Avalon Chronicles #100: "Divine Healing"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Reference: Lake, John G. (1870-1935). Divine Healing: A Gift From God. CreateSpace. 2016.
Page 31.
"Oh, beloved, when you pray, something is happening in you. It is not a myth; it is the action of God. The almighty God, by the Spirit, comes into the soul, takes possession of the brain, manifests in the cortex cells, and when you will and wish (either consciously or unconsciously) the fire of God, the power of God, that life of God, that nature of God, is transmitted from the cortex cells of the brain, throbs through your nerves, down through your person, into every cell of your being, into every cell of your brain and blood and flesh and bone, into the million, five hundred thousand cells in every square inch of your skin, and they are alive with God. That is divine healing.
Men have treated the Gospel of Jesus Christ as though it were a sentiment and foolishness. Men who posed as being wise have scorned the phenomenon taking place in the Christian every day. But beloved, no dear old mother ever knelt before the throne of God and raised her heart to Heaven without demonstrating the finest process of divine wireless transmission. In these days, they are now able to transmit by wireless from six to seven thousand miles and even twelve thousand miles recently. Once again, they have been able to demonstrate that in one-tenth of a second they can transmit the first section of thought twelve thousand miles. Think of of it! There is practically no such thing as time; it is practically done instantaneously. This explains instantaneous salvation and instantaneous healing. Beloved, the very instant your soul moves with your heart cry and your nature yearns after God, it registers in the soul of Jesus Christ, and the answer comes back. So Jesus said, 'What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.' (Mark 11: 24). and 'While [ye] are yet speaking I will hear.' (Isaiah 65:24).
I said to them, 'Gentlemen, I want you to see one more thing. You go down in your hospital and bring the man who has inflammation in the shinbone. Take your instrument and attach it to his leg; leave space enough to get my hand on his leg. You can have it attached on both sides.' So when the instrument was all ready, I put my hand on that man's shin, and I prayed just like Mother Etter prays, just as you all pray. No strange prayer, but the cry of my heart to God. I said, 'God, kill the devilish disease by the power of God. Let the Spirit live in him; let it move in him.' Then I said, 'Gentlemen, what is taking place?' They replied, 'Every cell is responding.' Beloved, all there is to healing is that the life of God comes back into the part that is afflicted, and right away the blood flows, the congested cells respond, and the work is done. That is again God's divine science in healing."
The legacy of the John G. Lake Ministry is continued in the John G. Lake Ministries in Plano, Tx.
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Avalon Chronicles #99: "Civility-Part 2'
Avalon Chronicles #99: "Civility-Part 2"
by Allen B. Clark www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
The source for this message is the same as the previous message: my 1956 pamphlet from Gonzaga Jesuit High School in Washington, D.C., Manners and the Man. The following is quoted without an edit or paraphrase from the pamphlet in total. Admittedly these precepts and teachings may be "whistling in the wind" at a time in our culture when anything goes and the standards of behavior have taken a significant downward plunge, but without guidelines and standards to live by, we are only weeds blown about by whichever way the winds whip us.
"Good morals are always good manners; bad morals can never be good manners. Christ and His Blessed Mother had perfect manners. They are your models; imitate them and you will be refined and good. Always remember that you are a child of God and an heir of Heaven, that you were made by God to know Him, love Him, and serve Him in this life, and by this means to save your soul.
Beware of bad companions; they will ruin you. In speaking of evil associates, Christ Himself said this through His apostle St. Paul: 'Evil communications corrupt good manners.' (I Cor. 15, 33). Your companions are of the wrong kind if you are less good because of your association with them. General Robert E. Lee was known to all for his good manners. May you always remember the advice which he gave his son: 'Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or keep one.'
There is nothing manly about sin; it is an act of disloyalty to Christ, an act of surrender to His enemy, the devil. Always be loyal to Our Lord and to His service. There is something manly about virtue; in fact the very word is derived from the Latin word virtus, which signifies manliness. There never was, and there never will be a substitute for goodness; you must have the real article.
To be a boy or a man after the heart of Christ, you must be clean and pure in thought, word, and deed. The clean of heart are dear to God. Of them He said, 'Oh how beautiful is the chaste generation with glory. For the memory thereof is immortal, because it is known with God and with men...It triumpheth crowned forever, winning the reward of undefiled conflict.' (Wisdom: 4; 1, 2).
Purity in Thought. Keep your mind clean, and your words and deeds will be pure. Improper magazines, pictures, 'movies,' and shows have ruined the souls of many boys through the impure thoughts which they have caused. At times improper thought will come to your mind against your will. Never entertain them or dwell upon them, but say a short prayer and turn your thoughts to other things; keep yourself busy with work and wholesome play. God condemns impurity of thought: 'Evil thoughts are an abomination to the Lord.' (Proverbs: 15, 16).
Purity in Word. Never say a word or tell a story that will stain your soul or the souls of your companions, boys or girls. There is nothing manly about a dirty story or suggestive remark; on the contrary, improper conversation marks a man as improper company for any decent boy or girl. Listen to these words of Our Lord: 'Pure words, most beautiful, shall be confirmed by Him.' (Proverbs: 15, 16). 'He that loveth cleanliness of heart, for the grace of his lips shall have the king as his friend.' (Proverbs: 22, 11). 'Be you also in all manner of conversation holy.' (I St. Peter: 1, 15).
