November 2019 Monthly Letter
Dear ORM Reconcilers,
Recently, I was thinking about Jesus, focusing on His willingness to come from heaven to earth to live and die for us human beings.
This thought came to mind after I read a magazine article about the U.S. Navy SEALS, an elite military unit that is trained to face the most deadly and difficult situations around the globe. The history of the Navy SEALS includes a long and storied record of serving at the forefront of military engagements. Previously, the SEALS were known as the ‘Scouts’ and ‘Raiders’ Navy Compact Demolition units, and the 0SS’s operation swimmers. During the Cold War, the unconventional nature of this group of ‘men with green faces’ ultimately led the formation of the SEALS.
The motto of the Navy SEALS is: “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday.” The SEALS training is famously brutal, testing each candidate’s physical, psychological, and spiritual fortitude. After finishing the article, I could not help but think about God and how in a way, we are part of Jesus’ ‘Navy SEALS.’
Matthew 4 talks about the Temptation of Jesus: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights He was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God tell these stones to be bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes knows from the mouth of God.’ Then the Devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot again a stone.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
When Jesus was confronted with this life or death situation, He did not forget the mission of His assignment. He bravely faced and triumphed over His Adversary, paving the way to victory for you and me. We have the great honor of living for God and Jesus all the days of our lives. We have been given the assignment of serving in the highest ‘Special Operation.’ As God’s ‘Navy SEALS,’ we are commanded to show the world who God is and how to live by laying down our lives in service for one another.
Thank you for continuing to serve in the Ministry of Reconciliation. Your donations go a long way in helping others to know Jesus and His Ministry of Reconciliation.
May our God continue to bless and keep you, His ‘Navy SEALS,’ as you share His way of life with others.
Jannice and I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.
