You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6

The PZ was set with all troops and vehicles in place. The only thing left was to watch the clock. I knew the Blackhawk helicopters wouldn’t touch down until it was time. Helicopter pilots have a strict standard for arriving at plus or minus 30 seconds. I knew they wouldn’t be early or late. Nothing to do but relax. Now, why can’t we do that with God? I mean the life-giving work of the cross, the most significant event in history, happened right on time. And yet, we wonder if Jesus can handle the timing of our next assignment, the birth of a child, or even simple things like the weather. Our aviators are good, God is perfect. Relax and trust Him, His timing is perfect. SP218

PZ – Pickup Zone; Clear, open area suitable for landing aircraft and loading troops and equipment.

May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

I was walking down the street and some soldiers caught my eye. They were Ranger students and in their midst was a Ranger Instructor looking like he just stepped out of a recruiting poster. I stopped and watch the instructor for a few minutes from a distance and thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to be a Ranger Instructor.” Nine months later I was an RI in the mountain phase of Ranger School. Wow, I never put in a request with the assignment folks, I didn’t even really pray about it, I just thought it would be “cool.” What are your dreams, the desires of your heart? Do you realize God knows them before you even pray about them? Today, as you live your life for Christ, I pray that He will give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed. SP217

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Psalm 22:1

As we maneuvered during the live fire, the sound of ricocheting bullets at the top of the hill sent chills down my spine. It wasn’t combat but as close as it gets. As part of our drill, we all dropped to the ground in the waist high grass. Suddenly, I lost all contact with my squad. There was this unique sensation of being totally alone in a very dangerous situation. The loneliness and the paralyzing effects of fear and stress begin to take over. But in reality, my ranger buddy was no more than a few feet away. Then I heard those reassuring words, “Wood, move forward, I got you covered!” I’m sure you could multiply that by 100 times in real combat, but what about the battles of life. The bullets of reality start flying, we duck for cover and suddenly we feel completely alone. Sometimes we may even feel abandoned by God. But in reality, He is always right there with us. Trust Him; move forward, He’s got you covered. SP216

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9

When I was teaching mountaineering on Mount Yonah, I noticed two kinds of students. The first were constantly falling, losing their grip, and getting banged up on the rock. The second were naturals who climbed like geckos scurrying up a stucco wall. It was like they had grown “rock claws.” They had a serious grip on the cliff and these Ranger students could be expert climbers with a little training. I think we need to be like the latter when it comes to holding on to the good in our lives. We need to cling to good character, good morals, and good deeds with everything we’ve got. Jesus has given us this grip with His promises. Grab on to Christ and never let go!SP215

I will be doing an interview with Rusty Bean from Ft Bliss on Ustream on Wednesday, 12 March 08 at 2100 EST. Fort Bliss is a brand new ministry about 10 months old and is already seeing the fruit of a generational ministry. We’ll be asking Rusty to give us some insights into starting a new ministry.

The interview will be followed by the “Master Builder Illustration” from 1 Cor 3.10-11. This is an illustration you can use to help explain the BE, KNOW, DO of the Christian life.

And of course for those who want to talk shop, we’ll be taking your questions and comments via chat, email, and Skype. Bring you Bible, pen, paper (napkin) and your questions.Website: www.ustream.tv/channel/army-navigators

To talk on Skype, you’ll need to have the free software down loaded from http://www.skype.com (make sure you get the free stuff). And add my contact info by searching for me by using my contact name in the search: benningnavs

“You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” Joshua 23:14

Everyone has their recruiting story. I first visited the Marine recruiter and announced I wanted to be Force Recon. The tactless warrior stood and said, “Boy, if you want promises, go see the Army recruiter next door.” So…I did. I came through the door and proclaimed, “I want to be an Airborne Ranger.” A smile lit across the face of the Army recruiter and he shot back, “We can do that! I’m going to put you in the 82nd Airborne Division.” [buzzer-EEEH, Not what I asked for, but, I’m a doofus] “Is that a Ranger unit?” I asked. “Son, there are lots of Rangers there.”[buzzer-EEEH, Half truth] I was descending down the slippery slope and I was about to learn lesson number one, Get it in Writing. The promises of man can be misleading and we’ve all been stung a time or two. But, when God promises something, He delivers. We’ve got that in writing. SP214

Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10

The new LT had all five map-sheets spread out on the ground and he was looking in several different directions. He was lost and lost in a big way. As I walked up, I could tell he was a little embarrassed and didn’t want to ask for help. But, he would certainly accept a little coaching if it were presented in the right way. That’s how I often see folks around me as they try to figure out where they are spiritually. They have life all spread out in every direction. They are lost in a big way. Our job is to help them navigate their way to faith in Jesus without being condescending or judgmental. I have dedicated my life to helping people plot a course that leads to eternal life in Christ. Do you know the way? If so, show someone else. If not, let me suggest going to this website and then get back with me by filling in a comment on my blog. We’ll see if that doesn’t give you some direction. SP213

Click on the link below for going from lost to found: http://www.navigators.org/us/resources/illustrations/items/bridge

I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. Psalm 119:52

Motrin is a miracle drug for the US Army. When a young warrior goes to see the Doc, 9 times out of 10 he’s going to leave with a bottle of “Ranger Candy”. I always keep a basic load of 800 mg in my rucksack. It takes care of a lot of pain. But what about the kind of pain Motrin can’t touch? Sometimes we find ourselves with the pain of anxiety, loneliness, spiritual dryness, or a broken heart. God uses the Word to sooth and comfort these spiritual aches and pains. The next time your spirit is hurting, spend time in the Word of God and find comfort for your soul. Warning: Use Motrin only as directed; read the Scriptures as much as you want! SP212

Jesus said, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42

It was another blistering day in the desert. As my driver and I passed a platoon from the 82nd Airborne Division, I decided to stop and see if I knew anyone. It was then I discovered the predicament of these parched paratroopers. They had completely run out of water and the water point was miles away. I loaded my jeep with their canteens and headed off to the water point. When I returned, I became an instant hero. The appreciation for a little H2o was overwhelming. There was great reward in that simple act of giving water to the thirsty. Now consider this, if there is reward for giving physical water, imagine the reward for the act of giving spiritual water. There are people around us living in spiritual deserts and they need us to bring them living waters. Pass that canteen. SP211

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. PS 119:45

When I led recons, I always made sure I knew my maps and overlays down to the smallest details. I almost had them memorized. I knew the terrain, friendly positions, enemy locations and more. Because I had done my homework, we were able to freely move about in our sector. It allowed me to travel in enemy territory without much restriction and in our own AO (Area of Operation) without the worry of friendly fire. That same freedom comes when we know the Bible. We read about the great promises of God and He brings us into new territory without fear. The Bible points out areas to avoid, Satanic and worldly ambushes or restrictive behavior that can slow us down spiritually. The more we know the Scriptures the more we are liberated in this walk of faith. Walk in the freedom of God’s Word. (John 8.31-32) SP210