Month: January 2008

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Mark 1:22

As I’ve moved up the ranks, I’ve certainly noticed an increase in authority. It was especially noticeable when I was promoted to Master Sergeant and Captain. But, I also know that true authority in people’s lives only comes when we are making an impact through trustworthiness and concern for others. I call that, “Authority” with a capital “A”. Jesus is our model for true Authority, Credibility and Compassion. Question: If we were stripped of our rank, would the people we are leading today still follow tomorrow? SP 182

Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people, that they would become accursed and laid waste, and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD. 2 Kings 22:19

I’ve seen a lot of young soldiers in my office who are in trouble. They’ve done something wrong and they are worried about their punishment. They try to explain all the extenuating circumstances and why they shouldn’t get the max punishment. I listen patiently and then help them take responsibility for their actions. Leaders really don’t like to hear excuses and justification. But they are moved by a soldier who simply says, “I blew it and I deserve whatever you give me, I will not let that happen again.” That is called repentance and in the same way, God forgives us when we “own up to it.”

Living and Discipling Among the Lost – Evangelism in our Culture

Restoring the Image – Becoming all God intended you to be

Chuck’s Testimony – The conversion, transformation, and ministry of Chaplain Chuck Wood

Illustrations and Short Devo’s – Biblical concepts that are packaged to communicate easily

SwordPoint – Spiritual applications illustrated by military experiences

Gospel Studies – A walk through the gospels looking at the life and ministry of Jesus

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Every soldier is very familiar with doing push-ups until the arms become like wet noodles and no longer offer the “up” part of the exercise. It’s at that point in the exercise where I can’t do any more and I start to shake uncontrollably and finally I see the turf up-close and personal. It’s hard to believe but that’s the time when we are being strengthened the most, in our weakness. In this life we face so many trials and temptations and as we go through them we feel weak. It seems as though we can’t take another step or face another day. God is standing by to rescue us, but only after He has allowed the circumstance to have its full results in our lives. He allows our weakness to be turned into strength. Hang in there! SP180

Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth…2 Timothy 2:25

Often times military discipline resorts to the hammer. Young leadership especially. But, although a hammer may be needed in some circumstances, we need to have a few more tools in our kitbag. Sometimes we need pliers to put a little pressure where it’s needed. Sometimes we need a saw to cut away the unwanted pieces. Sometimes we need a screwdriver just to tighten things up a little. A mature leader knows the right tool for the right job. SP179

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Mark 5:18-20

Some of us reading this devotional today are struggling with the fact that our comrades are deployed and we are not. We are left with the mundane day-to-day chores of support and it’s not very glamorous. I know the feeling. I volunteered to deploy every month I was on active duty with a new scheme to get overseas. But, as much as we don’t like to hear it, our jobs are just as important to the effort right here at home. Now how does this relate to our walk with the Lord? We can get the same feelings of not being ‘where the action is’ as we serve Jesus. We might think, “If I were only a missionary or pastor or in some other place.” Well, the most important question is “am I serving Christ right where I am now?” Sometimes God calls us to stay. SP178

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:20

I have seen the changing of guards all over the world. From London, to the Vatican, to Germany, even doing it myself as a private at Fort Bragg. But, there is nothing so magnificent as the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. Every time I see the ceremony, it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. However, there is a changing of the guard even more magnificent then that; the changing of the old covenant to the new. Jesus, through His blood shed on the cross, relieved the Old Covenant of its duties and brought in New. There is a new Guardian of Heaven. Jesus alone can let you pass. SP176

Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. 1 Thessalonians 4:1

I must admit that going through the Captain’s Career Course at 43 and after 25 years of service was quite the challenge. I don’t mean physically or mentally, I mean Psychologically. When you’ve been around since the rock was a secret weapon, it’s hard to change. Someone once told me, “the older you get, the less teachable you are.” Boy, do I believe that can happen! But, I think the Apostle Paul gives us the standard. We can’t quit growing and learning. We have to keep stretching ourselves. Don’t stiffen your neck, stay pliable to the Lord Jesus and His teachings. SP175

The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD: `Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.’ ” But he was lying to him. 1 Kings 13:18

General Colin Powell states in one of his leadership principles, “Don’t be buffaloed by experts and elites. Experts often possess more data than judgment.” This is why it is essential for us to develop our own personal walk with Christ through a strong devotional life and commitment to seeking God’s will above all others. It doesn’t mean being a loner and doing your own thing. But it does mean double-checking to ensure the orders are from the top. Read the OPLAN for yourself. (Acts 17:11) SP174

Pray for us this weekend as many of us will be attending an All Army Navigator Conference in Albany, NY.

At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Daniel 6:4

My dad (now a retired Colonel) and I were playing a game and I got the ball pretty close to the hole. I remarked, “Good enough for government work.” My dad tapped me on the back of my head and said “Hey, I’m in the United States Army, part of the government, and ‘good enough’ isn’t good enough.” You know, I haven’t use that phrase since. My guess is that Daniel took his job so seriously that he didn’t use the phrase either. SP173