Silver Spur Chaplain's Corner
Christmas Message, Dec 2010:
Merry Christmas to my Brothers and your family.
I am listening to Handel's Messiah as I write this message. Handel wrote two parts of "The Messiah". One was for the Christmas season and the other for Easter. Magnificent work of music written by hand in the 18th Century.
According to Handel, God's angels came to him in a deep sleep and he was given a rare look at Heaven. He walked the streets of heaven with the Lord and was shown its magnificence. Upon awakening, he began the great works that is performed and sung by every major symphony in the world.
If you ever have a chance to see his written works you will be amazed by its size and complexity all written by hand.
"The Messiah" was commissioned by King James and was completed in little over two weeks. When it was played, King James rose to his feet in respect to the "The King" of the world.
While I listen to this great works, I think of God's mission in bringing a Messiah, Savior, Redeemer, Counselor to the world in living flesh only to be crucified at age 36. Imagine the emotions of Mary his mother, his earthly father knowing that when their son Jesus was born he was destined to die on a Roman cross. And of course this was God's plan to give mankind a Redeemer to atone for our sins by shedding His blood for us so that one day we would reconciled before God and have eternal life.
I think about the day I left for Vietnam and my mother not knowing whether I would return for she had known many young soldiers not to return from battle in World War II. But I had a chance to come home.
Jesus was destined to die the day he was born and his mother was well aware of that. But she knew His mission; to save mankind from a sinful death. Of course the good news is He arose on third day.
In this season, remember Jesus. He was born and died on the cross from a horrible death. His death was for our everlasting life in heaven. Give Him praise and Glory. The King of Kings, the Lords of Lords.
Perhaps you don't know Jesus. You can pray to him and ask for forgiveness of your sins and believe in Him. As he told the one thief next to him on the cross; "Today, you shall live in paradise."
Merry Christmas to all. I love everyone of you whether I served the same dates or not. You are always in prayers and thoughts everyday. Never in my life time have I known finer men than you. You are a special bunch. God Bless you.
Pray for your brothers for our time on this earth is running out. But to have served with you and to have known you was sure worth the journey to Vietnam.
I remain faithfully in Jesus
John "Waldo" Pepper
Silver Spur Chaplain
Courtesy of DVA
Veterans Day Message, 11 Nov 09:
I intended to write down a few thoughts of my own but when I saw this I decided against that and instead want to pass along to all of the Silver Spurs the sentiments expressed in this poem and the words following it. God bless you all on this Veteran's Day.
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
'Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?'
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
'Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'
~Author Unknown~
It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.
If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the military, please pray for our men and women who have served and are currently serving our country and pray for the families of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
Ed Roffe
Silver Spur Chaplain
The History of Veterans Day - Courtesy of the U.S. Army
Memorial Day Message, 25 May 09:
Memorial Day! Just what does it mean to you? To most of America it is the day to pack up the kids, the cooler, the barbeque etc. and head for the lake or campsite for a day of getting away from it all. For those of us who belong to the fraternity comprised of those who have served our country in time of peace or conflict, it is much more. It is that sacred day when we cease from our normal everyday tasks and take the time to remember with solemn hearts those who gave the last full measure in defense of freedom and democracy.
I know many of you, as do I, have memories of someone who died while in the service of his or her country. To them we give the full measure of our gratitude and pray God's comfort, peace and blessing on those of their families who remain. I have been reading about David in the Old Testament. He was a soldier's soldier and yet he too had a need for something more than this life could give him. In ISamuel 30:6 the last part of the verse reads, "And David found strength in the Lord his God."
I pray that each of you this past memorial day were able to look beyond the trials and tears of this world and find strength in God.
Thanks,
Ed Roffe
Silver Spur Chaplain
Since 26 May 2008
