Author: Chuck & Deb

‘But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!’ 1 Kings 8:27

One of the infantrymen’s expedient shelters is a poncho hooch. Basically, it’s a 5’x 6’ poncho strung up like a picnic umbrella about four feet off the ground. It’s great way to stay out of the rain but I was just a little too big for the shelter. Inevitably, I would wake up in the morning to discover that some part of my body was sticking out of the hooch and got soak and wet. God’s like that. No matter how hard we try to press God into a temple, church, chapel, and yes, even our own human concepts, He just doesn’t fit. He is bigger than we could ever imagine. Don’t put God in a box. SP166

Psalm 107:35 He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs

We were parched and almost dizzy from the heat of the Kuwaiti sun. A desert like none other I’d been in. Sand stuck to the lips and the only evidence of perspiration was the salt stains on our DCUs. That was one dry hot place. The first sermon preached in Kuwait drew the contrast between the dryness of the desert and the springs of spiritual water God has to offer us in Christ. I promised all those who would seek God in that desolate place would find His blessing in their lives like pools of water. And indeed God is faithful to His Word. My time in the desert was one of the most spiritually rewarding times of my life. Are you going through a spiritual desert right now? Continue to seek Him and you will be led to streams of living water. SP165

He appointed twelve–designating them apostles–that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach (Mark 3:14)

One of the great things about being a chaplain is that you enjoy the privilege of going to work with your congregation. Sometimes the work environment is less than desirable (dirty, smelly, far away places where you can be shot at) but being with the troops is always pleasure. I really think that’s the kind of ministry Jesus modeled for us. You should note that He didn’t just hang out in His office waiting for folks to come to Him. He went to the people. In fact He chose 12 guys to hang out with Him so He could give them more intense training. The focus of ministry is not buildings, institutions, or programs. The focus of ministry is people. Meet them on their turf.

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6)

‘But I’m making sacrifices for my country. At least I signed up. I’m doing my part…’ This was the ‘patriot’ card being played by one of my privates as I was counseling him on his poor performance. I had to remind him that the true sacrifice was in performing his duties not in sponging off American’s tax dollars and wearing BDUs. Sometimes we play the ‘patriot’ card with Jesus. ‘But I go to church, give when the offering plate comes by, I pray before meals.’ Jesus is looking for our true allegiance in two areas; Do we really love Him and do we love people. The answer is not in our lifeless traditions; it’s in our sincere day to day relationship with Him and others.

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2)

For the last 27 years, I’ve been mentoring men. I know a lot of you do too. Just one guy at a time, one day at a time. I’ve shared the tips of the trade both professionally and spiritually. From time to time I link-up with my friends and I hear how well they’re doing. Of course, I’ve only had a small part in their success but I’m a part nonetheless. God has allowed me to make an impact their lives. But notice what kind of men the Apostle Paul directs Timothy toward. “Faithful men who are willing to invest in others.” When we look for men to mentor, we should pick men who are willing pass it on. To me there is no greater reward this side of heaven then to see men growing in their faith and investing in others.

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit. (Judges 21:25)

I’ve been in units where the leadership at one level or another was conspicuously absent. Very little direction, guidance, or instructions. I happen to like environments with very little supervision (I don’t like being told how to suck the egg) but I am equally apposed to leadership through the willy nilly. People need a compass and a map. They need vision. When it’s not given they simply do what they see fit (and sometimes its not so fit). Be the leader that points the way but takes on the risk of allowing people to figure out how to get there. Guide, Encourage, and Coach. God has placed you in your unique role for this place at this time. Seize the Moment.

As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. (1 Samuel 12:23)

One of the first things you learn as a Platoon Sergeant is that if you don’t coordinated for food and water for your troops, no one else will. It’s one of those levels of leadership that you find out ‘that’s my responsibility.’ It’s a very painful experience when you’ve been so mission focused that you forget to requests the essential items that soldiers need to keep going. And let me tell you, a hungry or thirsty soldier in not a happy soldier. You only make that mistake once. The same goes for leaders praying for their people. Whether you’re an Officer, NCO, Mom, Dad, Sunday School Teacher, etc… it’s an daily essential. Don’t let ‘em down. Pray ‘em up.