Purity in Deed. Nothing more becomes a manly boy than purity of action. At all times and in all places, whether alone or with others, be clean of heart. Always remember that any girl in your company is in your protection. Never by the slightest word, suggestion, or action make her less modest or less good. She is a child of Mary---and so are you. Drink and 'parked automobiles' have ruined the innocent friendship of many young people. May you always prove true to the ideals that you have been taught at Gonzaga; may you always be a ' knight without reproach.' You are a sodalist of Mary, you are a knight of Christ; through frequent prayer to her, and throughout frequent, even daily, reception of Him in the Blessed Sacrament, and through your manly cooperation with grace, you will always be a worthy knight of Gonzaga, Gonzaga will be proud of you; Mary will bless you; Christ will reward you for He said: 'Blessed are the clean of heart for they shall see God.' (St. Matthew: 5, 8).
Brave and chivalrous like the knight, Sir Gareth, in Tennyson's Idylls of the King, may you live and die with his ideals:
'Man am I grown, a man's work must I do;
Follow the deer? Follow Christ the King;
Live pure, speak true, right wrong, follow the King--
Else, wherefore born?'"
by Allen B. Clark www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
The source for this message is the same as the previous message: my 1956 pamphlet from Gonzaga Jesuit High School in Washington, D.C., Manners and the Man. The following is quoted without an edit or paraphrase from the pamphlet in total. Admittedly these precepts and teachings may be "whistling in the wind" at a time in our culture when anything goes and the standards of behavior have taken a significant downward plunge, but without guidelines and standards to live by, we are only weeds blown about by whichever way the winds whip us.
"Good morals are always good manners; bad morals can never be good manners. Christ and His Blessed Mother had perfect manners. They are your models; imitate them and you will be refined and good. Always remember that you are a child of God and an heir of Heaven, that you were made by God to know Him, love Him, and serve Him in this life, and by this means to save your soul.
Beware of bad companions; they will ruin you. In speaking of evil associates, Christ Himself said this through His apostle St. Paul: 'Evil communications corrupt good manners.' (I Cor. 15, 33). Your companions are of the wrong kind if you are less good because of your association with them. General Robert E. Lee was known to all for his good manners. May you always remember the advice which he gave his son: 'Never do a wrong thing to make a friend or keep one.'
There is nothing manly about sin; it is an act of disloyalty to Christ, an act of surrender to His enemy, the devil. Always be loyal to Our Lord and to His service. There is something manly about virtue; in fact the very word is derived from the Latin word virtus, which signifies manliness. There never was, and there never will be a substitute for goodness; you must have the real article.
To be a boy or a man after the heart of Christ, you must be clean and pure in thought, word, and deed. The clean of heart are dear to God. Of them He said, 'Oh how beautiful is the chaste generation with glory. For the memory thereof is immortal, because it is known with God and with men...It triumpheth crowned forever, winning the reward of undefiled conflict.' (Wisdom: 4; 1, 2).
Purity in Thought. Keep your mind clean, and your words and deeds will be pure. Improper magazines, pictures, 'movies,' and shows have ruined the souls of many boys through the impure thoughts which they have caused. At times improper thought will come to your mind against your will. Never entertain them or dwell upon them, but say a short prayer and turn your thoughts to other things; keep yourself busy with work and wholesome play. God condemns impurity of thought: 'Evil thoughts are an abomination to the Lord.' (Proverbs: 15, 16).
Purity in Word. Never say a word or tell a story that will stain your soul or the souls of your companions, boys or girls. There is nothing manly about a dirty story or suggestive remark; on the contrary, improper conversation marks a man as improper company for any decent boy or girl. Listen to these words of Our Lord: 'Pure words, most beautiful, shall be confirmed by Him.' (Proverbs: 15, 16). 'He that loveth cleanliness of heart, for the grace of his lips shall have the king as his friend.' (Proverbs: 22, 11). 'Be you also in all manner of conversation holy.' (I St. Peter: 1, 15).
Purity in Deed. Nothing more becomes a manly boy than purity of action. At all times and in all places, whether alone or with others, be clean of heart. Always remember that any girl in your company is in your protection. Never by the slightest word, suggestion, or action make her less modest or less good. She is a child of Mary---and so are you. Drink and 'parked automobiles' have ruined the innocent friendship of many young people. May you always prove true to the ideals that you have been taught at Gonzaga; may you always be a ' knight without reproach.' You are a sodalist of Mary, you are a knight of Christ; through frequent prayer to her, and throughout frequent, even daily, reception of Him in the Blessed Sacrament, and through your manly cooperation with grace, you will always be a worthy knight of Gonzaga, Gonzaga will be proud of you; Mary will bless you; Christ will reward you for He said: 'Blessed are the clean of heart for they shall see God.' (St. Matthew: 5, 8).
Brave and chivalrous like the knight, Sir Gareth, in Tennyson's Idylls of the King, may you live and die with his ideals:
'Man am I grown, a man's work must I do;
Follow the deer? Follow Christ the King;
Live pure, speak true, right wrong, follow the King--
Else, wherefore born?'"
Monday, July 1, 2019
Avalon Chronicles #98: "Civility-Part One"
Avalon Chronicles #98: "Civility-Part One'
by the Honorable Allen B. Clark www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
It was a privilege for my ninth and tenth grades (1956-1958) to have been a high school student at a Catholic high school, Gonzaga, at Eye and North Capitol St., just a few blocks north of the U.S. Capitol bldg. in Washington, D.C. I was one of only a handful of non-Catholics in the school. It was an extraordinary educational experience and I will always be grateful with the greatest admiration for my Jesuit instructors. When we first became freshman, we all received a pamphlet from the school titled "Manners and the Man." We were an all boys school. I have kept the pamphlet all these years and just came across it again recently. It would be apropos for young ladies also. My own personal comments are bracketed.
