GODLESS WORLD?

Do you really want to live in a Godless world? Can you imagine the rule of law that you would be subjected too? Just read the headlines and that should give you a good insight on what would happen too you with a less tolerant world. You might not want to wish for something that might come true. Maybe it has already started? “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment, You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, Says the Lord” Do we really want a Godless world? I sure don't, just read the headlines.

CHRONIC ILLNESS!

Do you have a chronic illness that nobody knows of, one that just stops you from enjoying life to the fullest? I am not talking about cancer or some other terminally ill sickness, but a condition that you or someone you know has labeled you with. I’m too big? I’m too tall? I’m too fat? I’m too small? I’m not pretty, I must be ugly after all? Not too popular? Not smart at all? No real friends that ...I can call? I’m left on this earth all alone? The Lord always reassures us that in His eyes, we are made in His image, and He loves us all! You can make a list why your not liked or loved, but that is the world that tells us that not the Lord! Last time I checked, His “Word” is the only one that counts! “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” Psalm 34:4 When is the last time you called out to the Lord? I just did.

JUST TIRED.............?

Tired of the kids? Tired of the job? Tired of housework? Picking up the toys for the tenth time today? Dirty kitchen? Bathrooms need to be cleaned? Car needs to be fixed? No one that understands you? Doctor wants to give you pills to deal with the stress? Where do you find your strength from? From a friend? From a spouse? From your children? From a parent? Really??? How long does that last? “The Lord is my strength and my shield; and I am helped; therefore my heart trusted in Him and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7


Where do you find your strength??????? Mine is in the Lord!

I'LL TAKE MY GOD WITH A LITTLE...........

Have you changed your God to be just a Take-Out or Drive-Thur God?  How about a happy meal God? Only to need His help when something has gone wrong? Maybe you don't believe there is a God? So were do you fine your peace? "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 Do we need Grace? I don't know about you....But I sure do.

STILL DON"T BELIEVE?

Don't believe there is a God? Don't believe in the Bible? Don't believe in a Heaven? Don't believe in a Hell? Don't believe in a Spirit? Don't believe in a Soul? Don't believe in Grace? Don't believe in Faith? Don't believe in the Lord? Don't believe in a Savior? Don't believe in a Christ? Don't believe in Sin? Don't believe in forgiveness? Don't believe in the Resurrection? Don't believe in Jesus Christ? "Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all day." Psalm 25:4-5 Where do you find your "Hope" if you don't believe???...... Still don't believe?.....

STAY STRONG! "CHRISTIAN STRONG"

So President Barack Obama’s civilian appointees who lead the Pentagon are confirming that the military will make it a crime--possibly resulting in imprisonment--for those in uniform to share their faith. This would include chaplains—military officers who are ordained clergymen of their faith (mostly Christian pastors or priests, or Jewish rabbis)--whose duty since the founding of the U.S. military under George Washington is to teach their faith and minister to the spiritual needs of troops who come to them for counsel, instruction, or comfort.


For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy towards them that fear Him. Ps 103:11   "There is no peace" says the Lord, for the wicked". Isaiah 48:22
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed!    John 8:36

 IN HIS SERVICE
 Shepherd's Grip

FIGHTING the GOOD FIGHT!

While PTSD and suicide are rampant with U.S. veterans, one retired Marine is offering support to those still coming home.  We will continue the "Good Fight" on filling the void that the Veteran Administration leaves.
www.shepherdsgrip.com


http://www.azcentral.com/video/#/News/Veteran%2019s+New+Mission/40http://www.azcentral.com/video/#/News/Veteran%2019s+New+Mission/40280768001/35150280001/2240062718001280768001/35150280001/2240062718001

2013 ARIZONA STANDDOWN

AZ StandDown 2013 is Mission Complete!


First of all, a big thank you from more than seven hundred and fifty US Veterans who received Bibles, Testaments, and many Christian books, all as a result of your donations. This years Arizona StandDown was another record breaker with more than 1500 Veterans being cared for, including 132 Female Veterans. Most received help with legal issues to haircuts and showers as the need is huge and getting larger every year. Then there are the spiritual needs that Shepherd's Grip has fulfilled the last 5 years.

