by Terry Laughlin | Apr 12, 2016 | Patriotism
Spiritual Truth In The Folding Of The American Flag
Have you ever taken time to watch the flag being folded and then handed to a loved one at the graveside of a military serviceman/woman who gave their life in service to this country. I have often wondered if there was any meaning to each fold. Research shows that there is no official nor required meaning that should be given as the American Flag is being folded. (TruthOrFiction.com; Snope.com) However, there is no shortage of scripts available that can be read aloud during a flag folding. There is a meaning of the 13 folds of the folding of the American Flag that is not without importance. This script has an unknown author, however reflects a spiritual heart that has a Biblical understand of the heart of God, the heart of mankind and truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This writing shows a Holy Spirit enlightenment of the whole of Scripture: The American Flag is Folded Thirteen Times
“The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His Divine guidance. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, ‘Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.’ The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. With the final fold the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, ‘In God We Trust.'”
“Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” (Romans 13:7)
by Terry Laughlin | Apr 12, 2016 | Patriotism
Armed Forces Day is set aside for us to give recognition and appreciation to those who are presently serving in all the different branches of service. We need to get creative in showing our service men and women appreciation, Biblically we can intercede for them. The Word of God lays out a format which can be followed in battling enemies of a nation with a motto, “The People of God” or “In God We Trust.” There are those who are trained to go and fight, there are those who are commissioned to pray. This is clearly seen in Exodus 17:10-13. Exodus records the events of a battle commissioned by Moses and anointed by God to fight against the Amalekites who threatened the people of God. The warrior leading the Lord’s army was Joshua, whose name means “Yahweh is salvation.” The Bible says, “So Joshua fought the Amalekites… Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelite’s were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired… Aaron and Hur held up his hands… so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.”
How should we pray for our service men and women?
- Pray that the families, relatives and friends of our military members may be strengthened in this time of concern and anxiety.
- Pray that the Lord may help families with men and women in the armed forces to cope with daily challenges in the absence of their loved ones.
- Pray for our brothers and sisters as they go forth with courage and determination to face the forces of violence, weapons of destruction and hearts filled with hate.
- Pray that in the midst of destruction, the Lord will guide our service men and women, that they may be reunited with families.
- Pray for faith, hope, and comfort for all who are waiting for their soldiers to come home.
- Pray that departing soldiers will come to Christ and that they may be faithful, daily as they trust Him in the land of danger.
- Pray that those who are married will seek the Lord for strength to be faithful to each other in this time of separation.
- Pray that the Lord will reveal His companionship, strength and wisdom to all serving our country.
Jesus said, there will be war until the end of time. (Matthew 24:16; Mark 13:7) Will you be like Moses, Aaron and Hur, prayer intercessors for those who answer the call to serve those you live in the United States of America. Will you place your mission to pray first this month for our Armed Forces?
by Terry Laughlin | Apr 12, 2016 | Patriotism
Armed Forces Day is time set aside to recognize members of the Armed Forces that are currently serving. In 1947, the Armed Forces of the US were united under one department which was renamed the Department of Defense in 1949. President Harry S. Truman supported the creation of the day for the nation to unite in support and recognition of our military members and their families.
In 1 Chronicles chapter 11: 10-47 we read of King David’s mighty men. There were the three and the thirty, warriors who protected David and fought in battles for the people of God. The Bible has “the list of David’s mighty warriors.” (1 Chronicles 11:11-47) In the battle against the Philistines, the Bible says, “[they] struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.” (1 Chronicles 11:14) In Genesis 14, we read of Abram taking 318 soldiers to fight the four kings who took Lot captive. After the defeat of the Kings, and the rescue of Lot and his possessions. We read of Melchizedek, a high priest saying, “Blessed be Abram, by God Most High, Creator of the heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” (Genesis 14:19-20) In the Book of Joshua we read, “So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his army, including all the best fighting men. The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them, I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.'” (Joshua 10:7-8)
America’s Founding father, John Jay, (1745-1829) was a strong Christian, serving as vice-president of the American Bible Society (1816-1821) and its president (1821-1827). In a series of letters, he expounds on the Biblical view of war. He writes: “Whether war of every description is prohibited by the gospel, is one of those questions on which the excitement of any of the passions can produce no light. An answer to it can result only from careful investigation and fair reasoning. I believe they are as lawful to the offending party in our days, as they were in the days of Abraham… If wars of every kind and description are prohibited by the moral law, I see no way of reconciling such a [restriction] with those parts of Scripture which record institutions, declarations, and interposition’s of the Almighty which manifestly [prove] the contrary. If every war is sinful, how did it happen that the sin of waging any war is not specified among the numerous sins and offenses which are mentioned and reproved in both the Testaments?” (Wall Builders, David Barton; Presenting America’s Forgotten History)
It appears in Scripture, in the rising up and protection of the United States of America, war seems to have its necessity. There are Biblical and governmental truths for us live by in regard to Armed Forces.
by Terry Laughlin | Apr 8, 2016 | Patriotism
Is A National Proclamation
Armed Forces Day is set aside for us to give recognition and appreciation to those who are presently serving in all the different branches of service. Catch these facts and quotes: “The creation of Armed Forces Day was announced on August 31, 1949 by Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson. It was meant to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days.” General George Washington said, “One of the best ways to keep peace is to be prepared for war.” “As of September 2013, there are 1,387,493 personal serving in active duty in the United States. As of September 2011, there were just over 214,000 women serving in active duty. That is 14.6% of all active duty personal.”
In 1999 Senator John McCain introduced legislation to designate the month of May, National Military Appreciation Month. Both the Senate and House of Representatives adopted resolutions calling Americans to recognize and honor U.S. Service Members. These proclamations also urge the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the six national observances.
Loyalty Day: May 1rst. kicks off the Nation’s month-long celebration of military appreciation. It is a day set aside for the affirmation of loyalty to the United States and to reflect on the proud heritage of our American freedom.
Public Service Recognition Week: Known as PSRW Celebrated the first week in May. A time set aside to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees and ensure that our government is the best in the world.”
Victory in Europe Day: May 08, 1945 is the day the Germans throughout Europe unconditionally surrendered to WWII Allies.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day: Traditionally set on the Friday before Mother’s Day – A day to honor military spouses. Communities are to have ceremonies and activities. Recognizing the important role our military families play in keeping our Armed Forces strong and our country safe.
Armed Forces Day: The theme for 2015, ‘Honor Those Who Have Answered the Call to Serve.’ On the third Saturday of the month of May. A single day for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. Honoring everyone in the U.S. Military Branches.
Memorial Day: A Federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May. A remembrance of our veterans, commemorating the men and women who died while in military service.
God, thru government has proclaimed to the resident of the U.S.A. make time to show appreciation to men and women who serve in all the military branches for the protection of this country.
Recent Comments