The Sinister Unknown
This is the first episode of Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series based on the convulsive struggles of World War I. Few people today know much about WWI, but this extraordinary event in history shaped the world in which we all live today and, if we dig into its rich loam, we find thousands of spiritual lessons to impact us as Christians in the twenty-first century. This particular episode starts near the end of the war in 1918 and explores the unknown nature of this war’s outcome. As believers, we live in a time of fog and sinister unknown. It’s critical that we remember that our God is NOT in fog and sees clearly in and amidst this period of dramatic disorder and moral meltdown. In fact, He has guaranteed victory.

Realpolitik 
This is the second installment in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series entitled Spiritual Lessons from WW1. This particular episode explores the impact of WW1 upon a generation of young idealists that believed the government was motivated by moral and just motives in fighting this terrible war, only to find out that there were far more carnal motives at the root of much of this four-year horror. The “War to End All Wars” proved to only be the “War to Start All Wars.” There are human frailties, misrepresentations, and propaganda all around us — how does a Christian reason and conclude? Where does our confidence lie? Hint: It’s not in human leadership — it’s in the Word of God, both in Text and in Person.

The Insecurity of William
This is the third installment in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series entitled Spiritual Lessons from WW1. This particular episode contrasts two key individuals in the early twentieth century demonstrating the importance of humility and the devastation of pride. Both of these men were kings and both desired the favor of France. Edward VII, the King of England, sought it through lowness, honor, and respect. Meanwhile, William II, the emperor of Germany, sought it through bullying, threats, and shows of self-importance. One of these men succeeded in winning the favor of the French, the other one started a world war as a result of his failed method.

A Foolish Thing in the Balkans
This is the fourth installment in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series entitled Spiritual Lessons from WW1. This particular episode demonstrates the power and importance of the small decisions of life. Just as one man’s actions will spark the flame of WW1, it was One Man’s actions that sparked the rescue of humanity two thousand years ago. Gavrilo Princip didn’t see the full impact of his actions when he pulled the trigger to assassinate the Archduke of Austria-Hungary. And in the same way, many of us do not see the full gravity of our decisions when we choose to participate in our seemingly “small” fleshly deeds.

Underestimating Albert
This is the fifth installment in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series entitled Spiritual Lessons from WW1. This particular episode unpacks the dramatic shift in Belgium leadership just prior to the Great War. The transition from Leopold II to Albert I was significant —moving Belgium from self-satiating to self-sacrificing. The problem for Germany is that their entire war plan hinged on Belgium’s avarice, and they were bewildered to find a new sort of leader running the show when they arrived. Germany was ready to bribe the Belgium government for safe passage through their country. However, instead of safe passage they found the Belgians with guns lifted and loaded.

The Inexorable Force
This is the sixth installment in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series entitled Spiritual Lessons from WW1. This episode investigates one particular conversation held between the emperor of Germany and the commander of the German military on August 1, 1914. The outcome of this one interchange altered the history of the world. And, due to the incorrect thinking injected into this singular conversation, devastation came to this world. The very pattern we see in this fateful conversation is the same dynamic that can reside in the inner conversations of our individual souls every day. Whereas our decisions may not lead to 40 million deaths, when handled incorrectly, they can give the devil place and power in and through our lives. It is critical that we know the Truth about God’s ability to save and that we know that He, indeed, is the God of the impossible.

The French Fury
This is the seventh installment in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series entitled Spiritual Lessons from WW1. This episode explores the impact of evolutionary thought upon France in the years leading up to 1914. The entire French culture teemed with twisted notions derived from Darwin’s postulations—and these twisted notions nearly destroyed the nation. Their German enemy to the east was well aware of their muddled thinking and attempted at the outset of the war to entrap them through their misguided passions.

The Old Contemptables
This is the eighth installment in Eric Ludy’s epic summer Daily Thunder series entitled Spiritual Lessons from WW1. This episode dives into the daring of the ready soldier. Modern men dread the thought of losing their comforts and letting go of life-as-usual. However, throughout history men have yearned for opportunity to march off to war. The spiritual man must not grow too comfortable in his earthly life —he must be ready and alert and always in position to leap into the fray and play the man.