It was a real blessing to talk and pray with the many veterans who stopped by our booth and Angels rejoiced in Heaven for each of the ones who accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and began a new life in Him.

We thank you all for your prayers and the donations that make this completely volunteer Ministry possible. Your donations are fully tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Cash donations can be made right here on line or contact Shepherds Grip if you would like to donate bibles, testaments or Christian books in any quantities, large or small.

Press CTRL and click on the link below for a short video. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200798738309530&set=vb.265595880215857&type=2&theater

"LIKE" us on Facebook!

Hope you are following Shepherd's Grip on Facebook! "Like" our page at www.facebook.com/shepherdsgrip!

IT'S YOUR CALL!

Sometimes we miss our brothers more than the time before. To remember who we are is sometimes really hard to figure out. We sometimes sit, smile, laugh, cry and then wonder where do we go from here. This deployment is so much different than... any other deployment you have ever made in the past. I pray that the Holy Spirit falls upon you as you sit and think of your next step you must take. One that you don't need to take by yourself, "IT'S YOUR CALL" 1-800-273-8255 press (1) Confidential help for you and your family. May the Lord our God be with you these next few days.


IN HIS SERVICE

Shepherds Grip

Gregg Jones GySgt USMC Ret.

NEVER TO LATE

Hilly, Shepherd’s Grip Ministry and I (Hilly is my service dog) went downtown to the Phoenix Veteran’s Hospital for a doctors appointment. As always, I added extra time to evangelize before or after my appointment (s) for witnessing to the Veterans or staff while at the hospital. With God’s Promises books in my backpack, we walked down hallways looking for whom ever the Lord would send us. Hilly and I met a few Veteran believers, praise God, and continued walking. Then the day took a turn that I never thought would ever happen. Two young Interns, turn right into Hilly’s and my pathway, praise the Lord! As they were walking, I began talking to them until one of them said, “I don’t know why you are wasting your time with us because we are atheists.” The only words that I could think of were, “I‘m glad you believe in something, I’ll pray for you, and I did”. Then Hilly took us down a hallway that I had never been down before. Though I knew the hospital, I was turned around and lost my direction. Just as we were making are way down this unfamiliar hallway we then made a right turn, bam, right in front of us was this weak, frail Veteran on a hospital bed. As I stood there, he motioned me to come closer. As I looked into his eyes, I knew his time on earth was close at hand. With all of his energy, his words will always be with me, “You can pray for me!” as he excepted the Lord, just then I could feel the chills running down my back, how did Hilly know? The hallway I have never been down before. Therefore, the next day I went back to the hospital only to find out that he had passed away. I was happy that he was with the Lord, but sad because I did not know his name. Someday, I will.  Shepherd’s Grip Ministry

DOUBLE DOWN!

Every year millions of people go the Las Vegas to make it rich, some bet their life savings to make it "Big" but only to lose it all. Feeling sick to their stomach, they knew that if they would just hedge their money they would surely win, only to lose. Ninety-eight percent of all the people that bet on something without first weighting the odds will lose.

The assurance that only we that believe in the Christ will go to heaven is not as our culture often sees, or explains it. The sad thing is they do not know the odds, only to lose their salvation. However, let us be very clear on this, He (Jesus) is the Truth and the Way and the Bible teaches us and proves that. The only way to the Father is through the Son.

Nevertheless, is it really worth chasing the fables of the "World" of our "Cultures," only to lose our eternal "bet" with heaven? Ninety-eight percent come up short without knowing the odds. It is your turn to make the bet, just as it was with "Tom."  Do you know your odds?

AN ACT OF HUMILITY

Nearly everyone reaches a moment, when the only thing he or she can think to do is pray. Tragedy,uncertainty, fear, insecurity can bring the most-assured individuals to their knees. Americans are nervous and the days ahead are sure to be filled with many prayers for protection, prosperity, patience, and peace. But the one thing that we must keep in mind is; Prayers are not a transfer of information to God, but rather an act of humility. See the Lord knows all before we do or say something. He already knows are thoughts and needs before we do. The only reason why we turn to prayer is, that it is the most personal way to experience God at His love and grace or when we cry out for help and praise. Have you prayed today?  Prayer in not a transfer of information, but rather an act of Humility

WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST 1863-1951

William Randolph Hearst 1863-1951 built the Nation's largest newspaper business in California. Mr Hearst built what is now the Hearst Castle in central Calif. It sits on 250,000 acres and has over 90,000 sq ft living area. It has 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting areas. Needless to say, the man was wealthy. Mr Hearst was also a prolific buyer and purchase of art and antiques to furnish his ...home and to "own" as much as he could, to have in his collection. Mr Hearst built his home to accommodate his bulging collection of art he had acquired and kept in many different warehouses.

