[dramatic music] 00:00:01.76\00:00:14.21 This is It Is Written. I'm John Bradshaw. 00:00:41.80\00:00:44.57 Thanks for joining me. We live in a world that 00:00:44.57\00:00:47.11 is plagued by war. And when you read the Bible, 00:00:47.11\00:00:50.55 you make the remarkable discovery, that war actually 00:00:50.55\00:00:53.38 began in heaven, where Lucifer and his 00:00:53.38\00:00:57.09 angels fought against Michael, the Archangel, 00:00:57.09\00:00:59.85 and his angels. Today, around planet Earth, 00:00:59.85\00:01:03.46 there is not a day that goes by that there's not warfare 00:01:03.46\00:01:05.96 somewhere. Now, the vast majority of people 00:01:05.96\00:01:09.26 who participate in war are people who are simply 00:01:09.26\00:01:12.20 following orders, and many of them 00:01:12.20\00:01:14.57 pay the ultimate price. Others get to return home, 00:01:14.57\00:01:18.67 but some, scarred physically and emotionally. 00:01:18.67\00:01:23.18 And we remember them, and we honor them, 00:01:23.18\00:01:26.21 in places like this. 00:01:26.21\00:01:29.38 [Music] I'm at Veterans Park in 00:01:31.05\00:01:35.59 Collegedale, Tennessee, just miles from the 00:01:35.59\00:01:38.39 It Is Written office in Chattanooga, 00:01:38.39\00:01:40.53 Tennessee. The park was developed to honor 00:01:40.53\00:01:42.76 those who served to preserve our freedom. 00:01:42.76\00:01:45.93 Like other, similar veterans parks, this one honors all the 00:01:45.93\00:01:49.50 branches of military service: army, navy, air force, coast 00:01:49.50\00:01:53.51 guard, and marines. Along the walkway, 00:01:53.51\00:01:56.68 there's a timeline of wars. The plaque reminds us that 00:01:56.68\00:02:00.62 freedom is not free. Around this circle there are 00:02:00.62\00:02:04.65 individual bronze plaques commemorating all of the wars 00:02:04.65\00:02:07.46 that have been fought by Americans: 00:02:07.46\00:02:09.42 the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, both world wars, 00:02:09.42\00:02:13.16 and more recent wars. On each plaque is listed the 00:02:13.16\00:02:17.13 number of those who served, those wounded, and those who 00:02:17.13\00:02:21.04 made the ultimate sacrifice. Hundreds of thousands of 00:02:21.04\00:02:24.67 individuals have given their lives for the freedom enjoyed 00:02:24.67\00:02:27.31 in this country today. As the slogan aptly states, 00:02:27.31\00:02:32.01 "All gave some, and some gave all." 00:02:32.01\00:02:37.79 On July the 16th, 2015, a man opened fire at two 00:02:38.15\00:02:42.69 nearby military facilities, claiming five lives: 00:02:42.69\00:02:47.13 four marines and a naval petty officer. 00:02:47.13\00:02:50.67 This latest addition at Veterans Park honors 00:02:50.67\00:02:53.03 those who lost their lives that day. 00:02:53.03\00:02:55.07 Their names are listed right here. 00:02:55.07\00:02:58.57 That unprovoked terrorist attack reminds us that what Peter wrote 00:02:58.57\00:03:03.51 is applicable to us today. 1st Peter 5 and verse 8 says, 00:03:03.51\00:03:08.02 "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks 00:03:08.02\00:03:12.29 around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 00:03:12.29\00:03:17.06 At this monument, we read the words of 00:03:17.06\00:03:20.23 General Douglas MacArthur, "The soldier, above all others, 00:03:20.23\00:03:23.90 prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest 00:03:23.90\00:03:27.67 wounds and scars of war." There are plaques commemorating 00:03:27.67\00:03:32.54 those who were missing in action, became prisoners 00:03:32.54\00:03:35.28 of war, and killed in action. 00:03:35.28\00:03:37.95 This one reads, "You paid the ultimate price: you gave your 00:03:37.95\00:03:41.75 life that we might be free. You cannot know the benefits 00:03:41.75\00:03:45.72 your sacrifice made possible. We shall always be 00:03:45.72\00:03:49.59 grateful to you." This plaque commemorates those 00:03:49.59\00:03:52.93 who served as conscientious objectors. 00:03:52.93\00:03:55.96 It reads, "To those who served in the 00:03:55.96\00:03:58.67 military while refusing to bear arms: thank you for defending 00:03:58.67\00:04:02.30 your country in harmony with your conscience. 