A Father’s D-Day Story
by Tom Cameron
“A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.”
Ecclesiastes 3:8
Hi Men:
Question: In light of everything going on right now, are these words from Jesus resonating with you:
“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace.” (John 16:33a) So, do you have His peace? And of course we have to include the second half of verse 33:
“In this world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.”
PHOTO ABOVE
Even though Father’s Day is this Sunday, I guess I’m still on a WWII roll. We previously discussed the Battle of the Bulge, and just last Friday, June 6, marked the 81st anniversary of D-Day—when over 150,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy. Among them was Pvt. Allan J. Cameron, a combat engineer in the 1st Infantry Division and father of a man who would significantly impact my spiritual life—Tom Cameron.
Tom’s dad, Pvt. Cameron, landed in the fifth wave at Omaha Beach, endured the horrors of the Battle of the Bulge, and helped liberate a Nazi concentration camp as U.S. forces pressed into Berlin.
Read Tom’s 2015 story in the Las Vegas Review Journal (3 Min)
Watch The Video Interview by the same newspaper (5 Min)
In the photo above, Tom is pointing out his dad in a live training (Operation Tiger) before the actual Normandy invasion. Even though it was a dress rehearsal for the massive assault a month later, more than 940 U.S. troops were killed by high-speed German enemy boats.
Tom himself was a spiritual warrior—an evangelist who didn’t just teach evangelism, he embodied it. His passion was contagious. I didn’t just learn from him—I caught it. Tom died almost 5 years ago of heart issues. I will be forever grateful to Tom. He was the one that encouraged all of us in the Friday Men’s Group to go through Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron’s “Way of the Master” program over 15 years ago!
“STOP FEELING SORRY FOR YOURSELF, DAN”
Last week I told you guys about my zipline accident. I also mentioned it gave me a lot to think about. As some of you have experienced, a serious sprain takes time to recover. A lot of things I took for granted; driving a car or tractor, taking out the trash, etc. While zooming around in a wheel chair on my main floor, a dear childhood friend keeps coming to mind. His name was Richard (Dick) Juillerat. He also had a wheel chair, but his was permanent. He was born with cerebral palsy.
We were in Boy Scouts together. Even though he was in another troop, we became fast friends at the camporees, scout camp and other functions. Dick also earned scouting’s highest ward, Eagle Scout. Fast forward, when I became a Scoutmaster, Dick too was a Scoutmaster. Even though he could only move one arm and push his wheel chair backwards with one foot, he was a Scoutmaster for 11 years with a troop for boys that all had disabilities. Dick was amazing! As Dick’s health deteriorated, he got an electric wheel chair and even showed up at my son’s Eagle Court of Honor in 2006:
Why am I telling you all this? With Dick’s disability issues and medical problems (which were extensive) I don’t recall Dick ever complaining or feeling sorry for himself (unlike me with this temporary sprain). Even those times Dick would call me and say he needed help getting off the toilet, when I arrived and got him situated, he didn’t throw a fit, just thankful. We had many conversations about Joni Eareckson Tada, the Lord and eternity. Dick died 10 years ago. He was 65.
I long for ‘That Day’ to see him walking up to me for that extended embrace of a real man that I loved greatly.
Have a Blessed Father’s Day!
Dan
(Gal 2:20)
“People rebel when they refuse to follow the leadership of recognized authority.”
As we have stated in the past, i.e., Geo. Washington’s Farewell Address, our country was established on a moral framework. Our 2nd President, John Adams said,
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
Even Teddy Roosevelt stated,
“To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.”
What we’re witnessing now is a country whose moral compass has capsized and has been for many years (listen to R.C. Sproul below). For many, right and wrong no longer exist. Our once-biblical foundation has eroded into sinking sand.
Now more than ever, we need to raise up Christian soldiers—men and women ready to go to war spiritually, armed with the only true hope there is: the Good News of Jesus Christ.
“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’”
(Matt 9:37-38)
Rebellion – Part One – Red Book Day 167
The purpose of these devotionals is to help you think Biblically
Solomon said, “As a man thinks, so is he
READ PARTS 1, 2, and 3 of RED BOOK’S “REBELLION”
No God? No Meaning
LISTEN TO THIS SHORT, but profound message (1:29 min)
After this 2-day workshop with Daniel Janagam, this accountant, who had NEVER brought anyone Christ, got an idea, “…..let’s just start bringing people to Christ.”