There are chapters on good manners: in church; introductions; personal appearance; school; library; auditorium; table; restaurant; theater; miscellaneous; and most importantly, good morals. Some of the most striking, important, and relevant information include the following below noted, which will be direct quotes, admittedly without permission, but I am assuming my former school authorities will be pleased to have attention directed to some of their teachings besides academics.
"The most precious minutes in your life are those when Christ is really, truly, and substantially present in your heart in Holy Communion....Adore Him, pray to Him, talk with Him."
"Mention first the name of the person to whom you are introducing someone: 'Mrs. Smith, this is Mr. Jones.' You are introducing Mr. Jones to Mrs. Smith....Men are always introduced to women...Single men are introduced to married men...Young are introduced to older...Men always rise, if they are seated, when an introduction is made..."
"Whether fairly or not a man is often judged by his personal appearance...Your personal appearance is your identification card in the business world and your card of introduction to new friends...Your face should always be clean-shaven." [Obviously facial hair should be neatly trimmed]. "Do not appear in public in slovenly dress."
"A truly educated person has good manners. Your knowledge will benefit you very little in the business and social world if you are without good manners...Boorish people are shunned by others: selfish people are disliked...refinement makes a man of strong character...The strongest character and the greatest refinement were found in Christ...Learn to profit by your mistakes...If you think there has been some misunderstanding in your regard, do not raise the issue in the class room; see the teacher after class and then courteously talk to him." [A tenet of leadership and interpersonal relationships is to praise in public and admonish in private].
"The boy who has cultivated a taste for good books has possession of a habit that will bring him untold pleasure in later years. Don't read trash. It is a waste of time to read cheap and vulgar magazines and books; it is dangerous; and in some cases may be sinful. Keep your mind clean and pure." [In today's world there are even more arenas in which one may indulge in areas in the internet especially that are definitely demeaning, vulgar, and sinful by God's standards].
'Dining is a fine art. To dine graciously is a mark of distinction...The well-bred man by his ease and grace will give the impression that the actual eating of food is a matter of secondary consideration."
"Grace should be said in every Catholic home before all meals...The hostess is the first to start eating...In general at a formal course dinner, you use the silver, beginning withe farthest from your plate and working in. Never, never pass any comment on the food...(except) a (short) complimentary word....Chew with your lips closed...Never use a toothpick in public....Never speak with food in your mouth...In all things or anywhere be the man of manners. If you are, you will always be a welcome guest and long remembered as a man of culture and refinement."
"Always be respectful to your elders. Any person is lacking in good manners who has not the proper respect for age.... Maintain the greatest respect for and love of your country. When the national anthem is played or when the flag passes by, stand at attention with your head uncovered." [And your hand over your heart].
"A woman precedes a man on entering an automobile, a street car, or train; the man leaves first and assists a woman to alight...Never discuss private family affairs even with your best friends...[especially where anyone nearby can overhear you]....Always answer correspondence promptly, whether it is business or social correspondence...If you have been an overnight guest in some friend's home, you should write a note of thanks."
[ Always send a written or email note with gratitude for being a guest at a meal, upon receiving advice or feedback, or receiving any item worthy of a courteous response. Cancel engagements with as much advance notice as possible. If it is obligatory that a negative message or letter is to be sent, wait at least overnight to be certain it is merited].
In this age and time of incredible incivility and ill manners, especially in our media, public life, especially in the political arena, and in our daily expressions of conduct in actions and words, good and high-minded behavior and discourse will always serve one well in daily life. One's good manners will always set one above the level of the common and mundane in society. Graciousness will always be appreciated and be a worthy attribute.
Pray daily that one would be bound to the character and attributes of God: Righteousness, Holiness, Integrity, and Purity.
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Avalon Chronicles #97: "All Day Church"
Avalon Chronicles #97: "All Day Church"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Linda and I awakened at zero dark thirty (military time) on Tuesday April 16, 2019 to drive to Irving, Texas for an unforgettable day. We met at 7:45 AM our "tour guide and chauffeur" Jeremy Berlin, manager of the Sheraton DFW hotel, and Gary Beikirch and his spouse Lolly for a day that would end fifteen hours later. Gary Beikirch is Chaplain of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and a Recipient of his Medal of Honor in 1973 from President Richard Nixon for his heroic actions on April 1, 1970 at Dak Seang Special Forces camp near the Tri-Border area where South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos touch boundaries. Avalon Chronicles #93: "From Cave Man to Man of God" details our first meeting in Oct. 2018 and describes his remarkable story. His autobiography will be published in 2020 by Multnomah Press of Oregon.
Our first stop that day was for us both to present to 150 football players at Grapevine High School. Gary, a very humble, modest, and unassuming war hero, kicked off the visit by focusing very distinctly in his talk on his gratitude for Deo, a 15 year old Montagnard in the camp. He had solidified a relationship with the unschooled and unsophisticated young man when they bonded and committed to "watch each other's back." That bore results in the attack when Deo and another Montagnard literally carried him, wounded himself three times, from wounded to wounded to administer first aid. Gary wrote in his tract; "April 1, 1970...I can still hear the screams, the explosions, the gunfire." A "human wave" attack by three North Vietnamese Army regiments was launched on the camp's 12 American Special Forces "A" team members, supported by their Montagnard fighters. At one point a massive barrage caused Deo to literally cover Gary to protect him and Deo was killed. Gary related, "One has never lived until one has almost died."
Gary will never forget that sacrifice on the battlefield of that young Montagnard, unheralded in history, but always vividly in the heart and soul of Gary until our Lord takes him to Heaven. Another unforgettable subject on which Gary focused was not just secular "success" in our lives, but focusing on a life that is defined by the intangibility of "significance."
