FROM THE TOP
LELAND ACKER chreporter@mediactr.com
You have to admire a man like Lt. Col. William B. Travis, the commanding officer of Texas troops at the Battle of the Alamo.

Lt. Col. Travis believed so much that Texas should be her own country that he was willing to die for that cause. In a letter written to David Ayres, the caretaker of his son, he said that if Texas should be saved, we would make a splendid fortune for his son. If not, his son could know that his father died defending his country.

Lt. Col. Travis knew God's hand was at work in the Texas Revolution, but he also knew he would not live to see the victorious result. His famous words, "God is on our side," were words of encouragement stemming from the fact that the Texas soldiers had found food and supplies in nearby abandoned houses.

In the same letter, Lt. Col. Travis wrote, "I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country. Victory or Death." That letter was dated Feb. 24, toward the start of the siege. In a letter dated March 3, Lt. Col. Travis told the Texas Convention, "I am determined to perish in the defence of this place, and my bones shall reproach my country for her neglect."

Lt. Col. Travis was determined to do what he felt was necessary to fend off the Mexican Army so that Texas could win her independence. He did so, at the expense of his very life, because he had faith. His faith may have been misplaced in the Texas government, but he still had faith.

The prophets and Bible heroes mentioned in Hebrews 11 also had that kind of faith. Faith is a deep-rooted trust or conviction. Their faith was in the Almighty God.

Their faith led them to leave their home and travel to distant lands (Abraham), do things that were unheard of (Noah) and forego current wealth and prestige in order to worship God and lead his people (Moses.) Many others are mentioned in Hebrews 11's "Faith Hall of Fame." Hebrews 11:33-40 says their results were mixed. While some subdued kingdoms, others had trials of cruel mockings, scourgings, were sawn asunder and slain with the sword.

Was it all for naught? No! Hebrews 11:38-39 said they all received a good report and the world was not worthy of them.

God loves and honors those who trust and live for him. Furthermore, your life can and will have far reaching effects beyond your time here. Choose wisely.

God bless Texas.