From God or Not?

 

do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God

1 John 4:1 (ESV)

 

Women Soldiers?

Note: look up what Deborah tells Barak in the book of Judges--he can't get honor for the victory because he took a woman to battle with him.

 

Why Women Should Not Participate in Combat

      Imagine an army filled with men and women engaged in ground combat. In the heat of battle, a small group of servicewomen get separated from the rest of the army and are just about to be captured by enemy forces that are known for raping and torturing female captives; however, their fellow male soldiers realize what is going on and rush to protect the women from the advancing enemy. In the course of this action, several men fall down, wounded, near where the female soldiers are now hiding behind a mound of dirt; however, the women are not able to bring the fallen men near to them so that the wounded heroes might obtain some safety amidst the fray. Many of those who are wounded nearby are shot to death in front of the women’s eyes. The women morn, guilt-stricken, that they were not able to help their chivalrous comrades; that they just were not strong enough. In the midst of the effort to save the women from capture, the mission’s overall purpose is abandoned because of insufficient living personnel. Women do not belong in combat because they are physically disadvantaged and upset unit cohesion.

      In Feminist Fantasies, Phyllis Schlafly historically recounts that Israelis and Soviets have tried putting women into combat and have since changed their stance because of problems (161-162, 175).  The Soviets had a female army in World War II, but have since changed their stance to only allowing women in office and medical roles, and the Israelis don’t allow women to have fighting roles on land and sea  (“Feminist and War”). John Luddy, from the Heritage Foundation, points out that in Israel, because many men naturally want to protect women, if a woman is in their unit and in danger of capture, the male soldiers will become distracted trying to defend her (qtd. in “Debunking the Israeli ‘women in combat’ myth”). Luddy continues to mention a study in which “unit morale was damaged when men saw women killed and maimed on the battlefield (qtd. in “Debunking the Israeli ‘women in combat’ myth”),” these adverse affects lead only to the weakening of a military, not its strengthening.

      Besides the historical evidence, women in a military unit cause cohesion problems. Men just don’t bond like they do with a unit made entirely of men when women are present. Instead, they battle with trying to impress the women or from growing too close to them. Because of this, sexual immorality arises and it can be a particularly bigger problem than one thinks since such physical relationships cause a male soldier to strive to protect his significant other instead of doing his duty and mission.  A Navy Special Warfare commander, whose name is unmentioned, tells The New American that “Even if some women are strong enough to handle the physical demands of combat, the introduction of factors such as sexual entanglements and jealousies...would make the forward commander’s job more difficult (qtd. in “Feminizing America’s Fighting Force”).” In addition, a Center for Military Readiness, or CMR, report recounts that military leaders bear witness that “because of unparalleled physical demands and forced intimacy, even in training, women would degreed the readiness, cohesion, and effectiveness of their units (qtd. in “Feminizing America’s Fighting Force”).”

     Amidst all the problems with unit cohesion, sexual problems are the most dangerous of consequence of placing women in the military. The “USS Enterprise Video Scandal: Navy Commander Revealed as Mastermind Behind Raunchy Videos” relates that in 2006 and 2007 sexually perverse videos were made by servicemen and women for entertainment. This incident is just one of case of sexual problems among a military unit. Another instance of sexual problems is when 20 women got off the Yellowstone pregnant and 36 on off the Acadia (Schlafly 171). Additionally, Jack Anderson, a journalist, testifies that when interviewing Saudia Arabian physicians that “their most frequent visitors where women [soldiers] asking for pregnancy tests” (qtd. in Schalfly 171). Pregnancy results in the inability to participate in military operations, thus a resignation or temporary leave is given (Schlafly 170-171).

      In another case, U.S. Airman Gayla Zigo said that “Less than a week after we arrived on the base, Kelly [Flinn] was in bed with my husband having sex” (qtd. in Schlafly 183). These examples clearly show that women in the military are causing cohesion problems among service members. All this could be avoided if women were simply prohibited from the military. And even though women are allowed on ships and in the air force, these roles should also be prohibited. The Kelly Flinn mentioned above was the U.S. Air Force’s poster girl (Schlafly 182) and the pregnant women that got off the Yellowstone and Arcadia undoubtedly prove that servicewomen in the air and sea forces are causing problems.

