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Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth…2 Timothy 2:25

Often times military discipline resorts to the hammer. Young leadership especially. But, although a hammer may be needed in some circumstances, we need to have a few more tools in our kitbag. Sometimes we need pliers to put a little pressure where it’s needed. Sometimes we need a saw to cut away the unwanted pieces. Sometimes we need a screwdriver just to tighten things up a little. A mature leader knows the right tool for the right job. SP179

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Mark 5:18-20

Some of us reading this devotional today are struggling with the fact that our comrades are deployed and we are not. We are left with the mundane day-to-day chores of support and it’s not very glamorous. I know the feeling. I volunteered to deploy every month I was on active duty with a new scheme to get overseas. But, as much as we don’t like to hear it, our jobs are just as important to the effort right here at home. Now how does this relate to our walk with the Lord? We can get the same feelings of not being ‘where the action is’ as we serve Jesus. We might think, “If I were only a missionary or pastor or in some other place.” Well, the most important question is “am I serving Christ right where I am now?” Sometimes God calls us to stay. SP178

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:20

I have seen the changing of guards all over the world. From London, to the Vatican, to Germany, even doing it myself as a private at Fort Bragg. But, there is nothing so magnificent as the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. Every time I see the ceremony, it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. However, there is a changing of the guard even more magnificent then that; the changing of the old covenant to the new. Jesus, through His blood shed on the cross, relieved the Old Covenant of its duties and brought in New. There is a new Guardian of Heaven. Jesus alone can let you pass. SP176

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