By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_Agbo]Gabriel Agbo
"I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked me. Then Michael, one of the archangels came to help me,... Soon I must return to fight against the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia, and then against the spirit prince of the kingdom of Greece... (There is no one to help me against these spirit princes except Michael, your spirit prince...)"
- Angel Gabriel
The role of the angels
The role of the angels in our battles is very critical. In fact, you cannot conclude a message on warfare without mentioning the role of these unseen forces in determining the outcome of conflicts. What happens behind the scene (that is in the spirit real) is often more important and critical than the actions we see. It is the spiritual that controls the physical. If you win the war in the spirit, then you become a victor in the physical. The angels are involved in all the battles we do as Christians. You may or may not see them, yet they are always actively involved. They are like the arms of God. The carry out instructions and commands from His throne. They wait on God and minister to us. They insure that the will of God is carried out throughout of the universe. They aid the righteous in the battle against evil and evil forces. These innumerable, special, holy and very powerful spirit beings are in different categories and also perform different duties. Sometimes, you distinguish them by their character, duties or glory. Like, there are some that receive worship, while others don't. Some go on very special duties. Others act as messengers, etc. The one that receives worship or is called the Angel of the LORD is believed to be the appearance of God (or Jesus Christ). Angels are in hundreds of millions. One angel can kill hundreds of thousands of soldiers in a day, as we have variously seen in the scriptures. But, let me also be quick to say that in discussing the spirit real, one can only limit him/herself to the things already revealed by the word of God. This is very important because that realm is very vast and no mortal can claim to know it too well.
The angels of God as revealed in the scriptures include: the archangels, the Angel of the LORD, the angels. You also have the extremely powerful cherubim and seraphim, the four Living Creatures and the 24 elders. That is in the kingdom of God. In the kingdom of Satan (darkness), it also has its own structure: Satan, fallen angels, principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, demons. Satan is a fallen cherub. There are also other extremely wicked fallen angels that the book of Jude told us that God chained and kept in the prison of darkness, waiting for the day of judgement. I keep imagining what will happen if these guys are released now. Maybe, they have the capacity to make this place uninhabitable? I don't know. This structure of satanic command (directly and through their human agents) constantly fights against Christians and the will of God on earth. They desperately make every effort possible to ensure that they oppose everything that is godly and holy. This contrasting position of these two kingdoms wholly explains the conflicts you see in the world, in the society and in our life.
We had a peep into these activities in the book of Daniel chapter ten and from verse twelve. After Daniel learnt about the plan of God to deliver the people of Israel from the captivity in Babylon, he began to pray and fast for its actualisation. God immediately sent angel Gabriel to bring answers to him. But, a very powerful demonic principality called the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked Gabriel from reaching Daniel with the divine message of freedom. Then another archangel Michael; the spirit prince of Israel had to rush in to help Gabriel after the 21 days delay in battle, and that was when Gabriel was able to go and deliver the message to Daniel, promising to return to continue the fight against that demonic principality. Wow! Can you see that? But it is there in the bible. The forces of heaven supported Daniel's prayer for Israel to be delivered from captivity, but the kingdom of darkness didn't want such to happen. And it resulted in the fierce battle between the angelic beings ruling (or guarding) over those nations and interests. There are angelic beings guarding every nation, society and every individual. You must dislodge them for you prayers to have any effect on those they oversee. (Sorry, we cannot treat all these in details here. It is a very vast but interesting subject).
So, when you go into a battle as a Christian or you are fighting for a godly cause, the kingdom of God mobilises the necessary angels to fight for you. Like I said earlier, you may not see them, but they are always there for you. Yes, Daniel didn't know, until after 21 days, that from the first day he started praying that God sent Gabriel to attend to him. Thank God he continued until an answer eventually came. When we pray, when we get involved in the battles of life (spiritual and physical), let's always be assured that there are very powerful, mighty angels sent from God to help us. You can also request God to send them to you if you feel like. They will come. I have tried it even in very critical and dangerous ministrations and I received instant interventions. I remember once asking God to send me archangels to help me in a very dangerous deliverance ministration. The demonic principality was virtually resisting every command until the reinforcement came. It was indeed a very strange and dramatic experience that I will never forget. Jesus actually said that he could tell his father and He would send legions (a legion is about 6,000 troops) to defend Him. Please, note that you ask God to send them. Don't go and worship angels or spirit beings. Direct your prayers to God, and then He would send them to attend to you. They are ministering spirits to us. They involve in every aspect of our life. They are attracted and empowered by a life of holiness and prayer. They are involved in all the battles we face in life.
It was angels that shut the mouths of lions and made the devourers sudden friends to Daniel. Angel came and transmuted the blazing heat into a cooler when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the furnace. It was the angel of God that dislodged Pharaoh and led the children of Israel out of Egypt in a 'commando' night operation. Ask God to send His angels to assist you in that your current battle. Have you given your life to Jesus Christ? Do that immediately. Till next week, God bless!
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Prepare-For-War!-(5)&id=6548865] Prepare For War! (5)
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Get Confidence Up With PVC Morale Patches
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Fabiola_Delgado_De_La_Flor]Fabiola Delgado De La Flor
Morale patches are often given to military personnel to help inspire, build morale and motivate. They may also be given to employees, members of civic organizations, sports teams and even students for the same reason.
PVC morale patches are made from a soft and pliable plastic called Polyvinyl chloride. They can be manufactured in any color and crafted into just about any shape imaginable.
Many organizations that purchase PVC morale patches instead of woven or embroidered patches tend to do so because of the durability and versatility characteristic of PVC patches. They can be manufactured with either a 2D or 3D design, are the perfect backdrop for simple designs and specially those that are more intricate.
PVC morale patches can be made with a single color or many, small lettering or large lettering. They can be worn anywhere, even in the elements of the weather, such as, rain, humidity or sunlight, without fear of subsequent damage. This is one of the reasons why they are given to military personnel, who tend to spend a substantial amount of time outdoors.
