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- [00:00]
Dr. Tim Clinton
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.
- [00:04]
Jack Armstrong
Why should you listen to Armstrong and Getty on Demand? We're not boring. A lot of news is boring and tedious and depressing. It makes you angry. You don't want to live your life like that. Hey, I'm Jack Armstrong.
- [00:16]
Joe Getty
He's Joe Getty.
- [00:17]
Jack Armstrong
We're Armstrong and Getty. We try to bring you the truth and help you figure out this crazy modern world.
- [00:21]
Dr. Tim Clinton
How about something about a comedic tone?
- [00:26]
Jack Armstrong
We have a winner. Yes. Listen to Armstrong and Getty on Demand on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [00:35]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Welcome in to Real America's Voice. This is Sunday the Road Forward. Happy birthday, America. Happy 250th birthday. What a weekend of celebration. All this and more on this edition of Sunday the Road forward. There's always a word of hope and encouragement for you and those you love. I'm Dr. Tim Clinton. I'll be your host. Our special guest joining us this week, he's best selling author, popular conference speaker and senior pastor of the Great Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. Dr. Jack Graham is with us and he is a former US General and member of the Delta Force and executive vice president of Family Research Council. General Jerry Boykin is back with us and he's the founder and CEO of the national center for Healthy Veterans. General Bob Dees is with us. He's a worship leader, singer, songwriter, speaker Charles Billingsley is with us. Thanks for watching. Home beautiful four spacious skies for amber
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Joe Getty
waves of grain
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Dr. Tim Clinton
for purple mountains majesty above the fountain.
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General Jerry Boykin
Plain
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Joe Getty
American.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
Happy 250th birthday, America. What a wild weekend and a weekend of incredible celebration. Eric Metaxas, author of the new book Revolution, recently said this America's founders didn't declare independence from a king without declaring dependence on the king of kings. They all understood this. And the republic could not survive without faith, believing, virtue and morality. I love that. And while America isn't perfect, she's still the greatest nation in the world. The Supreme Court also made a very controversial and consequential decision on birthright citizenship this week. President Trump wasn't happy about it. He said, it's very bad for our nation, tremendously destructive, extremely costly. We're the only nation that does it. No other nation does that, not even close. Vice President J.D. vance weighed in, said, hey, the fight over birthright citizenship is far from over. The concept of birthright citizenship is hanging on, he said, by a thread. We have to keep fighting because we actually have an opportunity to Reverse this decision. We'll see what happens. You know, in the end, as people of faith, we know our rights don't come from government, they come from God. Our hope, our strength comes from the Lord. Here's a great verse to hold onto this America. 250 week. Psalm 33, verse 12. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Get ready. As we jump head first into our discussion here on Sunday, the road forward, I'm going to pray and we're going to get started. God be with us. Thank you for your goodness and grace to our nation. God, what a weekend of celebration. And God, we commit our nation to you. Lead us, go before us, guide us. And God, would you bless America. I pray all this in the strong name of Jesus. Amen. Let's get started.
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Jack Armstrong
For more encouragement and to stay connected,
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Dr. Tim Clinton
follow Dr. Tim Clinton on Facebook, Instagram and X. We love being a part of your life. Joining us now is Dr. Jack Graham. He's the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, one of the nation's largest, most dynamic congregations with over 55,000 members now and growing. He's someone that God has raised up for such a time as this. Pastor Jack, welcome back. Thank you for joining me.
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Dr. Jack Graham
Thank you. Always great to be with you, Jack.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
Happy, what, 250 years of America and boy, you've been on a campaign all spring. Jack, you've been traveling the country really just being a strong voice for righteousness and culture, standing strong and promoting America. Jack, tell us a little bit about what you've been doing, what the message is and what's happening this week. Hey, culminating at the Kennedy center there in Washington, D.C. right.
- [04:48]
Dr. Jack Graham
Love to. Well, we really have been celebrating the supercentennial, the semi quincentennial, these 250 years since January at our church. And so everything I'm doing really emanates from the platform and the pulpit of President Prestonwood. And we started in January. Just the entire preaching messaging that we're doing throughout this first six months now leading up to the 4th of July has been about the celebration and the sanctification of our lives at this very important time. So we, we talked first about revival and prayer in America. That was January. And we desperately need, I mean, that was the first thing that we, we wanted to put on our hearts as we celebrate America and we pray for spiritual awakening in America and revival, that Jesus truly would be preeminent, that he is the King supreme in America. And knowing that we love America and we're grateful to be Americans, that our Patriotism is before the Lord and we give that to him. And then we talked about the Ten Commandments which is the moral foundation of America. Did some preaching on that. Then we talked about all the issues from sanctity of life and marriage and family and religious freedom, such a big important subject. We dealt with religious freedom, we dealt with issues like socialism and communism and that's all from our pulpit. And then the last few weeks we've been talking about the family in America and so just emanating from our pulpit we've done a lot of other things. I don't want to get bogged down in all the things that we did, but suffice to say we made the 250 a big deal. And it is going to culminate with our choir this Friday night happening Friday night and is happening in that we're going to be at the Kennedy center and our choir 250 voices and we've got Charles Billingsley, we got Taranda Green and others and we're going to do a two hour Celebrate America concert. I'm going to preach the gospel and sounds like we're going to have a full house. And so we're grateful. And as far as you know, my involvement in this, I made sure that we were messaging the truth of the gospel during this time because America needs Christ and our hope is in him. And at the same time we're so grateful, so glad to be Americans and to celebrate our great country.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
Jack, our friend Eric Metaxas new book out called Revolution recently said this. America's founders didn't declare independence from a king without declaring dependence on the king of kings. They all understood the republic could not survive without faith, virtue and morality. I love that Jack. At the end of the day our country is built on the backbone of our faith here in America. Our churches is what it's all about. Jack, speak to that and how it's warmed your heart and you're challenging pastors and even now to not be silent, to step up and into this moment and speak and preach biblical morality.
