Month: March 2008

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

It was my first sermon at Camp Darby, Italy and everyone was wondering what kind of chaplain they just inherited. What’s his flavor, what will he preach, will he be boring? I introduced myself, “I am a sinner saved by the grace of God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.” I was out of the starting block and there was no doubt where I was headed. New beginnings are important. They set the tone for the future. Our beginnings can usher in hope, direction, and strength providing we start with Christ. When we make the Lord the center of our lives, we can anticipate good things to come. SP224

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2

As a chaplain in an AIT battalion it gets a lot easier to counsel soldiers the closer we get to Christmas. As I listen to their troubles and discouragement, I knew one word that would help them find hope almost immediately; Exodus. As soon as I reminded them they will be going on Christmas leave in just a few weeks, it melt away their problems like the ice on my windshield in the morning. I’d see them begin to relax and the light returns to their eye because now they had hope. I didn’t leave them there though. I also explained the hope we have in heaven, that ultimately we will leave this troubled world behind and enjoy permanent residence with the King of kings through Christ. Now that’s an Exodus we can look forward too. SP221

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3

One of the ways we re-supplied ourselves in the Ranger Battalion was through secret pre-positioned caches of water, food, and ammo. When supplies ran low and the mission permitted, we would navigate to a clandestine supply point and refit. As we started digging into hidden containers, we were like kids opening presents on Christmas (especially if we had gone without chow for a while). There is another kind of cache, a spiritual cache. Christ is a hidden wealth of all truth and grace. He invites us to seek Him out, to refit and replenish all the things we need for successful living. Struggling with tough decisions? I’ll meet you at the Cache. SP220

Jesus said, “apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

If I told you I just finished dropping a transmission and changed a clutch on a dump truck, you might be impressed. That is, until you found out all I really did was hand tools to my dad while he did most of the work. You see, he knew what he was doing and I was clueless. He chose the proper tools and I just handed them to him. He did most of the heavy lifting and I just got my hands little greasy. Really, he was the mechanic who changed the clutch and I was, well, allowed to help in the process. Oh, I could have tried to impress you, but the credit really belongs to my dad. Now that’s interesting as I reflect on my life and my relationship with God. I tend to take an awful lot of recognition when the fact is, God does most of the work. He’s the one who knows what to do. He’s the one doing the heavy lifting. I simply get to participate in His plan. The credit for the work really belongs to our Dad. Give Him all glory and honor! SP219

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

The PZ was set with all troops and vehicles in place. The only thing left was to watch the clock. I knew the Blackhawk helicopters 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 Jesus 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. SP218

PZ – Pickup Zone; Clear, open area suitable for landing aircraft and loading troops and equipment.

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

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. SP217

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

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. The bullets of reality 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. SP216

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

When I was teaching mountaineering on Mount Yonah, I noticed two kinds of students. The first were constantly falling, losing their grip, and getting banged up on the rock. The second were naturals who climbed like geckos scurrying up a stucco wall. It was like they had grown “rock claws.” They had a serious grip on the cliff and these Ranger students could be expert climbers with a little training. 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, good morals, and good deeds with everything we’ve got. Jesus has given us this grip with His promises. Grab on to Christ and never let go!SP215

I will be doing an interview with Rusty Bean from Ft Bliss on Ustream on Wednesday, 12 March 08 at 2100 EST. Fort Bliss is a brand new ministry about 10 months old and is already seeing the fruit of a generational ministry. We’ll be asking Rusty to give us some insights into starting a new ministry.

The interview will be followed by the “Master Builder Illustration” from 1 Cor 3.10-11. This is an illustration you can use to help explain the BE, KNOW, DO of the Christian life.

And of course for those who want to talk shop, we’ll be taking your questions and comments via chat, email, and Skype. Bring you Bible, pen, paper (napkin) and your questions.Website: www.ustream.tv/channel/army-navigators

To talk on Skype, you’ll need to have the free software down loaded from http://www.skype.com (make sure you get the free stuff). And add my contact info by searching for me by using my contact name in the search: benningnavs

“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.” Joshua 23:14

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! 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. SP214