God's Promises for American Heroes

[Soldier4Christ]

Underestimated Power

Matthew 22:29 Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.

I was standing in front of the First Sergeant’s desk at a rigid position of parade rest.  He was having a very load one-way discussion with me about the exploits of the night before.  I was the demolition man in charge of blowing up all the OPFOR’s equipment. I did exactly that and more.  During the ambush, I through a grenade simulator in the back of a military pick-up truck.  The explosion split the top of the camper shell wide open like a sardine can.  I had sorely underestimated the power of the training explosive.  You know, at times we can do the same with the power of God.  God is the Almighty.  His power exceeds our wildest expectations.  When we recognize His power, we can press forward in obedience and faith no matter what the circumstances.

[Soldier4Christ]

Knowing it By Heart


Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.


I remember memorizing the Ranger Creed as a young Specialist and wondered why we had to drone on in monotonous repetition.  I was a knucklehead and after a few hundred push-ups, I could finally recite the creed without error. In recent years, I have realized memorization is an important tool that infuses values. In today’s Army, soldiers of every branch are required to memorize script that includes the Soldier’s Creed and the Army Song. Just the other day I heard a resounding rendition of the NCO creed.  It can make the hair on the back of your neck stand up with pride. The more these words are internalized, the more they can change the way we think and act.  We really ought to do the same with scripture. We should have a “basic load” of Bible verses that address key areas of the Christian life. This discipline of memorizing key verses can make a major impact in our lives.

[Soldier4Christ]

Spit Shining Our Eternity

Daniel 12:3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.


I wish I had kept track of the number hours I’ve spent shining my boots.  Probably enough to build the space shuttle.  The frustrating thing is that the shine only lasts for a day or two. Then it’s back to “a little polish, little circles, a little polish, little circles...” God gives us the opportunity to have something that will shine for all eternity.  If we give our lives to the pursuit of wisdom (God’s Word) and leading people to righteousness (God’s Son), WE will shine like the stars forever.  Don’t show up to the heavenly formation with just a brush shine, go for the spit shine Trooper!

[Soldier4Christ]

I Know Snow


Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…


We had flown all night loaded up with heavy rucks, snowshoes and artic gear.  The flight was rough approaching the dropzone and as we hooked up, I stood half bent over under the tremendous weight.  As I exited the door, the deafening roar of the C130 turned into silence and the strain of the heavy equipment was immediately relieved.  I was floating under my parachute and as I surveyed the dropzone covered with three foot of new fallen snow, a sudden wave of peace overwhelmed me .  The stark winter landscape had been covered with a perfect blanket of soft snow. That memory creates another picture in my mind, the mental image of forgiveness.  When we consider that the blood of Christ has completely covered our sins, we realize that God’s view us is a spectacular sight of forgiveness.  We have been cleansed as white as snow and we are at peace.

[Soldier4Christ]

Thirty-six Cents


Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."


As a young Staff Sergeant in Korea, the Lord was working hard at developing my faith.  It sounds crazy, but He led me to give my entire paycheck to some local missionaries.  I was left with thirty-six cents, just enough for a bus ride across town.  I went to my neighbor in the barracks to swap my loose change for Korea money.  He produced a large jar of coins and placed ten of them in my open palm.  As I pleaded I only needed exact change, he placed another ten in my palm.  Then another.  The more I tried to clarify, the more the coins kept falling into my hand. Soon he had poured the entire contents into my hands and coins spilled over onto the floor.  He had no clue that I needed the extra money, but God did.  God provided in ways like that all month long.  There are often deep lessons in faith we can learn by trusting God with our tithes and offerings.

[Soldier4Christ]

A Second Set of Eyes

1 Thessalonians 3:10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.


“Your rank is crooked and …Oh, your ribbons are off center,” were the scrutinizing words of the First Sergeant.  With his calibrated eyeball, he had quickly pointed out in one second what I had painstakingly measured, remeasured and measured again. This was not Private Wood standing inspection, it was CPT Wood, preparing a DA photo for the promotion board.  Now why would a seasoned Captain (who had been a 1SG himself) seek out and even welcome the examination of 1SG Garcia? The answer is obvious.  It would be foolish to think that my uniform was perfect and I didn’t need a second set of eyes.  We need a second set of eyes on our spiritual lives as well.  We can be a little off center or cockeyed in our faith.  We can lose focus on spiritual priorities or have blind spots.  We need others who have clear vision and insight to help us live the Christian life more effectively.  Is someone looking out for you?

[Soldier4Christ]

Freedom of Movement


PS 119:45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.


When I led recons, I always made sure I knew my maps and overlays down to the smallest details.  I almost had them memorized.  I knew the terrain, friendly positions, enemy locations and more. Because I had done my homework, we were able to freely move about in our sector.  It allowed me to travel in enemy territory without much restriction and in our own AO (Area of Operation) without the worry of friendly fire.  That same freedom comes when we know the Bible.  We read about the great promises of God and He brings us into new territory without fear. The Bible points out areas to avoid, Satanic and worldly ambushes or restrictive behavior that can slow us down spiritually. The more we know the Scriptures the more we are liberated in this walk of faith.  Walk in the freedom of God’s Word.

[Soldier4Christ]

Pass that Canteen


Matthew 10:42 Jesus said, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."