- [07:58]
Dr. Jack Graham
So very important. Yes, the, the founders built the country on the foundation of faith in Christ. In spite of what many of the revisionists have said, this nation was built upon a biblical Christ centered worldview. Not every founder was a committed Christian, but many of them were. And those who were not were highly respectful of God and his providences in the affairs, the histories of mankind. And so really the country was born between two great awakenings. The first great Awakening, a spiritual revival that swept through the colonies and then a second awakening that came later. But it was born, really, without that first great awakening, there probably would not have been in America as we know it today. So, yes, America was built upon these biblical principles. There's no doubt about this. And as. As pastors. Oh, and by the way, many of the preachers of the revolutionary generation were forefront at the forefront leading the charge themselves, engaged in the revolution and promoting the revolution. So they were highly political at that point. You know, sometimes pastors don't want to get involved in political activity, but these men who were in those pulpits were stalwarts. They were believers in the word of God, and they challenged people to seek freedom. And that's the ultimate. I mean, God has given us great happiness to be a part of America. And we want to be happy in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That's right there in the Declaration. But ultimately, you know, the right to practice our faith and to stand for truth, and we have so many privileges in America. America. And. And I don't quite understand why anyone would, who is a pastor, a preacher of the gospel, would not utilize their pulpit to speak to the issues of our times. We. This is not a time for cowardice. It's not a time for softness or wokeness of any kind. This is a time for biblical conviction that we deliver God's word and we preach the gospel, that we grow the church and we advance the kingdom of God.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
Jack. I think they called them the black robe regiment back in the day. Yes. And when you look back and you think about our founding fathers and those who, by the way, signed the Declaration of Independence, what courage it took. Jack. Because at the end of the day, they were pushing back on tyranny. They were pushing back and saying, hey, listen, we want to be free to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and those unalienable rights that are endowed by our Creator. Jack, that took a lot of strength, personal strength, and that's exactly what we need. Now. When you see a culture spinning like we've seen, Jack, and we're. We're not. We're not in a good spot, per se. We're. We're in a unique spot and we're celebrating, but we're. We're still in a throwdown. We're in a fight. There's a lot of light and darkness going on here.
- [10:56]
Dr. Jack Graham
Yeah. Yeah. I love the title of your book, Tim. Take it back. In fact. In fact, I was looking at it just the other day as I was speaking to men. Such a great challenge to men and women, that we would take back the biblical viewpoint of our country, that we would get our voices back and be strong in our faith. And yes, you know, I was born in 1950, just had a birthday, so I'm 76. So I come to you in the spirit of 76 today, but hopefully the spirit of God. But you know, I was talking to our people on Sunday about just the last 76 years. I looked it up on ChatGPT. I've lived 30.4% of the 250 years of America. It was a little bit sobering and startling, but you think about it since 1950, and I'm a part of the baby boomer generation, a dynamic generation. And so many things have happened in the last 75, 76 years in America, and a lot of it good, positive change, creativity, ingenuity, advancement, scientific medicine. And yet we face so many challenges today. We're facing Marxism and communism. We're facing an invasion of Islamic terrorism in this country. We're facing abortion. We don't need to forget the sanctity of life issue because even though Roe v. Wade went back to the states and states are deciding on that, chemical abortion is rampant. And the next move, I was working with Josh Hawley, the great senator from Missouri, who is presenting a bill, has presented a bill to end chemical abortion in America. So, you know, we're still in the fight of our lives for that. And how do we do it? Well, we overcome evil with good and we advance the gospel. We preach Christ, we get engaged in the culture. We're present and accounted for. And that's the thing. This is not a time to leave. I love Theodore Roosevelt's man in the arena. And this is the time for men and women to be in the arena in the fight. We win some, we lose some, but we don't allow. It's not the critic who counts, but it's the man who's in the arena who stands unbroken and unbound in the midst of our generations.
- [13:09]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Jack, I want to say thank you for your courage and leadership. And may all who come behind us find us faithful. Dr. Jack Graham, thank you so much for joining me. Coming up next, he is a former US General and member of the Delta Force and executive vice president of family research council. General Jerry Boykin is back with us.
- [13:30]
Narrator (Veterans Mental Health Segment)
About 40% of veterans need some mental health assistance each year. These problems include PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and substance use disorders, and a host of other behavior problems. It is estimated that There are over 32,000 homeless veterans in the United States.
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Narrator (Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach Program)
We all know the mantra of the military no man left behind. It's a promise, a commitment that no one fights alone. And yet today, far too many veterans from first responders and military families are navigating their greatest battles by themselves. That's why we created the Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach Training Program. And that's why we launched the no. 1 Left behind initiative. As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we are reminded that freedom has never been free. Through a partnership between the American association of Christian Counselors, Christian Care Connect, the International Board of Christian Care, Luke and the Human Flourishing alliance, we are equipping a new generation of helpers across America coaches and counselors, pastors, chaplains, peer supporters and everyday people like you and me who feel called to make a difference. Through this training, you'll gain practical, evidence based and faith integrated tools to support veterans, military families and first responders.
