history Archives - Page 7 of 14

Life Lessons to Learn From a Space Capsule Failure

Law Enforcement Officer Badge How do you handle unexpected and prolonged difficulties in your life? With frustration? Anger? Despair? Doubting God’s oversight and sovereignty in your situation?

[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of SPIRITUAL FITNESS ]

Instead, take the SemperVerus way: Stay True to what is right and Stay True to your aim, trusting God with all your heart.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Spiritual Fitness: Top 12 Acts for a Christian ]

What was scheduled to be an 8-day test flight of the Boeing Starliner capsule for US astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunni Williams turned into a 286-day test of endurance and conviction during an unexpected life-limiting stay in space aboard the International Space Station due to the capsule’s technical problems including helium leaks in its propulsion system and the failure of several reaction control system thrusters.

Wilmore, a devout Christian, leaned on his faith throughout the extended mission. He described his spiritual connection as “vital to existence,” emphasizing that knowing God was in control sustained him during the 9-month ordeal.

Medals of Honor and Valor

When you live the SemperVerus life, you decide to Stay True to what is right and Stay True to your aim in every decision you make.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Every Small Decision Leads to Winning or Losing in Spiritual Warfare ]

When you wear our SemperVerus Brotherhood/Sisterhood wristband, it’s a helpful constant reminder that you pledge to stay true to what is right (1 Tim. 4:16) by daily choosing to live led by (Rom. 8:14), filled with (Eph. 5:18), walking by (Gal. 5:16), and in step with (Gal. 5:25) the Holy Spirit, exhibiting 13 virtues in your behavior; one of which is acting valorously (with courage).

[ Read the SemperVerus article, The Door of Leadership Swings on the Hinge of Character ]

Conducting yourself with bravery is an element of strong character, and it’s part of the third element of the five SemperVerus components—BE—which emphasizes the importance of prioritizing integrity, honesty, and general uprightness in your life. It reads:

III. Be: developing rich personal leadership character of exemplary moral and ethical quality.

Two shining examples of what it means to act with courage are the US military’s Medal of Honor and the US Department of Justice’s Medal of Valor.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Be Like Ernest Shackleton ]

The Swiss Guard: Early Church Security Team

While some people assume the concept of a church security/safety team is a modern idea to defend against criminals and terrorists, it actually extends back at least half-a-millennium, to the days of Christopher Columbus, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Middle Ages.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]

Under Pope Julius II, the Swiss Guard was founded January 22, 1506 to be the protector of the church and defender of the papacy.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Chart: The Spectrum of Potential Threat Personas in Self-Defense and Church Security ]

Today’s Swiss Guard is equipped with modern small arms and members in plain clothes now accompany the pope on his travels abroad for his protection.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Inspiring Military Mottos ]

Its motto is “Fiercely and Faithfully.”

Global Persecution of Christians Surges in 2024

Violent religious persecution continues to increase around the world, with North Korea topping the annual World Watch List produced by Open Doors, which ranks the top 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme brutality. The intensity of cruelty has significantly increased this year, with approximately 380 million Christians (1 in 7) worldwide now experiencing high levels of persecution for their faith (an increase of 15 million in just one year).

[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]

[ Read the SemperVerus article of Bible verses from the book of Romans that quickly and simply present the Good News that is life through faith in Jesus Christ ]