At this high school, a junior, with beard and a thick head of hair, approached me to indicate he was guiding himself to gain admission to West Point. I reminded him that an old saying adhered to at West Point was "no horse, no wife, and no mustache." He said he was prepared especially for the prohibition of the facial and excessive head hair! I told him the first day as a New Cadet the barber will ask him, "How much of your hair would you like to keep? You will say, 'All of it.'" The barber will sweep his hair off the floor and hand it to him!"
Our second stop was at Haltom City High School, where we spoke to leaders in the Student Council and the Junior Reserve Officers Training program. At both schools I began my talk by sitting without saying anything in a chair with arms and removing both my artificial legs and putting them back on. There was total silence with the audience. I can assume there was an especial effect by my doing this in front of athletes! Former professional NBA professional basketball players Morlon Wylie and Willie Davis also participated at the schools.
The school programs are sponsored by Tribute to Valor, a North Texas-based student outreach effort to expose the character-building attributes of courage, integrity, sacrifice, patriotism, commitment, and citizenship with presentations by Medal of Honor Recipients. A program focus is for the students to ask the question, "Who Am I?" My good friend Jim Palmersheim, American Airlines Captain and pilot, is the prime mover on the program. Today there are only 71 living Medal of Honor Recipients. Many received the Medal posthumously.
Our escort, Jeremy Berlin, related the story from nine years ago at a time when he and his wife had been childless for five years and they were approached by a total stranger at a church function. He prophesied to them that by the end of that year, only four months away, that they would have a son, whose name would be Elijah. On the last day of the year a son, in fulfillment of the prophecy, was in fact adopted by them, having been introduced to them for adoption after the prophecy was delivered.
Jeremy said, "A year later while their son Illiah was reading his Russian Bible, they came across a reference to the prophet Elijah. The son said, 'That's me' and we found out that his Russian name translated to ELIJAH!" Only in God's world! That son, now 20, embarking on his own career and leaving home, was the recipient of a prayer by all of us in the SUV for his safety and direction. Jeremy later crossed paths with the prophecy-giver, who had no recollection of having related the words!
In the course of the day Linda sat in the back seat with Lolly and Gary. She recollects Lolly relating that she felt it was a God-spoken Word that she followed through on to marry Gary 44 years ago, when they met in New Hampshire. One of the most striking anecdotes Linda heard from Gary was in a library after the war, when he experienced first hand the vilification of us Vietnam veterans when fellow students would come by his desk and sweep his books onto the floor! He also suffered the humiliation after the war of being spat upon by fellow Americans because he was a Vietnam veteran! For 33 years the gracious Gary was a teacher/counselor at a middle school, where he poured his maturity, wisdom and kindness into the students to help them weave through the minefields of youth. His current day efforts continue that service to America's young people.
The day progressed with a West Point Society gathering with General Dave Petraeus, a prominent West Point graduate, scholar, combat leader, and former CIA Director as the guest. The evening consisted of presentation of the LT. COL. James "Maggie" Megellas (102 years young and present that night) annual award by the America's Future Series (headed by another friend David Hamilton) to Ross Perot, Jr. for his extraordinary contributions in the varied arenas of business endeavors, philanthropy, and service to country as an Air Force officer. The emotional evening program highlighted the service to the cause of freedom and security of our military, veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. At least one Gold Star parent and widows of police officers were in attendance. Noted were several attendees, who departed the room with expressions of distinct emotion (ie. tears), some of which were my own.
It was a day when Linda commented, "I feel as if I have been in church all day." Amen.
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Linda and I awakened at zero dark thirty (military time) on Tuesday April 16, 2019 to drive to Irving, Texas for an unforgettable day. We met at 7:45 AM our "tour guide and chauffeur" Jeremy Berlin, manager of the Sheraton DFW hotel, and Gary Beikirch and his spouse Lolly for a day that would end fifteen hours later. Gary Beikirch is Chaplain of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and a Recipient of his Medal of Honor in 1973 from President Richard Nixon for his heroic actions on April 1, 1970 at Dak Seang Special Forces camp near the Tri-Border area where South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos touch boundaries. Avalon Chronicles #93: "From Cave Man to Man of God" details our first meeting in Oct. 2018 and describes his remarkable story. His autobiography will be published in 2020 by Multnomah Press of Oregon.
Our first stop that day was for us both to present to 150 football players at Grapevine High School. Gary, a very humble, modest, and unassuming war hero, kicked off the visit by focusing very distinctly in his talk on his gratitude for Deo, a 15 year old Montagnard in the camp. He had solidified a relationship with the unschooled and unsophisticated young man when they bonded and committed to "watch each other's back." That bore results in the attack when Deo and another Montagnard literally carried him, wounded himself three times, from wounded to wounded to administer first aid. Gary wrote in his tract; "April 1, 1970...I can still hear the screams, the explosions, the gunfire." A "human wave" attack by three North Vietnamese Army regiments was launched on the camp's 12 American Special Forces "A" team members, supported by their Montagnard fighters. At one point a massive barrage caused Deo to literally cover Gary to protect him and Deo was killed. Gary related, "One has never lived until one has almost died."
Gary will never forget that sacrifice on the battlefield of that young Montagnard, unheralded in history, but always vividly in the heart and soul of Gary until our Lord takes him to Heaven. Another unforgettable subject on which Gary focused was not just secular "success" in our lives, but focusing on a life that is defined by the intangibility of "significance."
At this high school, a junior, with beard and a thick head of hair, approached me to indicate he was guiding himself to gain admission to West Point. I reminded him that an old saying adhered to at West Point was "no horse, no wife, and no mustache." He said he was prepared especially for the prohibition of the facial and excessive head hair! I told him the first day as a New Cadet the barber will ask him, "How much of your hair would you like to keep? You will say, 'All of it.'" The barber will sweep his hair off the floor and hand it to him!"
