Jesus Himself said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Fighting in the foxholes was not just about survival, but about protecting the lives of others. It was an act of love, courage, and duty.

In combat, soldiers often face split-second choices: fight, flee, or freeze. A friend of mine, Vietnam veteran (Navy Corpsman and later a SEAL) told me how some men froze in battle—staring blankly, dropping to the ground, or lying still as if invisible. He called it “hiding in plain sight,” it was as if they thought the danger couldn’t see them.  However, the bullets still found their mark.

A Vietnam vet once told me that when the bullets started flying, some men abandoned their posts, leaving their brothers to fight for themselves. A few of them were never seen again. Some met worse fates, because in combat, running almost never led to safety. It only left their fellow soldiers more vulnerable.

Today is Labor Day.  A holiday when we are thankful for the dignity of work, remembering that the first work recorded in the Bible was not ours, but God’s. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”(Genesis 1:1, NKJV).  On the first day of the week, God spoke and darkness became light. All work since then is a reflection, perhaps not as grand, of the one God who works with a purpose, bringing order and beauty out of chaos. 

The pursuit of romantic relationships is seen by many as a necessary step toward fulfillment. But Scripture presents a different picture, especially in the story of Adam. In Genesis 2, we find a man not chasing companionship, but instead faithfully walking in obedience to God. From this example, and others throughout Scripture, we can draw a powerful principle: God honors those who seek first His kingdom, and He will supply what is needed in His perfect timing—including a spouse.

Mountains in life can be literal or spiritual. Climbers face physical peaks that tower above the earth; Christians face spiritual challenges that loom just as large. Both require courage, preparation, and faith to overcome. Let’s look at how both mountain climbers and believers conquer the heights before them—and the tools God gives us to do so.

Fear and worry are emotional responses.  Fear is a response to an immediate or perceived threat.  It's usually intense and triggers the fight, flee, or freeze response.  Worry, on the other hand, usually involves repetitive thinking about potential future problems.  Their potential to become sin is often linked to how they affect one's relationship with God.

In a world confused about manhood, the Apostolic man must rise—not in pride, but in priesthood. God is calling men not just to exist, but to live sacrificially with purpose.  In order to do that apostolic men must make sacrifices.  These are the reasonable sacrifices that Paul talked about in Romans.

7 Steps to Complete Forgiveness

True forgiveness is a spiritual process that involves the heart, mind, and will. It’s not just a one-time event but often a journey guided by God's Word and the Holy Spirit. Here are 7 key steps someone can take to completely forgive someone who offended them, along with Bible verses to support each step.

Unforgiveness can lead to many emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual, health issues.  For those unable to forgive the consequences may not be temporary but eternal.  Emotionally, it can result in feelings of bitterness, resentment, and anger, which may affect one's well-being and relationships.  Psychologically, unresolved grievances can cause stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to mental health issues and poor cognitive functions. Physically, the negative emotions from unforgiveness can cause chronic health problems, like high blood pressure and a weakened immune system.  Spiritually, it’s a sin with eternal consequences.  A person who cannot or will not forgive, will not be forgiven.

What does it mean to ‘prioritize your spouse’?  It means to make your spouse the most important human in your life.  

A successful Christian marriage requires a lifelong commitment.  It requires self-sacrifice and compromise as the husband and wife serve each other.  (1 Corinthians 7:4). When joined properly, the husband and wife become one entity, stronger than the sum of its parts. (Genesis 2:24). This kind of sacrificial relationship is hard to achieve but all is possible with God.

We should all be praying constantly (1Thessalonians 5:17, Psalm 55:17) but try to dedicate prayer time at least twice a day.  Morning when you rise and evening when you prepare for sleep. Remember you are an important soldier in the Spiritual War.

Repentance involves change. It involves taking a close look at ourselves.  We must examine our habits, attitudes, spiritual, mental and physical health and deciding which of these things must change and which can stay.  It can be along and difficult process that requires faith, wisdom and discipline to carryout.  Here is a list of 5 important tips to help shape your change process. (All Bible verses are quoted from the NKJV)

There are no shortcuts.  Changing the way we think is one of the most difficult things we can do but the rewards of doing so are invaluable. We at S&S Pastoral Services can help you create and follow a plan designed specifically for you.  One that gives you the best chance of success.