I just love that……..
WATCH ON YOUTUBE (1:33 Min)
Note: In the video, Yogesh mentions Oikos Evangelism. If that term is new to you, here is a very short definition:
Oikos evangelism is about reaching those in your everyday relational world—family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers—by sharing Christ through genuine, personal connection.
Facts of the Matter
WHEN GOD AND LIFE MAKE NO SENSE
In meditating through the story of Lazarus’s death and resurrection (Jn. 11), several poignant lessons can be learned that help to explain the mysterious workings of God that often make no sense in this life:
- We are expendable for the glory of God: “But when Jesus heard about [Lazarus’s death] he said, ‘Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this’ ” (vs. 4).
- We are presumptuous in attempting to advise or second-guess God’s method of operation:“…[Jesus] said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” “But Rabbi,” the [disciples] said, “a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are going back there again?” ‘Roll the stone aside,’ Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister protested, ‘Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible ’” (vss. 7, 8,12, 39)
- God operates on His timetable, not ours:“ So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days…And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him…When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days…Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died ’ (vss. 5,6,15, 17, 21).
- Jesus’ strategy boggles our “rational” thinking:“ But some of them said, ‘This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying? ’” (vs.37)
“’… My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isa. 55:8b).
CONCLUSION : One of our greatest problems in life is our refusal to allow God to transform our minds to conform to his. (Rom. 12:2) Until we do, we will constantly waffle between viewing life through a temporal or an eternal lens. “ That sort of man cannot hope to receive anything from the Lord, and the life of a man of divided loyalty will reveal instability at every turn.” (Jms. 1:8 – Phil. Trans.)
QUESTION : On which side of the temporal, eternal ledger are you choosing to live?
This week, may you experience His grace, peace, and protection.
~Dwight Hill~
Father’s Day Reflection with insights from John Witherspoon
Who was John Witherspoon? He was born in 1723 in Scotland. He was an educator & theologian. In 1768 he became the President of Princeton University. He was the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence. As president of Princeton, he trained pastors, lawyers, and future leaders, including James Madison, the 4th U.S. president.
Magnanimity: What a Man of God Looks Like?
Definition:
Magnanimity means “greatness of soul.” It is the noble strength to rise above fear, insult, self-interest, or injustice. It is not loud or boastful, but calm, courageous, and governed by principle.
Biblical Examples:
- Jesus showed it at the cross: “Father, forgive them.” (Luke 23:34)
- David showed it when he spared Saul’s life in the cave. (1 Samuel 24)
- Paul showed it when testifying boldly to Roman rulers. (Acts 24–26)
Witherspoon’s View:
John Witherspoon, pastor, patriot, and signer of the Declaration of Independence, preached that true Christian magnanimity flows from character rooted in Christ:
“It is only the fear of God that can deliver us from the fear of man.”
He emphasized that a man of magnanimity acts not from impulse, but from firm convictions grounded in Scripture. He is bold in truth, meek in spirit, and faithful in duty—even when alone.
Traits of a Magnanimous Man:
- Firm in principle even under pressure
- Self-controlled rather than reactionary
- Morally courageous in an age of compromise
- Publicly faithful and privately humble
- Endures suffering with patience and fortitude. Witness the martyrs
Why It Matters (Especially Now):
In a culture where many have lost a sense of right and wrong, magnanimity is urgently needed. Fathers and Christian men must lead with integrity, compassion, and courage—not to dominate, but to serve.
Challenge for Men Today:
Let us raise up a generation of men who are:
- Strong but gentle
- Fearless but humble
- Truthful but gracious
Let us be the men who fight the good fight—not with fists, but with faith.
Let us be Christian soldiers, magnanimous in spirit, walking in the strength of Christ.
Scripture to Reflect On:
“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” —1 Corinthians 16:13 (NASB)
Thoughts taken from:
BibleHub.com/Sermons/…/Christian_Magnanimity
A.W. Pink on Revival