One day Mr Hearst read an article in an overseas news paper about a painting that "he had to have in his collection". He called for his trusted buyer to seek out and buy that painting at any cost. Finally, after searching for two months his trusted buyer gave him the news about the painting. Mr Hearst asked him if he bought the painting and his answer was no. He informed Mr Hearst that the painting he was sent to buy was indeed already bought by Mr Hearst years ago and was sitting in his warehouse with many other paintings. Is Jesus in your warehouse and you don't even know it?   "Don't get lost in the collection mode"

IN HIS SERVICE
Shepherd's Grip

CAPTAIN SCOTT; UNITED STATES MARINE

The year was 1985, and I was a young but old 25 year old United States Marine Staff Sergeant. I had about 50 men under my charge and an Officer in Charge (OIC) name Captain Scott. We had just gotten back from a pretty hard Deployment (away from our families) and it was time to reunite with our children and those who were married, with their wife's.


Capt Scott was a prior enlisted Marine which w...e called a Mustanger. He was as good as they come and a great OIC, as he would stay out of my way when it came to leading the "troops" on the day to day routine stuff and he would handle the "Brass" stuff. I believe he was as good as doing that as I was, but he had more on his collar (rank) then I did, but we both didn't like the dog and pony show thing, but it had to be done and he did it the right way.

The other thing we did good together was, "Give us a Mission" and let us go, get out of our way, and we would get it done right and come home as quickly as we possibly could. Not one second to early, not one second to late as long as the "Mission" was complete and the job was done correctly. That also meant a boat load of paper work and gear to be cleaned upon return, plus helping the young Marines put their lives back on track (if that was ever possible). There was always something or someone we would pull out of the base brig (jail) all in a days work.

Troops, this is where Capt Scott and myself had a heart for, our young Marines. He had a gift about himself and was able to take the most impossible task and get it turned around quickly. That's what I loved about this man, his love for his Marines, their families, and their issues, and yes at 18-35 we men all have issues. His leadership meant so much to me and to all of the troops that loved him dearly... and I mean dearly, with their lives. Capt Scott was a Leader among men.


I always hated that late 2 am or 3 am phone call in the early mornings, because it seems that the information you get is not good. I remember that call, as if it was yesterday. It was a normal Friday, we all left early and Capt Scott had a date night with his wife and 3 other couples. As far as I knew, it was what they would do when the unit got back from a deployment. Eight went out to dinner, and nothing out of the normal that day or night, until the phone rang. "Staff Sergeant Jones", the Sergent Major asked, I said, "yes this is", and with little words he told me to get into work right away and forget the uniform. This is not good.


None of my family was hurt, I made that call and all were mad at me because they thought it was about me getting hurt. As I drove into the compound I could see the Commanding Officers' car, the XO car, the SgtMaj car and that was it. It didn't really hit me until I got up stairs to the offices that Capt Scotts' car was not in the parking lot. As the SgtMaj was calling me into the office to tell me what happened, Capt Scott's wife, their 4 children and the Chaplin showed up. I knew it was not going to be good news, and then it hit me hard, real hard.

Capt Scott had hung himself and his wife found him at 1:00 am in their home. Why you ask would a young man with it all going in the right direction do this kind of thing, we will never know, that's why its the silent killer. I will always know him as a great leader, man and a great Marine Officer that loved his family and men. He was really hurting to take his own life. This is the time if you know or have a loved one on Active duty or a Veteran. ASK the question, "How are you doing?" Pass out this number (800)-273-8255 press 1 "It's your call" this is a "Crisis Hot Line." all calls are confidential.

note: I only used Capt Scott's first name, not his last.

IS IT TIME FOR A "GUT CHECK"?

The Bible talks a lot about sheep and their relationship with their shepherd. The thing with sheep is they need a shepherd around them at all times to guide them, guard them, water them, and even help them with their normal daily routine.

