We will soon be honouring our veterans on November 11th. This is the day when we raise our hearts with pride in our country and have a feeling of elevated patriotism for the liberty and freedom we are blessed to enjoy.

One such patriot was my father. He came to the United States of America from Turkey following the genocide of over one million Armenians in 1915 because of their refusal to deny Jesus Christ and worship Allah. He was the lone survivor of his family. He was coming to a land where many of his countrymen believed that money grew on trees. He was coming here seeking freedom from oppression and the ability to worship God as he had known from his childhood. He was not disappointed.

Dad had an overwhelming desire that others would have this love that he possessed of his new-found country. He became a citizen of the U.S.A., started his own business, and studied God’s Word at night, becoming an ordained minister. As he became immersed in God’s Word, he began combining his love of country with sharing his love for the Lord. He used his unique speaking ability to share his testimony at community clubs, Boy Scout troops, and churches — actually, to anyone who would listen. And listen they did. What show of allegiance he had for the Lord! This passion was displayed throughout his life. He was a real soldier of Christ, which leads me to reflect on my life as a follower of Jesus. I am drawn to these words:

Ephesians 6:13-18 – Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. (MSG)

Prayer: Dear Lord, may the words we have just read increase our desire to be the best soldiers of Christ we can be, by using all of the armaments You have given us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Parise Arakelian parakelian@roadrunner.com
Arcadia, California, USA

Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca