Armed Forces Day

Psalm 144:1

Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.

Psalm 18:34

He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Ecclesiastes 3:8

A time for war, and a time for peace

Via TJC

Armed Forces Day is Saturday May 16^th, and was created in 1949 to honor all active duty service members across all branches of the military, and to promote patriotism and showcase the might of military hardware.  

I urge each of you today to become curious and explore at least one aspect of the military you are not familiar with.  Explore the various jobs in each branch, look at all the various equipment and the variety of missions that are displayed in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Space Force.  

I had the privilege of serving from 1981 – 1993 flying as a Naval Aviator, accumulating over 3,000 hours of flight time as a helicopter Search and Rescue pilot as well as a Flight Instructor.  I am so old my aircraft carrier is now a museum, the USS MIDWAY, and I actually landed on an active battleship.  I have a son who is an active duty Lieutenant Colonel in the Army.  My experiences, coupled with actively tracking what has been happening in the military for the last 15+ years with my boy, has created a deep appreciation of the blessings we have living in a country that invests in the ability to defend our freedom.

Politics aside, scripture is clear that there will there will be battles not only against an unseen world (Ephesians 6:12) but real world battles against evil (Ecclesiastes 3:8, Matthew 24:6, Mark 13:7, Luke 21:9).  Understanding that, America invests in the war fighters, and the arms necessary to accomplish the ever changing, ever evolving missions.  The bow of bronze that David mentions in Psalms has certainly evolved.  

Build an appreciation today for majesty, might and mission of our Armed Forces, and ensure your prayers are for a deep appreciation to the God that has us living in this amazing country, for His provision and protection of those that defend us; and the sacrifice of the men and women who remain vigilant around the world to wrap us in this freedom.