God's Promises for American Heroes

[Soldier4Christ]

The Power of Camaraderie

Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.


As members of an infantry squad we became a pretty tight unit.  We ate together, lived in the barracks, lined up in the latrine, told war stories, buffed the floors, went to the field, did PT, got chewed out, everything we did was together.  Although at times it was a strain, being together made us a better unit.  We knew each other and we took care of one another.  The same can be said of the early church.  Although they were a part of a larger congregation, they also spent a lot of time together in smaller groups.  We should be doing the same today.  Spending time in one another’s homes, eating together, studying the Bible, and praying together in small groups is essential for strong and healthy churches. Are you a member of a spiritual squad?

[Soldier4Christ]

Recognized

Act 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.


I was preaching to the islanders during a missions trip to the Solomon Islands.  The pastor came up to me afterwards and asked through the translator, “Are you a soldier?”  I was amazed because at the time, I had just finished seminary and was waiting to come back in the Army as a chaplain.  My hair was not regulation and I wasn’t wearing a uniform, how could he tell I had been a soldier?  When I asked he said “You just look and act like a soldier.”  I guess after being in the service so long it’s pretty obvious.  There’s no doubt we will be recognized as soldiers. But here’s a more important question; when people look at us is it obvious that we are Christians?

[Soldier4Christ]

When Doubts Leave Us Stranded

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?


I was completely alone on the top of a mountain.  As I looked out for miles around, all I could see was the desert floor and the intense heat waves rising off the sand. A thought ran through my head, “What if the pilot forgets that I’m out here?  What if he experiences some kind of mechanical trouble and he leaves me here in the desert?  What if…” Suddenly, breaking my chain of worrisome thoughts, I heard the familiar sound of helicopter blades beating the air.  The prospects of being stranded in a desolate wasteland ended because the pilot fulfilled his promise.  Are there times when we doubt God’s dependability?  Are there times when we waver with the “What ifs” and we feel like He may leave us stranded.  In those times we need to remind ourselves, He is always dependable and will fulfill every promise.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Important Guys


Rom 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

The generator mechanic was making his third trip into the almost blizzard like conditions.  As the Pathfinder PSG, I was enjoying one of those rare opportunities to actually be in a warm tent and in a sleeping bag.  In the darkness I was thinking about how all my hardcore guys were sound asleep while this poor Specialist was outside freezing.  Without the mechanics expertise, the Tactical Operation Center would probably shut down.  There wasn't much need for Pathfinders at that point.  It dawned on me how important this guy really was.  Everyone has their own unique contribution to the effort.  The next time you run into one of these important guys, give him or her a pat on the back. And thank you for all you do for our country because your contribution counts.

[Soldier4Christ]

All OD Green


Galatians  3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.


Back in the days before BDUs we wore Olive Drab fatigues. There was a saying at the time; “We’re all OD green.”  This was an attempt to build unity and to cut down on some of the racial problems the Army was experiencing in the late 70s.  It has since become less than politically correct to say we are all the “same” because of the fear of losing our uniqueness.  However, I think finding and celebrating our commonality is just as valid as celebrating our individuality.  As Christians, we should celebrate our unity in Christ.  No matter what race, color, ethnic background, gender, etc… we all can be one in Christ.  Maybe not politically correct, but correct nonetheless.

[Soldier4Christ]

Leading in Darkness


Psalm 139:12  Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.


At night, ranger patrols normally snake their way through the mountains at a slow and tedious pace.  This is especially true when it’s moonless and pitch-black.  One night I noticed from the rear of the patrol that we were moving at a pretty good clip. I was curious at this oddity and made my way to the front of the patrol.  I found the point man was wearing night vision goggles and sported an infrared lens on his flashlight.  To the naked eye, there was only darkness, but to him it was like daylight.  The point man was leading his fellow students through the darkness with ease.  As Christians, we can do the same for those around us.  Jesus said we are the light of the world and we have the light of His Word.  We are guides for those trying to find their way through spiritual darkness.  Let your light shine and lead others to God.

[Soldier4Christ]

PCS Prayers

2 Samuel 2:1 In the course of time, David inquired of the LORD. "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" he asked. The LORD said, "Go up." David asked, "Where shall I go?" "To Hebron," the LORD answered.


“Would you like to go to Italy?” “Yes, but let me pray about it.”  “Where would you like to go next?” “Ft. Jackson, but let me pray about it.”  That was the dialog for my last two duty assignments.  Although my dream sheet is blank, I believe God has guided me to exactly the right places at the right time.  I have found in the last 25 years that God is really our Branch Manager.  He knows exactly what we need and where we need to go.  I don’t have to manipulate the system.  Funny thing is, He often gives us the desire of our hearts. But, He wants us to trust and follow Him first.  That’s why it’s so important to make prayer an essential part of the PCS process. And, keep an open heart.  That one assignment you never wanted, may turn out to be your best.  Only God knows.

[Soldier4Christ]

Afraid to Die?

Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.


