I noticed a troubling trend this past Memorial Day: some people criticize war, and in the same breath, they lump soldiers into that condemnation. The country has become so polarized that many have lost the ability to think critically.
Sadly, as with most issues today, people fail to analyze complexities, instead resorting to oversimplified, slippery-slope reasoning. Take, for example, those who express disdain for the military and, by extension, the troops who serve. Yet, paradoxically, they continue to benefit from the spoils of war—year after year—through contracts and the secondary effects generated by the military-industrial complex.
Cognitive Dissonance: I recently received a heartfelt message from a civilian struggling with the stigma surrounding military service and the reality of war. They expressed conflicted emotions, saying:
“We always thank our military veterans for their service. But I don’t want to say ‘thank you.’ I want to apologize—to them and to you—for being used as guinea pigs and cannon fodder. All I see are wars fueled by bankers and regime change missions. What happens to the military is insane, honestly. And when you guys come home, you're left to struggle with both emotional and physical wounds.” [anonymous]
This person's heart was torn, but their words reflected emotional intelligence—the ability to properly distinguish where responsibility should be assigned. We urge civilians to vote responsibly and hold politicians accountable for the decisions that lead to war.
The Role of Soldiers vs. Political Decisions: Soldiers and war are often intertwined in the public eye, but it’s crucial to separate the two. Soldiers don’t choose the battles—they follow orders, carrying out missions dictated by their superiors, who in turn are following directives set by elected officials. War is a political decision, made by leaders shaping national policies and global strategies.
For those in uniform, military service is a commitment—sometimes born out of duty, patriotism, or simply the need to earn a living. Many enlist to support their families, build careers, or develop skills that serve them beyond the battlefield. Their daily struggles are not so different from those of civilians: financial hardships, family responsibilities, and the pursuit of stability. However, unlike most professions, military service demands preparation for the worst—whether that means combat zones or humanitarian missions.
Similarly, civilians face their own battles—struggles in their careers, relationships, and personal growth. In both worlds, readiness is key. Leaders, whether in the military or in everyday life, must inspire those under their care to prepare for challenges, even when their importance is not immediately clear. Training, discipline, and resilience pave the way for survival—whether in war or in daily life. Building mental and physical strength ensures that when a crisis emerges, people will be ready to face it.
Ultimately, while war is a consequence of political decisions, soldiers serve with honor, commitment, and professionalism—separate from the motivations of those in power. Recognizing this distinction fosters respect for those who risk their lives, not for ideology, but for duty and responsibility.
Memorial Day weekend I was reminded of the sobering suffering our troops endured. I went to see the Warfare (2025) which is a gripping war film that immerses viewers in the chaos of a real-life Navy SEAL mission gone wrong in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. Co-directed by Ray Mendoza, a veteran who lived through the events, and Alex Garland, the film presents a raw, real-time depiction of combat.1 2
The story follows a SEAL team that unknowingly sets up near an insurgent stronghold, leading to a brutal firefight involving gunfire, grenade blasts, and an IED explosion. With no air support and dwindling options, the soldiers must rely on each other to survive. 2 3
Lessons on Commitment
Unbreakable Bonds – The SEALs demonstrate unwavering loyalty to one another, risking their lives to protect their comrades.
Trust Under Pressure – In the face of overwhelming danger, their ability to trust each other’s instincts and skills becomes their greatest asset.
Sacrifice for the Team – The film highlights the sacrifices soldiers make, not just for their mission but for the people beside them.
Resilience in Adversity – Even when the odds seem impossible, their commitment to survival and each other keeps them fighting.
Warfare doesn’t glorify war—it presents it as it is: brutal, chaotic, and deeply reliant on human connection1.
Sources:
1https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/warfare-a24-film-review-2025
2https://www.nerdveda.com/warfare-true-story-2025/
3https://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/2025/04/warfare-review/
Reflections on October 4, 1993: After a brutal battle with two downed Blackhawk helicopters, I remember the moment we returned to our room. Our commander had dispatched us from the Pakistani Stadium to the Mogadishu airport. The first thing we saw? CNN’s live coverage of our fallen comrade being dragged through the streets.
We were exhausted yet ready to go back out—but watching how our warriors were treated was horrifying. War is supposed to have standards, an ethical code. Soldiers are not policymakers; they follow orders, yet they often bear the brunt of political failures.
- For the U.S., leadership failed to provide the requested armor support.
- For the Somali people, warlords interfered instead of cooperating to end the starvation crisis.
We must hope that the American public never forgets the sacrifices made by its sons and daughters—not just on the battlefield but long after war’s dust settles. I live with pain (literally) every day, yet I am always asked, “Would you do it again?”
For me, this question isn’t about regret. Had anything been different, I wouldn’t have met my family or found salvation. Now, I thank God for the memories—both good and bad.
