mylordmyfriend posted: " Chaplain's Message In the year of the 80th celebration of the formation of the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles (NGVR) 1939-1943, I was given a book to read of NGVR soldier's stories, written by Bob Collins. Before I opened the book though, I was" My Lord, My Friend
In the year of the 80th celebration of the formation of the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles (NGVR) 1939-1943, I was given a book to read of NGVR soldier's stories, written by Bob Collins. Before I opened the book though, I was captivated by the title, 'Keepers of the gate', a biblical term mentioned in the Old Testament. Gatekeepers were important in maintaining order in ancient societies.
A Gatekeeper was a guard stationed, for protection, at various kinds of gates, like city gates, palace or temple gates. A Gatekeeper had to be trustworthy and alert for any signs of trouble. A Gatekeeper, lax in his duties, could bring ruin upon an entire civilization. So the idea of gatekeeping implies alertness and security. How apt when we consider the NGVR that was formed, served and disbanded in New Guinea. It's easy to recognize the NGVR as Gatekeepers of our country. The majority of them lost their lives protecting our country and giving us a freedom unmatched, dare I say, by any other country or nation.
A parallel can be made to our own lives, and the sacrifice that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ made. He too, willingly sacrificed Himself to save mankind, and give us freedom; freedom from hatred, greed, and the things that destroy one's heart and soul.
John 15:13 "Greater love has no-one than this; to lay down one's life for one's friend." Titus 2:14 "Jesus Christ who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself, a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good."
Our conscience, the fear of God, and the Holy Spirit, are Gatekeepers for our hearts.
Heavenly Father, we praise you for Who you are, and thank You for what You did for us at Calvary. We owe You, our lives. Lord, we thank You for Your provision and your protection, for health and prosperity. Continue to be with us this week I pray. Amen.
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