- [14:50]
Narrator (Veterans Mental Health Segment)
The brain is the only organ of the human body capable of both destroying itself and rebuilding itself, he said.
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Veteran Testimonial Speaker
A week after my first gunpipe, I'm sitting in the bleachers with my wife and I'm watching our daughter in a swim meet somebody. Apparently probably a starter's gun went off when I didn't expect it.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
Boom.
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Veteran Testimonial Speaker
Heart pounded, gasping for air, drenched with sweat. His wife thought he's having a heart attack. He didn't know what was happening. Well, it was a panic attack and it's normal.
- [15:19]
Narrator (Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach Program)
Together we're working to equip 5,000 new helpers across America because those who protected our freedom should never have to fight their battles alone. Join the no. 1 Left behind initiative today, become a military and first responder mental health coach and help us ensure that no one gets left behind.
- [15:48]
General Jerry Boykin
Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile. Now, I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited Premium Wireless for $15 a month is back.
- [15:57]
Dr. Tim Clinton
So I thought it would be fun if we made $15 bills, but it
- [16:01]
General Jerry Boykin
turns out that's very illegal.
- [16:04]
Dr. Tim Clinton
So there goes my big idea for the commercial. Give it a try@mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment of $45 for three months, $90 for six months or $180 for a 12 month plan required $15 per month equivalent
- [16:14]
General Bob Dees
to taxes and fees.
- [16:15]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Extra initial plan term only greater than 50 gigabytes. Me slow when network is busy See Terms.
- [16:18]
Jack Armstrong
Why should you listen to Armstrong and Getty on Demand? We're not boring. A lot of news is boring and tedious. And depressing and makes you angry. You don't want to live your life like that. Hey, I'm Jack Armstrong.
- [16:30]
Joe Getty
He's Joe Getty.
- [16:30]
Jack Armstrong
We're Armstrong and Getty. We try to bring you the truth and help you figure out this crazy
- [16:34]
Dr. Tim Clinton
modern world about something about a comedic tone.
- [16:39]
Jack Armstrong
We have a winner. Yes. Listen to Armstrong. You get it on Demand on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [16:48]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Join us now is General Jerry Boykin. He was one of the original members of the US Army's Delta Force. He was privileged to command those elite warriors in combat operations. Later, he commanded all the Army's Green Beret, as well as the Special Warfare center and school. In all. General Boykin spent 36 years in the army, serving his last four years as Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence. He now serves as Family Research Council's Executive Vice President. General Boykin, welcome back. Good to see you. Thank you for joining us.
- [17:18]
General Jerry Boykin
Well, it's good to see you as well, General.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
America's 250th celebration. What a week it's been. It's unbelievable. You know what? It's kind of. That's more than exciting, General. America's back. They say faith is back. These are good days.
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General Jerry Boykin
It is good days, especially given the fact that we now know that this generation that we're seeing come up now are actually passionate about getting to know the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
I love that. General, you have a deep affection in your heart for our history. A lot of people are trying to scrub out our history. You know that, change it, re. Direct us in some other course or whatever. But it's important that we remember and commemorate our history. General, also, you have a real heart for those who serve, who have served, and their families. General Boykin, when you come to an event like America250 and you see everything that's going on, the President knows how to throw a party, by the way. It's incredible what's happening in Washington, D.C. but, General, what's inside your heart as you reflect on America right now?
- [18:33]
General Jerry Boykin
Yeah. You know, I think that every American needs to make it a portion of his day to actually read and understand the sacrifices that were made by our Founding Fathers and other subsequent. People. I guess I would say that they. They need to know their history, because that's how you know where you came from as a nation. And as the old adage says, if you. If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there. Yeah, we have A problem right now that people do not know their history of this nation. And, and it grieves me that we have people that have no idea of the sacrifices that were made by generation after generation for this nation to be what it is today.
- [19:38]
Dr. Tim Clinton
General, when you think of July 4th, you think of John Hancock. The signature, if you will. 56 bold, courageous leaders decided to sign that Declaration of Independence. General. Took a lot of courage back in those days because they were up against Britain, they were fighting tyranny, they were fighting for religious liberty. You think about pastors who, too, what they call them, the black robe regiment, who actually stood with those in courage, standing strong and saying, listen, we need our freedoms here in America. And General, they did it. They did it. You know that. And it takes that kind of courage even today, as you look at what's happening in the Middle east, with Iran and more. These are serious times, too, General and there's a lot of pushback in our culture. In a lot of ways, I think of it as light and darkness. It's actually shocking that you get a lot of people out there saying they're not happy with America, they're not proud to be Americans. That's sad to me, especially with the rich heritage we have. We're not perfect. We all get that. But at the end of the day, it's still the greatest nation in the world. General and we're free.
- [20:48]
General Jerry Boykin
Absolutely. We are free. And again, we go back to the sacrifices that have been made so that we could be the nation that we are. And you got to look at things like Caesar Rodney. Cesar Rodney was from Delaware and he had cancer, but he got in a buggy and rode in a rainstorm to Philadelphia to cast the final vote that was given on 2 July, saying, we're going to become a free nation. Now, how many people know about Cesar Rodney? And there's, he died not too long after that because he had ridden in a, a pretty bad storm in his buggy that night. And I would tell you that I think that this is, this is so important that one of the reasons that we have people in this nation today that are talking about wanting to bring in Communist, they want to bring in all kinds of people into this nation. And, and we have to look at that and say, do you really know what you're asking for? Are you sure that's what you want? Yeah. And the reality is they're going to be like everybody else that has ever tried communism, socialism, Marxism. They're going to be in for a big disappointment. And I and I hate to see that in this country. And we need to be praying hard.
