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The Pilgrim Path (11-11-2020)

The Pilgrim Path---Psalm 33: 20—22

Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and shield.

For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.

Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

VETERANS DAY

Many veterans have worked with me through the years. The ones that I have remembered, were the combat veterans. A few of them adjusted to society with relative ease---most of them did not. Several gentlemen attempted to help me with my janitorial services labors’ years ago---most moved on. I recall distinctly “Melvin.” He worked with me for about a year. He had been a machine gunner in a helicopter in Vietnam. A most dangerous job. Fly close to the ground---cover with his weapon-- while people and material were on & off. Many of these people never came back from their tour of duty. He made multiple tours and returned home to Jackson, MS. By the grace of God, with faith in Christ, he lived to come back. He was never the same. How could you be the same after that?

We ask much of people in the military. Separation from family. Different places to live. Strains in cultures---maybe move their entire family. The costs can be enormous. The LORD help them All!

My father was a combat veteran in the Second World War. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He survived. He would have been 101 years old this past August. That is amazing! I conducted his funeral service in 1985. My parents used to laughingly say that I was a surprise. They had hoped I might be a girl---My Mom had even picked the name: Katherine. I am glad they decided to give me a different name. Back to my Dad---he fought the war every night of his life. He had to take the life of other people---or be killed. He was an infantryman. I do not remember him sleeping soundly. Night terrors were his (too many episodes replayed---all those years). So---do not diminish the long-term scars that some souls struggle with--- or carry. You do not flip a switch or simply take a pill to rectify these matters…Only the Prince of Life, the LORD Jesus Christ---can begin to heal your body and soul…

Here is an Award Citation from one of my Dad’s Bronze Star Medal Award Citations:

HEADQUARTERS 30th INFANTRY DIVISION / OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL

Technician Grade 5 Jack D. Shelton, 20452441, 117th Infantry Regiment, United States Army, is awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement in action from August 7 1944 to 9 August 1944, in France. Technician Shelton distinguished himself by outstanding performance of duty as a member of a communication group during an engagement with the enemy in the vicinity of St. Barthelmy, France. Despite the fact he was required to travel over roads which were being heavily shelled by the enemy, Technician Shelton accomplished all tasks assigned him with great dispatch. His exemplary conduct and outstanding performance in the face of great personal danger reflect credit on Technician Shelton and the Armed Forces. Entered military service from North Carolina.

L.S. Hobbs

Major General ---U. S. ARMY, Commanding

Like they say, “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE"

To Those Who have served---AND to Those WHO are serving---THANK YOU!

Here are some Chaplains currently deployed by the Presbyterian & Reformed Joint Commission on Chaplains, of the United States Military. They ---and their families could use your prayers:

Ki (Paul) Kim to Middle East

Joshua Jackson to Iraq

Inhwan Noh to Kuwait

Matt Schilling to Japan

Jonathan Craig to Navy Region—Japan

Drew Arrington to Europe

Andrew Barshinger to Kuwait

Scott Cauble aboard ship

Mike Davis to Korea

Andy Pyrch to Afghanistan

Jameson Abidoye to Iraq

HYMN

Refresh thy people on their toilsome way,

Lead us from night to never ending day;

Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,

And glory, laud, and praise be ever thine.

Daniel C. Roberts, 1876

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason