November 11, 2025

Honoring our Veterans

Today is Veterans Day, a significant holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring military veterans who have served in our Armed Forces. Observed annually on November 11, this day is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have donned the uniform to protect the freedoms and rights that U.S. citizens enjoy today.

The origins of Veterans Day date back to the aftermath of World War I. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was established to commemorate the end of hostilities on the Western Front, which occurred on November 11, 1918. The day was first observed as a federal holiday in 1938, intended to honor the veterans of World War I. However, after World War II and the Korean War, there was a growing recognition that the day should commemorate all American veterans, not just those who fought in World War I.

Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, another federal holiday that honors those who died while serving in the military. While Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May and pays tribute to fallen soldiers, Veterans Day celebrates all veterans who have served in the military, both living and deceased. It is a day for reflection, gratitude, and recognition of the sacrifices made by these individuals and their families.

The observance of Veterans Day includes various ceremonies and events nationwide. Many communities hold parades to honor and celebrate veterans for their service. Schools often participate in educational programs that help students understand the importance of the day and the contributions of veterans. In addition to local events, the National Veterans Day Observance is held at Arlington National Cemetery, where a wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This solemn event underscores the nation’s commitment to honor those who have served, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

On Veterans Day each year, we must remember the importance of honoring those who have served in our military. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made for the freedoms we often take for granted. Each story of service is unique, yet collectively, they contribute to our history and identity. By recognizing and celebrating the contributions of veterans, we acknowledge the complexities of their experiences and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them as they transition to civilian life.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the challenges that veterans face upon returning home. Many veterans struggle with issues such as PTSD, unemployment, and reintegration into civilian life. Veterans Day serves as a reminder to the entire nation of the cost of freedom. It is a day to reflect on the values of courage, duty, and sacrifice that veterans embody. Citizens are encouraged to express their gratitude, whether by attending local events, volunteering for veteran organizations, or simply taking a moment to thank a veteran for their service. We ask you to do this - express your thanks to a veteran today.

Jennifer Ostan, a family friend and wife of a wounded warrior, shared the following in a previous Give Him 15 Veterans Day Post (Link):

“To our veterans: You took a sacred oath to defend this great nation – today, we honor that single act of courage that shaped your life forever. Thank you, dear sir or ma’am, for answering a call that few have chosen, and for being willing to lay down your life for your fellow Americans. Whether you’ve come out on the other side of your service “healthy,” “wounded,” or “somewhere in between,” we know you’ve paid a price – and that does not go unnoticed. 

“We say to you today that we value your service, we honor your selflessness, and we salute you for your sacrifice. As President Truman so aptly stated:

‘Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.’(1)

“We echo those words as we renew our national promise – you have our undying gratitude, and we will not forget your sacrifices! 

“Now, to those of you who have not served in our military, today is about the veterans, but it is also about how you can communicate your gratitude and convey value for their sacrifice. In preparation for this post, I asked several veterans to share examples of how they feel honored. Here are their answers:

• I don’t need much, a simple thank you and a smile goes a long, long way.

•  It’s the little things that make me feel proud – a handshake on the street, a stranger buying my coffee, or a text from a friend.

• I love seeing the hometown parades and people coming together to cheer us on! It’s a stark contrast from the days of the Vietnam War.

• It means so much when children come up and shake my hand – I love it when they ask me about my service. I hope they continue to teach this kind of honor to the kids. 

“Clearly, your simple act of acknowledging veterans’ service as valuable goes a long way in making them feel honored. The next step is being intentional to teach children and grandchildren to do the same – this way our national promise can remain unbroken.”

In conclusion, Veterans Day is more than just a holiday; it is an opportunity for all Americans to come together in gratitude and respect for the men and women who have served in the military. It reminds us of their sacrifice and service, urging us to ensure that veterans receive the recognition, support, and care they deserve. As we honor their legacy, we ensure a brighter future for those who have bravely defended our nation.

Today, as we now enter a new season where honor and patriotism are being restored, we sincerely recognize and esteem our beloved veterans, and say THANK YOU. Thank you for your sacrifice and the sacrifices made by your families. God bless you, God Bless America.

Pray with me:

Father, we are very grateful for the freedoms and liberty we enjoy in our nation. We are so very blessed to possess these liberties, the opportunities they afford, and the incredibly abundant resources we enjoy in America. 

On this Veterans Day, we take time to pray for those who have sacrificed to procure and protect these blessings. We pray especially for those who have lost family members fighting for us and others. Please give them comfort, strength, and provision. Motivate all of us Americans to do a better job of caring for them. 

We also pray for those who have been wounded and are still suffering. Comfort them as they cope with physical, mental, and emotional trauma; for some, it is significant. We ask this, as well, for their family members, who also suffer stress and pain from these wounds. We ask that, as a nation, You would further awaken our citizens to the needs and challenges these veterans face. Remind us of the price they have paid, and give us hearts to love and serve our soldiers and their families, just as they have served us. 

And lastly, we ask You for a sweeping revival in our military and their families. It will bring immeasurable comfort and healing to thousands when they come into a meaningful relationship with You. Pour out Your Spirit on them! Heal bodies, minds, and hearts. 

And we ask all of this in Christ’s holy name. Amen. 

Our decree:

Today, we declare the blessing, strength, and comfort of the Lord to our veterans and their families. 

Major (Ret.) Will Ostan and his wife, Jennifer, host the Arc of Justice USA website (arcofjusticeusa.org), where you can learn how to help our veterans. You can also learn more about Major Ostan and read his personal story at: willostan.com

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

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1. Lipinski, Dan. “Top 25 Dan Lipinski Quotes (2022 Update).” Quotefancy, https://quotefancy.com/dan-lipinski-quotes. Accessed 9 November 2022.

November 10, 2025

Right on Time

In 1 Samuel 16:12-13, David was anointed to be king over Israel:

“And [Jesse] sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.” (KJV)

Most scholars believe that David was between 10 and 15 years of age when this occurred. However, it was more than 20 years before Samuel’s prophecy to David was fulfilled in 2 Samuel 5:1-5:

“Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, ‘Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in.’ And the Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.’” So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the Lord at Hebron; then they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. At Hebron, he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem, he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.” (NAS)

According to these verses, David was 30 years old when he became king. HOWEVER, the first 7 years of his reign, David was king over only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, commonly referred to simply as Judah (verses 4-5); Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth, ruled over the actual nation of Israel. During the seven years David ruled Judah, his throne was in Hebron. Finally, when he was 37, the prophecy was fulfilled, and David was made king over all of Israel, moving his throne to Jerusalem.

The math isn’t complicated: if David was 10 years old when Samuel anointed him, and 37 when he took the throne, it means he waited 27 years before the word was fully fulfilled; if he was 11 when anointed, he waited 26 years, and so on. My point is simply that David waited a long time before his promise came to pass. And the waiting was anything but pleasant. During those years, David was horribly persecuted by King Saul, became an outcast from Israel, lived in caves, and struggled just to survive. His home was not a palace, but a cave named Adullam.

Many of David’s prayers and declarations in the Psalms were written during this time. In Psalm 27:1, he penned, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” (NAS) These words are much more meaningful when we realize David wrote them by candlelight in a dark, damp cave, during a time when the king of Israel had a bounty on his head! 

David did not write the incredible 23rd Psalm, which has brought comfort to untold millions over the years, in a coffee shop or an air-conditioned office. He wrote it while fleeing from Saul, in exile from his own people, and living among strangers - even enemies. His life was continually threatened. The Psalm is an outpouring of David’s confidence in the Lord and trust in His care, even when experiencing the very real threat of death. He drew on memories of shepherding and protecting his father’s sheep to picture the Lord’s care for him. “Just as I was their shepherd, You are my Shepherd.” David declared. “You feed me, protect me, and comfort me.”

He wrote the amazing 91st Psalm during this same season of his life. While living in caves, David declared that he was dwelling in the shelter of the Most High, abiding in the shadow of the Almighty. Take some time and read this Psalm as you consider David’s circumstances. What amazing declarations of faith; what an incredible trust in the Lord he possessed. 

God did not waste David’s Adullam years; they were part of his training. This doesn’t mean God caused the evil, hatred, and treachery of those who attacked him. It means that God brought good from the evil, making it serve His purposes and David’s destiny:

• David learned to trust

• He learned to lead, beginning with an army of misfits and outcasts (1 Samuel 22:2)

• He learned humility

• He learned to overcome rejection and betrayal

• He learned to appreciate the small things

• He learned to wait

• He learned of God’s faithfulness

• And he learned to love the presence of God

When a journey toward a God-given promise becomes unexpectedly long, is plagued with difficult delays, and fraught with monumental challenges, remember that the delays haven’t taken Him by surprise. God knew how long the process would take: He foresaw the obstacles, planned how you would overcome them, and determined how He would use them to prepare you for your destiny. With these things in mind, He started you on the journey far enough in advance to get you there right on time. When you finally arrive at the fulfillment, you’ll realize you didn’t arrive late…just like David.

One more thing. The seven years David spent reigning over Judah in Hebron were not inconsequential, just one more delay waiting for “the real thing.” They were important! Hebron means “covenantal friendship;” it was actually here that God’s friend, Abraham, was buried. God wanted David to know, before he rose to the throne over all of Israel, that the ultimate key to success was through covenant and closeness to Him. Hebron was also the mountain city in the Promised Land where Caleb conquered its greatest giant (Joshua 14:15). David needed to learn that covenant and intimacy with God were keys to overcoming life’s “giants.” “Learn these lessons, David, and you’ll be ready for the ultimate throne in Jerusalem.”

The purpose of today’s post is not just to give a history lesson; it is to remind us that when it seems a promise from God is taking forever, this is neither without purpose nor unexpected by Him. He knew how long the process would take and is using the time to accomplish His purposes. This is true for us as individuals, and also for nations. God knew how long it would take to restore America, and started early enough to get us to the finish line right on time. Not only will America be saved, she will be saved right on time. We have overcome in our Adullams, killed our giants, learned many lessons, built our friendship with God, and are now heading toward our Jerusalem.

Stay the course. 

Pray with me:

Father, we have been on what seems like a long journey to see America saved and restored. Like David, we have occasionally experienced setbacks, demonic opposition, the actions of unrighteous leaders, abusive policies, and other delays. Please keep the ekklesia reminded that these delays have not taken You by surprise, that You planned ahead for our victories, and just how You would use the battles to mature us.

As we move forward, please remind believers that we must persevere in our prayers. Give us increased revelation, reminding us that our unseen prayers can literally produce visible results in Washington, D.C., and in other places here and abroad. May we not leave our posts on the wall, watching and listening for Your alerts and instructions. 

We pray that the exposure of the Deep State and anti-Christ forces continues. You said righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. (Proverbs 14:34) We have been disgraced by unrighteous actions in our nation, and the people indeed groan under the weight of sin and deceit. Continue to use good and wise leaders to expose, expose, expose. You also told us Jesus is the ONLY way to You (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). We love people of all faiths, but will never compromise this truth. And America was founded by You to spread this message–we will not allow this destiny to be stolen. Islam will not rule America, nor will socialism or communism. Many of those associated with these beliefs will be saved in the revival that has begun. We ask for this. In Christ’s authority, we pray. Amen. 

Our decree:

We decree that we, God’s Ekklesia on earth, will NOT grow weary in our well-doing, and we WILL reap in our “due season” (Galatians 6:9).

Click on the link below to watch the full video.

November 7, 2025

Introduction

Occasionally, I like to share posts that are more devotional, rather than focused on intercession. This is the case today. 

The Stretch 

I love nature and the outdoors. Sunrise, sunset, mountains, oceans, rivers, streams, trees - I just find God to be a pretty good artist. I also love to check out the animals. I’ve watched squirrels gather nuts, rabbits nibble leaves and veggies, and woodpeckers bang away at trees - how do they do that without rattling their brains out? Have you ever watched a hummingbird up close - their wings go a gazillion times per second - or observed the unmoving wings of an eagle as it soars. How did God think up all this stuff?

I love observing and listening to elk. The sounds they make are fascinating. You’ve never heard all of nature’s wonders until you’ve heard a bull elk bugle. When you hear this up close, it’s one of the greatest rushes you could ever imagine. In mating season, you can actually call in a bull elk using calls that mimic the sounds of a cow elk in heat. Attracted like moths to a flame, they come running. When they approach, it is with tenacious and fierce determination. They grunt, bugle, and snort, both to alert the cow that they are coming and to warn any other bulls in the area that this is their date - back off.

The bugling begins from hundreds of yards away and continues off and on as they approach. The first time I heard this, I became more “wired“ with adrenaline with every bugle. I was convinced that the archangel Gabriel was coming through the woods with his trumpet. We were hiding in some brush, and the expert caller was luring him in ever closer. Finally, Mr. Elk was no more than ten yards away. Still unable to see us but believing his “date” was close, he grunted, let out an ear-piercing bugle, slung some slobber (evidently, this is a turn-on for cow elk!) pawed the ground… and I made my peace with God! Talk about scary.

If you’ve never heard the bugle of a bull elk, put it on your bucket list.