00:04:02.30\00:04:05.17 Your willingness to go into harm's way unarmed demonstrates 00:04:05.17\00:04:08.78 a faith that inspires all Americans. 00:04:08.78\00:04:12.61 Thank you for not refusing to serve." 00:04:12.61\00:04:17.22 [drum roll] Many of those who chose to be 00:04:17.85\00:04:20.76 conscientious objectors served as combat medics. 00:04:20.76\00:04:24.46 Now, this bronze memorial illustrates the scene of a 00:04:24.46\00:04:27.30 combat medic treating a wounded soldier. 00:04:27.30\00:04:30.13 Now, above all, this park is dedicated to the memory of 00:04:30.13\00:04:34.37 a local hero. He was a conscientious objector, 00:04:34.37\00:04:38.64 a combat medic, and a man of great faith. 00:04:38.64\00:04:43.51 We'll find out more in just a moment. 00:04:43.51\00:04:47.48 >: "Every Word" is a one-minute, Bible-based, daily devotional 00:04:48.02\00:04:51.32 presented by Pastor John Bradshaw, 00:04:51.32\00:04:53.32 and designed especially for busy people 00:04:53.32\00:04:55.52 like you. Look for "Every Word" on 00:04:55.52\00:04:58.03 selected networks or watch it online every day on our website, 00:04:58.03\00:05:01.46 ItIsWritten.com. [Music] 00:05:01.46\00:05:08.24 In 2009 the F-22 fighter plane cost the U.S. Air Force 00:05:10.34\00:05:14.34 somewhere between 137 million and 469 million 00:05:14.34\00:05:19.01 dollars each, depending on how you calculate. 00:05:19.01\00:05:22.18 A government pays what it does in order to have the best 00:05:22.18\00:05:25.69 weapons possible. Each of Gideon's 300 men went 00:05:25.69\00:05:28.96 into battle with a shofar -- that's a trumpet-- 00:05:28.96\00:05:32.89 and a torch inside a clay jar... 00:05:32.89\00:05:34.73 unconventional weapons. Judges 7, verse 20 says, 00:05:34.73\00:05:38.13 "Then the three companies blew the trumpets and 00:05:38.13\00:05:40.50 broke the pitchers-- they held the torches 00:05:40.50\00:05:42.67 in their left hands and the trumpets in their 00:05:42.67\00:05:44.87 right hands for blowing --and they cried, 00:05:44.87\00:05:46.98 'The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!'" 00:05:46.98\00:05:48.88 They blew the trumpets, broke the jars, and let 00:05:48.88\00:05:51.45 their light shine. When they let their light shine, 00:05:51.45\00:05:53.98 victory came. If you let your light shine, 00:05:53.98\00:05:56.58 if you'll let Jesus shine in you, you'll have victory, 00:05:56.58\00:06:00.19 too. I'm John Bradshaw for 00:06:00.19\00:06:01.89 It Is Written. Let's live today by every word. 00:06:01.89\00:06:04.96 [drum and fife music] This is It Is Written. 00:06:06.03\00:06:10.03 I'm John Bradshaw. The focus of Veterans Park here 00:06:10.03\00:06:13.70 in Collegedale, Tennessee, is a man who was a 00:06:13.70\00:06:16.87 conscientious objector. During World War II, he refused 00:06:16.87\00:06:21.41 to touch a weapon of any kind or to carry a gun. 00:06:21.41\00:06:24.95 He's a well-known local war hero, and known as 00:06:24.95\00:06:28.62 the Hero of Okinawa. This statue commemorates 00:06:28.62\00:06:32.92 Corporal Desmond Thomas Doss, a longtime resident of 00:06:32.92\00:06:37.59 this area. He's also a national hero, as 00:06:37.59\00:06:41.26 the recipient of this nation's highest award, the Congressional 00:06:41.26\00:06:46.03 Medal of Honor. [Music] 00:06:46.03\00:06:49.84 October 12, 1945, on the lawn of the White House, 15 Medal 00:06:49.84\00:06:54.81 of Honor recipients were given their award by the 00:06:54.81\00:06:56.98 President of the United States. When it was his turn, Desmond 00:06:56.98\00:07:01.22 walked up to the President. Harry S. Truman warmly shook 00:07:01.22\00:07:05.09 the hand of Corporal Doss and held it the entire time his 00:07:05.09\00:07:09.02 citation was read aloud. Then, as he placed the Medal of 00:07:09.02\00:07:12.76 Honor around his neck, the President said, 00:07:12.76\00:07:15.96 "I'm proud of you. You really deserve this. 00:07:15.96\00:07:18.27 I consider this a greater honor than being President." 