- [22:38]
Dr. Tim Clinton
General, I want to close this way. I know you have a passion in your heart to see men step up and into their rightful place in the home, church and community. General, you're praying that God does something. It seems like, General that there's a resurgence happening among men. We saw Fox News release a report not long ago that said 42% of men under the age of 30 said their faith now is significant in their everyday life. They're turning to God. Today's generations are showing up in church. Are you encouraged, General, and do you have a word for men?
- [23:15]
General Jerry Boykin
I'm very encouraged. And if you look at some of the polling that has taken place, it tells us that this current generation that we're seeing come up now is passionate about wanting to find Jesus Christ and wanting to know him well. That's very encouraging to me. And I had to tell you it I hope that it will spread to not just the younger generations, but I hope some of those that have have shunned it for so long. I hope that they will find the Lord Jesus Christ as well.
- [23:52]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Amen. General, I want to say this to you. Thank you for your service. I know you were wounded in combat, too, as a part of your journey. But General, you've been a bulwark. You've been a strong voice for righteousness and culture. You're calling the church back to find her voice, especially in these hours. And I want to salute you. General. Go easy on the hot dogs this weekend, will you?
- [24:17]
General Jerry Boykin
I can't make any promises there. I'd probably be lying if I did.
- [24:23]
Dr. Tim Clinton
All right, General.
- [24:24]
General Jerry Boykin
My brother, it's good being with you.
- [24:26]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Likewise. Thank you so much for joining me. Coming up next, he's the CEO of the center for Healthy Veterans. Major General Bob Dees is with us. Do people ever come to you asking for help? Maybe hope, encouragement? How about for prayer? Do you ever wish you understood the issues better that people were wrestling with or how to use the Bible more effectively in caring for people? If so, I'd love to get a copy of our Caring Counsel Bible in your hands. Featuring 116 topics written by some of the world's leading mental health and ministry experts. I think you're going to love it. It covers today's most challenging issues in every phase of life. This Bible provides clinical expertise and insights on topics like discouragement, abuse, depression, divorce, anxiety, abortion, and so much more. So you can learn more about these issues and how to use again the Bible more effectively how to share passages of scripture with others. Maybe sitting down over a cup of coffee. Or maybe it's just a resource to help you get through a tough time. You know what I love most about this Bible? It's so easy to use. You right up front are going to find an index with subjects, key passages of scripture, personality profiles, and so much more. The Karen Council Bible is retailing for $85, but we're going to make it available to you right now, our listeners and viewers, for just $50 plus shipping. Again, I think you're going to love it. For more information about how to get this Bible right now, go to karencouncil.com that's careandcouncil.com join tens of thousands of people who have received this beautiful new King James Version Care and Counsel Bible. I'm Dr. Tim Clinton, President of the American association of Christian Counselors. Get your copy of the Care and Counsel Bible right now at our special price while supplies last. Go to careand counsel.com that's careandcouncil.com why
- [26:24]
Jack Armstrong
should you listen to Armstrong and Getty on demand? We're not boring. A lot of news is boring and tedious and depressing and makes you angry. You don't want to live your life like that. Hey, I'm Jack Armstrong.
- [26:35]
Joe Getty
He's Joe Getty.
- [26:36]
Jack Armstrong
We're Armstrong and Getty. We try to bring you the truth and help you figure out this crazy
- [26:39]
Dr. Tim Clinton
modern world about something about a comedic tone.
- [26:45]
Jack Armstrong
We have a winner. Yes, listen to Armstrong and Getty on demand and on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [26:54]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Joining us now is General Bob Dees. He's a decorated military leader with over three decades of service. He now advocates for leadership development and mental health through his work as an author and speaker. He also currently serves as CEO of the national center for Healthy Veterans. General Dees, welcome back. Thank you for joining us.
- [27:11]
General Bob Dees
Good to be with you, Dr. Clinton.
- [27:13]
Dr. Tim Clinton
General Deese, as we get started, big week. My goodness, America 250. A lot of people are saying America's back. Faith is back in America. So much is happening. But Bob, when you step back and reflect on your life of service, and by the way, thank you for your service. But just it hits a little differently for those who have served and those who serve well.
- [27:34]
General Bob Dees
It certainly does. I mean, we're familiar that freedom is not free. And you think about all the heroics, all the noble causes and sacrifices, and yet also the pain that many of Our people have expressed experienced over the years, but the 2 5th is just incredible. You know, we are the greatest nation in the world. That's not in doubt. But we are a nation that's not perfect. And I think of a verse in scripture that says, if the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? And so for some of us might feel that some of the foundations of our founders that put it, they put in place might be being destroyed. And so what can the righteous do? Well, we can do things like this, educate the great American public. We can rejoice that God has been our protector. It's not been, you know, man. It says we can prepare the horse for the day of battle. And the great industrialists of our nation, the inventors, entrepreneurs, the pioneers that pressed us westward, all of those were great Americans, did great things. And yet it says we prepare the horse. They did a lot of preparing and things, but victory comes from the Lord. And I think America today at 250 is standing victorious because of God himself. And we have to recognize that.
