D-Day Plus Seventy Years

This year marks the 70th anniversary of one of the world's most important military events ever. It occurred during World War II on June 6th, 1944 on the shores of France. It is known simply as D-Day. On that incredible day, the combined Allied forces invaded the beaches at Normandy in what remains the largest sea-borne invasion in human history. The bloody and costly event eventually led to the restoration of the French Republic and contributed to an Allied victory in the war.

Infantry and armored divisions began landing on the coast of France starting at 06:30. The target was a 50-mile stretch of the coastline. The invasion fleet itself was beyond staggering by any estimation. It included 6,939 vessels: 1,213 warships,4,126 landing crafts, 736 ancillary craft, and 864 merchant vessels. There were some 195,000 personnel involved in the operation

Many have seen intense films depicting the horrific and bloody conditions on the five beaches involved. Some of the invading crafts sunk before even reaching the shoreline, and many soldiers who did make their way to dry land were totally exposed and quickly mowed down by the entrenched German forces. And now, with 70 years having passed, it is obvious that many who fought there reside somewhere in eternity today and hopefully in heaven. You can read more about the history-altering event at the beautiful National D-Day Memorial website by clicking here.

But one of the most amazing and intriguing aspects of this event was the nationwide radio prayer broadcast of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on June 6th just as the battle was getting underway. His very own words can be found on our website. If you listen in, you will find the spiritual depth of his comments to be quite amazing, especially coming from the lips of the Commander-in-Chief whose thoughts were likely heard by most of the nation and perhaps much of the world. What he said could have literally come directly from the pulpit of almost any evangelical Bible-centered church. His address to the Almighty was as profound as the situation spoken to was dire. And, of course, his bold requests that hour would later be answered by the God they were clearly and unashamedly directed to.

But we have come a long way since back then - mostly the wrong way. Prayer from the lips of most of our political leaders is quite rare, very shallow or just plain non-existent. It is just politically incorrect today and viewed by the current electorate as too religious or spiritually oriented. That is beyond tragic, and even more dangerous, for a nation again struggling on numerous fronts. Only this time around, many of the threats and enemies are internal and within our own borders.

It is time for a serious and sweeping revival in a slipping and struggling nation. It is high time for serious prayer in our own houses and in the White House! It is time to call on our leaders to recapture the same spirit that our President had so long ago. And the time is now to conduct an all out "invasion" of national prayer, true humility and personal repentance. This is the prescribed Biblical ingredients and spiritual pattern that alone can heal any culture and preserve any people as promised in 2 Chronicles 7:14.

It is the time for us all to do our parts - time to fervently seek God on behalf of our families, churches and nation. Beseech Him now to answer affirmatively to our many pressing needs just as He did in back in WWII. And pray, on this special 70th anniversary of D-Day, that America will somehow see that the time is right now to realize again that, "Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." (Psalm 27:1)

Bill Breckenridge

Memorial Day and the Ultimate Sacrifices

It is the official start to the summer season. Millions are hitting the highways on the journey to some choice spot for holiday fun and festivities. For others, it means a backyard celebration with family and friends for a home cookout or picnic. And yet for some, it is perhaps just a day off from work or a trip to the mall to catch some advertised sales event.

The core of this special holiday is all about service. It is about those who served their country and fellow citizens to the point of sacrificing their own lives. These are more than worthy of their own special day and one that honors what they did for the benefit of all.

But remembering those who gave their all should also give rise to another memory. It is the sacrifice of just one that amazingly eclipses even what America's past military heroes have collectively done. And it is truly the ultimate in loving and serving others. This divine act originated from none other than the very One who created everyone and everything – Jesus Christ. The writer of Philippians spelled out quite vividly what God did for those He created and loves beyond comprehension. And the passage itself begins with an admonition for His followers to have the same attitude of sacrificial service as did their Savior.

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,  who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,  but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond-servant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:5-8)

On this Memorial Day, and if you are a Christian, do take time to be thankful for both of the above mentioned sacrifices. One has granted you unmatched physical freedom and the other priceless spiritual liberty. Taken together, they represent the most blessed way of life this side of Heaven.

Never take either for granted knowing that, while what Christ did for you is forever secure, even a great country like ours is subject to decline and ruin. So do pray this weekend that the Lord, who has mightily "shed His grace" on America, is never ever forgotten. And pray fervently that this amazingly blessed nation will continue prospering with God being rightfully honored and the wise words of Proverbs being carefully applied.

"Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)

Have a great and blessed holiday!

Bill Breckenridge

Banning Profanity? Seriously?

A few weeks ago, CCN reported a somewhat surprising and very interesting new law just signed into being by Vladimir Putin. Most of what the controversial Russia leader has done in recent times has not exactly been favorable by most standards. But this time it is a little different and something few would not have seen coming.