00:07:18.27\00:07:23.17 He was a company aid man when the first battalion assaulted a 00:07:23.17\00:07:26.34 jagged escarpment 400 feet high. As our troops gained the summit, 00:07:26.34\00:07:30.65 a heavy concentration of artillery, mortar, and machine 00:07:30.65\00:07:34.28 gun fire crashed into them, inflicting approximately 75 00:07:34.28\00:07:37.62 casualties and driving the others back. 00:07:37.62\00:07:40.66 PFC Doss refused to seek cover and remained in the fire-swept 00:07:40.66\00:07:45.49 area with the many stricken, carrying them one by one to 00:07:45.49\00:07:49.16 the edge of the escarpment, and there lowering them, 00:07:49.16\00:07:52.13 on a rope-supported litter, down the face of the cliff 00:07:52.13\00:07:55.17 to friendly hands. On the 2nd of May, 00:07:55.17\00:07:58.84 he exposed himself to heavy rifle and mortar fire 00:07:58.84\00:08:01.71 in rescuing a wounded man 200 yards forward of the 00:08:01.71\00:08:05.21 lines on the same escarpment. 00:08:05.21\00:08:07.22 And two days later, he treated four men who had been cut down 00:08:07.22\00:08:10.99 while assaulting a strongly defended cave, advancing through 00:08:10.99\00:08:14.09 a shower of grenades to within eight yards of enemy forces in 00:08:14.09\00:08:17.49 a cave's mouth, where he dressed his comrades' wounds 00:08:17.49\00:08:20.90 before making four separate trips, under fire, 00:08:20.90\00:08:23.73 to evacuate them to safety. On the 5th of May, he 00:08:23.73\00:08:27.47 unhesitatingly braved enemy shelling and small-arms fire to 00:08:27.47\00:08:31.51 assist an artillery officer. He applied bandages, moved his 00:08:31.51\00:08:35.81 patient to a spot that offered protection from small-arms fire, 00:08:35.81\00:08:39.05 and while artillery and mortar shells fell close by, 00:08:39.05\00:08:42.95 painstakingly administered plasma. 00:08:42.95\00:08:45.59 Later that day, when an American was severely wounded 00:08:45.59\00:08:48.59 by fire from a cave, Private Doss crawled to him 00:08:48.59\00:08:51.79 where he had fallen, 25 feet from the enemy position, 00:08:51.79\00:08:54.86 rendered aid, and carried him 100 yards 00:08:54.86\00:08:57.97 to safety while continually exposed to enemy fire. 00:08:57.97\00:09:01.40 On the 21st of May, in a night attack on high ground near 00:09:01.40\00:09:05.77 Shuri, he remained in exposed territory while the rest of 00:09:05.77\00:09:09.88 his company took cover, fearlessly risking the 00:09:09.88\00:09:12.88 chance that he would be mistaken for an infiltrating 00:09:12.88\00:09:15.25 Japanese, and giving aid to the injured until he was, 00:09:15.25\00:09:18.55 himself, seriously wounded in the legs by the explosion 00:09:18.55\00:09:21.79 of a grenade. Rather than call another aid man 00:09:21.79\00:09:25.29 from cover, he cared for his own injuries and waited five hours 00:09:25.29\00:09:30.00 before litter bearers reached him and started carrying him 00:09:30.00\00:09:32.87 to cover. The trio was caught in an enemy 00:09:32.87\00:09:35.97 tank attack, and Private Doss, seeing a more critically 00:09:35.97\00:09:40.28 wounded man nearby, crawled off the litter and 00:09:40.28\00:09:44.35 directed the bearers to give their first attention 00:09:44.35\00:09:47.42 to the other man. Awaiting the litter bearers' 00:09:47.42\00:09:50.49 return, he was again struck, this time suffering a compound 00:09:50.49\00:09:54.56 fracture of one arm. With magnificent fortitude, 00:09:54.56\00:09:58.49 he bound a rifle stock to his shattered arm as a splint, 00:09:58.49\00:10:02.70 and then crawled 300 yards over rough terrain to the 00:10:02.70\00:10:06.94 aid station. Through his outstanding bravery 00:10:06.94\00:10:11.04 and unflinching determination in the face of desperately 00:10:11.04\00:10:14.21 dangerous conditions, Private Doss saved the 00:10:14.21\00:10:17.58 lives of many soldiers. His name became a symbol 00:10:17.58\00:10:20.95 throughout the 77th Infantry Division for outstanding 00:10:20.95\00:10:24.39 gallantry far above and beyond the call of duty. 00:10:24.39\00:10:28.49 Three and a half years