Embroidered and woven patches have a long history and continue to be popular. At one time, they were the only types of patches used on military uniforms. However, this has changed in the past years and PVC patches are being used with increased frequency. This is in part, due to the durability of PVC patches. They also don't fray or fade like embroidered or woven patches tend to. The ability to create more intricate designs with PVC than with other materials is another reason why they have become increasingly popular.
PVC morale patches provide a visible acknowledgment of a person's achievements which subsequently, helps to raise morale. They can work just as effectively in any setting. Sports coaches may find that they can help to create a similar response among their athletes. They could be worn on uniforms, hats, sports jackets or bags. On the other hand, leaders of civic organizations, where uniforms are also often worn, might find morale patches beneficial for strengthening their organization as well.
PVC morale patches are frequently sewn into uniforms and so are considered permanent. However, they don't have to be. If preferred, they can have a Velcro backing, which allows for their removal.
When patches are needed, an organization or club can hardly go wrong with ones made from PVC. It is a durable material that can be used to create patches with rich, varied color and intricate designs. PVC patches can stand up to the wind, rain and sunlight and you can have the peace of mind that they won't fade or fray overtime.
PVC Emblems is a manufacturer of [http://www.pvcemblems.com/p/pvc-patches/]Custom PVC Patches and [http://www.clothinglabelsandtags.com/pvc-labels.html]PVC Labels of the highest quality and offers free artwork with your order, our experienced graphic designers will work with you to create the perfect design for your project.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-Confidence-Up-With-PVC-Morale-Patches&id=6558622] Get Confidence Up With PVC Morale Patches
Morale patches are often given to military personnel to help inspire, build morale and motivate. They may also be given to employees, members of civic organizations, sports teams and even students for the same reason.
PVC morale patches are made from a soft and pliable plastic called Polyvinyl chloride. They can be manufactured in any color and crafted into just about any shape imaginable.
Many organizations that purchase PVC morale patches instead of woven or embroidered patches tend to do so because of the durability and versatility characteristic of PVC patches. They can be manufactured with either a 2D or 3D design, are the perfect backdrop for simple designs and specially those that are more intricate.
PVC morale patches can be made with a single color or many, small lettering or large lettering. They can be worn anywhere, even in the elements of the weather, such as, rain, humidity or sunlight, without fear of subsequent damage. This is one of the reasons why they are given to military personnel, who tend to spend a substantial amount of time outdoors.
Embroidered and woven patches have a long history and continue to be popular. At one time, they were the only types of patches used on military uniforms. However, this has changed in the past years and PVC patches are being used with increased frequency. This is in part, due to the durability of PVC patches. They also don't fray or fade like embroidered or woven patches tend to. The ability to create more intricate designs with PVC than with other materials is another reason why they have become increasingly popular.
PVC morale patches provide a visible acknowledgment of a person's achievements which subsequently, helps to raise morale. They can work just as effectively in any setting. Sports coaches may find that they can help to create a similar response among their athletes. They could be worn on uniforms, hats, sports jackets or bags. On the other hand, leaders of civic organizations, where uniforms are also often worn, might find morale patches beneficial for strengthening their organization as well.
PVC morale patches are frequently sewn into uniforms and so are considered permanent. However, they don't have to be. If preferred, they can have a Velcro backing, which allows for their removal.
When patches are needed, an organization or club can hardly go wrong with ones made from PVC. It is a durable material that can be used to create patches with rich, varied color and intricate designs. PVC patches can stand up to the wind, rain and sunlight and you can have the peace of mind that they won't fade or fray overtime.
PVC Emblems is a manufacturer of [http://www.pvcemblems.com/p/pvc-patches/]Custom PVC Patches and [http://www.clothinglabelsandtags.com/pvc-labels.html]PVC Labels of the highest quality and offers free artwork with your order, our experienced graphic designers will work with you to create the perfect design for your project.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-Confidence-Up-With-PVC-Morale-Patches&id=6558622] Get Confidence Up With PVC Morale Patches
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Unqualified Government Leaders: A Taxpayer's Burden
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Harroll_Ingram]Harroll Ingram
Taxpayers have a right to adequate leadership. Government leaders, especially those who have direct influence over how taxpayers' money is spent, should be selected by properly credentialed teams/individuals using properly developed selection procedures. Many federal, state, and local governments empower teams to select leaders. Selecting inadequate/unqualified leaders can prove to be a major burden on taxpayers. To ensure taxpayers receive adequate leadership, selecting officials should develop and closely follow selection criteria representing the requirements of the position being filled. Inadequate leaders tend to make poor decisions that often lead to lawsuits that are eventually settled using taxpayers' dollars.
A school board President in a city in Michigan was selected as President by his peers, but was viewed by many taxpayers as unqualified for the position. One citizen stated the school board President "can't write". The President, himself, admitted his writings were sub-par; his history supported accusations that he was educationally challenged. The school board leader progressed from being a fourth grade special-education student to graduating from high school with a 1.8 GPA. The leader was not able to pass an English exam in college which delayed his graduation until the requirement to pass the exam was lifted a decade later. The leader was elected as President of the school board by his colleagues because they liked him. Within five months, the leader had exposed the city to a lawsuit and resigned from his post. He cited "poor judgment" as the reason for his resignation. Although some might fault the former leader, much of the blame could be placed on the city and the board members who elected the former leader to be President of the school board. Taxpayers' burdens stemming from unqualified leadership extends from cities to nations. Many countries facilitate taxpayer burdens by selecting unqualified military and civilian leaders.
The United States Government reports that it uses selection criteria to choose its leaders. In some cases, having military experience influences those leader selections. Although formally serving as a military leader can be beneficial for a new civilian leader, leading civilians requires more patience and consideration of opposing views than leading military units. If former military leaders show impatience when leading civilians and ignore the views of civilian government employees, productivity losses and costly lawsuits that burden taxpayers can result. Perhaps former military leaders should be required to wait a year before being considered for civilian government leadership positions. A year would allow time for the former military leader to acclimate to the civilian world and accept that civilians respond to orders differently than military units. Burdens to taxpayers might improve if military leaders are not rushed into civilian leadership positions. Many military leaders are promised civilian government leadership positions before they retire from the military. Like General/Mr. Petraeus, many simply remove the military uniform and put on a suit--all in a week's time.