Our second stop was at Haltom City High School, where we spoke to leaders in the Student Council and the Junior Reserve Officers Training program. At both schools I began my talk by sitting without saying anything in a chair with arms and removing both my artificial legs and putting them back on. There was total silence with the audience. I can assume there was an especial effect by my doing this in front of athletes! Former professional NBA professional basketball players Morlon Wylie and Willie Davis also participated at the schools.
The school programs are sponsored by Tribute to Valor, a North Texas-based student outreach effort to expose the character-building attributes of courage, integrity, sacrifice, patriotism, commitment, and citizenship with presentations by Medal of Honor Recipients. A program focus is for the students to ask the question, "Who Am I?" My good friend Jim Palmersheim, American Airlines Captain and pilot, is the prime mover on the program. Today there are only 71 living Medal of Honor Recipients. Many received the Medal posthumously.
Our escort, Jeremy Berlin, related the story from nine years ago at a time when he and his wife had been childless for five years and they were approached by a total stranger at a church function. He prophesied to them that by the end of that year, only four months away, that they would have a son, whose name would be Elijah. On the last day of the year a son, in fulfillment of the prophecy, was in fact adopted by them, having been introduced to them for adoption after the prophecy was delivered.
Jeremy said, "A year later while their son Illiah was reading his Russian Bible, they came across a reference to the prophet Elijah. The son said, 'That's me' and we found out that his Russian name translated to ELIJAH!" Only in God's world! That son, now 20, embarking on his own career and leaving home, was the recipient of a prayer by all of us in the SUV for his safety and direction. Jeremy later crossed paths with the prophecy-giver, who had no recollection of having related the words!
In the course of the day Linda sat in the back seat with Lolly and Gary. She recollects Lolly relating that she felt it was a God-spoken Word that she followed through on to marry Gary 44 years ago, when they met in New Hampshire. One of the most striking anecdotes Linda heard from Gary was in a library after the war, when he experienced first hand the vilification of us Vietnam veterans when fellow students would come by his desk and sweep his books onto the floor! He also suffered the humiliation after the war of being spat upon by fellow Americans because he was a Vietnam veteran! For 33 years the gracious Gary was a teacher/counselor at a middle school, where he poured his maturity, wisdom and kindness into the students to help them weave through the minefields of youth. His current day efforts continue that service to America's young people.
The day progressed with a West Point Society gathering with General Dave Petraeus, a prominent West Point graduate, scholar, combat leader, and former CIA Director as the guest. The evening consisted of presentation of the LT. COL. James "Maggie" Megellas (102 years young and present that night) annual award by the America's Future Series (headed by another friend David Hamilton) to Ross Perot, Jr. for his extraordinary contributions in the varied arenas of business endeavors, philanthropy, and service to country as an Air Force officer. The emotional evening program highlighted the service to the cause of freedom and security of our military, veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. At least one Gold Star parent and widows of police officers were in attendance. Noted were several attendees, who departed the room with expressions of distinct emotion (ie. tears), some of which were my own.
It was a day when Linda commented, "I feel as if I have been in church all day." Amen.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Avalon Chronicles #96: "Red Sparrows, Loyalty, and Anti-viruses"
Avalon Chronicles #96: "Red Sparrows, Loyalty, and Anti-viruses"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
[This message may be listed "For Mature Audiences Only"]
Isaiah 32:17 KJV LASB: "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever."
What do "Red Sparrows, Loyalty and Anti-viruses" have in common? Several years ago a veteran CIA agent Jason Matthews was a guest author at a program I attended. He wrote a novel titled Red Sparrow, which also became a movie. The main character is a Russian intelligence officer Dominka Egorova, who became a "Sparrow," a trained seductress. The book's flyleaf relates: "Spies have long relied on the 'honey trap,' whereby vulnerable men and women are intimately compromised." Dominka is taught the "techniques of 'sexpionage' in Russia's secret 'Sparrow School,' hidden outside of Moscow."
In Webster's 1828 dictionary "loyalty" is defined: "Fidelity to a prince or sovereign, or to a husband or lover." The definition of "loyal" is: "...true to plighted faith, duty, or love; not treacherous; used of subjects to their prince, and of a husband, wife, and lovers; as a loyal subject; a loyal wife."
Anyone who uses a computer in today's world is aware of the need for antivirus protection from corrupted or dangerous sites, which can pollute our computers.
In my Vietnam War duty as a Special Forces Army intelligence officer engaged in clandestine activities, it was imperative (for my life's sake) to be aware of disloyal agents, penetration of my agent networks and activities, or "slips of the lip,"away from my unit in social settings, even with Americans or South Vietnamese allies. It was the expectation, demand, and requirement that loyalty to my "prince," my country, be maintained faithfully without failure or compromise. Corporate employment demands the same in loyalty to our organization.
Often loyalty to our faith in our God the Father and His Son, Jesus the Christ, and to being bound/obliged by moral ties to standards of ethics and morals is violated. Examples even are in minor deviations from principles by which we should maintain the character and attributes of God, righteousness, holiness, integrity, and purity (the RHIP we learned in the military).
In our open and liberal society society we are bombarded and deluged daily by "Red Sparrows," of a seemingly innocuous nature, ready, willing, and able through seduction to compromise our loyalty to our Lord, our spouse, and our values and principles. Our senses are stirred up by simple intrusions seemingly as innocent as temptations for example on my AOL screen to view some "sweet young thing," who is garbed in revealing raiment that is "jaw-dropping" or some similar phraseology. These temptations are the simplest to which we are exposed each day.