The Russian president actually placed a ban on foul language that prohibits swearing at all arts, cultural and entertainment events in the country. The Kremlin stated of the new statute, which goes into effect on July 1st, “If you produce a film with obscene language in Russia you won't be able to show it in a theater.” Also, any books, CDs and DVDs that contain profanity will have to be distributed in a sealed package and will now have a visible warning label attached. There are also various fines involved for those who break the new law with any inappropriate language. While this certainly seems like a positive step morally speaking, it remains most unfortunate that Mr. Putin can’t seem do better concerning the dire crisis raging in the Ukraine.

A question quickly arises about what was just done in Russia. It is this: Could this ever even be attempted in America where the constitution seems to guarantee complete freedom of speech? That question was  addressed in an article by Bryan Fischer on onenewsnow.com. He is the current Director of Issues Analysis for the American Family Association. Rather than trying to covey his words on the subject, simply click here to read his exact thoughts on the issue.

But one of his primary points was that free speech was never intended in America to protect foul language, blasphemy and profanity. Fischer put it this way: “The free-speech plank of the First Amendment was intended by the Founding Fathers to protect political speech – not profanity, vulgarity, obscenity or pornography.” His article included examples of laws that remain on the books even today that prohibit blasphemy against God and the Scriptures. One from Massachusetts reads:

Section 36. “Whoever willfully blasphemes the holy name of God by denying, cursing or contumeliously reproaching God, his creation, government or final judging of the world, or by cursing or contumeliously reproaching Jesus Christ or the Holy Ghost, or by cursing or contumeliously reproaching or exposing to contempt and ridicule, the holy word of God contained in the holy scriptures shall be punished by imprisonment in jail for not more than one year or by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars, and may also be bound to good behavior.” (By the way, "contumeliously" means being insolent, abusive or humiliating.)

Our culture has certainly drifted  a very long way from the kind of standards this former law declares, have we not? Again, do take the time to read that entire article if you are at all interested in this topic.

But with all of this said, foul language is an absolute epidemic in modern-day America. Any brief exposure to a crowd will typically confirm so. To say that TV and the movies are submerged in it and promote it, would be a vast understatement. But even more sad are the overall language habits of a growing segment of the population – especially the younger generations. I have repeatedly been stunned to hear terrible language from the lips of many kids today, including from girls at very young ages. That was unheard of when I was growing up. Not only do teens and younger now say anything and everything they please, but there seems to be no shame or any regard for anyone in hearing distance. My son returned home recently from a church-sponsored event and was shocked at the language used by many there in that supposedly wholesome setting.

The title of the above mentioned article was, "Russia bans profanity – why don't we?" As wonderful as that may be, it is highly unlikely that it would ever be attempted in a "rights"-oriented nation like America. The bottom line is that any "ban" on profanity will have to be imposed by each individual on him or herself. It would need to be undertaken on a personal level and for personal reasons. And, for the Christian, there are also be biblical reasons to take into account.

So does the Bible anywhere specifically stress or command believers to carefully watch what they say and avoid what they should not say? The answer to that question should be obvious and almost a matter or common sense when knowing the holy character of God Himself.

But for those who may need a proof text, try Colossians 3:8. “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.” Then in James we see the tongue of man described as a "deadly poison" that is set on course by hell itself when it is used to curse others. And in Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus offered some sobering words of His own. “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." What exits our mouths is of great consequence both now and apparently in the future as well!

So it appears clear what is expected of us all in this realm. But the "how to" is also quite straightforward when consulting God's vantage point on the matter. And perhaps the best starting place is to apply the instructions laid out in Philippians 4:8. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.”

It is no secret that what is taken into the mind most is precisely what will exit the mouth most in one form or another. A good example is the little phrase from the computer realm that says, "Garbage in = garbage out". If so, then "meditating" on the right things, biblical things and spiritual things must be priority one. This is particularly crucial to Christians who are expected to be holy in "all manner" of their conduct as is the God they serve. (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Lastly, believers are clearly instructed to attain the high level of consistent verbal praise and words that  are worthy of the Savior who purchased their redemption at a price they will likely never fully grasp – even in Heaven!  

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

Bill Breckenridge

Weather At Its Worst

This week brought some of the most devastating weather in recent memory. Beginning on Sunday night, several destructive tornadoes ripped across the mid-west touching down in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Iowa and Missouri. At least 17 deaths were reported and perhaps more. Then on Monday, a second round blew through areas of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. Another 16 plus deaths were also reported. In addition, the severe weather impacted some southern states with widespread flooding.

There truly is little or nothing that can be done to protect personal property when storms of this magnitude occur. The feeling of utter helplessness must be beyond explanation. Those who do not live in areas that are prone to this kind of sudden and total destruction simply cannot fathom what it must be like to live under such an ever-present threat.

