The Unknown Soldier - 2

The Unknown Soldier - 2
Sunday, August 10, 1862
     Well, Lord, I bought this diary to keep my sermon outlines in. But You have a different plan. Haggai 1:2 "Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, 'The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built.'"
     I preached my last sermon at Hope Church this morning. All of the men in the church are required to report to duty tomorrow as part of the newly formed 43rd Mississippi Regiment. All got baptized in the creek after the service this morning who weren't already baptized. I hope their professions in You as Lord and Saviour were real and not just because of the war.
     War! I never thought I would be part of a war - especially between the North and the South.
     They know I will not carry a gun, but my Bible. Lord, You're moving my ministry from a handful of farm families to many men who still need You.
     I will never forget what the recruiting officer insisted: "Preacher, we must have someone to pray with the men and to preach to 'em, too. Just look at it this way -your church size just got a lot bigger! Same farmers who are worried about their families and now about getting shot, banged up, or even killed. And don't forget to sing to  'em. Sing Near My God to Thee like you did this morning with that deep, rich tenor voice. And preach to them like you did this morning."
     This morning Hope Church was filled - everyone clinging to words that would give them hope.
     One thing about the Mississippians, I believe they have seen the reality of what this war really is. All we have in the South is a bunch of very experienced farmers - not soldiers. But the North has the experienced soldiers.
     They may be trading in their hoes and plows for a Model 1861 Richmond Rifle Musket, but with Your help, I won't be trading in my Bible.
     Lord, I can only pray Psalms 28:7. "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him (You), and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him (You)."

Be blessed in The Name above every name, Jesus! I know I am!
Linda L Culbreth