Month: May 2008

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2

In the middle of the night we came to the top of Yellow Mountain and the ranger students started heading the wrong way. I stopped the Patrol Leader and asked him if he knew where he was going (a subtle RI hint that you’re going the wrong way). This developed into a full scale meeting with the Squad Leaders under the poncho for lights and maps and debate. When he emerged from the midst of his counselors he declared, “Yes Sergeant, we are going the right way.” I then pointed at the trail sign that I just happened to be standing by the whole time, which clearly showed the right direction. Even with all that prompting, he elected to take his fellow student’s advice and off we went into dinosaur land. Who are your counselors or advisors? Do they give intelligent upright advice or do they steer you into the “land of the lost?” Choose your advisors wisely and remember the Word of God is always a trustworthy counselor. SP253

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

American’s prize their freedom. Our country was built upon this foundational and noble pursuit. We expect it, we’ll fight for it, and we’ll even die for it. We place the highest value on freedom. So does Jesus. He showed us the way to true and lasting freedom. If we live our lives in accordance with His instructions, we will know truth and it will set us free. Freedom will always come at a price though. Spiritual freedom costs us our supreme allegiance and obedience to the only one that can truly give it, Jesus Christ. As we pursue our national freedoms and liberty for others, let’s be just as diligent to secure our own spiritual freedom by following Christ. SP252

On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”
Matthew 9:12

An interesting quirk about being in the Infantry was the pride we put in the ability to be sick and yet, not go to sick call. I could be running a fever, have a broken bone, or be half dead, but unless someone ordered me to go see the medics, it wasn’t going to happen. That’s what you call crossing the fine line between hardcore and stupid. I have since learned if you’re sick, go see the Doc! I’ve learned that lesson spiritually as well. Jesus gets on the religious leaders of his time because they thought they had a healthy relationship with God. But, because of their spiritual arrogance they were actually very sick. We cannot allow our spiritual pride to keep us from seeing the Great Physician. Acknowledge your sin and weaknesses and He will heal you. SP251

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us Ephesians 3:20

My radio crackled, “Whiskey One Five, Stand by, Aircraft is inbound.” I thought, “We still have 30 minutes till RI change over.” I got on the radio, “This is Whisky One Five, SITREP, Over.” “Your wife is having a baby, that’s what!” I gave my fellow RI the student’s evaluation reports as the Blackhawk landed on the LZ. We flew over the camp where I thought I’d get in my car and drive to the hospital, but we kept flying. We landed right on Dahlonega hospital’s helipad and I jumped out camouflage, rucksack and all. I ran into the maternity ward for the much-expected arrival of my first-born. I had been praying for his birth for months but I never expected my ride to the hospital to be so exciting. The events around my son’s birth demonstrated to me that God is able do to above and beyond my wildest expectations. Both of my sons are living proof to that fact. SP250

Whiskey One Five – Wood, 15 Staff, my Radio Call Sign
RI – Ranger Instructor
SITREP – Situation Report
LZ – Landing Zone