The Bible speaks to this issue when it says that, “Man is born to trouble” (Job 5:7) And Scripture speaks how the entire creation literally "groans" because of the fall in the garden so long ago. (Romans 8:22) That groaning was seen in a vivid fashion this past week by some that lost all they had – and even family and friends.

But the word of God does offer advice whether we live in Tornado Alley or in a seemingly very "safe" place. It comes through the words of wisdom in Proverbs 27:1. “Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Those are wise words because they often ring true and because their source is an all-knowing God.

The other aspect of facing the uncertainties of life in a fragile world is to possess the proper spiritual perspective. This is referred to in Matthew 6:33-34. We read there, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

This one short passage deals with how to prevent worry and fear from crippling us even before any trials do strike. When God’s ways are life's driving force, we are given an amazing promise found in Philippians 4:6-7. The Apostle Paul writes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Seeking God regularly and making prayer preeminent is how we best prepare for the storms of life – whether they come from 200-mph winds, a pink slip at the office or the results of that serious and dreaded  medical test. God has promised to guard our thoughts and provide peace when we seek Him first and foremost. Of course many Christians can, and often do, desperately seek the Lord only after some unexpected crisis has begun. And He is always faithful and fully safe to trust. But it is far better to be in close communication with Him long before any furious winds of life begin to howl.

But can the Lord really deal with any tempest in your life today? Is He really able no matter what the storm may be right now? If that is a question in your heart and mind, then perhaps again consider His divine power and supernatural ability from the account described in Matthew 8:24-27.

“And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We are perishing!' But He said to them, 'Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?' Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, 'Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?'"

If the literal wind and sea of nature obey Him, then what in our lives is beyond Him when we do the same?

Bill Breckenridge

Proof of Christ's Resurrection

This post by David Virkler from several years ago shares timeless insights on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are pleased to share it again.

An empty tomb and a risen Lord Jesus Christ are twin proofs that Jesus is indeed "my Lord and my God," as Thomas said (John 20:28).

How do we know that the resurrection is a fact and not merely the fictional creation of misguided hopefuls? Let’s list some reasons:

1. The disciples were surprised by Christ’s resurrection. They didn’t make it up.

2. There were multiple appearances to individuals. Christ appeared to the 11 remaining disciples, one of whom was doubting Thomas who needed compelling physical proof. A further appearance was to over 500 simultaneously, which undermined the apparition idea (2 Corinthians 15:6).

3. Jewish historian Josephus, who wrote for second century Romans, mentions that Christ’s resurrection was believed by contemporary disciples. "He was the Christ, and when Pilate at the suggestion of the principle men, had condemned him to the cross, they that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things about him."

4. No body was ever found. If it had been, Christianity would have been dead out of the starting blocks.

5. Everything believers hold sacred would be a farce according to 2 Corinthians 15:12-19. Christian preaching would be empty. Christian doctrine would be a farce. Christian ministers would be frauds. Believers would be deceived. We would yet be in our sins. The dead in Christ would have perished. We would have only the temporal and no Heaven.

6. Perhaps the best proof arising in modern times is the conversion of Charles Colson of Watergate infamy and later of Prison Fellowship fame. I once heard him personally tell this story, which is featured in a recorded message entitled "Thank God for Watergate." In it Colson says:

”The evidence is that twelve men were with Jesus. Twelve men testified that they had seen Him bodily raised from the dead. They were with Him…. After He ascended into heaven, they went about the sands of the Holy Land for forty years proclaiming that Jesus Christ had been bodily raised from the dead never once denying Him, every single one of them beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. Could they have done that if that were not true?

”In less than three weeks [after the Watergate scandal broke], John Dean…walked into the prosecutor’s to make a deal to bargain to save [his] own skin. … The moment he did that, everybody went flying in to try to make a deal with the prosecutor. Twelve most powerful men in the world couldn’t keep a lie for three weeks. You’re going to tell me that those twelve apostles for forty years would go about the sands of the Holy land proclaiming they had seen Jesus raised from the dead? Absolutely impossible. The Apostle Peter would have turned state’s evidence—he had already done it. … The truth is that people will give their lives for something they believe to be true. They will never give their lives for something they believe to be false. The historic evidence is overwhelming.

”If this Book is true, it challenges every single one of us to look at the most important question in life. Is Jesus Christ who He says He is? And if He is, your life can never be the same once you answer that question. And there’s only one way you can answer that question because the evidence is more powerful than any case I ever argued in all the years that I was a lawyer arguing cases in court. It’s true. Most of us spend our lives running away from it because we know that if we embrace it will change our lives."

These are amazing words from a former top presidential advisor who praises God for Watergate because it proved to him the truth of the resurrection. Believing the resurrection is vital to salvation. Romans 10:9-10 says, "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Dave Virkler