before those words were read on the 00:10:28.49\00:10:32.06 lawn of the White House, Desmond Doss pulled on 00:10:32.06\00:10:34.83 his army uniform for the first time. 00:10:34.83\00:10:37.07 It was April the 1st, 1942. But things did not start well 00:10:37.07\00:10:41.64 for the soft-spoken Virginian. He wanted to be a combat medic, 00:10:41.64\00:10:46.44 but as providence would have it, he was assigned to an infantry 00:10:46.44\00:10:50.68 rifle company. [explosions] 00:10:50.68\00:10:58.39 When Pearl Harbor was attacked, Desmond was working at the 00:11:01.02\00:11:04.33 Newport News naval shipyard and could have requested a 00:11:04.33\00:11:07.76 deferment, but he was willing to risk his life on the front lines 00:11:07.76\00:11:12.00 in order to preserve freedom. He assumed his standing as a 00:11:12.00\00:11:16.17 conscientious objector would not require him to carry a weapon, 00:11:16.17\00:11:20.44 but his refusal to even touch a gun caused his fellow soldiers 00:11:20.44\00:11:24.78 to view him with disdain. Nobody believed a soldier 00:11:24.78\00:11:28.85 without a weapon was worth anything, so they ostracized 00:11:28.85\00:11:32.79 him, bullied him, cursed at him, and threatened him. 00:11:32.79\00:11:37.96 One man warned, "Doss, when we get into combat, 00:11:37.96\00:11:41.90 I'll make sure you don't come back alive." 00:11:41.90\00:11:46.23 Desmond had been raised with a fervent belief in the Bible, 00:11:46.23\00:11:49.44 and when it came to the Ten Commandments, he applied them 00:11:49.44\00:11:52.41 personally. During childhood, his father had 00:11:52.41\00:11:55.91 purchased a large, framed picture at an auction. 00:11:55.91\00:11:59.75 It portrayed the Ten Commandments with colorful 00:11:59.75\00:12:02.78 illustrations. Next to the words 00:12:02.78\00:12:05.55 "Thou shalt not kill" was a drawing of Cain holding 00:12:05.55\00:12:09.62 a club and standing over the body of his dead brother, 00:12:09.62\00:12:12.93 Abel. With that picture firmly 00:12:12.93\00:12:15.50 embedded in his mind, this young boy determined 00:12:15.50\00:12:18.60 that he would never take life. 00:12:18.60\00:12:22.27 And there was another commandment that Desmond took 00:12:22.27\00:12:24.37 just as seriously as the sixth, and that was the fourth 00:12:24.37\00:12:28.28 commandment. He was raised to go to church 00:12:28.28\00:12:31.11 every week, on the seventh day of the week. 00:12:31.11\00:12:35.35 The army was exasperated when this Bible-reading misfit asked 00:12:35.35\00:12:38.85 for a pass to attend church every Saturday. 00:12:38.85\00:12:42.96 They believed he was totally out of sync with the military. 00:12:42.96\00:12:45.46 In fact, they saw him as a liability. 00:12:45.46\00:12:48.70 So they tried to intimidate him. They gave him extra duties, 00:12:48.70\00:12:51.57 they declared him mentally unfit, and they tried to 00:12:51.57\00:12:54.84 court-martial him. But Desmond Doss wouldn't quit. 00:12:54.84\00:13:00.51 He saw it as his duty to serve God and country, but in that 00:13:00.51\00:13:05.55 order. 00:13:05.55\00:13:07.72 But things began to turn around when the men discovered that 00:13:09.25\00:13:11.92 this quiet, unassuming medic had an effective way to 00:13:11.92\00:13:15.56 treat the blisters on their feet. 00:13:15.56\00:13:17.79 And when someone fainted from heat stroke, Desmond was at 00:13:17.79\00:13:20.60 their side, offering his own canteen. 00:13:20.60\00:13:23.67 And he never held a grudge. With kindness and gentle 00:13:23.67\00:13:27.00 courtesy, he treated those who mistreated him. 00:13:27.00\00:13:29.74 He lived the Golden Rule: Do to others as you would have 00:13:29.74\00:13:33.27 them do to you. Desmond served in combat on the 00:13:33.27\00:13:36.71 islands of Guam and Leyte. In each military operation, 00:13:36.71\00:13:40.85 he exhibited extraordinary dedication to his men. 00:13:40.85\00:13:44.32 While others were taking life, he was busy saving life. 00:13:44.32\00:13:49.22 As enemy bullets whizzed past and mortar shells exploded 00:13:49.22\00:13:53.33 around him, he repeatedly ran to treat a fallen comrade 00:13:53.33\00:13:56.60 and carry him back to safety. By the time they reached 00:13:56.60\00:14:00.24 Okinawa, he'd been awarded two Bronze Stars for valor. 