Past And Now-Some Things Never Change… Hello weekend readers. Tomorrow is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. For me, it has always been a time where I muse deeply on that day because my big-bad Marine, Uncle Bud, was there! It is no wonder this day President Roosevelt said: “It is a date which will live in infamy.” So let me tell you a short story about my uncle—he is in heaven now but I suspect he is hearing what I am writing!

First, understand this huge military base—IT WAS MASSIVE-an expanding naval complex on Oahu, covering over 10,000 acres/huge shipyard/submarine base/fuel depots/naval hospital and the Ford Island Naval Air Station, supporting hundreds of ships, thousands of personnel, and vast air operations; it became the core of the U.S. Pacific Fleet operations. On that day, Uncle Bud and two other Marines from the USS Arizona were asked to help the cooks to go to the base to pick up food and other provisions. To get there was all the way on the other side of the base! The short story is: while they were loading, the Japanese were also unloading their bombs. My uncle and the others lived but many didn’t. For years Uncle Bud struggled saying “I should have been there for them.” It’s called “survivors’ guilt” and he took that to his grave. The past is never long gone in military soldiers–they’re time is carved in their hearts.

In 1941, no one would have thought the Japanese would attack us! We stood on our powerful defenses, our flag and yes, our pride. One journalist said “Hawaii is regarded as the most unlikely thing in the world, with one chance in a million of being successful to get attacked.”

If we look back on history, these words must be considered some of the most foolish ever written! They go to show how unaware many people in America laughed to the nay-sayers saying “it’s ridiculous to even think about such a possibility for such an attack, after all this is America!” On December 7, 1941 that risk became a reality and shattered lives and families then and today the wounds still continue for many.

The Apostle Peter has a warning for us: “Most importantly, be disciplined and stay on guard. Your enemy the devil is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just waiting and hoping for the chance to devour someone.” -1 Peter 5:8 [Voice]

Like some people in those days, many Christians live their lives almost completely unaware of the danger of spiritual attacks that loom each and every day. But the reality is that our enemy–Satan, lurks around and waits for a chance to attack us spiritually. And if we aren’t on our guard, we risk being caught and we are not ready to fend off those attacks.

Here are some stats from the Pearl Harbor Attack. Think of the loss and remind yourself that, when it comes to spiritual warfare, be ready to go to battle at any time. Don’t accept a false sense of security about spiritual warfare because that is exactly what Satan wants you to do!
> 2,403 U.S. personnel were killed, which included military members and civilians
> 1,178 were wounded
> Nearly half of the U.S. deaths occurred on the USS Arizona, where 1,177 sailors and Marines perished after an explosion
> The Japanese military suffered a much smaller casualty count, with 129 killed.  

Sadly, millions of people around the world-even those with faith, continue to ignore Satan’s attacks—until they find themselves stuck with temptations and a war ticking in their mind that they can’t stop. So, let’s be diligent in prayer, and open to the Holy Spirit when she says “Child, we have a problem, follow me—NOW!” AMEN.