- [28:48]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Yeah, you know, you go to Washington, Bob. You see the, the National Mall up there, the festivities, the great American fair that's happening. But people everywhere, the energy is palatable. I mean, it's beyond that. I mean, the festivities are over the top, over the moon, if you will. And at the same time, Bob, if you take a little stroll through Arlington Cemetery or maybe somewhere close to you and I Bedford, Virginia, D Day Memorial, it catches your attention and you're right. You go back and you think about those who headed west and blazed their way through the Great Plains and the mountains and all that, Bob, to those who stood on the shores of Normandy, you know that. Yeah. How can you, how can you not just step back and say, God, what an amazing shining city on a hill, if you will.
- [29:40]
General Bob Dees
Well, it certainly is. It's miraculous. You think about the American Revolution, that was miraculous. No way that we would have come out on the good side of that. Or you think about the Great Depression, or you think about the two great awakenings that preceded the American Revolution and the Civil War, all these different things that are miraculous. You know, we look at the nation of Israel and say, that was incredible that they won this war and that war. Well, you look at American history and it's equally miraculous over the course of our history. And all you can do is say about God and you can see his fingerprints on everything that our nation has accomplished.
- [30:18]
Dr. Tim Clinton
It's not without a fight, Bob. You go back to the signing of the Declaration of independence in 1776, somewhat. 56 original signers on that document. But it took courage, Bob. It really did. Because, I mean, there was a lot of threat back in those days. And then you look at where we're at, even right now with the unrest in the Middle East. Bob, you served as a commander over there in the Middle East. You know Israel very, very well. You understand what's happening over there. Just some reflections on the fight and the struggle and the continual threats, if you will, that press against our quest and hunger for freedom that we love and cherish.
- [30:59]
General Bob Dees
Yeah, of course. Well, the leaders of our nation that have been most promising have been the ones that honor peace through strength. You know, Ronald Reagan or President Trump now. Peace through strength. And yet when you advocate for peace, you have to have a big hammer. And in the current Iranian situation, it's hopeful that the negotiations would work. But the reality is, in military terms, there's two terms. One is defeat, and another one is destroy. When you have someone like the Iranian regime that is so hard over on their lifestyle and their desire to kill America and Israel, when you have that, sometimes you simply have to destroy. And so I would offer that we're going to have to do a little more war fighting before we do peacemaking.
- [31:47]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Bob. I know in the service there's a mantra basically that says no man left behind. And, you know, when war comes home, it's a journey. There's a lot that comes home with them. People talk about ptsd. They talk about increased rates of depression, anxiety, even suicidality. People are now talking about moral injury. Bob, take us down those roads, because we can't let our veterans get left behind.
- [32:14]
Joe Getty
Even.
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Dr. Tim Clinton
Especially when they come home and they try reintegration. And it's so difficult for them.
- [32:20]
General Bob Dees
Yeah, it is. And many of these maladies that you describe inherently fracture the family, inherently fracture the body, the mind, the spirit. And so post traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury and this thing called moral injury. Moral injury is really when your deeply held core value is so diverged from what you see happening in front of you or you're personally experiencing that you almost have an identity split. And that's where the identity in Jesus Christ is particularly valuable. We work with a lot of folks that have all these different conditions, and to help them come all the way home, we work their condition. But also, I'll just have to say the real secret sauce is the love and the love of Jesus Christ. We have many people come to our place and, you know, they're all strung out. They've been through four or five revolving door programs and then they come to us. It may be their last lap around the track before they do something drastic in their life. And they don't know what it is necessary but they suddenly feel loved, feel affirmed. And for some of them it's the first time in their whole life because many of these military conditions have also been preceded by adverse childhood experiences. And those are the ones that have the most challenge because they don't have this support network or this history of people loving or affirming them over time.
- [33:42]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Bob, you're talking about the center for Healthy Veterans and would you mind sharing a little bit about that? Maybe where people could learn more, especially if they have a loved one or someone who's served and they're going through a tough time.
- [33:53]
General Bob Dees
Sure. Well you can go to HealthyVeterans.org website and there's a button on there that says refer a veteran. And we operate by referral and we're a nine month residential program and so we really work very intentionally. We're a holistic integration, proven best practices. Everything from equine therapy to living in tiny homes in community to defeat isolation to doing dignified work to enhance purpose and self esteem. All these different multi therapeutic approaches are extremely valuable for their healing. And this nine month program we say our intellectual property is how do we rewire the brain, reshape the heart, restore the soul and it takes time to do that true life reset. And yet that's what some of these that are so drastically impacted truly need. They need more than a 5 fishing trip or a weekend retreat.
- [34:43]
Dr. Tim Clinton
They've got to stay in the fight. And Bob, a lot of them have lost their, their fight if you will and they need encouraged. And I'll tell you what, there's a lot of hope and you can't deny the research anymore. Faith really does matter when it comes to mental health related issues.
- [34:58]
General Bob Dees
Well, exactly. You know we've got a lot of people that are doing copycat of what we're doing and we, we honor that. There's a group in Kentucky, they're, they're our first franchise if you will, that's doing it. Connect Community Village in, in Somerset, Kentucky. But I also had a call from another state and they said well we're, we like what you're doing but will you help us? But we're sort of interfaith, we, we don't think we ought to go with a single faith. And, and that's what I said. I said, they said well you were a military commander, you knew how neutral you had to be. And you had to be sort of really balanced in all that. And I said, well, the good news is I'm no longer a military commander. You don't see me in uniform. I'm a private citizen. And we have freedom in America to profess faith and then to help others grow in their faith as a matter of healing. And so we're probably not going to bring that group into our circle just because they don't recognize the true secret sauce of the Christian faith. And that's what we rely upon. And we see incredible results. As you know, Dr. Koenig at Duke, Vanderwaal at Harvard, many others have done profound research that shows faith makes a difference. And I know that personally. I've seen that in the foxholes of life and in the foxholes of the military.