Story Time – JRTC 92-6: Let’s talk about leadership. The 3rd Ranger Battalion leadership pushed us hard during peacetime training to prepare us for whatever lay ahead. I don’t consider myself a born leader—leadership was a learned trait for me.
As a young leader, I wanted to shake off my past and become something better. I was blessed to serve alongside Rangers committed to something greater than themselves. Similarly, I wasn’t born a Christian, either—it took faith and acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice (John 3:16).
During our Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotation at Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas, I was assigned to the Casualty Collection Point (CCP) as an assistant team leader under SSG Morrero. He was tough for a Chaplain’s Assistant—but regardless of specialty, every Ranger is a Ranger first.
That rotation was grueling. Our battalion was tasked with invading the fictional island of Cortina, but the mission was cut short when a captured Ranger was found with critical operational data written on his arm:
- Callsigns
- Frequencies
- Landing zone (LZ) locations
It was a disaster. The Opposing Force (OPFOR) ambushed Charlie Company’s insertion—every bird, 155 men, wiped out instantly. All available assets were redirected to evacuate Charlie Company.
Morrero’s CCP Team was one of the first on-site, and I remember the sheer disbelief I felt. A fleet of CH47 Chinook helicopters grounded. The casualties—though simulated—were strewn everywhere. OCs handed them fate cards describing their wounds.
A Pick-up Zone (PZ) was set 600+ meters south, over a moderate hill—moderate until you had to carry bodies on litters. The hill, elephant grass, and heat made it brutal. And yet, we pushed through because we lived by the Ranger Creed:
Never will I leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy.
That experience cemented my confidence—this was the Ranger I wanted to become.
Lessons for Today: Times are becoming perilous. If you lead a family, community, or team, be a commander (HH6) of your own Small Group Unit (SGU). Train them for tough times.
“Never say ‘never!’”
Teach survival doctrine, even if others resist or say, “That’ll never happen.” Murphy’s Law reminds us—it can and will. The Army teaches about Molotov Cocktails, but rarely do soldiers use them. Nevertheless, we prepare.
Likewise, every Army soldier and Marine is taught to be a warfighter first, regardless of specialty. Your SGU should train the same way. Survival skills must be taught, even if the probability of use is low—always evaluate feasibility, probability, and acceptability.
Faith & Truth: I caution never to say “never”, because God is all-knowing. The prophecies of Revelation have proven true time and again. Knowing this, we must recognize what lies ahead.
- There is no modern-day Cyrus or another "chosen one” described in coming prophecy. There is a Dragon, Beast, and 2nd Beast."
- There is no physical savior coming, only Christ during the Second Coming after many distinctive prophetic events occur. There is a prophesized antichrist coming – anti meaning in place of and against the true Christ.
- The Bible warns of deception, delusion, and blinded minds.
Don’t fall into these traps. Stay alert, seek truth, and prepare. Many are not prepared and up on the Rules of Engagement (ROE) for the end-times. To pray, test all spirits, discern and recognize the evil trinity, etc.
I asked AI to summarize the odds for that the Bible prophecies could be true:
“The probability of biblical prophecies being fulfilled has been analyzed by scholars and mathematicians. Some estimates suggest that approximately 2,000 out of 2,500 biblical prophecies have already been fulfilled with remarkable accuracy.”1
For example, mathematician Peter Stoner calculated the probability of just eight Messianic prophecies being fulfilled in the life of Jesus. His conservative estimate placed the odds at 1 in 10^17, an incredibly small chance.2 Other studies suggest that Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies, making the probability even more astonishing.3 While interpretations vary, many believers see these fulfilled prophecies as evidence of divine inspiration.”
“The bottom line is that the fulfillment of Bible prophecy in the life of Jesus proves conclusively that He truly was God in the flesh. It also
proves that the Bible is supernatural in origin.”2
“There is no question but that if we truly repent of our sins, God will forgive them; but whether He will remove affliction is not promised, yet the probability of it should encourage us to repent. 4
I’m not a gambling man, as of this hour of Jesus O’Clock, we as a country have not repented and changed. Child sex trafficking, vulgarity of movies we watch, etc, etc. etc. probably indicated there is not true repentance yet.
Sources:
3https://www.clintbyars.com/blog/2020/7/20/jesus-fulfilled-over-300-prophecies
Never Say “Never” – A Call to Readiness: Never say “never,” and always be prepared to test the challenges of life during these turbulent times of earthly birth pangs. Troubling days lie ahead, and preparation is crucial to ensure readiness when the foretold perilous times arrive.
Balance is key—one that only prayer and guidance from God can provide. Throughout my military career, my motto was simple: never say “never.” We don’t know the full five W’s of the future; situations evolve, and anything can happen. Jesus provided wisdom on this subject—we should neither be sluggish in preparation nor crippled by anxiety over what’s to come. Our purpose is not to store up earthly treasures, but rather, to build spiritual wealth, blessed in God’s Word and truth.