Contrary to what you might think, an elk’s eyesight is not that great. They rely mostly on their senses of smell and hearing. I was observing a small herd of these majestic creatures one evening just before dark. One of the things that intrigued me most was the twitching of their ears. Ever vigilant, each time they heard a sound, their ears would prick up in order to hear it even better. Whether eating, drinking, or taking a step, they were always diligent to listen for a potential threat - their lives depended on it.

As I watched them, the pricking up of their ears reminded me of the literal meaning of the Hebrew word for listening (qashab). This word literally means “to prick up the ears like an animal coming to alertness.” This live picture painted by the elk was indeed worth a thousand words.

One of the places qashab is used is Proverbs 4:20-22, a fairly well-known passage of scripture:

“My son, GIVE ATTENTION to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to their whole body” (emphasis mine).

My understanding of “giving attention to” God’s words went to a whole new level as I watched the ever-vigilant ears of the elk. Always listen diligently for His voice, as though your life depends on it, I thought. Regardless of what else you happen to be doing, remain tuned in to Him.

Spending time with God through prayer, worship, and quiet meditation tunes in the soul and awakens the heart, enabling us to hear Him. Life is loud - make it quiet down once in a while. Everything else will scream for your attention, but not the Lord. Holy Spirit refuses to shout above the clamor and dissonance created by other voices and activities. For those who have grown to love the pleasure of His company enough to make time for Him, however, the still small voice of Holy Spirit becomes easily discernible.

Life gets fast. Too fast. Slow down for a few minutes each day, turn aside and listen for His voice. “Turn aside” is one of the meanings of the word “incline” (natah) in Proverbs 4:20. If we turn aside, He will speak to us. But He won’t speak until we are willing to turn aside.

The word natah also means “to stretch toward, as in craning the neck in order to see or hear better.” The long-necked bird we call a crane provides the genesis for this colloquialism. “Stretch” your neck toward God in order to clearly hear His sayings. Show Him worth; assign Him value; demonstrate interest in His words. If you do so, He will speak.

Interestingly, however, these same two words, qashab and natah, describe not only listening to God but also His listening to us. He, too, “pricks up His ears” and “cranes His neck,” listening for the voices of His kids. Like the attentive ears of a doting mother with her newborn baby, God is listening for the sounds and stirrings of His little ones. Malachi 3:16 tells us, 

“Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord GAVE ATTENTION and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name” (emphasis mine).

“Gave attention” is qashab. The timing of this passage was one of the seasons when many in Israel had turned away from Yahweh. His Father heart was hurting. God’s attentive ears pricked up, however, when a few of His loyal kids began talking about Him, and He was blessed by it. “Make a note of this,“ He told one of His assistants.

Religion or misinformed people may have sold you a bill of goods about God being distant, but don’t believe it. Not only is He everlasting, He is also ever-listening.

In Psalm 40:1, David says of the Lord, “I waited patiently for the Lord; And He INCLINED (natah) to me and heard my cry” (emphasis mine). David said Yahweh responded to him, craning His neck, stretching it toward his cry and lifting him out of the “pit of destruction... the miry clay” (verse 2). David was deeply moved by God’s heart toward him, and spoke of Abba’s strong love:

“How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, and has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood. Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, and Your thoughts towards us; there is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, they would be too numerous to count.” (Psalm 40:4-5)

“Too numerous to count” is the phrase David used to describe Abba’s thoughts toward us. He loves us, and as we turn aside to Him, He turns aside to us. The resulting face-to-face encounter is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Don’t allow a feverish pace and the clamorous noise of life to rob you. Slow down and listen to Abba. Then, talk to Him. He’s listening to you, as well.

Pray with me:

Thank you, Father, for ever-listening to every utterance from the hearts of Your kids. From Your throne of glory, You incline Your ears to hear our voices and give attention to our prayers. How amazing this is! Let the sounds You hear from us bring You pleasure.

And Father, we want to hear Your voice speaking to us. We stretch our hearts toward You - listening - giving attention to Your every word. Draw us to the hidden treasures found in the pages of Your Book - wisdom, knowledge, life, and health. Your Word is our daily bread.

We don’t want to be casual listeners, but those who still our hearts to hear, giving our attention to and ascribing worth to Your words. May we pause frequently, as sheep who faithfully listen for the sound of their Shepherd’s voice, following Him always.

Our decree:

We declare our allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ, and we will always remain attentive to His voice and His Word.

Today’s post was taken from my book The Pleasure of His Company, published by Baker Books.

Click on the link below to watch the full video.