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Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
The following is a story of an imagined participant in the Battle of Gettysburg. This battle was a turning point for the United States, and the hopes and dreams of those involved are landmarks to the heart and soul of our nation. In anticipation of our annual Gettysburg battlefield training, TJC authors have taken creative liberty to generate some of those hopes, informed by history, that resonate through generations to our present time. Our hope is that it ministers to your spirit.
Sir, I want you to know that I didn't die. We had a time of it, out there, didn't we?
….The last thing I remembered was marching and Tim was next to me. We’d joined up the 57th Virginia together and Tim was looking down that smoky field saying I hope Picket knows what he’s doing cause this don’t look good - when his half of his head come off. I got punched in the stomach but looked down and my guts hanging out so I fell down. Something grazed my face and my ear flapping around - blood in my face. Someone tripped over me. Next thing - I could smell the grass and the blood. Someone I didn’t recognize was howling for mama and then I realized...it was me.
Then there was the sound and the smoke and all I could see was that afternoon sun. Oh the pain! Screams and screaming and that hot sun for the longest time.
The sun was falling low in the sky and there you were. You had bandages in your hands and was walking in another direction when I called out. I was in an out of consciousness. You were over top of me, crying.
You said I can’t help you on this earth son, but I can help you in the next. Do you believe in Jesus Christ? I said YES but I could only cough. You had your ear to my mouth and my blood and spit all over you. You said let us pray - pray with me son! - “ Jesus Christ, my Lord and savior, I am not worthy to receive you but only say the words and I shall be healed. Father, please receive this young man into your Kingdom.” I prayed with you but I could only cough. My eyes grew dark. I saw you crying, breaking up. I saw you close my eyes.
And then the brightness of the Kingdom enveloped me! The one with pierced hands picked me up. He said that he heard me praying with a soldier of God. I said, but Father I was coughing blood! - He laughed and said I know what you meant, son. Besides, whenever two of my children are together, you know I’m there! We went for a long long walk. All my family is here. This wondrous land sir! Sir, I did not die! I’ll see you here soon!
DAILY BATTLE ORDER: In your walk with Jesus Christ what is the inventory of your faith? Do you believe that the Lord won’t forget you? Do you have faith in the Good News that Jesus Christ did die for your sins? That would seem an elementary thing for Christians, but the evil one wants you to doubt the outrageous love of Jesus Christ.
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SIGN UP FOR GETTYSBURG: Calling all Kingdom Men! The Joshua Commission will hold its annual Gettysburg Battlefield training 15-16 October or meet us on the battlefield on 16 October at 0830
https://joshuacommission.org/gettysburg-battlefield-training-2021/
Click the link above to sign up. Please join us in Gettysburg, experience genuine fellowship with Christian men, and equip yourself for Victory as a prince and warrior in God’s kingdom!
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