Month: March 2008

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

The new LT had all five 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. They are lost in a big way. Our job is to help them navigate their way to faith in Jesus 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 going to this website and then get back with me by filling in a comment on my blog. We’ll see if that doesn’t give you some direction. SP213

Click on the link below for going from lost to found: http://www.navigators.org/us/resources/illustrations/items/bridge

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

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 “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. God uses the Word to 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! SP212

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.” Matthew 10:42

It was another blistering day in the desert. As my driver and I passed a platoon from the 82nd Airborne Division, I decided to stop and see if I knew anyone. It was then I discovered the predicament of these parched paratroopers. They had completely run out of water and the water point was miles away. I loaded my jeep with their canteens and headed off to the water point. When I returned, I became an instant hero. The appreciation for a little H2o was overwhelming. There was great reward in that simple act of giving water to the thirsty. Now consider this, if there is reward for giving 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. SP211

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

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. (John 8.31-32) SP210

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

“Your rank is crooked and …Oh, your ribbons are off center,” those 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 for Jesus more effectively. Is someone looking out for you? SP209

I will be sharing “Dynamics of Recruiting Illustration” on Ustream on Wednesday, 5 March 08 at 2100 EST. This is an illustration you can show young laborers how Jesus invited others into His ministry.

The illustration will be followed by an interview with John Snyder from Ft Bragg. Fort Bragg has a highly developed ministry of recruiting, and John can give us great insights into implementing these ideas in our own ministries.

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

“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.” Luke 6:38

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.