Our freedom and culture and internet expose us to many web sites that are seductive to our mind and spirit, simple "Red Sparrows," designed to seduce us to disloyalty to ourselves, our faith, and our loved ones, much less to "garble" our thoughts, our choices of what we read, watch, and hear. We must develop a commitment to a strong self-imposed internal installation of an anti-virus system. A strong anti-virus system based upon Holy Scripture is an important starting point to protect ourselves. Some scriptures that are valuable to memorize and incorporate into our lives to be protected in body, soul, and spirit are: (all KJV).
Pray to be bound to the Mind of Christ to have imparted to us from His Mind, Wisdom, Insight, Discernment, Knowledge, and Maturity. (WIDKM).
Pray to be bound to the control by the Holy Spirit of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23); love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,meekness, temperance.
Proverbs 6: 24,25: "To keep thee from the evil woman...lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids."
Galatians 5:16; "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
2 Corinthians 10:5; "...and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."
SUMMARY: There is one Scripture that is the most powerful and helpful to defend us as an anti-virus to the attacks of the Evil One: It is our weapon against the "Red Sparrows" so that we may maintain our loyalty to our God, our faith, our spouses and loved ones, and ourselves:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
PEACE IS PRECIOUS to PEOPLE PRONE TO PROPRIETY
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
[This message may be listed "For Mature Audiences Only"]
Isaiah 32:17 KJV LASB: "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever."
What do "Red Sparrows, Loyalty and Anti-viruses" have in common? Several years ago a veteran CIA agent Jason Matthews was a guest author at a program I attended. He wrote a novel titled Red Sparrow, which also became a movie. The main character is a Russian intelligence officer Dominka Egorova, who became a "Sparrow," a trained seductress. The book's flyleaf relates: "Spies have long relied on the 'honey trap,' whereby vulnerable men and women are intimately compromised." Dominka is taught the "techniques of 'sexpionage' in Russia's secret 'Sparrow School,' hidden outside of Moscow."
In Webster's 1828 dictionary "loyalty" is defined: "Fidelity to a prince or sovereign, or to a husband or lover." The definition of "loyal" is: "...true to plighted faith, duty, or love; not treacherous; used of subjects to their prince, and of a husband, wife, and lovers; as a loyal subject; a loyal wife."
Anyone who uses a computer in today's world is aware of the need for antivirus protection from corrupted or dangerous sites, which can pollute our computers.
In my Vietnam War duty as a Special Forces Army intelligence officer engaged in clandestine activities, it was imperative (for my life's sake) to be aware of disloyal agents, penetration of my agent networks and activities, or "slips of the lip,"away from my unit in social settings, even with Americans or South Vietnamese allies. It was the expectation, demand, and requirement that loyalty to my "prince," my country, be maintained faithfully without failure or compromise. Corporate employment demands the same in loyalty to our organization.
Often loyalty to our faith in our God the Father and His Son, Jesus the Christ, and to being bound/obliged by moral ties to standards of ethics and morals is violated. Examples even are in minor deviations from principles by which we should maintain the character and attributes of God, righteousness, holiness, integrity, and purity (the RHIP we learned in the military).
In our open and liberal society society we are bombarded and deluged daily by "Red Sparrows," of a seemingly innocuous nature, ready, willing, and able through seduction to compromise our loyalty to our Lord, our spouse, and our values and principles. Our senses are stirred up by simple intrusions seemingly as innocent as temptations for example on my AOL screen to view some "sweet young thing," who is garbed in revealing raiment that is "jaw-dropping" or some similar phraseology. These temptations are the simplest to which we are exposed each day.
Our freedom and culture and internet expose us to many web sites that are seductive to our mind and spirit, simple "Red Sparrows," designed to seduce us to disloyalty to ourselves, our faith, and our loved ones, much less to "garble" our thoughts, our choices of what we read, watch, and hear. We must develop a commitment to a strong self-imposed internal installation of an anti-virus system. A strong anti-virus system based upon Holy Scripture is an important starting point to protect ourselves. Some scriptures that are valuable to memorize and incorporate into our lives to be protected in body, soul, and spirit are: (all KJV).
Pray to be bound to the Mind of Christ to have imparted to us from His Mind, Wisdom, Insight, Discernment, Knowledge, and Maturity. (WIDKM).
Pray to be bound to the control by the Holy Spirit of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23); love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,meekness, temperance.
Proverbs 6: 24,25: "To keep thee from the evil woman...lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids."
Galatians 5:16; "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
2 Corinthians 10:5; "...and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."
SUMMARY: There is one Scripture that is the most powerful and helpful to defend us as an anti-virus to the attacks of the Evil One: It is our weapon against the "Red Sparrows" so that we may maintain our loyalty to our God, our faith, our spouses and loved ones, and ourselves:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
PEACE IS PRECIOUS to PEOPLE PRONE TO PROPRIETY
Saturday, January 5, 2019
Avalon Chronicles #95: "Tranquillity Among Tempests and Tragedies"
Avalon Chronicles #95: "Tranquillity Among Tempests and Tragedies"
by the Honorable Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Christmas Eve 2018 was a very special evening. Linda and I worshipped at Saint Andrew's Church in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. This was the same church in which my father was confirmed in about 1940. It is always nostalgic to visit there and to picture my father and mother in their early twenties walking down the same aisle to the altar rail. We attended the Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols, a beautiful and touching service to reflect on the Savior, Jesus the Christ, and His birth in Bethlehem those many centuries ago.
