Tag Archives: war

Choosing Daily…

Loving Others, Loving Others, , , , ,

March 1, 2026 military operations… another conflict in the Middle East. At the time of this writing, there are somewhere between 86-120 armed global conflicts depending on the reported source.

Currently, the news is littered with the strikes, devastation, deaths, destruction and more being dished out in the Middle East. Yet many other wars continue to destroy other communities worldwide. Not to mention, the slaughtering of Christians and others in various parts of the world. And, we can’t forget the other crimes we hear and read about in our local news. WOW! Things are pretty grim in our world and extremely dark if we are only looking at world events.

Our hope is not in this present age or any age on planet earth. Our hope is in Yeshua the Messiah, who explicitly told us there would be wars and rumors of wars. (Matthew 24) We can’t help ourselves. We are depraved human beings and we have a sin problem. If we aren’t fighting on the battlefield, we are fighting amongst ourselves in our homes, churches and communities! We can do better. 

a letter board with message on a yellow surface
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Now, my post is not about the spiritual or political basis for war nor am I going to divulge into end-time prophecies. My hope is to encourage us to keep our eyes on Yeshua as we are living in this time of global upheaval and know we are secure in Him.

It is easy to get caught up in the hype of the news, political/social spats and/or erroneous biblical eschatological discussions. However, anything that inspires fear and takes our focus away from the truth of HaShem’s Word should be avoided or at least limited. Let me clarify, I believe we should be informed about current events, but our trust is in Yeshua and not in the news. Our hope is in Him and His promise to never leave or forsake us. Our focus is first on Him…through prayer, studying the word, asking Him for direction, obeying and encouraging others. Even if we get afraid, our protection and stability is in Him. Not this world which is passing away.

Each day we have to make a choice as followers of Yeshua…moment by moment. We have to decide where our allegiance is anchored. If our allegiance is in HaShem, Creator of the Universe through Yeshua the Messiah, and empowered by His Spirit, then our response should look accordingly. Our Scriptures are our instructions for what our response should be.

i see a light in the darkness text
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The current wars and rumors of wars as stated in Matthew 24; Mark 13:6 is a global reality which has grabbed our attention and ignited various individual feelings. Yet, as believers and followers of Yeshua, one of the most powerful and effective ways we can respond to this crisis is through intercession. The chaos which we witness in the natural is a call for us to do battle in the spiritual realm as we are led by G-D’s Spirit. And, though prophecies will unfold according to G-D’s design, we still ought to be praying and interceding.  

Here are a few focused suggested points for prayer. Please add to this short list of prayer suggestions and Scripture references.

  • Pray for guidance toward de-escalation in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, South America.
  • Pray for peace and reconciliation. 
  • Pray for the military personnel and their families.
  • Pray for the protection of civilians…children, pregnant women, the elderly and the displaced.
  • Ask ABBA for the softening of hardened hearts in governments and in public.
  • Pray for the comfort of those who have lost loved ones.
  • Pray that hearts would turn towards the Sar Shalom, Prince of Peace (Yeshua) and respond.
  • Pray that G-D’s people will stay sober, diligent and pray with thanksgiving. 
  • Scriptures: Matthew 24:4-8; Mark 13:5-9; Psalm 122:6; Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9; Psalm 33:13-20; 34:19.

Finally, check out some legitimate organizations that are helping with war displaced families, food, supplies, etc., and consider how you might be able to serve. But, please pray daily. May HaShem hear our prayers and find our dedication to Him pleasing. Dr. Dee

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Be Not Afraid…

Loving Others, , , , , , ,

War and Rumors of Wars…but the end is not yet. (Matthew 24:3)

In light of the current events between Ukraine and Russia the times we are living in are continually changing and becoming extremely darker. Evil lurks on every corner, every door post and everywhere people are positioned. And, as hard as it is not to be afraid, that is exactly what we must strive to be and do because of WHO we belong to. 

Life can be very stressful and difficult when we constantly keep our minds and hearts embellished on the mayhem of this world. All areas of our lives will suffer, if we allow the evil of this world to supersede our faith in HaShem. It can be tough, but we cannot allow fear to overtake us as we watch evil, corrupt people attempt to rule and thwart the very liberties G-D has bestowed on us.