I was walking through the motor pool, minding my own business, when a mechanic suddenly appeared.  He asked, “Chaplain are you afraid to die?”  My response was quick and definite, “Why should I be afraid to die? I’m going to heaven.”  The answer shocked him.  Apparently, this crusty veteran had been ambushing Christians for quite some time.  He admitted that when he would get a less than enthusiastic response from the believer, he would chide them for not believing their own religion.  I don’t think most believers respond from a lack of faith.  When asked a question like that, most of us are thinking about the process of death, pain and suffering.  But if we were given the time to explain fully, we would eventually get to the hope of eternal life in Christ.  That’s the part of death we can get excited about.

[Soldier4Christ]

A Dirty Trick


Luke 17:1-3 Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves.


Some Ranger Instructors liked to play mind games with the students.  For instance, on dark nights, when all that could be seen was the luminous tape on the back of a patrol cap, they would take off their hats and guide the unsuspecting ranger students into trees and bushes.  The students were unaware that the light they followed was being held at arm length and intended to lead them astray.  If that sounds like a dirty trick, think about a person who misleads someone spiritually.  The last thing we want to do is to cause another person to stumble.  As we let our lives shine for Christ, let’s make sure we are guiding others down a safe and true path.

[Soldier4Christ]

Integrity Under Fire

Psalm 78:72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.


Before a road march out to the field, I stated to my platoon, “All right, this is a period of amnesty.  If you have anything in your ruck you shouldn’t, bring it up front.” I could not believe the contraband that was being piled up at my feet (even a bottle of whiskey!).  Just then, my commander walked by and noticed my little collection.  He demanded to know the rightful owners of these prohibited items.  I told him, “I’m sorry sir, but I told my men that this was a period of amnesty.”  I knew I was in trouble at that point but I could not violate a promise made to my men.  I took the heat that day, (and learned a better procedure for amnesty) but I gained the respect of my platoon by leading with integrity.

[Soldier4Christ]

Careful Where You Aim that Thing

Galatians 5:14-15 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.


My team leader and I snuck through the darkness into the opposing force’s perimeter.  They knew something was up and I could hear them frantically communicating with each other.  Suddenly, my own team leader began to yell, “They’re in the perimeter, they’re in the perimeter!”  The next thing I knew, all three machineguns and other small arms turned toward the middle of the perimeter and opened fire. We had set up a perfect self-destructive ambush.  I think Satan is busy doing the same to the Church.  Once he’s got us shooting one another, his battle is almost won.  Remember, friendly fire isn’t so friendly.

[Soldier4Christ]

Failure to Be Recognized


John 14:9 Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, `Show us the Father'?


I walked up to a small huddled mass of Ranger Students in the middle of the night to find them talking about the Ranger Instructor.  As I eased into the group, I listened to their grievances and complaints.  I heard them bemoaned the fact that the RI was expecting too much and how they would do it differently if they were in charge.  Then I pierced the darkness by announcing that, as their RI, my mission was to be tough on them and then told them to carry on.  In the darkness they failed to recognize that the RI was standing in their midst.  Sometimes, in the darkness of our understanding, we may fail to recognize Jesus for who He really is.  He’s not just a great teacher or just a great prophet.  He is God Himself and has all the power to rescue us and heal our wounds.  Has your recognition unleashed the power of the Almighty? (John 1:1-2,14)

[Soldier4Christ]

Hook Up!


John 14:6 Jesus said, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.’



The static line snap hook is the most important connection made by a paratrooper.  By hooking it to the anchor cable inside the aircraft, it becomes the vital link that pulls the parachute out of the deployment bag when the trooper exits the door.  No snap hook, no open parachute.  Our spiritual lives must also be securely connected to God the Father.  God has provided the vital connection through His Son.  By redirecting our lives toward God and placing our faith in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, our sins are forgiven and our relationship with Him is secure.  There is no other way to hook up.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Big Inspection


Matthew 24:42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”


One of my men had been working on the jeep for months and it was time for the change of command inspection.  Although I’d never seen the vehicle myself, I was confident that the inspection would go well.  As we approached the line of jeeps, one stood out from all the rest.  It was so badly rusted, you couldn’t read the bumper number.  It had bird droppings all over it and four flat tires.  It was obvious, from the many missing parts; it had become the hanger queen.  My jeep was not even operational let alone ready for inspection.  I had failed to supervise and keep a close eye on my equipment.  If the Lord came today to inspect our lives, what would He see?  Would He find us busy maintaining our lives in accordance with His commandments or would He find something that looked like SGT Wood’s jeep?  Keep watch, the inspector’s coming.

[Soldier4Christ]

Making it Happen


2 Corinthians 8:17 For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.


I think initiative is one of the toughest leadership qualities to teach.  That ability to see what needs to be done and then doing it without being told.  You can tell when a young leader turns the corner and begins to anticipate the instructions of a superior.  They instinctively size up the situation and begin working on solutions or improvements. They operate from a broad understanding of their leader’s intent.  I think God wants us to develop this same trait in our walk with Him.  As we learn the broad scope of His design and desires, we begin to carry out His will intuitively (instead of waiting to be struck by some cosmic telegram).  Read the scriptures, learn the broader intent and will of God and then take the initiative.