00:14:00.24\00:14:05.11 In May 1945, Japanese troops were fiercely defending Okinawa, 00:14:05.11\00:14:10.38 the only remaining barrier to an Allied invasion of their 00:14:10.38\00:14:13.75 homeland. The Americans were set on 00:14:13.75\00:14:16.32 capturing an imposing cliff that ran across the island. 00:14:16.32\00:14:19.92 The soldiers called it Hacksaw Ridge. 00:14:19.92\00:14:23.59 But upon reaching the top, Japanese forces suddenly 00:14:23.59\00:14:27.10 attacked. Officers ordered an immediate 00:14:27.10\00:14:29.76 retreat. As a hundred or more Americans 00:14:29.76\00:14:33.40 lay wounded and dying on enemy soil, one lone soldier disobeyed 00:14:33.40\00:14:38.71 those orders and charged back into the firefight. 00:14:38.71\00:14:42.91 With a constant prayer on his lips, he vowed to rescue as many 00:14:42.91\00:14:46.78 as he could before he either collapsed or died trying. 00:14:46.78\00:14:51.22 His iron determination and unflagging courage resulted 00:14:51.22\00:14:55.49 in saving 75 lives. Desmond Doss was a hero. 00:14:55.49\00:15:01.43 He was a hero to the men whose lives he saved. 00:15:01.43\00:15:04.27 He was a hero in American history. 00:15:04.27\00:15:07.07 But he was also a hero of faith. Without his faith in God, 00:15:07.07\00:15:11.77 he would not have been able to be the hero that 00:15:11.77\00:15:14.18 he was, when he endured those battles in the 00:15:14.18\00:15:16.78 Pacific Islands. How did he have the faith that 00:15:16.78\00:15:20.08 enabled him to face the enemy with quiet confidence? 00:15:20.08\00:15:25.25 I'll have the answer to that question in just a moment. 00:15:25.25\00:15:28.32 [Music] I'd like to offer you a special, 00:15:28.96\00:15:37.43 free book called "The Faith of Desmond Doss." 00:15:37.43\00:15:41.64 This book not only describes who Desmond was, but also how to 00:15:41.64\00:15:46.37 develop the kind of faith Desmond had. 00:15:46.37\00:15:49.44 To receive your copy of this book, just call: 00:15:49.44\00:15:51.85 1 (800) 253-3000, and ask for: 00:15:51.85\00:15:55.28 "The Faith of Desmond Doss." Lines are open 24 hours daily. 00:15:55.28\00:15:59.79 They may be busy when you call, so keep trying. 00:15:59.79\00:16:02.79 You can also write to request this book from It Is Written at 00:16:02.79\00:16:05.86 P.O. Box 6, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37401, 00:16:05.86\00:16:10.20 and we'll mail a copy to your address in North America. 00:16:10.20\00:16:13.54 This is a powerful little book, and it's yours absolutely free. 00:16:13.54\00:16:16.91 All you need to do is to call right now, 1 (800) 253-3000. 00:16:16.91\00:16:22.28 There's no cost and no catch. Simply call now, and ask for 00:16:22.28\00:16:26.08 "The Faith of Desmond Doss," or visit us online at 00:16:26.08\00:16:30.19 ItIsWritten.com and download a free 00:16:30.19\00:16:33.39 electronic version of this book. 00:16:33.39\00:16:35.76 Desmond Doss believed that the Bible was the Word of God. 00:16:37.13\00:16:41.30 He read the Bible every day. He had a Bible with him the 00:16:41.30\00:16:44.70 entire time he was in the war. In fact, his Bible was his most 00:16:44.70\00:16:49.47 prized possession. Shortly before he shipped out 00:16:49.47\00:16:53.17 to the Pacific, he married his sweetheart, Dorothy. 00:16:53.17\00:16:56.51 As a wedding gift, she gave him a pocket Bible. 00:16:56.51\00:17:00.15 Inside that Bible she wrote a note especially to encourage 00:17:00.15\00:17:04.69 Desmond while he was away. "Dearest Desmond, As you read 00:17:04.69\00:17:09.36 and study the precious promises found in the Word of God 00:17:09.36\00:17:12.16 contained in this little Bible, may you be strengthened in 00:17:12.16\00:17:14.76 whatever trials may come to you. May your faith in God bring 00:17:14.76\00:17:18.10 comfort and peace of heart to you, that you may never be sad 00:17:18.10\00:17:20.60 or lonely, no matter how dark the way seems. 