Author: Chuck & Deb

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

They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. Nehemiah 8:8

CIB, DIFAC, EFMB, SQT, SIT, LAW, EIB, FAS, ORP, PB, CCP, PX, FOB and the list goes on. I listened to a sweet civilian lady in our Bible study describe how she first felt when listening to soldiers. She said, ‘They were all speaking in alphabet.’ We can make the same mistake with the Bible. Sometimes we can fall into a trap of explaining the scriptures with big religious words and it actually defeats the purpose. Try to avoid christianise (language only churched folk know) when talking to your non-christian friends. We need to use terms that even a Ranger can understand. Put the cookies on the lowest shelf. So the next time you’re tempted to say ‘Hermeneutics,’ just say Bible study. SP172

For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:10

No job or school in the Army has done more to develop me as a soldier than being a Ranger Instructor. We studied, we constantly implemented what we learned, and then we taught. I think this process is key to living a healthy Christian life as well. You study, go and practice what you’ve learned, and then you pass it on to someone else. It’s the passing it on that may be our weakest link in the process. But, I have found that teaching someone else fixes the principle firmly in our own life. When we package, practice, and pass it on, we anchor the lesson in our own soul. Teachers always learn more than the students. SP171

For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 1 Samuel 12:22

The 82nd, 101st, Rangers, 3rd ID, 369th, all units that I have proudly served in and units with a distinct history and honors. I think almost every unit affords a soldier a sense of esprit-de-corps and belonging. They may not admit it while they are there, but one day they’ll run into a fellow comrade and share their common heritage with pride. In Christ we belong to a special assembly. We have our camaraderie with God. Together, brothers and sisters, we are members of His command and we proudly bear His name. The greatest unit ever formed with Jesus as our Commander! SP170

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. (Deuteronomy 4:9)

I taught Aircraft Familiarization at the Air Assault School. The students had to memorize the cruising speeds, lift capabilities, load capacities, etc… Lots of aircraft and lots of numbers. But you know, it’s been 25 years and I can’t remember doodly about the aircraft I had so meticulously memorized. It’s very perishable information. If we are not careful we may forget what God has done for us in the past as well. We might start living our lives as though He doesn’t care, hasn’t helped, and won’t guide us in the future. Take a trip down spiritual memory lane. Review the goodness of God often and remember that He is more than able to rescue, provide, heal, guide, and protect. Remember the Good things the Lord has done. SP169

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

I was taught from day one that when I put on the uniform I represent my branch of service and more importantly, my Nation. Many before me have worn this uniform and paid the great price for freedom. I wear it with pride and dignity. There is a certain image to maintain. As God’s creation, we also have a image to maintain, a reflection of the Divine. We represent Him to a lost and dying world. Unfortunately, the image is tarnished by sin. But by following Jesus, we begin the repairing and polishing process that is available to us in His righteousness. Ultimately, He makes us magnificently presentable for our final inspection. SP168

Acts 10:1-2 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

I’ve seen the difference when the company level leadership has a Christian influence. I’m not talking about a preachy leader who runs around beating everyone up with the Bible. But, on the other hand, they are not afraid to talk about the scriptures or pray either. There’s a difference in the command climate that’s injected with the love and truth of Christ. I think there are two reasons for the unique atmosphere of that company. 1. They are living out biblical principles of leadership. 2. They love people the way Jesus loved them. I’m thinking of a dozen of you who are in such a position right now, way to go! And if you have such a 1SG or Company Commander, tell them you appreciate their godly leadership. Pray for our leaders at all levels. SP167

Here’s links to our latest newsletter from the Wood’s at Fort Benning. Thanks for all your prayers and support.

http://www.rangerxian.com/Newsletter%20Jan%2008.doc

http://www.rangerxian.com/Newsletter%20Jan%2008.pdf