FReeper canteen ~ Sunday Chapel ~ CONFLICTING LOYALTIES ~ 05 May 2019

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | The Canteen Crew

[Kathy in Alaska]

 

 

 

 

CONFLICTING LOYALTIES

An interviewer once asked the late Senator Sam Ervin, Jr. how he had developed such insight into human behavior. "I had a good teacher, Henry Horace Williams," replied Ervin. "He said the things that try people's souls do not consist of choosing between good and evil. The thing that tries a person's soul is having to choose between conflicting loyalties."

Ervin went on to say that understanding that concept had not only helped him make better decisions, but to judge other people more fairly as well. Sometimes unwise choices were simply the result of misplaced loyalty. "A lot of times I just couldn't support measures advocated by Democratic presidents," he said. "I felt that my controlling interest was for my country, and I voted for what I thought was best for my country."

That sentiment is reflected in a poem written by Josiah Gilbert Holland back in the 1800's. Entitled "God, Give Us Men," it was dusted off and "updated" 1993 by Fr. Brian Cavanaugh of St. Francis College in Loretto, PA (by changing "men" to "leaders"). Then, as the new administration took office, Fr. Cavanaugh sent them copies:

"God give us leaders! A time like this demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith, and ready hands;
Leaders whom the lust of office does not kill;
Leaders whom the spoils of office cannot buy;
Leaders who possess opinions and a will;
Leaders who have honor; Leaders who will not lie;
Leaders who can stand before a demagogue
And damn the treacherous flatteries without winking!
Tall leaders, sun crowned, who live above the fog
In public duty and private thinking.
For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds,
Their large professions and their little deeds,
Mingle in selfish strife, lo! Freedom weeps,
Wrong rules the land, and waiting justice sleeps."

Strong words...idealistic...and powerful if heeded . But not just for our elected officials, for ALL of us! Because our leaders tend to reflect, and pursue, the kind of loyalties that voters and opinion polls tell them we think are important. What we value, and exemplify, and tolerate, does much to set the course for our communities. It's one thing to say we want strong families, better schools, safer neighborhoods, and more caring communities. But those things don't just happen because of legislation or new programs. They happen because someone cares enough to become the kind of leader Holland so clearly described.

Each of us will have some opportunity, some small part, today in setting the tone and the agenda which will invariably affect the quality of our life -- both shared and individual. What values will guide us? Where will we place our highest loyalty? The prophet Jeremiah assured his people, "For I know the thoughts I think toward you says the Lord, thoughts of peace... to give you a future and a hope. And you will seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29: 11-13) Jesus advised a similar focus: "Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness," he said, "and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) May God guide our priorities, helping each of us to demonstrate the right kind of leadership.

CAPT J. David Atwater, CHC, USN

 

[The Mayor]

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

May 5

Small but Significant

Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 19–20; Luke 23:1–25

On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. 2 Corinthians 1:10–11 The day started out like any other, but it ended as a nightmare. Esther (not her real name) and several hundred women were kidnapped from their boarding school by a religious militant group. A month later all were released—except for Esther who refused to deny Christ. As my friend and I read about her and others who are being persecuted for their faith, our hearts were moved. We wanted to do something. But what?

When writing to the Corinthian church, the apostle Paul shared about the trouble he experienced in the province of Asia. The persecution was so severe that he and his companions “despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8). However, Paul was helped by the prayers of believers (v. 11). Though the Corinthian church was many miles away from the apostle, their prayers mattered and God heard them. Herein lies an amazing mystery: the sovereign One has chosen to use our prayers to accomplish His purpose. What a privilege!

Today we can continue to remember our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for their faith. There’s something we can do. We can pray for those who are marginalized, oppressed, beaten, tortured, and sometimes even killed for their belief in Christ. Let’s pray for them to experience God’s comfort and encouragement and to be strengthened with hope as they stand firmly with Jesus.

By Poh Fang Chia

Today's Reflection

Who can you commit to praying for by name this week? When have you experienced God’s faithfulness during a time of persecution?

[The Mayor]

Amen, great read. Thank you Kathy!

[SkyDancer]

~ " Hi Ya!!!" ~

~ Home And Chillin' ~

~ ~

~ Good Evening ~

~ Welcome To My World ~

Frontier Flights - I'm Down There Somewhere

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.

What a timely message. Thanks!

A Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours.

Hope you practiced resting today.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Janey…((HUGS)...Shavua Tov and a Blessed Lord’s Day.

Hope you have nice “just hangin’ around” weather.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Dear God:
I ask that no Airman, Coast Guardsman,
Marine, Sailor, Soldier, Reservist, National Guardsman, or Merchant Marine
feel alone or forgotten.

O Israel, hope in the Lord;
For with the Lord there is loving kindness,
And with Him is abundant redemption.
And He will redeem Israel
From all his iniquities.

Psalm 130:7 & 8

[SkyDancer]

Hai (((HUGS))) Thanks. Yeah, have to do laundry and stuff, will be heading out Tuesday for a four day route.

[ExTexasRedhead]

Here’s a must see, feel good, video about a WWII veteran.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkB4BLD-Kn4

Benny Ficeto has been working since he was a child. But at 97, he doesn’t want to slow down and still works a four hour shift bagging groceries. Steve Hartman has his story on the road.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Please join us for Sunday Chapel ~ CONFLICTING LOYALTIES, and Liberty

Lt. Charles F. Suver, CHC, USN, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division
"Mass at Iwo Jima"

Please stop in and say a prayer of protection for the military.
Prayers from all denominations are needed.




Sunday Liberty starts after the Guest Military Chaplain's Service!

[The Mayor]

I did the radio show today, had a blast.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hello Veterans, wherever you are!!

A Blessed Lord's Day and Shavua Tov to you.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Shavua Tov.
Wishing all our Jewish troops, veterans, families, allies, friends, and Canteeners
a peaceful and prosperous week.

[luvie]

St. Olaf Choir~When Peace Like A River

Aron Wright~Surrender

Providence~Sweet Beulah Land

Casting Crowns~Thrive

Glen Campbell~Amazing Grace [Live & Playing Bagpipes]

Passion~In Christ Alone

Newsboys~We Believe

God Bless You All....

[Kathy in Alaska]

Prayers for our troops, veterans, families, allies, friends, and Canteeners
for a safe and peaceful week ahead.

[Kathy in Alaska]

He Who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - may He bless the fighters of the Israel Defense Force, who stand guard over our land and the cities of our G-d from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt, and from the Great Sea unto the approach of the Aravah, on the land, in the air, and on the sea.

May HASHEM cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our fighting men from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.

May He lead our enemies under their sway and may He grant them salvation and crown them with victory. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is Hashem, your G-d, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.

G-d bless and keep your children safe, Alouette.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, ETR, and Shavua Tov to you and yours.

Thanks for the link....

“I only get to work 4 hours”. No breaks for him. What an interesting man.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Oh boy...did you get to diss some dimwits?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Luv, and a Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours.

Thank you for the hymns.

[Kathy in Alaska]

God Bless our military men and women who have given their all.

Thanks, unique.