God's Promises for American Heroes

[Soldier4Christ]

There are some in the military whose specific rating is Chaplains Assistant but you are very right there is not always one of these at each command and therefore there are many that volunteer their time in off duty hours to assist. It means that much to them to be able to worship God in a place with their brothers and sisters.

[Soldier4Christ]

The 70% Solution?

Revelation 3:15-16  I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

70% is all that is necessary to pass in almost every Army school.  It’s enough to get by and 70% almost ensures maximum graduation.  But, is God satisfied with 70%?  We know He’s forgiving but, will we use that as an excuse to give less than our very best?  He wants us to “give it everything we got” in our relationship with Him.  Remember the greatest commandment; ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 100% and then some.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Fine Line

Colossians 2:23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Ever noticed how some people like to make things harder than what they really need to be?  In the Ranger community, we call it ‘crossing the fine line.’  There is a fine line between hardcore and stupid.  We can cross the line spiritually as well.  We can make up rules and regulations God never intended for us.  I don’t know about you but I find it hard enough to obey what I see clearly written in Scripture with out dreaming up more stuff to do.  KISS: Keep it Scriptural Soldier.

[Soldier4Christ]

Impossible

Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.’


The phone call came out of the blue.  On the other end was one of the people I affectionately call a ‘little old lady in white tennis shoes.’  It was her unfortunate duty to inform me that the US Army could not accession me as a chaplain because of my P3 hearing profile.  I had lost some hearing as an enlisted guy and now this defect would keep me from my dream.  I asked if there was any exception and she replied, 'It’s impossible to come on active duty with a P3 profile.’  One year later, my National Guard unit wanted to promote me but couldn’t because of my profile.  Unbeknownst to me, they sent my medical records before a review board and had my P3 downgraded to a P2.  I was promoted but more importantly, I could now officially apply for active duty.  Nothing is impossible for God!

[Soldier4Christ]

Stand your Ground

Daniel 3:17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. [18] But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’


He came into the office and he was steaming.  Seems the report I had typed wasn’t what the commander wanted.  I was the training NCO and I had typed up the Unit Readiness Report to match the truth.  He wanted to know why the anti-tank gunners weren’t qualified.  I replied, ‘because the didn’t shoot well, sir?’  But that wasn’t the question he was asking. He was asking why they weren’t qualified on paper?  I then understood what he was asking and respectfully told him I could not change the USR.  Even though he looked mad, I could tell he respected the decision.  I was right and stood my ground.

[Soldier4Christ]

I Need a Volunteer

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’

You get the word pretty early in your military career, ‘Don’t volunteer for anything.’ And it’s funny to watch how instructors drum up volunteers. They teach the students, ‘When I ask for volunteers, you all raise your hands and begin shouting ‘pick me, pick me!’ It’s quite the sight. Then there is the guy who volunteers and ends up driving the General around in a nice car all day and eating ice cream at the O’ Club. Now that’s something everyone wished they had volunteered for. God is looking for volunteers as well. He’s looking for men and women who would be willing to work in His kingdom. The assignments range for right where you are now to some far away country. The ‘where’ is not as important, but the ‘who’ is top priority. God is looking for a few good men and women to work in His kingdom.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Old Dog


Mark 2:22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins.’


I walked out to the PT formation and the music was blaring.  I knew something was up but couldn’t put my finger on it.  Then it was announced that we would be doing aerobics that morning.  I’m sorry, but I was raised on the daily dozen, four mile run and cold showers.  I couldn’t even pretend to enjoy dancing.  You know the old saying: You can’t teach an old dog new tricks?’ When it comes to PT I’m an Old Dog (Old Wine Skin).  But, I can’t afford to grow hard and unteachable in my spiritual life.  If I want God to use my life, I need to stay fresh and pliable.  OK, I’ll work on my Aerobics if we all promise to keep those spiritual muscles pumping.

[Soldier4Christ]

Times of Trouble

Job 2:10 He replied, ‘You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’

I was praying for a young Canadian Infantryman in Afghanistan.  I came into contact with him through a prayer request from his wife.  I learned that his life was spared when a bomb dropped by one of our aircraft hit their position and four of his comrades were killed in this friendly fire accident.  My first thought was one of great relief that my new friend was safe.   And then I wondered why God didn’t spare the lives of the others.  I was like Job’s wife asking why bad things like this happen.  Job is wise enough to acknowledge that we wont always have all the answers.  But one thing is for sure; we will have to trust God in the good and tough times.  Let trouble push you toward God, not away.

