Thank you, Tom Owen, with your help with this article!

On Nov. 11, 1918, the war to end all wars ended. That’s what we have prayed for “peace” since the end of that ugly war.

Unfortunately, war continues and there is no end in sight.

Thank you to all veterans this day and always for your sacrifice.

The wounds didn’t end on the battlefield, they were carried home in caskets and emotional distress and every day we deal with the reality of PTSD, homeless vets, and in some cases the only way out in the minds of some … suicide. The ruins of war seem like they will never end. God help us find peace!

Many times, when you talk about war in our country you could easily get an argument started. Some people think we should be in the Middle East. Some people think we shouldn’t. Some people think all war is bad. Some people think war is sometimes the only way of securing peace.

For some people the war is an opportunity to bash the president, no matter who that person may be. For some people the war is close to home because a loved one is right in the thick of it.

Honestly, I get so sick of the war being used as an item of contention. Many people have forgotten about right and wrong, and here we are today, 100 years since the end of the war to end all wars! And we still fight. It makes no sense!

You know what I think? I think we need to get used to the fact that as long as we’re on this side of eternity, there’s going to be war! There always has been and there always will be.

As a matter of fact, there’s a war going on that’s far more serious than the war on terrorism. A war that’s been going on for thousands of years. A war whose effects are eternal. I’m talking about the war for our souls. The spiritual battle that will determine where our eternal soul will reside forever.

It’s a battle that no one can escape. It’s a battle that has winners and losers. And it’s a battle whose end is certain.

The earthly consequences of war are tough to deal with, but nothing compared to the eternal consequences. The pain from the spanking will wear off. The jail time will end. The embarrassment and shame will eventually dissolve.

But eternity, well, it has no end.

Sounds like a tough war that we’re in. Sounds like a losing effort. After all, who can be perfect enough, good enough, righteous enough to always do right and impress God so much that we will go to heaven? None of us can do that. Some people think they can, but they’re sadly mistaken. Eternity is a gift of grace from God and there is nothing we can do to earn it.

Jesus knew this too. Jesus knew that in our sinful, fallen state, we have no chance to redeem ourselves. That is why He alone had to carry the burden as the wars rage.

I pray that we will stop for a minute this Veterans Day and focus on the cross of Christ as we rebuild our community and maybe even reach out to the hand of Christ waiting for each of us to assure our life everlasting.

Come this Sunday as we celebrate the sacrifices made by many for the cause of freedom and peace in our country.

Join us for worship at 11 a.m. and join us for a time of fellowship and a great lunch following service.

All are welcome, so come as you are!

Chris DelCol is pastor of First Lutheran Church in Lucerne, Calif. The church is located at 3863 Country Club Drive, telephone 707-274-5572. Email Pastor Chris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..