- [36:10]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Amen. Well, General Bob Dees, always great to see you, my friend. Happy Fourth of July weekend. What a celebration. America 250. And thank you again for the great work you're doing for our veterans.
- [36:23]
General Bob Dees
Well, thank you, Dr. Clinton. Appreciate the great work you do.
- [36:27]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Coming up next, worship leader, singer, songwriter, speaker Charles Billingsley is with us.
- [36:31]
Narrator (Veterans Mental Health Segment)
About 40% of veterans need some mental health assistance each year. These problems include PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and substance use disorders, and a host of other behavior problems. It is estimated that There are over 32,000 homeless veterans in the United States.
- [36:51]
Narrator (Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach Program)
We all know the mantra of the military, no man left behind. It's a promise, a commitment that no one fights alone. And yet today, far too many veterans, first responders and military families are navigating their greatest battles by themselves. That's why we created the Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach Training Program. And that's why we launched the no One Left behind initiative. As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we are reminded that freedom has never been free. Through a partnership between the American association of Christian Counselors, Christian Care Connect, the International Board of Christian Care, Luke and the Human Flourishing alliance, we are equipping a new generation of helpers across America. Coaches and counselors, pastors, chaplains, peer supporters, and everyday people like you and me who feel called to make a difference. Through this training, you'll gain practical, evidence based and faith integrated tools to support veterans, military families and first responders.
- [37:51]
Narrator (Veterans Mental Health Segment)
The brain is the only organ in the human body capable of both destroying itself and rebuilding itself, he said.
- [37:57]
Veteran Testimonial Speaker
A week after my first gunpipe, I'm sitting in the bleachers with my wife and I'm watching our Daughter in a swim meet somebody, apparently probably a starter's gun went off when I didn't expect it.
- [38:10]
Jack Armstrong
Boom.
- [38:10]
Veteran Testimonial Speaker
Heart pounded, gasping for air, drenched with sweat. His wife thought he's having a heart attack. He didn't know what was happening. Well, it was a panic attack and it's normal.
- [38:21]
Narrator (Military and First Responder Mental Health Coach Program)
Together we're working to equip 5,000 new helpers across America. Because those who protected our freedom should never have to fight their battles alone. Join the no One Left behind initiative today. Become a military and first responder mental health coach and help us ensure that no one gets left behind.
- [38:50]
Jack Armstrong
Why should you listen to Armstrong and Getty on demand? Not boring. A lot of news is boring and tedious and depressing and makes you angry. You don't want to live your life like that. Hey, I'm Jack Armstrong.
- [39:01]
Joe Getty
He's Joe Getty.
- [39:02]
Jack Armstrong
We're Armstrong and Getty. We try to bring you the truth and help you figure out this crazy modern world.
- [39:06]
Dr. Tim Clinton
How about something about a comedic tone?
- [39:11]
Jack Armstrong
We have a winner. Yes. Listen to Armstrong and Yeti on Demand on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast podcasts.
- [39:20]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Joining us now is Charles Billingsley. From the stages of Carnegie hall to the Kennedy center to numerous events and conferences around the country, he's been one of Christian music's most distinctive artists for nearly 30 years, beginning his career as a lead vocalist for Grammy nominated new song. He has since headlined more than 3,200 concerts, released 24 recordings as a solo artist, and guarded seven number one inspirational radio hits. Charles, welcome. Thank you for joining me.
- [39:46]
Joe Getty
Thanks for having me on, man.
- [39:48]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Charles, what a big week. Hey, Independence Day America 250. Big deal. Charles, you actually speak to. You spoke at Thomas Road Baptist Church last Sunday, and you spoke on America and where we're at and where we're at as a people of faith. Charles, you opened up with a story about the Star Spangled Banner. Caught my attention. I loved it. Hey, just some reflections as you prepared and what God's been doing over the last few weeks in your heart.
- [40:16]
Joe Getty
Yeah. You know, Tim, as you know, that message was about standing firm. Standing firm not only in our faith and in troubled times, but on the truth. And I read the story this week of the Star Spangled Banner, how Francis Scott Key stood on the bow of that ship and. And it was a British ship. And he's watching this whole battle and then wondered if the. If the Fort McHenry would still be standing the next morning. And of course it was. And the flag was Flying. And it's just an inspirational story. And it inspired me once again as an American, that, you know, we've been through 250 years now of standing firm and, you know, against our enemies, against all kinds of stuff, but also on the truth for many believers. And so it's. It's been an inspirational week, to say the least.
- [41:01]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Charles, you and I have been friends for a long time, but you go back to Covid. Something happened. Charles, you went through a tough season. You actually wound up having Covid, and it almost took your life. God did something in your heart that changed you. And I think the way you look at your faith walk, the way you look at your family, the way you look at America, our country and everything, give us some thoughts about what God did in your heart during those times.