00:17:20.60\00:17:23.87 If we do not meet another time on this earth, we have the 00:17:23.87\00:17:26.71 assurance of a happy meeting place in heaven. 00:17:26.71\00:17:29.68 May God in His mercy grant us both a place there. 00:17:29.68\00:17:32.58 Your loving wife, Dorothy." 00:17:32.58\00:17:35.98 As he faced the enemy day after day, he read this letter again 00:17:36.52\00:17:39.52 and again, along with the promises he found in 00:17:39.52\00:17:42.92 his Bible. "He who dwells in the secret 00:17:42.92\00:17:46.03 place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of 00:17:46.03\00:17:48.70 the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 00:17:48.70\00:17:51.27 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, 00:17:51.27\00:17:54.60 in Him I will trust.'" Psalm 91, 1 and 2. 00:17:54.60\00:17:59.47 "You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the 00:17:59.47\00:18:03.81 arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in 00:18:03.81\00:18:07.45 darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noon-day. 00:18:07.45\00:18:11.92 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your 00:18:11.92\00:18:15.22 right hand; but it shall not come near you." 00:18:15.22\00:18:18.93 Psalm 91: 5 through 7. As Desmond read the Bible, 00:18:18.93\00:18:24.23 he read it as one who believed that God would protect him, 00:18:24.23\00:18:28.20 because he believed God's Word could be trusted. 00:18:28.20\00:18:31.67 Thoughts of fear were changed to feelings of confidence and 00:18:31.67\00:18:35.14 courage. As he read God's Word, he read 00:18:35.14\00:18:39.15 words like these: "It is better to trust in the 00:18:39.15\00:18:42.42 Lord than to put confidence in man." 00:18:42.42\00:18:45.79 Psalm 118, verse 8. "Trust in the Lord with all your 00:18:45.79\00:18:49.99 heart, and lean not on your own understanding. 00:18:49.99\00:18:54.10 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct 00:18:54.10\00:18:57.37 your paths." Proverbs 3:5 and 6. 00:18:57.37\00:19:02.14 As Desmond read his Bible, it molded his thinking. 00:19:02.14\00:19:06.04 He read this in the Proverbs: "For as he thinks in his heart, 00:19:06.04\00:19:10.35 so is he." Proverbs 23:7. 00:19:10.35\00:19:14.35 Thoughts become actions; actions become habits; 00:19:14.35\00:19:18.25 habits influence our character; and our character determines 00:19:18.25\00:19:22.12 our destiny. It's when times become really 00:19:22.12\00:19:26.03 challenging that our true character is revealed. 00:19:26.03\00:19:29.50 For Desmond Doss, he was the same person in the heat of 00:19:29.50\00:19:32.50 battle as he was outside of the theater of battle, 00:19:32.50\00:19:36.14 and that's because he had spent time with God. 00:19:36.14\00:19:39.11 Just because he didn't carry a weapon did not mean he was 00:19:39.11\00:19:41.41 defenseless. At all times, he had prayer and 00:19:41.41\00:19:45.11 the Word of God: two things far more powerful than any weapon. 00:19:45.11\00:19:52.22 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to 00:19:52.22\00:19:55.49 man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be 00:19:55.49\00:19:59.63 tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation 00:19:59.63\00:20:03.87 also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 00:20:03.87\00:20:09.04 First Corinthians 10:13. God promises you a way of 00:20:09.04\00:20:14.04 escape, just as He provided one for Desmond Doss. 00:20:14.04\00:20:17.88 The same promises that Desmond found in his Bible are the 00:20:17.88\00:20:20.85 promises that you can discover, and believe, and claim. 00:20:20.85\00:20:24.39 I'd like for you to get today's free book. 00:20:24.39\00:20:26.49 It's called: "The Faith of Desmond Doss." 00:20:26.49\00:20:28.72 I'll tell you how you can get it in just a moment. 00:20:28.72\00:20:30.99 [Music] Planning for your financial 00:20:31.86\00:20:34.10 future is a vital aspect of Christian stewardship. 