      In addition to sexual problems, there are physical differences between men and women that can make all the difference on the battlefield. Also, in modern warfare there is still a huge demand on the body and its capacities: soldiers have to carry heavy gear and protective equipment, in addition to having to be able to fight in hand to hand or close encounters at a moment’s notice. Colonel Ron Ray, a veteran of Vietnam, tells The New American that “Men and women are profoundly different and those differences have military significance” (qtd. in “Feminizing America’s Fighting Force”). He continues to relate how women and men are split up in athletics while they grow up, the reason only being based of the physical differences between the genders (qtd. in “Feminizing America’s Fighting Force”). It has been estimated that women have much lower body strength than men. The CMR, states that women have “45-50% less upper body strength” than men (“Center for Military Readiness: Women in Combat”). In addition, women are more susceptible to injuries and generally cannot carry a fallen male soldier to safety whereas most men can (“Feminizing America’s Fighting Force”). This inability will cost lives and can keep valuable military resources from protecting the people or fulfilling the military mission at hand. For example, women are generally not strong enough for military tests. The New American, referencing the CMR, says,

1) ‘Women are shorter, have less muscle mass and weigh less than men’; 2) ‘Female aerobic capacity is approximately 70-75 percent that of males’; 3) women are at twice the risk for injures to their lower extremities and at nearly five times the risk for stress fractures, according to a 1988 Army study (qtd. in “Feminizing America’s Fighting Force”).

In another instance, the CMR states that “Of the 103 women recruited for infantry training after Canada repealed its combat rules in 1989, only one woman succeeded in meeting the physical requirements necessary to complete the training (qtd. in “Feminizing America’s Fighting Force”).” Although, the United States military does not allow women to fight on the ground at this time (“GI Jane, Again”), they are allowed to fight in aircraft, boats, and submarines.

   However, because of the physical demands of ground combat, it is prohibited for the women in the United States. The CMR states “The ground combatant relies heavily on his physical strength and stamina to survive, fight, and win (“Feminizing America’s Fighting Force”),” because of these demands, women should continue to be barred from combat.

      Not everyone agrees with this evidence though. For example, the feminist push for equality has spread to combat issues. Colonel Ron Ray states that

This [push for women in war] is really the culmination of a 60-year effort to promote the…equal opportunity for women, so that it predominates of the vital traditional and uncompromising American military effectiveness. And the ultimate consequences of this campaign will be the uncompromising of America’s historic ability to defend her vital national interests in peace and war (qtd. in “Feminizing America’s Fighting Force”).

In light of the evidence against women being in combat, it is reasonable to conclude that female presence in combat only weakens a military, not strengthen it. Opponents claim that women can do just as well as men in combat and that they have just as much ability to fight, however the evidence aforementioned shows that women are at serious physical disadvantages in hand to hand combat. Another argument is that women have a right to serve in combat if they want; however, some of the women currently serving in the United States Navy and Air Force have gotten pregnant on board a vessel or engaged in adulterous acts when not in the cockpit. Because servicewomen have done these things, what assurance can be found in letting them fight and live next to their male soldiers in war? The stakes are too high, and even if women did have the right, few can pass the military requirements set for men, as mentioned in the CMR report on Canada.

    In light of the facts, people must conclude that women are not designed for war physically, while men are created for such purposes. The historic role of men as defender and warrior is actually factually based and will protect us the best.

 

Works Cited

Bohon, Dave. “Feminizing America’s Fighting Force.” The New American 21 February 2011.

Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Web. 29 Nov. 2011.

“Center for Military Readiness: Women in Combat.” Center for Military Readiness. CMR, 22

Nov. 2004. Web. 2 Dec. 2011.

Doughtery, Jon. “Debunking the Israeli ‘women in combat’ myth.” World Daily Net. World

Daily Net, 2 Aug. 2001. Web. 3 Dec. 2011.

Elshtain, Jean Bethke. “Feminism and War.” Progressive Sept. 1991. Points of View Resource

Center. Web. 29 Nov. 2011.

Owens, Thomas Mackubin. “GI Jane, Again.” National Review 6 June 2005. Opposing

Viewpoints Resource Center. Web. 29 Nov. 2011.

Schlafly, Phyllis. Feminist Fantasies. Dallas: Spence, 2003. Print.

“USS Enterprise Video Scandal: Navy Commander Revealed as Mastermind Behind Raunchy

Videos.”  huggingtonpost.com Huffington Post, 25 May 2011. Web. 5 Dec. 2011.

Yielded Ground

    Yielded Ground. The Bible tells us not to give place, that is opportunity to the Devil (Eph 4:27). When we do, we yield ground in the domain of our heart. Bitterness, lust, envy, fears, hate, discouragement, and depression our matters of our heart. They are the fruit of Satan getting his foot in the door. When we trust in the Lord, we have peace that passes all understanding. Is there something you’re struggling with? Examine your heart in the a quiet, solitary place before the Lord.

