Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
The Panamanian boy had himself a trade; one huge pineapple for one small C-ration can of meat. I certainly thought I got the better end of the deal. The platoon was resuming its slither through the thick jungle and I tied the giant prickly fruit to the top of my ruck. As I trudged through the suffocating vegetation with my heavy load, each step brought the bounce and thump of the pineapple. The first miles seemed tolerable but by the end of the day, my bargain had become a curse. The pineapple had turned out to be an annoying hindrance to the march. Now, what are the pineapples in our spiritual lives? Could it be spending too much time at a good job or maybe recreation has become a slave driver? Do we own our house or does our house own us? What are the “good” things that slow us down in our march for God? It would be wise to consider our load plan and drop some of that excess weight. Marching On! SP232
C-ration – Army field rations before MREs (Meal Ready to Eat) and after K-rations
Ruck – Military Backpack
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Red Lenses
…Though seeing, they do not see… Mathew 13:13
I was under my poncho trying to keep the glow of my red lens flashlight from sneaking out. I didn’t want the light to give away our position and I needed to cut some 550 to repair my gear. As I worked with my razor sharp K-Bar, I noticed my hands were getting wet and sticky. I tried to wipe the substance off but it just kept getting worse. Wanting a better look at what was going on, I braved taking the red lens off my flashlight. To my surprise, the white light revealed hands covered with blood, my blood. Without knowing it, the sharp knife had cut a pretty good gash in my thumb but the red light had concealed the Class III leak. Likewise, the lenses of life can impair our vision. We are so used to looking at life a certain way that our weaknesses, character flaws, or even sin can go undetected. I have two white lights for my life: God and true friends. They shed light on the problems and help me see areas that I need to change. SP231
I was under my poncho trying to keep the glow of my red lens flashlight from sneaking out. I didn’t want the light to give away our position and I needed to cut some 550 to repair my gear. As I worked with my razor sharp K-Bar, I noticed my hands were getting wet and sticky. I tried to wipe the substance off but it just kept getting worse. Wanting a better look at what was going on, I braved taking the red lens off my flashlight. To my surprise, the white light revealed hands covered with blood, my blood. Without knowing it, the sharp knife had cut a pretty good gash in my thumb but the red light had concealed the Class III leak. Likewise, the lenses of life can impair our vision. We are so used to looking at life a certain way that our weaknesses, character flaws, or even sin can go undetected. I have two white lights for my life: God and true friends. They shed light on the problems and help me see areas that I need to change. SP231
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Next Generation
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
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
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
They Should Forfeit
[Jesus said,] I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
What would you think if the enemy never even showed up? You had the troops and equipment ready to go and then your opponent didn't bother coming to the fight. I was watching my son wrestle the one day at a high school meet. He pinned his first rival after a good struggle. But there was no opponent in his second match and it was forfeited. The match was won before it even started. But, what about the spiritual conflict? Well, the battle between God and His enemies has already been decided. They have no chance of winning because of their inability to stand in the presence of the Almighty. God has already defeated our enemy in a predetermined victory through Jesus Christ. They might as well forfeit. This realization should give us great confidence and help us to live the Christian life boldly. Victory is Ours! SP229
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What would you think if the enemy never even showed up? You had the troops and equipment ready to go and then your opponent didn't bother coming to the fight. I was watching my son wrestle the one day at a high school meet. He pinned his first rival after a good struggle. But there was no opponent in his second match and it was forfeited. The match was won before it even started. But, what about the spiritual conflict? Well, the battle between God and His enemies has already been decided. They have no chance of winning because of their inability to stand in the presence of the Almighty. God has already defeated our enemy in a predetermined victory through Jesus Christ. They might as well forfeit. This realization should give us great confidence and help us to live the Christian life boldly. Victory is Ours! SP229
We have 90 subscribers in the SWORDPOINT community! Let's ask 10 more to join the for 100.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
…Army Navs Live…
(Wednesday, 26 March 08 at 2100 EST)
Go to the Website at: www.ustream.tv/channel/army-navigators
Joseph Peer from the Hunter Army Airfield / Ft. Stewart Ministry will be sharing - The 3 Responsibilities of the Disciplemaker
He'll be taking your questions and comments via chat, phone, or OOVOO (free video conferencing program from oovoo.com). Bring your Bible, pen, paper (napkin) and your questions.
***Have some ideas about responsibilities in disciplemaking? Send me your top 5 tips (short and to the point, scripture is good too). Send them to charleswood1@gmail.com
To talk on oovoo, you'll need to have the free software down loaded from http://www.oovoo.com/ (make sure you get the free stuff). And add his contact info by searching for me by using my contact name in the search: haafnavs
If you miss the live show you can catch the recording at: www.ustream.tv/channel/army-navigators
Go to the Website at: www.ustream.tv/channel/army-navigators
Joseph Peer from the Hunter Army Airfield / Ft. Stewart Ministry will be sharing - The 3 Responsibilities of the Disciplemaker
He'll be taking your questions and comments via chat, phone, or OOVOO (free video conferencing program from oovoo.com). Bring your Bible, pen, paper (napkin) and your questions.
***Have some ideas about responsibilities in disciplemaking? Send me your top 5 tips (short and to the point, scripture is good too). Send them to charleswood1@gmail.com
To talk on oovoo, you'll need to have the free software down loaded from http://www.oovoo.com/ (make sure you get the free stuff). And add his contact info by searching for me by using my contact name in the search: haafnavs
If you miss the live show you can catch the recording at: www.ustream.tv/channel/army-navigators
The Act of War
When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. Deuteronomy 20:2-4
As men and women of faith, we pray and plead for peace. But, I’m afraid there are times when peace can only be achieved through the brutality of war. As we continue to fight this war on terror, I realize many of you, my friends, have deployed or will deploy soon. With that understood, I want you to hear the words of the Scriptures and receive it’s blessing. If you are called, go and fight with all the might the Lord of Heaven has given you and may compassion rise from the ashes of this necessary violence. Make sure your Bible is packed in your ruck and make prayer as essential as eating. Know that we who are in the support role here in the States are faithfully behind you in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you. SP228
As men and women of faith, we pray and plead for peace. But, I’m afraid there are times when peace can only be achieved through the brutality of war. As we continue to fight this war on terror, I realize many of you, my friends, have deployed or will deploy soon. With that understood, I want you to hear the words of the Scriptures and receive it’s blessing. If you are called, go and fight with all the might the Lord of Heaven has given you and may compassion rise from the ashes of this necessary violence. Make sure your Bible is packed in your ruck and make prayer as essential as eating. Know that we who are in the support role here in the States are faithfully behind you in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you. SP228
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Advanced Party
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:2-3
I prayed for them before they left for Kuwait three weeks prior to our departure. They were the advanced party and their job was to get things started on our new home away from home. They set up tents, shower facilities, and the wonderful outhouses we were so fond of. They made coordination for food services so we could have a semi-hot meal twice a day. They did a lot of things to make life better in a barren wasteland. But, despite all their hard work it was a step down in the ol’ standard of living (a big step). There will be no such plummeting in residential standards when we pass from this life to the next. It will be like going from those hot sweltering tents in the desert to a plush 5 star hotel where the air conditioning never stops. The food will be gourmet and we will be seated with the King of kings. Be encouraged. Christ is our advanced party and He is preparing a place for us. SP227
I prayed for them before they left for Kuwait three weeks prior to our departure. They were the advanced party and their job was to get things started on our new home away from home. They set up tents, shower facilities, and the wonderful outhouses we were so fond of. They made coordination for food services so we could have a semi-hot meal twice a day. They did a lot of things to make life better in a barren wasteland. But, despite all their hard work it was a step down in the ol’ standard of living (a big step). There will be no such plummeting in residential standards when we pass from this life to the next. It will be like going from those hot sweltering tents in the desert to a plush 5 star hotel where the air conditioning never stops. The food will be gourmet and we will be seated with the King of kings. Be encouraged. Christ is our advanced party and He is preparing a place for us. SP227
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