King David, a shepherd at his young age knew of his “Shepherd.” A passage in the Bible begins, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. . . ."

Sheep need to be told when to eat, when to sleep, and when to drink. They will not even defend themselves when danger comes. This is why the shepherd is with them 24 hours a day, to protect them and guide them. We have the “Holy Sprit” to guide us and protect us at all times. However, we are not sheep, and in the military, there is a saying that we call “Doing a gut check” or “Something is just not right.” We need to either, fix it or change the habit that nobody else knows about that could hurt others in the “Unit.” This is why we need our Shepherd “Jesus the Christ” to guide and protect us with our daily routine, 24/7- 365 days a year.

Does your life style need a “Shepherd” to guide you? Is it time that you do a “Gut Check” and follow through with your “Mission at hand.” Maybe we need to face down the enemy in our life style that blocks us from our “Shepherd.” Everybody knows that we are our worst enemy!


I know I need my “Shepherd” 24/7 - 365 days a year to complete my “Mission”!


IN HIS SERVICE

Shepherd’s Grip

IT's Never to Late!

Three weeks or so ago I found myself in Palo Alto California at the VA Center for the WRISS program. It is a two part assessment for the many different illnesses related to the Gulf War that have not been explained for what ever reason.  I would be there for 4 days as a live guinea pig to help find some answers and maybe some "How's and Why's".  Part One was to have a pretty extensive medical exam from some of the finest Doctors at the Staford Medical Institute.  Their job was to collect as much Medical information as possible from my medical records and to interview me on many different topics and exposures in the "Gulf War" related to the illnesses that effect many American and NATO Veterans.  Part 2 was for the Medical Team to use me as a guinea pig with the state of the art MRI equipment in hopes to gather information about TBI's (traumatic brain injures) through PET and CAT Scan tests and to see how they effect the service men/woman's brains after being exposed to them.  This Blog really is not about the medical exam as it is about a man named Tom. Tom was 82 years old and had cancer in his lungs and had never been sick in his lifetime, now he's in a fight for his life. I met Tom's wife outside his room one night and she had told me that he has never excepted the Lord Jesus as his Savior and had gone to the point to tell his Priest that he could not even pray for him. Tom was hurting from something and scared to die! I asked Tom's wife if I could try to talk to Tom, and she said please with tears in her eyes.  I told her, I am nobody special except I have talked to many Veterans in the past and with the "Holy Spirit" all things are possible! So as Tom and I talked about his condition and that the outlook wasn't as good as he would have liked, I could feel the change in the room. I then asked Tom if I could pray for him, he accepted. There wasn't a dry eye in the room.  Tom's wife told me that I was the only one that he had ever let pray for him in his 82years here on earth!  It's Never to Late to have someone accept the Lord!  Be bold in the Lord and Just ask!

IN HIS SERVICE
Shepherd's Grip

WE ARE ON FACEBOOK!

Check us out on Facebook.  Please "LIKE US" and look at the other Logo that has been designed. Wright on are timeline with your thoughts!

IN HIS SERVICE
Shepherd's Grip

NEW LOGO FOR SHEPHERD'S GRIP!

"REMEMBER FREEDOM IS NOT A GIFT FROM HEAVEN;
YOU MUST FIGHT FOR IT EVERYDAY  "
Simon Wiesenthal; (Lost 89 family members in the WWII Nazi Genocide)
Logo by; Brian Ring                                       