Civilian government leaders (sometimes referred to as public leaders) should be prepared to utilize proven leadership skills in an effort to meet the openly stated mission of the organization. In order to use proven leadership skills, civilian leaders should have knowledge of those skills obtained via leadership education. Leadership education prepares public leaders to use leadership styles such as Situational Leadership, Transactional Leadership, and Transformational Leadership in an effort to reduce taxpayer burdens. Civilian government leaders who are not knowledgeable concerning proven leadership styles (i.e., who are unqualified to lead government civilians) are usually forced to follow the lead of one of their military associates (e.g. a military Commander). Because military commanders are trained in the art and science of warfare, leadership practices gleaned from military commanders often result in the misuse of force/power. Power misuse increases taxpayer burdens due to subordinate disloyalty, productivity issues, and lawsuits.
The majority of taxpayers are unaware of the qualifications of government leaders. Taxpayers assume their leaders are qualified to carry out duties effectively and in a way that shows concern for taxpayer burdens. Unfortunately, many civilian government leaders are not qualified to lead. Some leaders lack basic leadership skills while others are ethically challenged. One Army procurement official was found to have improperly steered contracts to a defense industry contractor and arranged jobs for her daughter with the same contractor. There are many other civilian leaders who misuse the system and likely increase taxpayer burdens. The decision makers in government organizations, in the interest of the taxpayers they serve, should make sure they hire and promote leaders who are qualified to lead. Taxpayers have a right to adequate leadership-especially when those leaders have influence over how taxpayers' money is spent.
Harroll Ingram is a Computer Engineer for the Federal Government and holds a Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership. Dr Ingram also runs a proofreading and editing company called H.I. Enterprises http://hienterprises.biz
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Unqualified-Government-Leaders:-A-Taxpayers-Burden&id=6556304] Unqualified Government Leaders: A Taxpayer's Burden
Taxpayers have a right to adequate leadership. Government leaders, especially those who have direct influence over how taxpayers' money is spent, should be selected by properly credentialed teams/individuals using properly developed selection procedures. Many federal, state, and local governments empower teams to select leaders. Selecting inadequate/unqualified leaders can prove to be a major burden on taxpayers. To ensure taxpayers receive adequate leadership, selecting officials should develop and closely follow selection criteria representing the requirements of the position being filled. Inadequate leaders tend to make poor decisions that often lead to lawsuits that are eventually settled using taxpayers' dollars.
A school board President in a city in Michigan was selected as President by his peers, but was viewed by many taxpayers as unqualified for the position. One citizen stated the school board President "can't write". The President, himself, admitted his writings were sub-par; his history supported accusations that he was educationally challenged. The school board leader progressed from being a fourth grade special-education student to graduating from high school with a 1.8 GPA. The leader was not able to pass an English exam in college which delayed his graduation until the requirement to pass the exam was lifted a decade later. The leader was elected as President of the school board by his colleagues because they liked him. Within five months, the leader had exposed the city to a lawsuit and resigned from his post. He cited "poor judgment" as the reason for his resignation. Although some might fault the former leader, much of the blame could be placed on the city and the board members who elected the former leader to be President of the school board. Taxpayers' burdens stemming from unqualified leadership extends from cities to nations. Many countries facilitate taxpayer burdens by selecting unqualified military and civilian leaders.
The United States Government reports that it uses selection criteria to choose its leaders. In some cases, having military experience influences those leader selections. Although formally serving as a military leader can be beneficial for a new civilian leader, leading civilians requires more patience and consideration of opposing views than leading military units. If former military leaders show impatience when leading civilians and ignore the views of civilian government employees, productivity losses and costly lawsuits that burden taxpayers can result. Perhaps former military leaders should be required to wait a year before being considered for civilian government leadership positions. A year would allow time for the former military leader to acclimate to the civilian world and accept that civilians respond to orders differently than military units. Burdens to taxpayers might improve if military leaders are not rushed into civilian leadership positions. Many military leaders are promised civilian government leadership positions before they retire from the military. Like General/Mr. Petraeus, many simply remove the military uniform and put on a suit--all in a week's time.
Civilian government leaders (sometimes referred to as public leaders) should be prepared to utilize proven leadership skills in an effort to meet the openly stated mission of the organization. In order to use proven leadership skills, civilian leaders should have knowledge of those skills obtained via leadership education. Leadership education prepares public leaders to use leadership styles such as Situational Leadership, Transactional Leadership, and Transformational Leadership in an effort to reduce taxpayer burdens. Civilian government leaders who are not knowledgeable concerning proven leadership styles (i.e., who are unqualified to lead government civilians) are usually forced to follow the lead of one of their military associates (e.g. a military Commander). Because military commanders are trained in the art and science of warfare, leadership practices gleaned from military commanders often result in the misuse of force/power. Power misuse increases taxpayer burdens due to subordinate disloyalty, productivity issues, and lawsuits.
The majority of taxpayers are unaware of the qualifications of government leaders. Taxpayers assume their leaders are qualified to carry out duties effectively and in a way that shows concern for taxpayer burdens. Unfortunately, many civilian government leaders are not qualified to lead. Some leaders lack basic leadership skills while others are ethically challenged. One Army procurement official was found to have improperly steered contracts to a defense industry contractor and arranged jobs for her daughter with the same contractor. There are many other civilian leaders who misuse the system and likely increase taxpayer burdens. The decision makers in government organizations, in the interest of the taxpayers they serve, should make sure they hire and promote leaders who are qualified to lead. Taxpayers have a right to adequate leadership-especially when those leaders have influence over how taxpayers' money is spent.