[Soldier4Christ]

STRAIGHT AND TRUE

2 Kings 22:2 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.

What would you do if you fired your weapon and the bullet took a hard left before it hit it’s target.  You might check the sights, maybe your firing technique, and then squeeze off another round.  Now the bullet takes a hard right.  What’s up with these bullets?  It’s like they have a mind of their own.  You’d be ticked.  ‘I shot that bullet dead center and it executed a right flank on me.’ Well, bullets don’t have a mind of their own, but we do.  We have a choice to fly true to course or deviate and go our own way.  By the degree we stay on course is the degree by which we demonstrate our loyalty to the Master.

[Soldier4Christ]

Wiz Bang War Toys

1 Samuel 17:47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands.

When Desert Storm kicked off there was a lot of conjecture about the war and its outcome.  I can remember listening to some friends talking about how our technology would ‘save the day.’  I felt very uncomfortable putting so much trust in something we see fail us everyday.  Whether it’s the ‘blue screen of death’ on our computers or an answering machine that seems to be possessed, I’ve just seen too many ways for technology to go south.  I’m a techno geek at heart and I think its great, but even so, I think I’ll do a little more praying in times of war.

[Soldier4Christ]

THE BACK AZIMUTH


Jonah 3:10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.



Some times in order to get back to where you are going or to figure out where you are, you need to determine a back azimuth.  So, if your original azimuth is less than 180 degrees you need to add 180 degrees (STAY WITH ME NOW, IM TRYING TO MAKE A POINT) and if your azimuth is more than 180 degrees you need to subtract 180 degrees.  And if you do all that, you will head the exact opposite direction from where you were heading.  Sound confusing? (to some it’s child’s play but to others, gobligoop)  Well let me assure you that repentance is a lot easier to figure out.  If you are not heading God’s way, you are heading the wrong way.  Turn around.

[Soldier4Christ]

ENDEX

REV 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

I always loved when we would call ENDEX (end of exercise) and know we would fly back to the rear in choppers.  It meant we didn’t have to walk any more when we were dead tired.  We wouldn’t have to hump that heavy load in our rucksack.  All we had to do was get on the bird and relax because we were going home.  One day God’s going to call an ENDEX and Christ will return to receive His people to himself.  Some say it will be soon.  I’m looking forward to not having to trudge this weary world with my rucksack of imperfection.  But until then we have to Charlie Mike (continue the mission).  But encouraged by this, ENDEX is coming.

[Soldier4Christ]

EYES WIDE OPEN

2 Kings 6:17 And Elisha prayed, ‘O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.


We were walking through the woods in our tactical formation and suddenly a bush started talking to me.  Scared me so bad I almost came out of my skin.  I had walked right up on a turkey hunter with incredible camouflage.  I think the ol' country boy got a kick out of foolin' the army guys.  We can often fail to see spiritual things right in front of our face as well.  Sometimes the camouflage of this physical world can cover up the spiritual.  We need to have our eyes wide open, always looking for the spiritual developments around us.  Pray that God will open your eyes and ears to the things He's doing all around you.

[Soldier4Christ]

LOOKING BACK

1 Samuel 12:24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.


This month I went over 25 years of service to my country.  As I reflect on the years, I realize I am a very blessed man.  My career had been filled with more grace than one person deserves.  God has watched over me and given me the desires of my heart.  I’ve been blessed with a wonderful wife and to great boys.  Yes, God has done great things for me and I want to take this opportunity to thank Him publicly.  Thank you Lord, for taking a young high school drop out to a position of usefulness in Your kingdom.

[Soldier4Christ]

BASIC NEEDS

1 Samuel 12:23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you.


One of the first things you learn as a Platoon Sergeant is that if you don’t coordinated for food and water for your troops, no one else will.  It’s one of those levels of leadership that you find out ‘that’s my responsibility.’  It’s a very painful experience when you’ve been so mission focused that you forget to requests the essential items that soldiers need to keep going.  And let me tell you, a hungry or thirsty soldier in not a happy soldier.  You only make that mistake once.  The same goes for leaders praying for their people.  Whether you’re an Officer, NCO, Mom, Dad, Sunday School Teacher, etc… it’s an daily essential.  Don’t let ‘em down.  Pray ‘em up.