Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, `Show us the Father’? John 14:9

I walked up to a small huddle of Ranger Students in the middle of the night to find them complaining about their Ranger Instructor. Cloaked by the darkness, I eased into their little group and listened to their grievances and complaints. It was hilarious to listen to them criticize me so strongly and not know I was standing right there. In the humor of it all, I ease dropped for a few minutes. Then I interrupted the gripe session by asking, “Don’t you men have better things to do than snivel about me holding your feet to the fire?” The group quickly and sheepishly disbanded. In the darkness they failed to recognize that their RI was standing in their midst. Sometimes, in the darkness of our understanding, we may fail to recognize Jesus in our presence. He’s not just a great teacher or a great prophet, He is God. He hears every word and sees every act. Have we truly recognized Him in our midst? (John 1:1-2,14) SP200

The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Galatians 5:14-15

My team leader and I snuck through the darkness into the opposing force’s perimeter. They knew something was up and I could hear them frantically communicating with each other. Suddenly, my own team leader began to yell, “They’re in the perimeter, they’re in the perimeter!” The next thing I knew, all three machineguns and other small arms turned toward the middle of the perimeter and opened fire. We had set up a perfect self-destructive ambush. I think Satan is busy doing the same to the Church. Once he’s got us shooting one another, his battle is almost won. Remember, friendly fire isn’t so friendly. SP199

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. Psalm 78:72

Before a road march out to the field, I stated to my platoon, “All right, this is a period of amnesty. If you have anything in your ruck you shouldn’t, bring it up front.” I could not believe the contraband that was being piled up at my feet (even a bottle of whiskey!). Just then, my commander walked by and noticed my little collection. He demanded to know the rightful owners of these prohibited items. I told him, “I’m sorry sir, but I told my men that this was a period of amnesty.” I knew I was in trouble at that point but I could not violate a promise made to my men. I took the heat that day, (and learned a better procedure for amnesty) but I gained the respect of my platoon by leading with integrity. SP198

Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves. Luke 17:1-3

Some Ranger Instructors liked to play mind games with the students. For instance, on dark nights, when all that could be seen was the luminous tape on the back of a patrol cap, they would take off their hats and guide the unsuspecting ranger students into trees and bushes. The students were unaware that the light they followed was being held at arm length and intended to lead them astray. If that sounds like a dirty trick, think about a person who misleads someone spiritually. The last thing we want to do is to cause another person to stumble. As we let our lives shine for Jesus Christ, let’s make sure we are guiding others down a safe and true path. SP197

Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

I was walking through the motor pool, minding my own business, when a mechanic suddenly appeared. “Hey Chaplain, you afraid to die?” My response was quick and definite, “Why should I be afraid to die? I’m following Jesus Christ who gives me eternal life.” The answer shocked him. Apparently, this crusty veteran had been ambushing Christians for quite some time. He admitted that when he would get a less than enthusiastic response from the believer, he would chide them for not believing their own religion. I don’t think most believers respond from a lack of faith. When asked a question like that, most of us are thinking about the process of death. The pain and suffering. But if we were given the time to explain fully, we would eventually get to the hope of eternal life in Christ. That’s the part of death we can get excited about. SP196

http://ustream.tv/oT9b14,Qa9YlMmViI9zAwobOmTem0Ia5.usv

In the course of time, David inquired of the LORD. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked. The LORD said, “Go up.” David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron,” the LORD answered. 2 Samuel 2:1

“Would you like to go to Italy?” “Yes, but let me pray about it.” Now why in the world would anyone have to pray about an assignment to Italy?! Because the Kingdom always comes first (Mat 6.33). Although my dream sheet was blank, I believe God guided me to exactly the right places at the right time in every assignment. He was my Branch Manager. He knew exactly what we needed and where we needed to go. Funny thing is, He often gives us the desire of our hearts. We did go to Italy and lived two blocks from the Med. Italy was so much more enjoyable knowing that God put me there. SP195

PCS – Permanent Change of Station

LIVE Ustream of the South East Laborer’s Summit
Recruiting Laborers to a Vision to Build an Army for Christ
Savannah, GA

Saturday 16 Feb 08 EST

1030-1130 – State of the Army Work- Andrew Stroud
1400-1500 – Focusing on Developing the Man in Light of the Movement – Cecil Bean
1500-1600 – The Needs of the Work, Who’s In? – Chuck Wood
1700-1800 – Staff Funding- John Snyder and Joseph Peer

If you want to tune in on any of the sessions, click on the link below:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/army-navigators

Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:12

At night, ranger patrols normally snake their way through the mountains at a slow and tedious pace. This is especially true when it’s moonless and pitch-black. One night I noticed from the rear of the patrol that we were moving at a pretty good clip. I was curious at this oddity and made my way to the front of the patrol. I found the point man was wearing night vision goggles and sporting an infrared lens on his flashlight. To the naked eye, there was only darkness, but to him it was like daylight. The point man was leading his fellow students through the darkness with ease. As Christians, we can do the same for those around us. Jesus said we are the light of the world and we have the light of His Word. We are guides for those trying to find their way through spiritual darkness. Let your light shine and lead others to Jesus. SP194

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Back in the days before BDUs and ACUs we wore Olive Drab fatigues. There was a saying at the time; “We’re all OD green.” This was an attempt to build unity and to cut down on some of the racial problems experienced by the Army in the late 70s. It has since become less than politically correct to say we are all the “same” because of the fear of losing our uniqueness. However, I think finding and celebrating our commonality is just as valid as enjoying our individuality. As Christians, we should celebrate our unity in Christ. No matter what race, color, ethnic background, gender, etc… we are all one in Christ. Maybe not politically correct, but correct nonetheless. SP193

Tonight, Wednesday 13 Feb 08, I will be doing a LIVE Streaming on the internet at 2100 EST. The topic will start with the parable of the soils and then we’ll talk shop about ministry.

You can tune in at: www.ustream.tv/channel/army-navigators