Along with many millions all over the globe, we celebrated God's sending His Son forth into our world to establish a way to achieve eternal life and to reflect an example for righteous living in a world at peace. The sumptuous buffet at our hotel on Christmas Day left me with mixed emotions, my gratitude for the bounteous provision and fellowship with two other couples, contrasted with my continual reminder of those so much less blessed everywhere in the world.
My New York Times issue for Christmas Day caused me to appreciate more fully my blessings in my land of the free and home of the brave, my United States of America. My peace and comfort that day was contrasted by the reports from many corners of death, oppression, corruption and warfare.
Just on this Christmas Day 2018 it was reported: A ten foot-high wave from a tsunami hit Indonesia and caused at least 373 deaths and more than 1459 injured. Apparently a volcano on Anak Krakatau Island erupted and a portion of the island broke off into the sea, causing the tidal wave. (p. A6).
In Nicaragua protestors to the dictatorship of President Daniel Ortega are being hunted down and killed. Protests several months ago resulted in 322 deaths and 565 jailed. Forty years ago "...the leftist Sandinista Front led by Mr. Ortega ousted the Somoza dynasty that had ruled Nicaragua for decades," and today "...he is accused of becoming the very dictator he helped depose all those years ago." Ortega, his vice-president wife, and family members tightly control all the levers of political and commercial powers. (pp. A1, A9). Nicaragua is the same country in the 1980s, wherein was spawned the Iran-Contra controversy.
Protests also developed in Africa's Sudan caused "...by nearly 30 years of frustration over corruption and economic mismanagement." A march to the palace of President Omar al-Bashir was planned for this week. The three year old palace was built by Chinese, who are spreading their nets of influence far and wide globally. (p. A8).
The geographic area where American blood has been spilled for 17 years remains untamed. Government offices in Kabul, Afghanistan were attacked by dissident terrorists, either Taliban or the Islamic State, initiated by a car bomb. At least 29 deaths occurred along with 20 wounded. It took six hours to root out the assailants. (p. A8). (As an aside, an American, who was deployed to Afghanistan in years past told me that in the area in which he was based, the tribal chief had sold the mineral rights in his lands to the Chinese. This served to incense me because, upon our final departure from this blood-soaked country, the Chinese would sweep in and benefit economically from our "pacification" of Afghanistan with "rules of engagement" much less constrained than ours against terrorists).
A giant dam in Ecuador, financed by, guess who, China, expanding its wings of influence into South America, supplanting America's influence, has developed substantial engineering flaws. Originally perceived "...to solve the energy needs and help lift the small South American country out of poverty," instead has burdened the country with insurmountable debt and has not solved its purpose. "'China took advantage of Ecuador,' said Ecuador's energy minister, Carlos Perez. 'The strategy of China is clear. They take economic control of countries.'" Naturally, bribery charges are rampant for the project. (pp. A1, A10). (As an aside, a friend told me the Chinese in their overseas ventures use Chinese labor and not local labor).
Many elites always believe they are untouchable. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is going to jail for seven years "on corruption-related charges." ..."He has been accused of money laundering, tax evasion and receiving kickbacks." (p. A11). Some elitists from the beginning of history believe they are untouchable and anointed and the rules of civility and lawful behavior do not apply to them.
It was 24 hours of a contrast between the tranquillity of my peaceful life among the tempests and tragedies worldwide. Jesus came to earth 2000 years ago to be an example of righteousness and holy living with integrity and purity. We, who attempt to live by those standards, however haltingly and unsuccessfully, may despair of the manifest examples of others, who have failed miserably. But, we must never give up personally in seeking blamelessness in our own circle of life and influence. Only then can we attain a measure of tranquillity among all the tempests and tragedies surrounding us.
by the Honorable Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
Christmas Eve 2018 was a very special evening. Linda and I worshipped at Saint Andrew's Church in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. This was the same church in which my father was confirmed in about 1940. It is always nostalgic to visit there and to picture my father and mother in their early twenties walking down the same aisle to the altar rail. We attended the Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols, a beautiful and touching service to reflect on the Savior, Jesus the Christ, and His birth in Bethlehem those many centuries ago.
Along with many millions all over the globe, we celebrated God's sending His Son forth into our world to establish a way to achieve eternal life and to reflect an example for righteous living in a world at peace. The sumptuous buffet at our hotel on Christmas Day left me with mixed emotions, my gratitude for the bounteous provision and fellowship with two other couples, contrasted with my continual reminder of those so much less blessed everywhere in the world.
My New York Times issue for Christmas Day caused me to appreciate more fully my blessings in my land of the free and home of the brave, my United States of America. My peace and comfort that day was contrasted by the reports from many corners of death, oppression, corruption and warfare.
Just on this Christmas Day 2018 it was reported: A ten foot-high wave from a tsunami hit Indonesia and caused at least 373 deaths and more than 1459 injured. Apparently a volcano on Anak Krakatau Island erupted and a portion of the island broke off into the sea, causing the tidal wave. (p. A6).
In Nicaragua protestors to the dictatorship of President Daniel Ortega are being hunted down and killed. Protests several months ago resulted in 322 deaths and 565 jailed. Forty years ago "...the leftist Sandinista Front led by Mr. Ortega ousted the Somoza dynasty that had ruled Nicaragua for decades," and today "...he is accused of becoming the very dictator he helped depose all those years ago." Ortega, his vice-president wife, and family members tightly control all the levers of political and commercial powers. (pp. A1, A9). Nicaragua is the same country in the 1980s, wherein was spawned the Iran-Contra controversy.
Protests also developed in Africa's Sudan caused "...by nearly 30 years of frustration over corruption and economic mismanagement." A march to the palace of President Omar al-Bashir was planned for this week. The three year old palace was built by Chinese, who are spreading their nets of influence far and wide globally. (p. A8).