“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’”
(Matthew 4:4, KJV)
“To him who overcomes will I give to eat of the hidden manna.”
(Revelation 2:17, KJV)
Faith, Judgment & Accountability: My faith in Jesus the Messiah guides my actions—to do my best, pray for others, seek wisdom, peace, and understanding, and avoid judgment. Judgment belongs to God alone, and each person will stand before their Maker and give an account.
“Master, which is the great commandment in the law?”
Jesus said unto him, ‘Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’”
(Matthew 22:36-40, KJV)
Creation vs. Evolution – A Lost Perspective: I pray that all will consider the origins of creation and give the Creator a chance to be heard. Society has pushed an agenda of replacement, eliminating the study of creation and substituting it with macro-evolution. Evolution is presented as academic science, while a balanced discussion of both perspectives has been stripped from elementary education.
Never say “never”—the unexpected happens all the time. And as technology continues advancing beyond the point of no return, we must recognize the potential dangers ahead.
Technology, Artificial Intelligence & The Beast System: The risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) are unfolding rapidly, aligning eerily with Biblical warnings. AI in the wrong hands could lead to catastrophic consequences, turning against humanity on a Biblical scale. Additionally, total reliance on digital infrastructure could result in a TCD (Total Control Disruption)—failed networks or restrictions on buying and selling.
Catastrophic events—earthquakes, violent storms, droughts, and fires—are increasing. One problem is the unsurety if they are natural or man-made. The probability of experiencing a regional disaster has never been higher. Whether you call preparedness Murphy’s Law, an insurance policy, or simply wisdom, it is a rational response to the predictability of Biblical prophecy—proof that what has already been fulfilled is only a glimpse of what is to come.
Think about it. We had an event which seems eerily comparative to the white horse conquering in new world order totaling rulership coming. The building of a total-control mystery beast system. The ironically the red horse joined the trot of life with war after war breaking out (Ukraine/Russai, Israel/Gaza, etc). What comes and is happening right now-the black horse’s prices to rise with economic catastrophe. Then….the pale horse. ☹
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in Revelation 6 symbolize different phases of global events leading to the end times. Each horse represents a distinct force unleashed upon the world.
The White Horse – Conquest & Deception
- The rider on the white horse carries a bow and is given a crown, going forth "conquering and to conquer" (Revelation 6:2).
- Some interpret this as Christ, spreading the gospel, while others see it as deception, a false messiah or global leader seeking control.
- In a modern sense, this could represent ideological conquest, where systems of control—political, technological, and economic—are being established under the guise of peace.
The Red Horse – War & Bloodshed
- The red horse follows, symbolizing war and violence (Revelation 6:4).
- The rider is given a great sword and the power to take peace from the earth, leading nations into conflict.
- Historically, this has been linked to wars, revolutions, and civil unrest—a world increasingly divided and at war.
The Black Horse – Economic Collapse & Scarcity
- The black horse represents famine and economic turmoil (Revelation 6:5-6).
- The rider carries scales, measuring food at inflated prices, indicating economic hardship.
- This phase suggests global financial instability, where resources become scarce, and control over food and commerce tightens.
The Connection to Revelation 13 – The Beast System
- Revelation 13 describes a global system of control, where people cannot buy or sell without the mark of the beast.
- The white horse’s conquest could be laying the groundwork for this system—a world increasingly dependent on centralized control.
- The red horse’s wars destabilize nations, making them more vulnerable to authoritarian rule.
- The black horse’s economic crisis forces people into submission, relying on the system for survival.
Many believe we are trotting alongside the white horse, witnessing the rise of global surveillance, digital currencies, and AI-driven control mechanisms—all precursors to the Revelation 13 beast system
Daily Training – A Life of Readiness: In military training, preparation was everything. A common exchange between leaders and warriors went like this:
Warriors: “Why do we need to do this every day?”
Reply: “Because you never know when something will happen. Today may be your last chance to train!”
Take Mogadishu in 1993—Rangers faced an immediate onslaught yet volunteered for a second mission. Their actions upheld the Ranger Creed:
“Never will I leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy.”
“Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective.”
Tough training forged resilience, survival, and victory. The lessons of warfare remain just as crucial today, whether in physical battle or in spiritual preparation.
From Rangers to Warriors of God: Rangers Lead the Way! But now, a new mission arises—a higher calling beyond earthly warfare.
Jesus Leads the Way! (JLTW!)
- Once, my goal was to be a Ranger. Now, my mission is to be a Warrior for God, dressed in His full armor.
- How many fish/sheep will I catch before the final hour? Will I shoulder more than my share of His task—100% and then some?
- God forbid that I should fail in my duty. I will pray for you, teach the good and right way, and never cease in my mission for truth.
May all come to understand—or at least consider—the reality before us. Never say “never.” Stay ready, seek wisdom, and follow the path He has set before us.
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