My mother recently died and being there to witness her last breath set me on a different trajectory in my approach to life. For many years, I have suffered with abandonment and rejection issues and as a result the one thing I so desired in life has eluded me. However, with her passing and my advanced age, I am realizing more each day that my lack of faith, my fear, and my deep interpersonal issues have hindered my ability to live a fulfilling life as G-D has intended. Ultimately, I am responsible for my response to ABBA and acting on what He has proposed for me. Those whom I have allowed to hurt me were tragic lessons and many years of wasted time wrapped in some happy memories. Now, I still have time to walk in His worth rather than the negative projections of others.

My point, as the adage makes plain, LIFE IS TOO SHORT! We have to stop worrying about all the “things” and choose to live, pray, worship and serve others, because we only have right now.

The families and folks in Ukraine and other war-torn countries or those in areas where extreme weather conditions have devastated their communities did not plan on enduring their current hardships. They are in need of our prayers at the very least. Not to mention the plethora of other calamities, ills, genocides and the list is endless, so it seems.

My encouragement to you, the United States is not exempt from any calamities that could come our way. Therefore, while you have today, prepare spiritually and prepare practically. Enjoy your family, love and forgive them, and put petty matters aside. Folks that have hurt you, choose to forgive them and let go of all bitterness, rage, hatred and malice. These tortuous attitudes only destroy you if you are harboring negative feelings towards others or yourself. I heard Steve Harvey say, holding on to unforgiveness, is like drinking poison expecting the other person to die! Profound – chew on that. 

We are made in the image of G-D and we need to act like it. We need to have an attitude of gratitude and constant worship in our hearts and lips. Live each moment trusting and knowing G-D is our banner and strength. And, if war should come and destroy us all, we will arrive in heaven a little bit sooner.

Be blessed and know WHO you serve. He is the powerful and amazing G-D!

In Him,

Dr. Dee

What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

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Every last Monday of May and each November 11 we honor military personnel. On the last Monday of May, Memorial Day, many people have festive celebrations, including barbeques, music, fireworks, dancing and more. Veterans Day is on November 11, and for most people this means a day off of work in America at least for most government workers. However, many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day, or they just do not realize there is a difference between the two days. Both holidays were established to recognize and honor the men and women who have served in the military of the United States of America regardless of branch of service. However, there is a difference for each day’s recognition of military service.

Memorial Day was originally set aside as a day of remembering, honoring military personnel who died serving in the Armed Forces for their country, predominately those who died in battle or due to injuries sustained in battle. Veterans Day also honors those who died in service and is celebrated on November 11. However, Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who honorably serve in the Armed Forces or military during wartime or peacetime. Consequently, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their service and acknowledge their contributions to our national security.

Photo: Fort Smith National CemeteryFort Smith National Cemetery

Unfortunately, war seems to be a necessary part of living on earth. There is always a battle between opposing views, good versus evil, or real/imaginary rivals. I truly wish there was shalom (peace) throughout the entire universe and I believe we were created to live at peace with each other. Yet, I realize people will always be at war, because the jihad begins in our own souls and is acted out on various levels, including world and civil wars. And, until we love our Creator, ourselves, our children more than we hate our enemies, war is imminent and consistently lurking. Consequently, war brings death, loss and great sacrifice in the name of peace (or perceived/limited peace) and security for our borders.

Did you know? To ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106‐579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance. The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. (Information taken from, ReadWorks.org, Internet Accessed: 30 May 2016, http://www.readworks.org/passages/what-difference-between-veterans-day-and-memorial-day)

I have family members who have served in the Armed Forces for the United States of America, in addition to family members who are currently serving just like you. I am proud and sadden by the sacrifice our military families endure and the service of the military personnel to ensure the freedoms we have in our country. Today, this Memorial Day of 2016, between the eating, dancing, laughter, fun, fireworks, and celebrating, consider pausing for prayer, reflection and remembering those who have died serving in the military for this great nation.

DocsMusings,

Dr. Dee