- [41:30]
Joe Getty
Well, you know, I think any. Anytime anybody stares death in the faith will definitely make you thankful for every single moment and every single day. I'd be thankful for that if I was living any other country as well. But the fact that I'm alive, we have the privilege of. Of worshiping him, serving him, sharing the gospel, and the privilege of living in this great nation, it just makes me thankful. And having come through that season in my life, and a lot of other people go through all kinds of crazy stuff, too. It'll just make you thankful every day for the gift that you have to just enjoy life, loved ones, your friends, and also to worship the Lord.
- [42:13]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Yeah. Charles, when you speak, I believe you. What I mean by that is sometimes you hear speakers get up and they share, and you wonder if what they're sharing is what they really believe in their heart.
- [42:27]
Joe Getty
And.
- [42:28]
Dr. Tim Clinton
But I believe you, and I enjoy hearing you, Charles, in the midst of it, you have a courageous side to you that I really love. You know, in a day and time when Christian music's getting a little pushback, some artists maybe are a little soft on some things. Etc. Charles, you've never wavered. You've. You've. You've donned a lot of pulpits, by the way, not only ministering to people through music, song, songwriting, and so much more. I've been with you in. In the White House. You've actually been in special occasions with the president, and. And you sang for the president. But, Charles, you've never blinked.
- [43:11]
Joe Getty
You.
- [43:12]
Dr. Tim Clinton
You're not offensive, but you're. But you're bold and you're courageous. Take us down that road. And why? God has encouraged you, I think, and challenged you in a lot of ways just to stand strong.
- [43:25]
Joe Getty
Yeah. You know, it is a fine line between being offensive to those who don't know the Lord and I, and I don't want to be. But at the same time, you have to present truth. If you don't, we don't preserve the society and we don't do, I think, what we're called to do as believers. And so when I'm speaking, even in songs that I write and songs that I record, I want to present truth. And you know, some people get offended by it. You can't help it because, you know, the very nature of the gospel is offensive to some. But at the same time, I don't want to back off, I don't want to back down because I think it's, it's, it's what we're called to do as believers. But you can do so with a spirit of love, with the right tone, with phrasing things in a non offensive way without actually sugar coating it. You know what I mean? And so I try to do that. That's why one reason I write out my sermons because I, I take a lot of time to phrase things the way I feel like it needs to be said. So that way, when I'm up in front of a large audience or whatever, I don't miss state. What I intended to say.
- [44:28]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Charles, you've been on a summer tour and you've been singing about God and country a lot. This week, Kennedy center in Washington D.C. with Jack Graham. It's unbelievable what's been happening the national on the National Mall. The Great American Fair is taking place. I mean there over a million people in Washington. It's just, it's a nut house. It's absolutely crazy. Hey, the President knows how to throw a little bit of a party too. He throws a few fireworks and some supersonic stuff going on. But Charles, in the midst of all of it, a great highlight moment or two that just has been really thrilling for you.
- [45:07]
Joe Getty
Well, I mean Friday night at the Kennedy center is pretty cool, you know, with his sold out crowd and, and Tarana Green is one of my good buddies and Landon Bean who promoted it and, and you know, Ernie Haas is there that. The Prestonwood Choir, the First Baptist, Woodstock Choir. That's a highlight, you know, to be with all those people on stage, but also in that iconic, you know, I guess I should say the Trump Kennedy center, that iconic venue is just an awesome experience on the eve of the birthday of America. I mean, it doesn't get much better than that.
- [45:39]
Dr. Tim Clinton
So, yeah, pretty cool, Charles, an engaged church, people standing up. You know, there are some people who said they're not proud to be Americans. There's some people saying that we shouldn't be talking about America in the pulpit, etc. You know, I'm tired of some of all this stuff, I think, and there's a lot of pushback going on. But in these moments, are you encouraged by what you see and hear from people across the country?
- [46:07]
Joe Getty
I think
- [46:10]
Dr. Tim Clinton
I try to figure out, who are these people. I mean, I have no idea what. At the end of the day, I see a lot of energy, a lot of excitement. It seems like today's generations are coming back to the church like never before. Fox News reported that young men, 42% of them under the age of 30, said that their faith was important in their everyday life. Are you seeing that you're on the campus at Liberty University a lot, Charles. I mean, is that energy real and alive in today's generations?
- [46:39]
Joe Getty
Absolutely. I'm with you. I mean, I know there's some really crazy liberals out there somewhere, but I never run into them. I think the media must search far and wide for these people, because as a general rule, the people I talk to in airports and train stations or wherever I'm at traveling, I mean, these people are all American. They love their country, and. And many of them love God, you know, but at the same time, we're still in a war. We're still fighting a battle for truth, and. And we just got to stand strong through it all. But the. You mentioned the men. And the one thing I will say is, you know, for the last 15 years, I feel like we've. We've sort of worked really hard in our culture to emasculate the. The male population. And I'll be honest with you, man. I. I see a rise in masculinity these days, and not. Not in women, but in men. And it's an awesome thing. I mean, men are finally standing up, and. And there's some great books that are coming out. Like, Joby Martin just put out a great book. But men are finally standing up and saying, okay, look, I'm going to be the man God called me to be. I'm going to raise my family right. I'm going to do the things that I'm supposed to do to be a man of God. And it's an awesome thing. I mean, you're doing men's conferences. I'm doing men's conferences. The crowds are busting at the seams. It is a good day to be a believer in our country, Charles, as
- [47:56]
Dr. Tim Clinton
we go, you've got a new release, a song cut called Under God. I wanted to ask you a little bit about how that song came together and the heart behind it. And we're gonna play it here in just a moment. And I want to give people an opportunity not just to listen to it, but maybe to download it or what have you. But tell us about the song real quick. I love it, by the way. I love this song.
