Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. ~ Psalm 23:4

While I highly value every word in the Leadership acronym, none of them are as important to my mind as Loyalty, Accountability, and Honor. Sadly, these happen to be the three qualities in short supply across most all of our cultural institutions. Leaders of generations past who were raised on Psalms and Proverbs, have been replaced by creeping shadows of men weaned on Das Kapital and Rules For Radicals. Choosing the fountain of death over the living waters, they settle for the darker powers, over the Proverbs 24:5-6 gifts of God, A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength. For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counselors there is safety.

In yesterday’s Psalm & Proverb a Day, I included John Maxwell’s PREPARE YOUR PEOPLE FOR THE FUTURE ~ Ephesians 6:1-11. Interestingly, this same morning I wake up to an old high school buddy’s post about a NJ bar owner who canceled a Springsteen cover-band’s upcoming gig because of Springsteen trashing our President in front of European audiences this past week. In the comments, our other high school friend took exception. “Why punish these guys who had nothing to do with Springsteen’s recent actions.” I shared with him my exchange with an old Tea Party friend who posted a picture of himself and “the Boss” back in the day. I asked him to imagine my 4^th great grandfather Andrew Murray, dishonorably discharged after being wounded at Lake George, proudly displaying a picture of himself smiling and chumming it up with Benedict Arnold. We are at war, and the tragic fact is that the vast majority of those around us expend their time and energy mired in the (horizontal) world of the flesh, are missing those Eph. 6:12 principalities and powers coming for their children! They are literally missing the war!

I have another friend who posted an invite to an upcoming event. “Connected Leaders Tour: Hudson Valley”. So, I asked her for more info, and this was her response, “Fresh insights from the church, actionable strategies, a focused discussion on integrated faith, and networking opportunities.”  Anita is both friend and prayer warrior, in fact she has recently published a book, Armed for Prayer, but why in the world would I go to leaders who were proven disloyal to their King, who displayed zero accountability and honor when put to the test, for insights or strategies other than to possibly learn how to avoid the very Valley He has called us to?  

Fortunately for all of us, Anita and others like her have turned out to fill the ranks men have failed to fill. This clip is extraordinary in its revelation of the energy gone missing in our culture, which Charlie Kirk explains brilliantly to a young man who has NO idea what it means to be a man. My favorite line, tailored perfectly for today’s Tune-up: “God will call you out of a place of comfort and into duty.”

And thank God for the old lions among us! Thomas Sowell on the Sean “P Diddy” Combs trial, “The first lesson of economics is scarcity. The first lesson of politics is to disregard the first lesson of economics. The true measure of society is not how it treats its celebrities, but how it treats its most vulnerable.”  Our 94-year-old “National Treasure”!

This week I learned that Scott Kesterson and I share a very similar dream. In his dream he stood in the Valley all by himself against an entire army. I know that exact feeling…it’s unconditional commitment. Remember last week, God equips our subconscious in our dreams based on the truth we either accept or reject in the light of day. In Scott’s dream Jesus appeared at his side. In mine, His army of angels appeared behind me.  Honor! “Somethin’ about the way he talked, make a bully run away.”

So, on this Memorial Day weekend, as we Honor those men and women who willingly entered into the Psalm 23:4 Valley to give their ALL, this from the Apostle Paul on Christian discipline, followed by Dr. Peter Ruckman’s note:

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. ~ 1 Corinthians 9:27

(9:27) This is the Roman Catholic proof text that an apostle can lose his salvation (see note on John 13:13), because the Popes interpret “castaway” as “going to Hell.” The admonition has to do with God “putting a man on the shelf” as far as service is concerned because he is useless and not bearing fruit (see 1Cor. 10:12; John 15:6). ~ Dr. Peter Ruckman, Ruckman Reference Bible

Can we say, “OUCH”? The Solaris mantra: IF WE CAN FACE IT, WE CAN FIX IT begs the question, “How can those who refuse to face the present, prepare us for the future?”

With all love and respect, without Loyalty, Accountability, and Honor there is ZERO credibility. On the other hand, “if Jesus is credible,” then, my friends, you will surely find Him HERE! And, if God puts on your heart to help those who save children by donating to Peace of Heaven, you can donate directly, or mail your donation payable to Orange Strong (POH in memo) PO Box 843 Warwick, NY 10090 and I’ll be happy to hand deliver it to Pastor Dave at the conference next month! Remember our true heroes tomorrow! God Bless America!