00:20:34.10\00:20:37.47 For this reason, It Is Written is pleased to offer free planned 00:20:37.47\00:20:40.74 giving and estate services. For information on how we can 00:20:40.74\00:20:44.01 help you, please call (800) 992-2219. 00:20:44.01\00:20:48.74 Call today, or visit our special website, www.HisLegacy.com. 00:20:48.74\00:20:56.38 [Music] This is the Chattanooga 00:20:58.39\00:21:09.23 National Cemetery, in the state of Tennessee. 00:21:09.23\00:21:12.60 National cemeteries were first established under the 00:21:12.60\00:21:15.30 administration of President Abraham Lincoln. 00:21:15.30\00:21:17.97 They were specifically created for those who had served in the 00:21:17.97\00:21:20.81 military, beginning with the Civil War. 00:21:20.81\00:21:23.81 There are some graves here that date all the way back to that 00:21:23.81\00:21:26.68 time, every grave commemorating the life of one who would 00:21:26.68\00:21:30.29 sacrifice to preserve freedom, from every war since the 00:21:30.29\00:21:34.32 Civil War. This national cemetery covers 00:21:34.32\00:21:37.66 120 acres. More than 50,000 war veterans 00:21:37.66\00:21:41.50 are buried here. Undoubtedly there's a unique 00:21:41.50\00:21:44.47 story behind each grave marker. After serving his country in 00:21:44.47\00:21:49.34 World War II, Desmond Doss returned home, but not 00:21:49.34\00:21:53.01 everything turned out the way he might have hoped. 00:21:53.01\00:21:55.91 He was discharged from the military in 1946, but before 00:21:55.91\00:21:59.18 that time, he had developed tuberculosis. 00:21:59.18\00:22:02.48 All those cold, wet nights in a muddy foxhole in the Pacific 00:22:02.48\00:22:06.19 Islands eventually took their toll. 00:22:06.19\00:22:09.96 As the illness progressed, his left lung had to be surgically 00:22:09.96\00:22:12.83 removed, along with five ribs. For the rest of his life, 00:22:12.83\00:22:16.73 he survived on a single lung, until it, too, failed. 00:22:16.73\00:22:21.84 At the age of 87, Corporal Desmond Thomas Doss died, 00:22:21.84\00:22:27.14 on March 23, 2006, after being hospitalized with difficulty 00:22:27.14\00:22:32.65 breathing. For Desmond Doss, the war is 00:22:32.65\00:22:36.55 over; not just the war in the Pacific during World War II, 00:22:36.55\00:22:40.76 but the battle of life. Now he rests in peace; 00:22:40.76\00:22:45.33 his eternal destiny has been decided. 00:22:45.33\00:22:48.00 His body lies just beneath this grave marker. 00:22:48.00\00:22:51.57 One day, according to the Bible, the trumpet of God will awaken 00:22:51.57\00:22:56.07 the sleeping saints, and the greatest battle ever fought will 00:22:56.07\00:23:00.98 climax in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. 00:23:00.98\00:23:05.31 Desmond was a soldier who served in war, but he was also a 00:23:05.31\00:23:10.22 soldier in the battle of life. We're all soldiers in the battle 00:23:10.22\00:23:14.52 of life, and the outcome has already been determined. 00:23:14.52\00:23:19.66 We know that the enemy is the devil, but that ultimately 00:23:19.66\00:23:22.46 the victor is Jesus Christ. Every person born on this earth 00:23:22.46\00:23:27.30 is born behind enemy lines, but everyone can choose to be on 00:23:27.30\00:23:31.74 the winning side. You know, Jesus is coming back 00:23:31.74\00:23:34.98 soon, and when He returns death, sin, pain, sorrow, 00:23:34.98\00:23:40.32 it will all be done away with. It will all be gone. 00:23:40.32\00:23:44.92 Jesus is coming back, and when He returns, He'll make all 00:23:44.92\00:23:49.42 things new. "Let not your heart be troubled; 00:23:49.42\00:23:53.09 you believe in God, believe also in Me. 00:23:53.09\00:23:56.83 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, 00:23:56.83\00:24:00.47 I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 00:24:00.47\00:24:04.47 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and 00:24:04.47\00:24:09.34 receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be 00:24:09.34\00:24:13.25 also." John 14, 1 through 3. 00:24:13.25\00:24:17.32 That wonderful promise assures you that a bright future 00:24:17.32\00:24:20.92 awaits you. For it to be a reality in your 00:24:20.92\00:24:23.83 life, all you need to do is believe. 