Daily Devotional

– November 11, 2020-

Good morning, happy Wednesday, happy Veteran’s Day,

-Thank God For Our Veterans-

“Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.”’

(Psalm 144:1).

Veteran’s Day traces it roots all the way back to the armistice ending WWI at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. WWI was called the war to end all wars. Sadly, we have fought so many wars since then, including WWII. We owe a great debt to every man and woman who have served our country in the military. They have fought to preserve and protect our freedom.

Though I have not served in the military myself, I have the highest respect for those who did. My father who was a WWII veteran. My two great uncles were veterans of WWI and WWII respectively. Whenever I see a man or woman in uniform, I always thank them for their service. We have several men and women in our church who have served our country. One gentleman just passed away at the end of 2019. As we age as a nation, there are fewer veterans from WWI and WWII. That being said we have a number of newer veterans from the Iraq wars and the war in Afghanistan, as well as the Korean War and the war in Vietnam. Many died and many returned home wounded, not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. Those facing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) suffer greatly.

Far too many of our veterans have committed suicide and are homeless on our streets with substance abuse problems. Those who served us need our help so badly in so many ways. With COVID-19 our celebration of Veteran’s Day will be virtual this year. The President will continue the fine tradition of laying a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery in Washington D.C.

David was a shepherd boy/musician turned soldier and eventually king over Judah and then all Israel. He fought many battles in many wars for the Lord and His people and was victorious in every one of them. He was undefeated not because he was a great warrior, soldier, and commander, though he was, but he was victorious and successful because of the Lord. He prayed before each battle for the Lord’s direction and help, and he gave all the glory to the Lord for his victories.

His words in our text today are so encouraging, “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my fingers for battle.” David looked to the Lord and thanked Him. He also wrote in Psalm 18:34, “He teaches my hands to make war, so I can bend a bow of bronze.” He And exclaimed in 2 Samuel 22:30, “For by You I can run against a troop; By my God I can leap over a wall.”

We as believers are soldiers for Christ. We fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil. We must put on the whole armor of God as Paul taught us in Ephesians 6:10-18. Paul told Timothy, “You must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself in the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:3-4). We are in a spiritual battle every day of our lives until we go home to heaven.

Let us remember and honor our veterans today, pray for those who are serving now, and fight the spiritual battles as soldiers of Jesus Christ. We have a lot to be grateful for and to be proud of.

Have a blessed Veteran’s Day honoring our veterans and fighting the good fight of faith. Stay safe and healthy.

Dean

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