousness is worthy of emulation in our daily encounters and communications. My dear Linda is a lady of extraordinary graciousness and reflects daily the graciousness indicative of the divine influence on her life.
Our neighborhood has recently endured back to back hailstorms, requiring new roof and window repairs. We have received numerous calls from roofers, soliciting a roof repair business, which we have contracted for already with our own insurance company. My responses heretofore have been curt and short to the calls. I have been convicted now to respond, if there are more, "Thank you for this kind offer. I already have made arrangements for my roof repairs. I know you are trying to make a living. May God bless you in this."
It is a small gesture of grace to be imparted indeed, but, perhaps it will lead always in all manners to that extension of graciousness that I know my Lord extends to me
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever."
I Chronicles 16:34 (KJV)
In my prayers I have said, "I praise you Lord, for your mercy endureth forever." Recently, I've begun adding "and grace" to mercy. Today I thought I would go to my Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary to look up "grace." When I did so, I found 20 usages. The ones I found the most applicable were these:
"Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him."
Linda has completed twice and I am in the midst of reading Imagine Heaven by John Burke. Persons who experienced a Near Death Experience frequently indicate that their exposure to God/Jesus reflects his relating to them all their wrongs committed or omissions in an instant, but, what follows is an expression of incredible and forgiving love.
"Favorable influence of God; divine influence or the influence of the spirit, in renewing the heart and restraining from sin."
If we appropriate the divine influence or the influence of the spirit of our Lord, we will reflect in our words and deeds the following definitions of grace, will be gracious and will reflect graciousness.
"Goodwill; kindness; disposition to oblige another; virtuous or religious affection or disposition, as a liberal disposition, faith, meekness, humility, patience, proceeding from divine influence. That in manner, deportment or language which renders it appropriate and agreeable; suitableness; elegance with appropriate dignity."
Linda's and my personal pastor is the Rev. Hugh Morgan of Georgia, retired military chaplain, whom we consider our personal pastor. His example of graciousness is worthy of emulation in our daily encounters and communications. My dear Linda is a lady of extraordinary graciousness and reflects daily the graciousness indicative of the divine influence on her life.
Our neighborhood has recently endured back to back hailstorms, requiring new roof and window repairs. We have received numerous calls from roofers, soliciting a roof repair business, which we have contracted for already with our own insurance company. My responses heretofore have been curt and short to the calls. I have been convicted now to respond, if there are more, "Thank you for this kind offer. I already have made arrangements for my roof repairs. I know you are trying to make a living. May God bless you in this."
It is a small gesture of grace to be imparted indeed, but, perhaps it will lead always in all manners to that extension of graciousness that I know my Lord extends to me
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