Most all of us have experienced something that left us saying,”This is unfair” or “This was unnecessary”,or This was of no benefit”. Let’s face it, some things just don’t make any sense to our way of thinking. God, however, sees much more than we do and is much wiser than we are. That which seems senseless to us makes perfectly good sense to God. He alone knows what is truly needful.

Peter spoke of this when he wrote—“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temtations.”–1 Peter 1:6

Notice the words,”if need be“. They speak volumes. Listen to what John MacDuff wrote regarding this phrase:

Three gracious words! Not one of all my tears has been shed for nothing! Not one stroke of the rod has been unneeded — or might have been spared! Your heavenly Father loves you too much, and too tenderly, to bestow harsher correction than your case requires!

Is it loss of health — or loss of wealth — or loss of beloved friends? Be still! there was a needs be! We are no competent judges of what that “needs be” is; often through aching hearts we are forced to exclaim, “Your judgments are a great deep!” But God here pledges Himself, that there will not be one unnecessary thorn in the believer’s crown of suffering. No burden too heavy will be laid on him; and no sacrifice too great will be exacted from him. He will “temper the wind — to the shorn lamb.”

Whenever the “need be” has accomplished its end — then the rod is removed, the chastisement suspended, and the furnace quenched.

“If need be!” Oh! what a pillow on which to rest your aching head — that there is not a drop in all your bitter cup — but what a God of love saw to be absolutely necessary! Will you not trust His heart — even though you cannot trace the mystery of His dealings? Not too curiously prying into the “WHY it is?” or “HOW it is?” — but satisfied that “SO it is,” and, therefore, that all must be well!

Today, we salute those who have been willing to sacrifice their lives so we may live in peace and freedom.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Bowman was a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. He flew 101 combat missions during the war, and afterward directed all “Star Wars” space programs under Presidents Ford and Carter. He does much in the way of promoting veteran benefits, and took time a few years ago to pen the following Veteran’s Day speech. Think about the brave young men and women who selflessly serve our country when reading Bowman’s speech:

“We are gathered here to honor our nation’s veterans. All Americans, regardless of political persuasion or attitude toward ongoing wars, want to express appreciation to our veterans, whether they’re from World War I or II or freshly back from Iraq or Afghanistan. But it’s not enough to just say ‘Thanks for all your sacrifices. Here’s a free meal once a year.’ No, we must work all year long to see that our veterans are taken care of… We must see that those who gave their lives are acknowledged and indeed honored, not swept under the rug. Yes, today all of us are united in respecting and honoring our veterans. Fellow veterans, I salute you for your service, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

It has been said that while many gave some in the way of service for our country, some gave all they had to protect life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. They gave up their own hopes and dreams for their lives and put the safety and freedom of their countrymen above their own goals.

Today, we take time to remember those who have fought and died for our nation’s freedom. Our nation wasn’t always free. Brave patriots broke away from the tyrannical rule of England and stood for something more than obeisance to the crown. For our forefathers to stand for freedom, they had to defend it with their lives.

Thank you to all veterans, old and young. Thank you for being willing to give your life so our children can live in peace and freedom.

As we remember those who sacrificed their lives, take a minute to remember the ultimate sacrifice given for freedom. Luke 23 shows an innocent Man who stood in the face of His enemies and though He did nothing to deserve death, willingly gave Himself so that we might be spiritually free from sin.

As you remember and honor veterans today, also honor God by living for Him. Tell someone you know about Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, and never forget to honor His love for you.–By Dr. Paul Chappell

. . . that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.–2 Corinthians 8:2

Did you hear about the mother who asked her children to give some of their allowance to support orphaned children? “These children have no mother or father, not even an aunt or uncle,” the mother explained. “Would you like to give some of your money to help them?” The children thought for a moment and then announced their decision: “Let’s give them Aunt Martha!”

Fortunately, that reply is not typical of children when it comes to money. They are usually incredibly generous when it comes to donating their own money and raising funds from others for worthy causes. And we could learn a lot by imitating their behavior. Or, we could imitate the Macedonian Christians about whom the apostle Paul wrote so eloquently (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). When they heard that the believers in Jerusalem were suffering and needed food, they gave generously—above and beyond their own ability. They did what we should do—believe God gives to us not only for our needs but to meet the needs of others.

The next time you have the opportunity to give, do so with the innocence and generosity of a child who never worries about supply. (From Turning Point)

As the years roll by the more frequently I think of God’s promise recorded in 2 Cor. 12:9 “—-My grace is sufficent for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness”, and of Paul’s response in the same verse,”Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

The famous preacher, Charles Spurgeon also thought much of these truths. He wrote: