But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:11

I helped one of my fellow Ranger Instructors grow in his relationship with Christ in Dahlonega, GA. He in turn helped a cadet at North Georgia College who, 15 years later, became an instructor at West Point. Some very close friends of ours from Ft. Stewart, GA sent their son to West Point and was discipled by that instructor. Small world? How about this? The man who discipled me at Ft Campbell, KY had a son who joined the Air Force 17 years later. The son just happened to be stationed at an Air Force Base near the seminary I was attending in Phoenix, AZ and I discipled him. Coincidence? No way. I believe God has a plan and it is intricately woven through our lives to accomplish His will. Occasionally, God lets us “connect the dots” and encourages us as we survey His handiwork. Contemplate His awesome sovereignty and take comfort in His grand design. SP244

In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:52

The 12-mile road march in less than 2 hours, that’s pretty high speed. Running the 2 miler with a sub-eleven time, that’s pretty high speed. Disassembly and assembly of the M4 rifle in less than 30 seconds, that’s pretty high speed. In the military we label people and things that are fast and proficient, High Speed. But nothing is going to be more high speed than our resurrection or rapture at the second coming of Christ. Jesus tells us “no one knows the day or the hour” (Mat 24:36), so no one knows the exact time He will return. I’ll never make predictions but, I do know this, He’s coming back and when He does, it’ll be quick, fast, and in a hurry! That’s High Speed. Are you ready?

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10

I got the grand tour of the USS Enterprise, one of America’s finest weapon platforms. My fellow Navy Chaplain gave my family and I a four-hour walk about that even included eating lunch with the sailors. By the time we left, we had a pretty good understanding of the “Big E” and her capabilities. As we departed for the shore, I discovered others who were a little less enthusiastic about their tour of the aircraft carrier. They didn’t have a personal tour guide and were confined to the flight deck and the hanger one deck below. I listened to their disappointment and I realized the great benefits of my relationship with my fellow chaplain. It’s like the advantage we have as Christians. We belong to the family of believers. Certainly, we should take care of all people but we are also encouraged to give special priority to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are the family of God, look out for one another. SP242

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

The S3 and I were wandering through the rows and rows of crosses in the American Cemetery in Tunisia. These hollowed grounds honored the fallen warriors of the North African Campaign during WWII. We were awe struck as we walked. Suddenly, in mid-flight, a pigeon died and plopped at the feet of the S3. She was already feeling a little creepy walking among the dead and this pushed over the edge. She turned to me with a look of astonishment and she was white as a sheet. She asked, “Chaplain, is this a sign?” I responded, “Yes, it’s a sign that God loves you.” I explained the passage about the sparrows and how much more God loves us than the birds. The cemetery was full of fallen messengers saying, “I paid the price for your freedom, live worthy.” However, the bird was a fallen messenger who reminds us “Even though you do not live worthy, God still loves you and paid the price for your freedom anyways.”

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. Psalms 71:18

The Colonel and I were talking to some brand new Lieutenants and they were thanking us for the investments we had made in the Army. It was quite clear that we looked look ancient to these guys. I felt like a cowboy riding off into the sunset before the sun had really set. We were very honored that they would say such a thing, but I also realized my time is almost up. Even in the twilight of my career, I wanted to invest in young soldiers. Now comes the more important questions; Am I investing in the next generation of Christianity. Am I mentoring a younger man or woman in Christ. Am I taking the riches of God’s blessings and passing them on to another. I believe this is exactly what Jesus commands us to do in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). What a treasure! One day when we are “old and gray” the next generation will thank us for helping them become like Jesus. SP230

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

I stepped quietly over the frost covered sleeping bags to get to the 155-artillery piece. The occupants of the frozen cocoons were happily enjoying their dream world as their sneaky enemy placed “Destroyed by Rock Force” stickers all over their equipment. I easily slipped in and out without a challenge because no one was on their guard. The cost the next morning was probably nothing more than a little embarrassment, but could you imagine the consequences in a real war? We are in real combat everyday, spiritual combat. The enemy is constantly trying to sneak through our moral defenses by enticement and temptation. He is waiting for us to doze off mentally and then sneak through our principles and values. If we are not on our guard, we won’t even see it coming. In the spiritual fight, we cannot afford to be a sleep and allow Satan to sabotage our daily choices and our walk with Christ. Be on the alert! SP239

Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

The wooden board was pre-cut so that it would break easily over my back. It was a stunt we had pulled many times in our hand-to-hand combat demonstrations. As long as the aggressor struck me across the meaty upper-back, the most I would feel was a little sting. During this particular demo, my pugilistic partner was late with the anticipated blow. I looked over my shoulder and WHACK, the board broke as planned but the jagged edge put a nice gash in my chin. As the blood flowed, I realized it was a big mistake to look back. Can we make the same mistake spiritually? In our walk with Christ we can be tempted to look back. We may desire the lifestyle of the past or be unable to let go of previous sins committed. We could be resting on old laurels or just unwilling to face the future. In any case, looking back keeps us from moving forward and can be a potential danger to our spiritual journey. Eyes Front! SP238

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
Isaiah 58:8

Many spiritual parallels have been drawn from the pointman, but what about the warrior pulling rear security? Can’t the enemy sneak around and attack from our 6 o’clock just as easily as the 12? In fact, many times the enemy prefers to attack from the rear because our defensive posture focuses little attention in that area. But, God has not forgotten our vulnerabilities. He is alert to the deceptive tactics of the enemy. He provides 360 degrees of security. He’s got your six. SP237

Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.” Genesis 32:28

I knew from my buddies in the Ranger Battalion that hand to hand combat training was the one of the worst gauntlets in Ranger School. At the time, hand to hand was responsible for most of the casualties and medical drops. I had visions of a 7-foot, 250 lb, freak of nature tossing me around the pit like a rag doll. I prayed for a ranger buddy my own size. Not so with an Old Testament guy named Jacob. The Bible says that he wrestled with God and held on until He blessed him. What tenacity! But, why would Ranger Jacob get into the hand to hand pit with God and better yet, why would God let Him win? It was all about a blessing. Jacob wanted God’s benevolent fingerprints all over his life. And God was pleased accommodate him. In a sense, I wrestle with God everyday in my morning prayers. I’m asking Him to bless my family, my ministry, and YOU. SP236

Deb and I will be on vacation for the next week. Praying for you as we get some needed R&R. In the mean time, keep serving Jesus with all your might and let someone know about SWORDPOINT.