The geographic area where American blood has been spilled for 17 years remains untamed. Government offices in Kabul, Afghanistan were attacked by dissident terrorists, either Taliban or the Islamic State, initiated by a car bomb. At least 29 deaths occurred along with 20 wounded. It took six hours to root out the assailants. (p. A8). (As an aside, an American, who was deployed to Afghanistan in years past told me that in the area in which he was based, the tribal chief had sold the mineral rights in his lands to the Chinese. This served to incense me because, upon our final departure from this blood-soaked country, the Chinese would sweep in and benefit economically from our "pacification" of Afghanistan with "rules of engagement" much less constrained than ours against terrorists).
A giant dam in Ecuador, financed by, guess who, China, expanding its wings of influence into South America, supplanting America's influence, has developed substantial engineering flaws. Originally perceived "...to solve the energy needs and help lift the small South American country out of poverty," instead has burdened the country with insurmountable debt and has not solved its purpose. "'China took advantage of Ecuador,' said Ecuador's energy minister, Carlos Perez. 'The strategy of China is clear. They take economic control of countries.'" Naturally, bribery charges are rampant for the project. (pp. A1, A10). (As an aside, a friend told me the Chinese in their overseas ventures use Chinese labor and not local labor).
Many elites always believe they are untouchable. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is going to jail for seven years "on corruption-related charges." ..."He has been accused of money laundering, tax evasion and receiving kickbacks." (p. A11). Some elitists from the beginning of history believe they are untouchable and anointed and the rules of civility and lawful behavior do not apply to them.
It was 24 hours of a contrast between the tranquillity of my peaceful life among the tempests and tragedies worldwide. Jesus came to earth 2000 years ago to be an example of righteousness and holy living with integrity and purity. We, who attempt to live by those standards, however haltingly and unsuccessfully, may despair of the manifest examples of others, who have failed miserably. But, we must never give up personally in seeking blamelessness in our own circle of life and influence. Only then can we attain a measure of tranquillity among all the tempests and tragedies surrounding us.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Avalon Chronicles #94: "Soap: A Simile Both Secular and Spiritual"
Avalon Chronicles #94: "Soap: A Simile Both Secular and Spiritual"
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
By the time one reaches a certain age plateau in life, two major approaches to expression of attitude and belief become evident. One, is that a person becomes somewhat of a curmudgeon, speaking one's mind with complete candor, sometimes in a manner that is offensive or abusive. Another, is to be spiritually aware, but reticent in expression, so as not to be "offending" or "promoting" of one's true opinion, especially in spiritual matters.
Several years ago in conversation with an individual that is on the religious speakers circuit, the topic of voicing one's Christian faith in a secular/public venue was discussed. At one time in past years it was my privilege to be the guest speaker for groups of our military returned from combat areas. I related that I was reserved about expression of my true Christian faith and how it was the means by which I healed from my own issues of Post Traumatic Stress after my severe Vietnam War wounds. It was my desire to avoid any issue of proselyting of my Christian faith. He said, "At your age, what do you have to lose?"
With the approval of my dear wife Linda, I relate to you a recent "message" she received on one of her daily walks. The thought came to her in her period of reflection and prayer as she walks, unfettered by the cares of everyday life. She contemplated the simple symbolism of a bar of soap as it relates to resentment, a sentiment in need of "cleansing." A bar of soap can only be utilized to cleanse oneself bodily, if mixed with water to release its cleansing properties.
So too only can one be cleansed of resentment, if covered by the living water of the Holy Spirit, smoothing over the venial sin of harboring a perceived insult or hurt, with confession to our God in the Name of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit with the receipt of forgiveness and restoration. The pain remains, but healing grace (unmerited favor) is provided with its softening elements.
A bar of soap now sits beside Linda adjacent to her recliner, a visible and demonstrable reminder of this holy truth placed within her spirit.
by Allen B. Clark allenbclark@aol.com
www.combatfaith.com www.combatfaith.blogspot.com
By the time one reaches a certain age plateau in life, two major approaches to expression of attitude and belief become evident. One, is that a person becomes somewhat of a curmudgeon, speaking one's mind with complete candor, sometimes in a manner that is offensive or abusive. Another, is to be spiritually aware, but reticent in expression, so as not to be "offending" or "promoting" of one's true opinion, especially in spiritual matters.
Several years ago in conversation with an individual that is on the religious speakers circuit, the topic of voicing one's Christian faith in a secular/public venue was discussed. At one time in past years it was my privilege to be the guest speaker for groups of our military returned from combat areas. I related that I was reserved about expression of my true Christian faith and how it was the means by which I healed from my own issues of Post Traumatic Stress after my severe Vietnam War wounds. It was my desire to avoid any issue of proselyting of my Christian faith. He said, "At your age, what do you have to lose?"
With the approval of my dear wife Linda, I relate to you a recent "message" she received on one of her daily walks. The thought came to her in her period of reflection and prayer as she walks, unfettered by the cares of everyday life. She contemplated the simple symbolism of a bar of soap as it relates to resentment, a sentiment in need of "cleansing." A bar of soap can only be utilized to cleanse oneself bodily, if mixed with water to release its cleansing properties.
So too only can one be cleansed of resentment, if covered by the living water of the Holy Spirit, smoothing over the venial sin of harboring a perceived insult or hurt, with confession to our God in the Name of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit with the receipt of forgiveness and restoration. The pain remains, but healing grace (unmerited favor) is provided with its softening elements.
A bar of soap now sits beside Linda adjacent to her recliner, a visible and demonstrable reminder of this holy truth placed within her spirit.
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