November 8, 2013 (Friday)
Winston Churchill in 1939 spoke to the House of Commons as England entered World War 2. He said, “..we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender..”
The next year American journalist H. R. Knickerbocker wrote “[The words of the speech] deserve to be memorized by us all”, observing that “With Churchill’s picture 
these words are placarded in homes and offices throughout the British Empire.” The speech was the first of many Churchill would make throughout the duration of the war. His voice was heard, not only in England, but around the world, calling the free world to courage, patriotism, faithfulness and loyalty. Many photographs of him show his making the “V” (for Victory) with two fingers. People were comforted and challenged by his voice.
You and I are likewise comforted and challenged by the voice of Jesus in our hearts, every day. An old hymn says it well:
Hark, the voice of Jesus calling,
“Who will go and work today?
Fields are ripe and harvests waiting,
Who will bear the sheaves away?”
Long and loud the Master calls us,
Rich reward He offers free;
Who will answer, gladly saying,
“Here am I, send me, send me”?