Harroll Ingram is a Computer Engineer for the Federal Government and holds a Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership. Dr Ingram also runs a proofreading and editing company called H.I. Enterprises http://hienterprises.biz
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Unqualified-Government-Leaders:-A-Taxpayers-Burden&id=6556304] Unqualified Government Leaders: A Taxpayer's Burden
Monday, January 23, 2012
A Marine Hero
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gerald_Gillis]Gerald Gillis
Today former Marine Corps Corporal Dakota Meyer was presented the nation's highest military award for combat valor, the Medal of Honor, by President Obama in a White House ceremony. Corporal Meyer's Medal of Honor award is the first to a living Marine since the Vietnam War.
Disobeying an order to remain clear of a deadly ambush zone, Corporal Meyer moved forward in a Humvee driven by a fellow Marine to provide covering fire and to also evacuate several wounded against what was right on the verge of being an overpowering enemy force. Corporal Meyer entered the lethal space four separate times in the process of rescuing 36 Afghan and American troops, several of whom he personally carried to the Humvee for evacuation to the rear. After already performing well above the normal call of duty, Corporal Meyer learned that four of his mates were still in the ambush area. Making a fifth trip, Corporal Meyer again braved withering fire only to find that his three fellow Marines and a Navy corpsmen had been killed in the vicious firefight. "It's what Marines do," he replied when asked why he moved forward when others stayed back.
At the time, Corporal Meyer was 21 years old.
Like other Medal of Honor awardees, Corporal Meyer insists he is hardly a hero. He says he will accept and wear the medal to honor the Marines he served with, especially his four buddies who died. "The worst day of my life," he says of his profound sense of loss. "I feel like I failed them and failed their families."
My gosh. A failure?
This young man made five trips into what was a hot combat hell, with 36 men alive today based directly upon what he did. He drove out under the threat of likely violent death five different times. He tore into the enemy with the ferocity of an enraged United States Marine, the flashing of his weapon the last sight many of his Taliban ambushers probably ever saw. He left his position several times to bring wounded to his vehicle. He himself was wounded. He left no one on the field. All of this after having been ordered to stay put.
A failure?
No. A warrior.
One hears the term "warrior" these days to describe athletes and others who play games. The word's use is widespread and gratuitous, much like the young use "amazing" to describe anyone or anything only slightly above ordinariness. To see an NFL wide receiver thumping his chest after a routinely "amazing" play and hear him characterized as a "warrior" is ludicrous when compared to a real warrior like Corporal Dakota Meyer.
That our nation produces such courageous, selfless people as Dakota Meyer should make us ALL better. You have the gratitude of this former Marine for what you did and who you are.
Semper Fi, my young brother.
Gerald Gillis is the author of the award-winning historical novel "Shall Never See So Much." Gerald is available for consulting and event-speaking engagements. You can visit his website at http://www.geraldgillis.com and his blog at http://geraldgillis.blogspot.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Marine-Hero&id=6564501] A Marine Hero
Today former Marine Corps Corporal Dakota Meyer was presented the nation's highest military award for combat valor, the Medal of Honor, by President Obama in a White House ceremony. Corporal Meyer's Medal of Honor award is the first to a living Marine since the Vietnam War.
Disobeying an order to remain clear of a deadly ambush zone, Corporal Meyer moved forward in a Humvee driven by a fellow Marine to provide covering fire and to also evacuate several wounded against what was right on the verge of being an overpowering enemy force. Corporal Meyer entered the lethal space four separate times in the process of rescuing 36 Afghan and American troops, several of whom he personally carried to the Humvee for evacuation to the rear. After already performing well above the normal call of duty, Corporal Meyer learned that four of his mates were still in the ambush area. Making a fifth trip, Corporal Meyer again braved withering fire only to find that his three fellow Marines and a Navy corpsmen had been killed in the vicious firefight. "It's what Marines do," he replied when asked why he moved forward when others stayed back.
At the time, Corporal Meyer was 21 years old.
Like other Medal of Honor awardees, Corporal Meyer insists he is hardly a hero. He says he will accept and wear the medal to honor the Marines he served with, especially his four buddies who died. "The worst day of my life," he says of his profound sense of loss. "I feel like I failed them and failed their families."
My gosh. A failure?
This young man made five trips into what was a hot combat hell, with 36 men alive today based directly upon what he did. He drove out under the threat of likely violent death five different times. He tore into the enemy with the ferocity of an enraged United States Marine, the flashing of his weapon the last sight many of his Taliban ambushers probably ever saw. He left his position several times to bring wounded to his vehicle. He himself was wounded. He left no one on the field. All of this after having been ordered to stay put.
A failure?
No. A warrior.
One hears the term "warrior" these days to describe athletes and others who play games. The word's use is widespread and gratuitous, much like the young use "amazing" to describe anyone or anything only slightly above ordinariness. To see an NFL wide receiver thumping his chest after a routinely "amazing" play and hear him characterized as a "warrior" is ludicrous when compared to a real warrior like Corporal Dakota Meyer.
That our nation produces such courageous, selfless people as Dakota Meyer should make us ALL better. You have the gratitude of this former Marine for what you did and who you are.
Semper Fi, my young brother.
Gerald Gillis is the author of the award-winning historical novel "Shall Never See So Much." Gerald is available for consulting and event-speaking engagements. You can visit his website at http://www.geraldgillis.com and his blog at http://geraldgillis.blogspot.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Marine-Hero&id=6564501] A Marine Hero
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Why Marines Love USMC Shirts
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Adam_Primes]Adam Primes
USMC -- The Toughest Fraternity
"Send in the Marines" is a phrase that has brought a sigh of relief from our country and its leaders with the knowledge the situation would soon be well in hand for over 200 years. Our journey started on 10 November 1775 and wound its way though Tripoli, Mexico City, Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sanh, Hue City, Beirut, Kuwait, Somalia, Fallujah, and Garmsir - anyplace in the world that American lives, property, interests, or security were in danger, Marines came to the rescue.