00:24:23.83\00:24:29.23 [acoustic guitar music] There are many heroes in this 00:24:29.23\00:24:32.83 book, the Bible, and then there are many other heroes who 00:24:32.83\00:24:35.94 risk everything to preserve the freedoms that we enjoy today. 00:24:35.94\00:24:39.34 One of them was Desmond Doss, the World War II medic who 00:24:39.34\00:24:43.45 refused to carry a gun. But he had a prayer in his heart 00:24:43.45\00:24:47.75 and a Bible in his pocket. He saved dozens and dozens of 00:24:47.75\00:24:52.65 lives, and as a result was awarded the Congressional 00:24:52.65\00:24:56.66 Medal of Honor. If you want to know more about 00:24:56.66\00:25:00.93 his story and about the God who preserved him during a time of 00:25:00.93\00:25:04.77 war, I'd like to offer you a special, free book called 00:25:04.77\00:25:09.00 "The Faith of Desmond Doss." This book not only describes who 00:25:09.00\00:25:12.97 Desmond was, but also how to develop the kind of faith 00:25:12.97\00:25:18.01 Desmond had. To receive your copy of this 00:25:18.01\00:25:20.48 book, just call 1 (800) 253-3000 and ask for "The Faith of 00:25:20.48\00:25:25.89 Desmond Doss." Lines are open 24 hours daily. 00:25:25.89\00:25:29.49 They may be busy when you call, so keep trying. 00:25:29.49\00:25:32.59 You can also write to request this book from It Is Written at 00:25:32.59\00:25:35.36 P.O. Box 6, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37401, 00:25:35.36\00:25:39.90 and we'll mail a copy to your address in North America. 00:25:39.90\00:25:43.44 This is a powerful little book, and it's yours absolutely free. 00:25:43.44\00:25:46.68 All you need to do is to call right now, 1 (800) 253-3000. 00:25:46.68\00:25:51.78 There's no cost and no catch. Simply call now and ask for 00:25:51.78\00:25:55.92 "The Faith of Desmond Doss." Or visit us online at 00:25:55.92\00:25:59.79 ItIsWritten.com and download a free electronic version of 00:25:59.79\00:26:04.36 this book. And thanks for remembering 00:26:04.36\00:26:07.00 It Is Written is a faith ministry, 00:26:07.00\00:26:09.46 made possible by the generosity of people like you. 00:26:09.46\00:26:12.37 We depend on you, and I greatly appreciate your financial 00:26:12.37\00:26:15.87 support. To enable It Is Written to 00:26:15.87\00:26:18.41 continue to share Jesus with the world, call us now on 00:26:18.41\00:26:21.84 (800) 253-3000. (800) 253-3000. 00:26:21.84\00:26:26.72 Or, write to It Is Written, P.O. Box 6, Chattanooga, 00:26:26.72\00:26:31.09 Tennesee, 37401. Or you can invest in 00:26:31.09\00:26:35.16 It Is Written's global ministry online at ItIsWritten.com. 00:26:35.16\00:26:41.26 Let's pray together. Our Father in Heaven, 00:26:41.26\00:26:43.60 we are thankful today for Jesus, who has won the war. 00:26:43.60\00:26:47.07 We thank you today for the strength of Your Spirit, and for 00:26:47.07\00:26:50.97 the example of people like Desmond Doss, 00:26:50.97\00:26:54.11 who through faith in You demonstrated what God can 00:26:54.11\00:26:58.38 do in a humble life. Lord, I pray that You would 00:26:58.38\00:27:02.62 take our hearts. Friend, is it time now for you 00:27:02.62\00:27:06.35 to give your heart to Jesus? You can do so now, by inviting 00:27:06.35\00:27:09.06 Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, and work in you as 00:27:09.06\00:27:12.09 He worked in Desmond Doss. Father, we thank You today for 00:27:12.09\00:27:16.33 inspiring us and for pointing our eyes and hearts and minds to 00:27:16.33\00:27:20.50 Jesus, who died so that we might live victoriously. 00:27:20.50\00:27:26.14 We thank You today, and we pray in Jesus' name, Amen. 00:27:26.14\00:27:32.55 [Music] 00:27:32.55\00:27:38.75 Thanks so much for joining me. 00:27:47.50\00:27:49.03 I'm looking forward to seeing you again next time. 00:27:49.03\00:27:50.73 Until then, remember: It is written; 00:27:50.73\00:27:53.34 man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word 00:27:53.34\00:27:57.34 that proceeds from the mouth of God. 00:27:57.34\00:28:06.95 [Music] 00:28:06.95\00:28:14.12