- [48:18]
Joe Getty
Oh, man. Thank you, buddy. I I the Booth Brothers, an old Southern gospel group. They're still out on the road, by the way. They are the ones who wrote and recorded that song originally. And my record company approached me about doing a remake of it for, you know, the July 4th and the 250th. And I listened to it and I thought, you know, I don't, I don't really bit this to be a controversial song and get everybody riled up, but it's not actually. It's just a simple, a reminder that what the Pledge of Allegiance says under God is, is who we are as believers, and it's who we are as a nation. And, and so we ought to be grateful and thankful for that opportunity to even live here. But as a reminder, we are under his hand and he's blessed us for 250 years. And the only way we're going to be best for another 250 is we stay. If we stay under that hand.
- [49:08]
Dr. Tim Clinton
If people want to learn more about Charles Billingsley and maybe how to download this song, Charles, where can they go?
- [49:14]
Joe Getty
Oh, just go to Charles Billingsley.com or you can get the song off of Apple Music or Spotify or wherever music is found these days on digital platforms.
- [49:24]
Dr. Tim Clinton
And here is that song. Charles Billingsley, always great to have you. Thank you so much for joining me. Here's Under God. Under God.
- [49:35]
Jack Armstrong
America's been blessed
- [49:40]
General Jerry Boykin
under God.
- [49:42]
General Bob Dees
Brought through every trial and test.
- [49:46]
Dr. Tim Clinton
Hey, in closing, I know these are wild times, unprecedented times, difficult times, times of celebration. Know this. God's in control, and I believe he's at work. I hope you'll press in close to him in his heart. Know that he loves you, that he wants to be in your life. Our hope, our strength comes from the Lord. Again, here's that verse to hold onto this week as we celebrate again. America 2:50, Psalm 33, verse 12. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Hope you know, though, on a personal level that you can look to God for wisdom and direction in your everyday lives. Day life. Let me also say this. I've learned as a professional counselor that it's normal to have some concern, maybe fear or worry, especially when you feel like life's not the way it's supposed to be. I know also that if you're not careful, it can begin to consume you. Control. You can easily feel like you have lost perspective. Maybe hope. It can get so dark for some, they feel like life would be better off without them. I say this every week. You don't have to live like that. Simply taking a step. Reaching out for help is often the gateway to a new day or a new you. And if you or someone you love is struggling, I hope you'll do that. Reach out for help. There are wonderful counselors and pastors who actually care can help you find that hope. Maybe the answers that you're looking for. There are a lot of wonderful resources out there now. I'd love to connect you with some of them. You can learn more by visiting our website@aacc.net that's aacc.net if you want to find a mental health Christian mental health provider near you, go up to our brand new website called Christian Care Connect.com Christian CareConnect.com if you don't have a personal relationship with God and you'd like to have a relationship with him, you can do that right now by asking him to come into your life. Ask him to forgive you of your sin and to be your Lord and Savior. Simply pray a prayer from your heart to his. Something like this. You can pray right after me right now. Lord Jesus, I need you. I know I'm a sinner. I believe that you came and that you died for my sins on a cross. I want to turn from them and invite you to become my Lord and my Savior. Thank you for loving me, for giving your life for me. Thank you for forgiveness and the gift of eternal life in heaven. I pray all this in Jesus name. Amen. You know what the Bible says? The Bible says in Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Best thing you can do right now if you prayed that prayer from your heart to God's heart is commit to live for God for the rest of your life. He'll give you the strength to do it. Tell someone about the decision you made. Hey, even better, email Meac, that's Tim ClintonACC.net and tell me what God's doing in your life. Hey, if you're struggling with hopelessness, maybe it's so dark you say Tim I'm stuck. I really am lost. Why don't you pick up the phone and start a conversation with someone? The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It's simple. You just simply, you just dial 988. That's 988. That's the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. And before we go, maybe God's gifted you with a heart to help other people. You appreciate someone stepping into your life and bringing maybe some light in the darkness. Hope you'll consider being a part of our Mental Health Coach first responder program. You can enroll right now and be on your way to becoming a board certified mental health coach. Nearly 80,000 people have done it. Everything you need to know about this program is lightuniversity.com mental health coach health coach. It's a 42 hour training program featuring some of the world's leading mental health and ministry experts, all on video. You can study right now 24, 7, 365. The best news $2,400 program like this. There might be a scholarship up there for someone just like you. Go to lightuniversity.com mental health coach. Happy birthday, America. Pray you have a great weekend. 250 years. Can you believe it? I'm Dr. Tim Clinton. As always, thanks for watching. See you next week right here on Sunday, the road forward on Real America's Voice. Made by God and comfy.
- [54:07]
Jack Armstrong
Why should you listen to Armstrong and Getty on demand? We're not boring. A lot of news is boring and tedious and depressing and makes you angry. You don't want to live your life like that. Hey, I'm Jack Armstrong.
- [54:19]
Joe Getty
He's Joe Getty.
- [54:19]
Jack Armstrong
We're Armstrong and Getty. We try to bring you the truth and help you figure out this crazy modern world.
- [54:24]
Dr. Tim Clinton
How about something about a comedic tone?
- [54:29]
Jack Armstrong
We have a winner. Yes. Listen to Armstrong and Getty on Demand on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.