We've been called many names over the years - Devil Dogs, Leathernecks, Jarheads, and Gyrenes, but few things can strike fear into the hearts of our foes like seeing the initials USMC coming over the hill. We're the finest fighting force on the face of the Earth and when you're the best, it can sometimes be hard to be humble.
Our personal journeys started at Parris Island, San Diego, or Quantico and by the time we graduated, we were United States Marines - members of the toughest fraternity in the world. Is it any wonder that one of the first things we all did was rush out to the PX and buy Marine shirts to show off in front of our families and friends? We were no longer individuals - we were members of the USMC brother and sisterhood and proud of our accomplishment. "Once a Marine Always a Marine" isn't just a saying or slogan - it's a truth and a way of life.
Wearing Marine shirts announces to the world that you're a member for life of a fraternity that has dues paid in sweat and sometimes blood - a fraternity that can hold its head high in any part of the world and handle any crisis.
Be the Envy of Friends, Family, and Other Service Branches
When it comes right down to it - everyone fantasizes about being a U.S. Marine at some point in their lives - who wouldn't want to be part of our legendary fighting force, the ultimate warriors? But as we all know, there's a big difference between fantasy and proving you have what it takes to be the best - a U.S. Marine. So rub it in a little, show your friends, family, and those other service branches that you didn't just talk the talk - you walked the walk. Wear your Marine shirts with pride - you earned it.
It's a USMC Family
Those of us who are currently serving in the USMC or have done our duty in the past know that support from our families is a vital part of the Marine experience. While we're keeping our country safe in faraway places with hard to pronounce names, our wives, husbands, children, mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers are holding down the home front.
They're just as much a part of the USMC family as we are as they make do without their father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, sister, or brother and free our minds from worry by banding together to shoulder additional responsibilities during our frequent absences. Who deserves to wear Marine shirts more than them? Let them show their classmates, neighbors, and friends that they're a part of the USMC family and serving their country in an important way.
It's Hard to be Humble
Some might call it arrogance and others may say we're vain, but it's not boasting when you can back it up. We have 236 years of tradition that prove we're the finest fighting force on the planet and we've earned the right to hold our heads high. We don't back down from any challenge or run from any fight - we're the USMC - lifetime members of the toughest fraternity around. So wear your Marine shirts with pride, wear them with the knowledge that you've done what few can do - you're a U.S. Marine.
Show your Pride with [http://www.marineshirtshq.com]Marine shirts!
Let everyone know you love your [http://marineshirtshq.com/index.cgi/marineshirtshq.marineshirtshq-529699039+womens-fitted-t-shirt-dark.html]Marine!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Marines-Love-USMC-Shirts&id=6552524] Why Marines Love USMC Shirts
USMC -- The Toughest Fraternity
"Send in the Marines" is a phrase that has brought a sigh of relief from our country and its leaders with the knowledge the situation would soon be well in hand for over 200 years. Our journey started on 10 November 1775 and wound its way though Tripoli, Mexico City, Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sanh, Hue City, Beirut, Kuwait, Somalia, Fallujah, and Garmsir - anyplace in the world that American lives, property, interests, or security were in danger, Marines came to the rescue.
We've been called many names over the years - Devil Dogs, Leathernecks, Jarheads, and Gyrenes, but few things can strike fear into the hearts of our foes like seeing the initials USMC coming over the hill. We're the finest fighting force on the face of the Earth and when you're the best, it can sometimes be hard to be humble.
Our personal journeys started at Parris Island, San Diego, or Quantico and by the time we graduated, we were United States Marines - members of the toughest fraternity in the world. Is it any wonder that one of the first things we all did was rush out to the PX and buy Marine shirts to show off in front of our families and friends? We were no longer individuals - we were members of the USMC brother and sisterhood and proud of our accomplishment. "Once a Marine Always a Marine" isn't just a saying or slogan - it's a truth and a way of life.
Wearing Marine shirts announces to the world that you're a member for life of a fraternity that has dues paid in sweat and sometimes blood - a fraternity that can hold its head high in any part of the world and handle any crisis.
Be the Envy of Friends, Family, and Other Service Branches
When it comes right down to it - everyone fantasizes about being a U.S. Marine at some point in their lives - who wouldn't want to be part of our legendary fighting force, the ultimate warriors? But as we all know, there's a big difference between fantasy and proving you have what it takes to be the best - a U.S. Marine. So rub it in a little, show your friends, family, and those other service branches that you didn't just talk the talk - you walked the walk. Wear your Marine shirts with pride - you earned it.
It's a USMC Family
Those of us who are currently serving in the USMC or have done our duty in the past know that support from our families is a vital part of the Marine experience. While we're keeping our country safe in faraway places with hard to pronounce names, our wives, husbands, children, mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers are holding down the home front.
They're just as much a part of the USMC family as we are as they make do without their father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, sister, or brother and free our minds from worry by banding together to shoulder additional responsibilities during our frequent absences. Who deserves to wear Marine shirts more than them? Let them show their classmates, neighbors, and friends that they're a part of the USMC family and serving their country in an important way.
It's Hard to be Humble
Some might call it arrogance and others may say we're vain, but it's not boasting when you can back it up. We have 236 years of tradition that prove we're the finest fighting force on the planet and we've earned the right to hold our heads high. We don't back down from any challenge or run from any fight - we're the USMC - lifetime members of the toughest fraternity around. So wear your Marine shirts with pride, wear them with the knowledge that you've done what few can do - you're a U.S. Marine.
Show your Pride with [http://www.marineshirtshq.com]Marine shirts!
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Marines-Love-USMC-Shirts&id=6552524] Why Marines Love USMC Shirts
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Remapping Thomas Barnett's Discourse
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joseph_D_Mapue]Joseph D Mapue
Thomas Barnett's conception of the contemporary world as an ecosystem of states that belong to either one of two groups - the Core and the Gap - and his proposed military solutions in the context of this ecosystem are insightful and may partially constitute a working model for strategic planning but are unfortunately flawed in some fundamental aspects.