Scorched soldiers were melting in their fighting positions on the desert floor.  They had completely run out of water and the heat was taking its toll.  They were a platoon from the 82nd Airborne Division and the water point was miles away.  I drove by them enroute to the CP (Command Post) and I decided to stop and see if I knew anyone.  It was then I discovered the predicament of these parched paratroopers.  I loaded my jeep with their canteens and filled them at the water point.  When I returned, I became an instant hero.  The appreciation for a little H2O was overwhelming. There was great reward in the simple act of giving water to the thirsty.  Now consider this, if there is reward for giving a simple cup of physical water, imagine the reward for the act of giving spiritual water.  There are people around us living in spiritual deserts and they need us to bring them living waters. Pass that canteen.

[Soldier4Christ]

Spiritual Pain Killer

Psalm 119:52 I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.


Motrin is a miracle drug for the US Army.  When a young warrior goes to see the Doc, 9 times out of 10 he’s going to leave with a bottle of this “Ranger Candy”.  I always keep a basic load of 800 mg in my rucksack. It takes care of a lot of pain.  But what about the kind of pain Motrin can’t touch?  Sometimes we find ourselves with the pain of anxiety, loneliness, spiritual dryness, or a broken heart.  The Bible can sooth and comfort these spiritual aches and pains.  The next time your spirit is hurting, spend time in the Word of God and find comfort for your soul. Warning: Use Motrin only as directed; read the Scriptures as much as you want!

[Soldier4Christ]

Navigational Assistance


Lk 19:10 Jesus said, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."


The new LT had all 5 map sheets spread out on the ground and he was looking in several different directions. He was lost and lost in a big way. As I walked up, I could tell he was a little embarrassed and didn't want to ask for help. But, he would certainly accept a little coaching if it were presented in the right way. That's how I often see folks around me as they try to figure out where they are spiritually. They have life all spread out in every direction and they are lost in a big way when it comes to their faith. Our job is to help them navigate their way to faith without being condescending or judgmental. I have dedicated my life to helping people plot a course that leads to eternal life in Christ. Do you know the way? If so, show someone else. If not, let me suggest a starting point by reading "The Bridge to Life" and feel free to email me questions.

[Soldier4Christ]

Get it in Writing


Joshua 23:14 "You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.

Everyone has their recruiting story.  I first visited the Marine recruiter and announced I wanted to be Force Recon.  The tactless warrior stood and said, “Boy, if you want promises, go see the Army recruiter next door.” So, I did.  I came through the door and proclaimed, “I want to be an Airborne Ranger.”  A smile lit across the face of the Army recruiter and he shot back, “We can do that!”  Now we were getting somewhere.  “I’m going to put you in the 82nd Airborne Division.”[buzzer-EEEH, Not what I asked for, but, I’m a doofus] Is that a Ranger unit?” I asked. “Son, there are lots of Rangers there.”[buzzer-EEEH, Half truth]  I was descending down the slippery slope and I was about to learn lesson number one, Get it in Writing.  The promises of man can be misleading and we’ve all been stung a time or two.  But, when God promises something, He delivers.  We’ve got that in writing.

[Soldier4Christ]

Get a Grip

Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.


When I was teaching mountaineering on Mount Yonah, I noticed two kinds of students.  The first were naturals who climbed like geckos scurrying up a stucco wall.  The second were not so quick.  It was like they had grown “rock claws.” They had a serious grip on the cliff and these Ranger students were in the “hang on for dear life” mode.  You couldn’t pry them off with a crowbar. I think we need to be like the latter when it comes to holding on to the good in our lives.  We need to cling to good character, morals, and convictions with everything we’ve got.  We need to “hang on for dear life” when it comes to our faith and the principles by which we are to live our lives. Grab on to good and never let go!

[Soldier4Christ]

He’s Got You Covered


Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?


As we maneuvered during the live fire, the sound of ricocheting bullets at the top of the hill sent chills down my spine.  It wasn’t combat but as close as it gets.  As part of our drill, we all dropped to the ground in the waist high grass.  Suddenly, I lost all contact with my squad. There was this unique sensation of being totally alone in a very dangerous situation.  The loneliness and the paralyzing effects of fear and stress begin to take over.  But in reality, my ranger buddy was no more than a few feet away. Then I heard those reassuring words, “Wood, move forward, I got you covered!” I’m sure you could multiply that by 100 times in real combat, but what about the battles of life. We can feel the same way.  The situational bullets start flying, we duck for cover and suddenly we feel completely alone.  Sometimes we may even feel abandoned by God.  But in reality,  He is always right there with us.  Trust Him, move forward, He’s got you covered.

[Soldier4Christ]

Dreams

Psalm 20:4 May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.


I was walking down the street and some soldiers caught my eye.  They were Ranger students and in their midst was a Ranger Instructor looking like he just stepped out of a recruiting poster.  I stopped and watch the instructor for a few minutes from a distance and thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to be a Ranger Instructor.”  Nine months later I was an RI in the mountain phase of Ranger School.  Wow, I never put in a request with the assignment folks, I didn’t even really pray about it, I just thought it would be “cool.”  What are your dreams, the desires of your heart?  Do you realize God knows them before you even pray about them?  Today, as you live your life for Christ, I pray that He will give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

[Soldier4Christ]

Right On Time

Romans 5:6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.


The PZ was set with all troops and vehicles in place.  The only thing left  was to watch the clock.  I knew the Blackhawks wouldn’t touch down until it was time.  Helicopter pilots have a strict standard for arriving at plus or minus 30 seconds.  I knew they wouldn’t be early or late.  Nothing to do but relax.  Now, why can’t we do that with God?  I mean, the life-giving work of the cross, the most significant event in history, happened right on time.  And yet, we wonder if God can handle the timing of our next assignment, the birth of a child, or even simple things like the weather.  Our aviators are good, God is perfect.  Relax and trust Him, His timing is perfect.