MISSION STATEMENT SHEPHERD'S GRIP

Did you know that Shepherd's Grip Ministry donated over 30,000 Bibles and Christian books to the American Veterans and their families in 2011?  We are now working on a grant that would allow us to double the number of Bibles that we will be able to donate.  Bibles and books have made it around the world in different military units in 2011. They have been shipped to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard in every theater of Military operation.  Both Active and Reserve units have received Bibles and Christian books and some have asked to receive more.  We have also been able to supply enough to our "snow bird" friends in the VA Medical Centers in Mesa and the Phoenix Hospital which has required 2 times the amount of Bibles in 2011 than in prior years. It is very exciting to see God working in many different people’s lives as we continue to expand the reach of the Ministry to so many hurting people in these tough times.  2011 was a very exciting time for us at Shepherds Grip as we fulfilled the requirements to become a 501(c)(3) non profit organization.  Any donations to Shepherds Grip Ministry are tax deductible and will receive a letter at the end of the year for income tax filing. 100% of the donations go directly for the purchase of Bibles and books, and we are redesigning a cover to better fit the Veteran population. Creating a book cover made for the American Veteran through Thomas Nelson Publishing Company is awaiting the final cost to run the unique books.  So as you see, we are not standing still growing moss on our feet here at Shepherds Grip Ministry. As the Marines would say we are in full speed and heading forward.  We thank our Christian brothers and sisters for their donations for 2011 and looking forward to 2012.  May God Bless all who care for are American Veterans.  Because we know of their sacrifice, and they made them for us! Freedom is Not Free!

WITH OR WITHOUT YOU! GOD IS WITH YOU!

Have you ever felt so alone that you thought nobody cared about you?  Sometimes even your friends do not even call to check to see if you are still breathing.  I seem to fall into this valley from time to time with out even a life line to grab a hold of.  But just as the darkest of times start to roll in as if a storm is coming, a light shines within us through either a song, Christian book or a phrase from the Bible that lets us know that our God does live with us, and surely among all of us.  He doesn't even have a watch, clock or calender to go by.  The other day I felt that coldness of night all over me making me feel as if I was all alone, and just as I felt that motion of falling off the cliff, our Lord Jesus through his Spirit revealed His scripture not only for me but to all of us that have felt this way one time or another in our life's. Then being true in His love for us, I  heard,  "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you". Deut: 31:6 nkjv So remember no matter what, He is always with you, and you are never without Him!

IN HIS SERVICE
Shepherd's Grip

SOMETIMES THE DARWIN THEORY WINS!!

TEAM HILLY NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!

Team Hilly is working hard to raise $500.00 to help the next person in line to receive a service dog free of charge from cci.org.  This is a great way to help get involved with people with disabilities!  Lead, Follow but please support Team Hilly to make her goal!! www.cci.org/azpledge

All of my paws,

"THESE PAWS HAVE A CAUSE"
              TEAM HILLY

Law Now Allows Retirees and Vets to Salute Flag

Law Now Allows Retirees and Vets to Salute Flag



Traditionally, members of the nation's veterans service organizations have rendered the hand-salute during the national anthem and at events involving the national flag only while wearing their organization’s official head-gear.



The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 contained an amendment to allow un-uniformed service members, military retirees, and veterans to render a hand salute during the hoisting, lowering, or passing of the U.S. flag.



A later amendment further authorized hand-salutes during the national anthem by veterans and out-of-uniform military personnel. This was included in the Defense Authorization Act of 2009, which President Bush signed on Oct. 14, 2008.



Here is the actual text from the law:



SEC. 595. MILITARY SALUTE FOR THE FLAG DURING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES NOT IN

UNIFORM AND BY VETERANS.



Section 301(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, is amended by

striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new

subparagraphs:

``(A) individuals in uniform should give the

military salute at the first note of the anthem and

maintain that position until the last note;

``(B) members of the Armed Forces and veterans who

are present but not in uniform may render the military

salute in the manner provided for individuals in

uniform; and

``(C) all other persons present should face the flag

and stand at attention with their right hand over the

heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should

remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it

at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart;



Note: Part (C) applies to those not in the military and non-veterans. The phrase "men not in uniform" refers to civil service uniforms like police, fire fighters, and letter carriers - non-veteran civil servants who might normally render a salute while in uniform.

info from: military.com

"AM I" or "I AM"

The other day I went to the VA Center in Phoenix to meet a young man that is disabled.  As we were talking, I noticed how the love of Jesus was shining in his words.  As the day went on and I was driving back to San Tan Valley I asked myself, "Am I" doing the Lords work that my faith and words shine also? I pray that what I do and say should be fruitful in the eyes of the Lord.  How do I really know that the love I have for "I AM" shows in my actions and deeds? I just pray that when I get called home, Jesus will have this big smile on His face and welcome me! "AM I" worthy of heaven? NO! but "I AM" is and he loves all of us and has paid for all of our sins in full! " Welcome Home Good and Faithful Servant" "AM I"?

IN HIS SERVICE
Shepherd's Grip