Let's review some of the professor's assertions in the lecture.
First, he defined the two clearly demarcated groups of states in terms of how much these states embrace the globalization of commerce and culture. The Core includes nations in North America, Western Europe, Northeast Asia, Russia, India, China, and other industrially advanced states that have become active players in the dynamics of globalization. According to Barnett, nations that belong to the Core developed mutual dependence among themselves and are, consequently, interconnected. Meantime, the Gap is the fulcrum where "the new security paradigm shift" emerges. Comprised by states or pseudo-states that have willfully prevented or are unable to adapt to the inflow of globalization within their borders, Gap countries include Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Somalia. It is the "disconnectedness" of these states that lies at the core of Professor Barnett's proposition: disconnectedness defines danger.
To Barnett, a disconnect poses a real danger to the Core and, if the threat is imminent, should be acted upon with a strong, long-term military campaign, where the guiding purpose is not only to neutralize the disconnect but to ultimately "shrink the Gap." As a result, countries in the Gap - at least in Barnett's cosmology - become the new theaters where conflicts are resolved almost always by armed forces.
This is what occurred in Iraq, as Professor Barnett stated in the first part of the lecture. The Iraqi invasion, he contended, is just not about disarming Saddam Hussein's repressive regime but a jump point from which the United States can assume the leading role in providing global security in the new paradigm. As it turned out, this is what actually happened - at least in some areas. Years of bitter conflict prodded on even after Saddam Hussein has already been uprooted and executed and Iraq became a forward base of operations for American anti-terrorist campaigns elsewhere.
Certainly, the bitterness was felt on both sides of the Gap. And here lie some of the flaws in Barnett's premise. There are two "disconnects" in the narrative. The disconnect which Barnett used to describe the daunting challenge of assimilating peoples long influenced by conditions in the Gap into the rule sets imposed by the Core; and the clear disconnect between the official justifications for the invasion and the what appears to be the unanimous Iraqi, US, and global public opinion against it.
Barnett's position that the United States should assume the mantle of the world's super policeman is also in question, and likely to be assailed not only by states in the Gap but also and most assuredly even by nations in the Core. Recall the series of troop withdrawal among the different nations that fielded the Coalition forces late in the war effort until only the US and its staunchest ally, the United Kingdom are the only countries that maintained substantial contingents to man the gates. In all likelihood, there will also be clear expressions of doubt, both in terms of American material resources and its moral right to wage a unilateral crusade against perceived targets [re: terrorists, rogue states, drug cartels, etc]. In fact, even at the zenith of its strength, the American war chest is already hard-pressed financing its current campaigns in the Middle East and Central Asia and will certainly groan uncomfortably when it is called to fund another major campaign.
Core countries with much longer-established interests in specific locales in the Gap also constitute a real challenge when the United States do decide to impose the Core's rule sets in these areas. North Korea, for example, has long been the diplomatic regime of the Chinese Communist Party and the US unilaterally engaging the impoverished but nuclear-capable rogue state is dangerously unpalatable to China. Similarly, Gap countries in North Central Asia may not be "assimilated" without Russia's consent and active involvement.
In summary, I admire Thomas Barnett's distillation of the contemporary world into the Core, the Gap, and Connectivity. However, the simplifications that make this mapping valuable as a strategic tool also makes it vulnerable to reproach: how do we classify states like Costa Rica for example, which doesn't fit both the molds of Barnett's Core and Gap countries? And do we really force non-belligerent nations into the folds of globalization even if they really prefer not to join? Lastly, the notion that the rest of the world need American military muscle to feel secure is constructed on tenuous ground.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Remapping-Thomas-Barnetts-Discourse&id=6566757] Remapping Thomas Barnett's Discourse
Thomas Barnett's conception of the contemporary world as an ecosystem of states that belong to either one of two groups - the Core and the Gap - and his proposed military solutions in the context of this ecosystem are insightful and may partially constitute a working model for strategic planning but are unfortunately flawed in some fundamental aspects.
Let's review some of the professor's assertions in the lecture.
First, he defined the two clearly demarcated groups of states in terms of how much these states embrace the globalization of commerce and culture. The Core includes nations in North America, Western Europe, Northeast Asia, Russia, India, China, and other industrially advanced states that have become active players in the dynamics of globalization. According to Barnett, nations that belong to the Core developed mutual dependence among themselves and are, consequently, interconnected. Meantime, the Gap is the fulcrum where "the new security paradigm shift" emerges. Comprised by states or pseudo-states that have willfully prevented or are unable to adapt to the inflow of globalization within their borders, Gap countries include Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Somalia. It is the "disconnectedness" of these states that lies at the core of Professor Barnett's proposition: disconnectedness defines danger.
To Barnett, a disconnect poses a real danger to the Core and, if the threat is imminent, should be acted upon with a strong, long-term military campaign, where the guiding purpose is not only to neutralize the disconnect but to ultimately "shrink the Gap." As a result, countries in the Gap - at least in Barnett's cosmology - become the new theaters where conflicts are resolved almost always by armed forces.
This is what occurred in Iraq, as Professor Barnett stated in the first part of the lecture. The Iraqi invasion, he contended, is just not about disarming Saddam Hussein's repressive regime but a jump point from which the United States can assume the leading role in providing global security in the new paradigm. As it turned out, this is what actually happened - at least in some areas. Years of bitter conflict prodded on even after Saddam Hussein has already been uprooted and executed and Iraq became a forward base of operations for American anti-terrorist campaigns elsewhere.
Certainly, the bitterness was felt on both sides of the Gap. And here lie some of the flaws in Barnett's premise. There are two "disconnects" in the narrative. The disconnect which Barnett used to describe the daunting challenge of assimilating peoples long influenced by conditions in the Gap into the rule sets imposed by the Core; and the clear disconnect between the official justifications for the invasion and the what appears to be the unanimous Iraqi, US, and global public opinion against it.