 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:6-7 (KJV)

   Remember the things that you have learned in your Walk. Recall with Joy that your names are written in Heaven! Recall the fact that God is sovereign and reigns over all. There is no logical reason to worry when God holds everything in His hand. Nothing can defeat God’s perfect will.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you

Phil 4:8-9 (KJV)

 

     Have you surrendered “ground” in the domain of your heart to the world, the flesh, or the devil? Examine yourself in a quiet place. Get still before God. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you have violated guarding the gate ways of your soul (your eyes and ears that pave the way to your mind and heart). Some areas to consider if you have given Satan an opportunity in are: the music you listen to, the people you are buddy-buddy with, talk shows, podcasts, false prophets/teachers you sit under, books you read, television programs, advertisements, businesses, organizations/people you are partnered with.

      Re-read the Scriptures mentioned today. Are you letting the Peace of God reign in your life? Whatever is not of Faith is sin (Romans). Let the Peace of God rule (call the shots) in your life.

 

 

Daily Devotion: Proverbs 12:24

“The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”

Proverbs 12:24 KJV

 

       If you are diligent, God will give you some measure of rule. But if you are lazy, you will be a slave to those that are diligent. In our culture today, many wicked men and women are diligently devoting time and attention—many even their entire lives!—to furthering the doctrines of demons, the teachings of Satan through colleges (and other “education” facets), politics, and businesses. Many of these men and women care nothing about honesty in their dealings because they do not know God. They will propagate the erroneous worldview and life themes of chance, through evolution; fate, through “romantic” love; self-indulgence, through psychology; and “intellect” and “wisdom” through philosophy, research, and logic. In short, these wicked people propagate meaninglessness, hate, and other such sins and dangerous mindsets that the Bible warns us about.

       Remember that the diligent are the ones that rule! But the principle applies to the wicked men and women who diligently propagate the devil’s doctrines as well. We must stand against them and diligently do our duty to share the truth of God’s Word. Where are you men of Courage? Where are you men of Valor? Where are you men of Righteousness? Where are you men that Fear God? Stand! Stand up and fulfill your duty to share God’s Word in the public sector, the private sector, the corporations, the campuses, etc... GO!

    Stand strong and be diligent, dear Believers! Draw close to the Lord and let Him be your strength and shield against their bombardment of false teachings and idealogies! Speak out when God gives you a window, make the most of every opportunity with the outsiders of the Faith. Go to the Lord and have your fears and burdens lifted; however, as you leave His rejuvenating presence in the quiet of your morning devotions, prepare to pick up your cross and struggle forward amid blows, insults and hateful looks for the cause of Christ!

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”  John 15:18-20 KJV

 

Thought 298: Humility from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 298

Humility

“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.”

Psalms 25:9-15 KJV

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines Meek as: …humble, in an evangelical sense ; submissive to the divine will ; not proud, self-sufficient or refractory ; not peevish and apt to complain of divine dispensations. Christ says, “Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and he shall find rest for your souls.” Matt. xi

    A mentor of mine has said, “humility is the key.” In life, being humble is an important key to everything: right standing with God, proper relationships with people, and most importantly, being in the right place and season that God has for you. A few years later, the same man told me that humility and the fear of the Lord when you study them out are synomomous.

     From our text, we learn that the Lord guides the humble, instructs them, and teaches them His way. As we go on we see the characteristics of the humble: keeping the demands of covenant of the Lord; and repentance, crying out: forgive my iniquity, Lord! By the Spirit, we can also see the Lord reveal through this Scripture that the fear of the Lord and humility are synonymous because the man that fears the Lord is instructed in the way chosen for him, in the path that God has anointed him for; and that the Lord guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

     Fearing the Lord brings prosperity and inheritance, but more than all that, the Lord confides in those who fear him! He makes his covenant known to them! Like David wrote, may we cry out and proclaim, my eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare! Let’s be humble, let’s Fear the Lord!

 

Thought 262: Spiritual Chainmail & Persecution from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 262

Spiritual Chainmail & Persecution

“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” John 15:20 KJV

 

         Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

            Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

               But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.   —Ephesians 6:10-24 KJV

Thought 257: Animal rights--Pshaw! from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 257

Animal rights—Pshaw!

         These days animals may have better rights people. Something is wacky here, God gave man dominion over the animals, which means we can eat them and use their “parts” for our clothing, handles, soap, etc… God’s Word tell us to eat mean and to use animals as beasts of burden. Sadly, however,  aborted children have fewer rights than the dog that is put in a sack and thrown into the river—the aborted children that are cut to tiny pieces in the womb or stabbed in the neck or has their brain sucked out or is born and set aside on a table to die of neglect is more important than an animal! Modern laws show the wicked condition of modern man. Only the Gospel can change the heart of the masses that made these laws and transform their conduct.

          May we all stop and petition the Lord about these wicked modern practices. And may we take a stand for children.

Thought 253: Resist...and he will flee from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 253

Resist…and he will flee

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV

 

P Do you resist the devil? Or do you give in?

 

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 KJV