Author: Chuck & Deb

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Act 4:13

I was preaching to the islanders during a missions trip to the Solomon Islands. The pastor came up to me afterwards and asked through the translator, “Are you a soldier?” I was amazed because at the time, I had just finished seminary and was waiting to come back in the Army as a chaplain. My hair was not regulation and I wasn’t wearing a uniform, how could he tell I had been a soldier? When I asked, he said “You just look and act like a soldier.” I guess after being in the service so long it’s pretty obvious. But here’s a more important question; when people look at us is it obvious that we are Christians? When we live our lives with Jesus intensely, others will readily recognize who we’ve been with. SP190

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47

As a member of an infantry squad I became a pretty tight with the other guys in the unit. We ate together, lived in the barracks, cleaned the latrine, told war stories, buffed the floors, went to the field, did PT, got chewed out, everything we did was together. Although at times it was a strain, being together made us a better unit. We knew each other and we took care of one another. The dynamics for creating community haven’t changed. Look at the early church. Although they were a part of a larger congregation, they also spent a lot of time together in smaller groups. Hanging out in one another’s homes, eating together, studying the Bible, and praying together. It was good for them and it’s good for us. This kind of community is essential for strong and healthy churches. Are you a member of a spiritual squad?

Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen” Acts 1:24

A CH-47 helicopter had crashed on a small island near the coast of North and South Korea. SSG Craig was chosen to take his Pathfinder Team to secure the aircraft. There was only one problem, I was the Platoon Sergeant and no one said anything to me. Never mind protocol, I was just mad because I wasn’t picked. Then I found out that instead of issuing the ammo to SSG Craig’s team, they locked it in a footlocker. I was boiling! In fact, I kind of had the reputation of being hot headed. On the other hand, SSG Craig was cool, calm, and collective in stressful situations. You think these different character traits made a difference in who they selected for the mission? I’ve sense learned to manage my temper a little better. God is looking for men and women with the right heart. Character makes all the difference.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified. And the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he praised God and said, “Surely this man was a righteous man and the Son of God!” (Composite Statements from Matthew 27:54 Mark 15:39 Luke 23:47 NIV)

Soldiers following orders hung the Savior of the world on a cross and when it was finished, the commander recognized Jesus for who He really was, the Son of God. For 2000 years soldiers have been recognizing Jesus Christ for who He is, the forgiver of their sins, and their true Commander. From privates to generals, soldiers have declared their faith and allegiance to the Son of God. The very sort that executed Him, now receive Him as their Lord and God. We have placed our trust in Him, because in this brutal profession of preserving peace and liberty, He is our only hope. SP187

On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22:40 (NIV)

We moved down the trail in total darkness and the only thing we could see was the dim outline of the trees along the path. I was the point man and I could hear voices up ahead. Excitement was building as I lead the reconnaissance patrol toward the suspected mortar position. Then suddenly, there was a deafening bang next to my right ear and a flash blinded me. The mortar crew had put out a booby trap. As we stumbled back down the trail with our tail between our legs and seeing nothing but white dots, I realized I had failed as the point man that night. Aren’t you glad that God can see every trip wire and every ambush? We need to pray that God will go before us as our point man and warn us about the temptations that lay in our path.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Luke 21:33

It was over. I was no longer part of the team. The Meritorious Service Medal dangled from my chest like a small insignificant period at the end of the final sentence of a long book. 29 years had gone by so fast. I knew retirement would come one day. That’s why I decided a long time ago not to wrap my whole identity around my Army career. I could have sacrificed my wife, my kids, my dog, my cat, and yes even my very soul and what would I have in the end? Don’t get me wrong, I loved being in the Army and I took my duties very seriously. But, I put things in perspective. Everything fades away except the few that are eternal: God and His Word, the souls of people, and my reward in heaven. These investments will not disappoint. SP 185

But Jesus looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written:
‘THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED,
THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER STONE’?
Luke 20:17

I was moving from squad to squad on the rifle range visiting the soldiers that would soon be attached to us for our deployment to Kuwait. As I approached, I noticed a crusty old Platoon Sergeant sneaking away as I walked up to each group. It was obvious by the scowl on his face that he was not happy to see the chaplain. I immediately started praying, “Lord, give me a great friendship with this man.” During the deployment we managed to have several good conversations about Jesus Christ. Now, when he would see me, it wasn’t the cold shoulder, it was a warm greeting. Finally, we were back home in the States and I saw him across the parking lot. He yelled, “Hey Chaplain, look what I got!” holding up his brand new baby in the air. I thought to myself, “Mission Accomplished.” Men rejected Christ and yet He still died for them, shouldn’t we do the same?

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52

Two of our greatest challenges; not knowing what to do and not doing what we know. One deals with experience and the other with choice. But, both have to do with maturity. The mature soldier is both growing in knowledge and the ability to take action with the information he has. When the two are put together, it’s called wisdom. It’s important that we never stop growing and maturing whether we are fresh out of Basic Training or we’ve been around since the water tower was a listerbag. SP 183

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Mark 1:22

As I’ve moved up the ranks, I’ve certainly noticed an increase in authority. It was especially noticeable when I was promoted to Master Sergeant and Captain. But, I also know that true authority in people’s lives only comes when we are making an impact through trustworthiness and concern for others. I call that, “Authority” with a capital “A”. Jesus is our model for true Authority, Credibility and Compassion. Question: If we were stripped of our rank, would the people we are leading today still follow tomorrow? SP 182

Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people, that they would become accursed and laid waste, and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD. 2 Kings 22:19

I’ve seen a lot of young soldiers in my office who are in trouble. They’ve done something wrong and they are worried about their punishment. They try to explain all the extenuating circumstances and why they shouldn’t get the max punishment. I listen patiently and then help them take responsibility for their actions. Leaders really don’t like to hear excuses and justification. But they are moved by a soldier who simply says, “I blew it and I deserve whatever you give me, I will not let that happen again.” That is called repentance and in the same way, God forgives us when we “own up to it.”