Barnett's position that the United States should assume the mantle of the world's super policeman is also in question, and likely to be assailed not only by states in the Gap but also and most assuredly even by nations in the Core. Recall the series of troop withdrawal among the different nations that fielded the Coalition forces late in the war effort until only the US and its staunchest ally, the United Kingdom are the only countries that maintained substantial contingents to man the gates. In all likelihood, there will also be clear expressions of doubt, both in terms of American material resources and its moral right to wage a unilateral crusade against perceived targets [re: terrorists, rogue states, drug cartels, etc]. In fact, even at the zenith of its strength, the American war chest is already hard-pressed financing its current campaigns in the Middle East and Central Asia and will certainly groan uncomfortably when it is called to fund another major campaign.
Core countries with much longer-established interests in specific locales in the Gap also constitute a real challenge when the United States do decide to impose the Core's rule sets in these areas. North Korea, for example, has long been the diplomatic regime of the Chinese Communist Party and the US unilaterally engaging the impoverished but nuclear-capable rogue state is dangerously unpalatable to China. Similarly, Gap countries in North Central Asia may not be "assimilated" without Russia's consent and active involvement.
In summary, I admire Thomas Barnett's distillation of the contemporary world into the Core, the Gap, and Connectivity. However, the simplifications that make this mapping valuable as a strategic tool also makes it vulnerable to reproach: how do we classify states like Costa Rica for example, which doesn't fit both the molds of Barnett's Core and Gap countries? And do we really force non-belligerent nations into the folds of globalization even if they really prefer not to join? Lastly, the notion that the rest of the world need American military muscle to feel secure is constructed on tenuous ground.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Remapping-Thomas-Barnetts-Discourse&id=6566757] Remapping Thomas Barnett's Discourse
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Prepare For War! (Conclusion)
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_Agbo]Gabriel Agbo
All the wars, conflicts, bombings, terrorism, crimes, famine, disasters, diseases, Satanism, betrayals, enmity, sexual immorality, occultism, etc, you see in the world, as we have said, are part of the bigger war between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness led by Satan. Man was just caught in the cross-fire. The trouble began when Satan thought of taking the position of God and he was discovered and chased down from heaven with his army of rebellious angels. They came and rendered the earth formless, chaotic and in gross darkness. Prophet Isaiah caught exactly what happened to Satan and his ungodly ambition in chapter fourteen and from verse twelve. Then, God began creation and made man in the process.
Now, some of the instructions He gave to man were to subdue, dominate and take over they earth. He didn't want to leave the earth in the hands of these fallen angels. But the Devil will have none of these, so he quickly came in his usual subtle and deceitful way to lure man into sin (disobedience). Through that singular sinful action, he succeeded in straining the perfect relationship that had existed between God and man. And from then, man's troubles began.
Man's disobedience and subsequent fall removed him from the position that God had placed him, and also attracted severe curses from Him. Adam and eve were cursed. The ground was cursed. The devil that deceived them into disobedience was also cursed. And this was just the beginning of all the trouble that man is going through today. From then, man (human race) would struggle to make a living. He would sweat to produce food. He would go through pain to have children. The ground would grow thorns and thistles because of him. After all these, he was also banished from the garden (the presence of God). This is exactly what sin does to us. It cuts you off from having a good relationship with God. But something strange also happened here; God made clothing from the animal skin for Adam and Eve, to cover their nakedness. He is indeed ever-merciful! We will connect to this later.
The manifestation of the fall and the consequent curses continued to the children of Adam and Eve, and so it will go on until the final redemption of all things. We saw hatred and envy that eventually resulted in Cain murdering his brother Abel. More curses were also release upon Cain. And the chain continued. Man continued in those sins and disobedience, and also invented new ones. Idolatry, occultism, prostitution, homosexual, lesbianism and other sexual sins, betrayal, suicide, stealing, war, smoking, etc, were soon to be added to the list. The depravity continues today. Man, with the leading of Satan and the demonic world, has virtually done everything to provoke God's anger. Just look at the areas of occultism and sexual sin, nothing is left. Men now sleep with fellow men. Women sleep with women. And rape. Don't even talk of the kind of sexual interactions that go on in the demonic world. People sleep with beasts and even demons for power, fame, security, wealth, etc. Others lure our young ladies and force them to sleep with snakes and other demonic representations. Some of these ladies unfortunately die after there demonic encounters. Today, idolatry and occultism have also advanced. People proudly come out to advertise that the are Psychics, mediums, fortune-tellers, etc. Others boost of belonging to different powerful and dangerous secret societies and cults. Others call themselves Satanists. Yet, some have also totally denied the existence of God. Who is behind all these ungodliness? Satan!
The Final Battle
In all generations and dispensations, this war of the two kingdoms has continued. The devil, like himself, wants to make man an enemy of God. He wants man to share with his eternal doom. For sure, he knows his eternal fate. As we saw from our main text in the book of revelation chapter twenty, after rapture, second coming of Jesus, millennium rule, and sign and wonder done in haven and on earth, Satan still has the temerity to mobilise forces to fight God and His people. Yes, the devil does not give up easily. But, as predicted, he met his waterloo. Fire came down and consumed his army. Then, himself, the beast and the false prophet were caught and thrown into the lake of fire that burns with sulphur. There, they will be tormented day and night forever. This will be the fate of Satan, the fallen angels, demons, and all those that refuse the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will have their place in this lake of fire; where they will be tormented day and night forever. What a terrible end!
Escape Route
What must we do about this? To avoid having the same fate as the Devil and all his followers, we must accept the redemption plan of God. Remember, at the Eden, He used the skin of an animal to cover man's nakedness - sin. Through out the historical records of the patriarchs, the books of the law, the prophets, they were all pointing to the plan of God not just to temporally cover the sin of man, but to permanently resolve the issue. Even prophets like Isaiah clearly told us that a virgin will bear a son and will call him Emmanuel - 'God is with us'. He further said that the government will rest on his shoulders and that he shall be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Ever-lasting Father, Prince of Peace, and he shall rule forever from the throne of his ancestor David. Now these were clearly talking about Jesus Christ. Even the other religions (including Islam) acknowledged His virgin birth and that He was actually sent from God. He came and settled the issue of man's sin by dying on the cross. He paid the total price. If you will accept Him, turn away from your sins and make Him your Lord and Saviour, you will sure escape this impending eternal doom - the lake of fire, the perpetual torment, weeping and gnashing of teeth, that will be the fate of all sinners, Satan, fallen angels and demons. Will you? Do that now. Immediately! You can write for further counselling.
Till next week, God bless!
rel=nofollow http://www.authorsden.com/pastorgabrielnagbo
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Prepare-For-War!-(Conclusion)&id=6563723] Prepare For War! (Conclusion)
All the wars, conflicts, bombings, terrorism, crimes, famine, disasters, diseases, Satanism, betrayals, enmity, sexual immorality, occultism, etc, you see in the world, as we have said, are part of the bigger war between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness led by Satan. Man was just caught in the cross-fire. The trouble began when Satan thought of taking the position of God and he was discovered and chased down from heaven with his army of rebellious angels. They came and rendered the earth formless, chaotic and in gross darkness. Prophet Isaiah caught exactly what happened to Satan and his ungodly ambition in chapter fourteen and from verse twelve. Then, God began creation and made man in the process.
Now, some of the instructions He gave to man were to subdue, dominate and take over they earth. He didn't want to leave the earth in the hands of these fallen angels. But the Devil will have none of these, so he quickly came in his usual subtle and deceitful way to lure man into sin (disobedience). Through that singular sinful action, he succeeded in straining the perfect relationship that had existed between God and man. And from then, man's troubles began.
Man's disobedience and subsequent fall removed him from the position that God had placed him, and also attracted severe curses from Him. Adam and eve were cursed. The ground was cursed. The devil that deceived them into disobedience was also cursed. And this was just the beginning of all the trouble that man is going through today. From then, man (human race) would struggle to make a living. He would sweat to produce food. He would go through pain to have children. The ground would grow thorns and thistles because of him. After all these, he was also banished from the garden (the presence of God). This is exactly what sin does to us. It cuts you off from having a good relationship with God. But something strange also happened here; God made clothing from the animal skin for Adam and Eve, to cover their nakedness. He is indeed ever-merciful! We will connect to this later.
The manifestation of the fall and the consequent curses continued to the children of Adam and Eve, and so it will go on until the final redemption of all things. We saw hatred and envy that eventually resulted in Cain murdering his brother Abel. More curses were also release upon Cain. And the chain continued. Man continued in those sins and disobedience, and also invented new ones. Idolatry, occultism, prostitution, homosexual, lesbianism and other sexual sins, betrayal, suicide, stealing, war, smoking, etc, were soon to be added to the list. The depravity continues today. Man, with the leading of Satan and the demonic world, has virtually done everything to provoke God's anger. Just look at the areas of occultism and sexual sin, nothing is left. Men now sleep with fellow men. Women sleep with women. And rape. Don't even talk of the kind of sexual interactions that go on in the demonic world. People sleep with beasts and even demons for power, fame, security, wealth, etc. Others lure our young ladies and force them to sleep with snakes and other demonic representations. Some of these ladies unfortunately die after there demonic encounters. Today, idolatry and occultism have also advanced. People proudly come out to advertise that the are Psychics, mediums, fortune-tellers, etc. Others boost of belonging to different powerful and dangerous secret societies and cults. Others call themselves Satanists. Yet, some have also totally denied the existence of God. Who is behind all these ungodliness? Satan!
The Final Battle
In all generations and dispensations, this war of the two kingdoms has continued. The devil, like himself, wants to make man an enemy of God. He wants man to share with his eternal doom. For sure, he knows his eternal fate. As we saw from our main text in the book of revelation chapter twenty, after rapture, second coming of Jesus, millennium rule, and sign and wonder done in haven and on earth, Satan still has the temerity to mobilise forces to fight God and His people. Yes, the devil does not give up easily. But, as predicted, he met his waterloo. Fire came down and consumed his army. Then, himself, the beast and the false prophet were caught and thrown into the lake of fire that burns with sulphur. There, they will be tormented day and night forever. This will be the fate of Satan, the fallen angels, demons, and all those that refuse the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will have their place in this lake of fire; where they will be tormented day and night forever. What a terrible end!
Escape Route
What must we do about this? To avoid having the same fate as the Devil and all his followers, we must accept the redemption plan of God. Remember, at the Eden, He used the skin of an animal to cover man's nakedness - sin. Through out the historical records of the patriarchs, the books of the law, the prophets, they were all pointing to the plan of God not just to temporally cover the sin of man, but to permanently resolve the issue. Even prophets like Isaiah clearly told us that a virgin will bear a son and will call him Emmanuel - 'God is with us'. He further said that the government will rest on his shoulders and that he shall be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Ever-lasting Father, Prince of Peace, and he shall rule forever from the throne of his ancestor David. Now these were clearly talking about Jesus Christ. Even the other religions (including Islam) acknowledged His virgin birth and that He was actually sent from God. He came and settled the issue of man's sin by dying on the cross. He paid the total price. If you will accept Him, turn away from your sins and make Him your Lord and Saviour, you will sure escape this impending eternal doom - the lake of fire, the perpetual torment, weeping and gnashing of teeth, that will be the fate of all sinners, Satan, fallen angels and demons. Will you? Do that now. Immediately! You can write for further counselling.
Till next week, God bless!
rel=nofollow http://www.authorsden.com/pastorgabrielnagbo
Share this message. http://www.authorsden.com/pastorgabrielnagbo
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Prepare-For-War!-(Conclusion)&id=6563723] Prepare For War! (Conclusion)
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