Matthew22:29 ESV
But Jesus answered them, "You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God."
BOOOOOM!!!! That's the sound I hear over and over again all day long out here at Gunnery as the tanks do their job. The sound of the amazingly forceful blasts resonates throughout the entire valley we are living in here every few minutes. The sound interrupts conversations, stops people in their tracks, and reminds us of the firepower we carry with us wherever we go. That's just the sound. The explosion itself can destroy almost anything in its path. It can liquefy metal. It can knock over buildings. It is powerful!
When Jesus talks about knowing the power of God He uses the Greek word "dunamis." This is the word we get the term dynamite from. The explosive power of God. The power that interrupts conversations, stops people in their tracks, and reminds us of the firepower we carry with us wherever we go! But, this power is a power that needs to be known. It needs to be equipped in the believer's life. You must know it. You must utilize it and the best way to do that is to know Scripture. Scripture is our weapon that produces the explosive power of God in our lives. Without it we end up asking the wrong questions, pointing in the wrong direction, and lacking purpose.
The power of God is meant to impact this world. It is not a flashbang that just makes a loud noise with nothing to show for it. It makes a mark. Do you know the power of God today? Know the Scriptures and His promises will release the BOOOOOM!!! In your life!
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
31May16
Psalm 127:1-2
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep.
"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." This saying was repeated to me frequently when I was growing up. An old proverb that helps to instill a good work ethic in children at an early age. There is nothing wrong with working hard. But, today I want to ask the question... What are you working for? What are you staying awake to watch for? What are you going to bed late and rising early for? What brings you anxious toil?
This verse lays it out very clearly that unless it is for the LORD then it is in vain. You waste your anxieties. You waste your precious hours. Because without God it is all dust. Without God there is no legacy that will last. Without God you work without gain. This doesn't mean that our days should be spent with everyone becoming pastors / chaplains. No, this is a reflection of the purpose behind your work. Are you utilizing everything you do to the benefit of God and His kingdom or are you focused on your kingdom? His kingdom will last forever. Yours will be destroyed. There can be only one King. Have you given your actions eternal purpose or are you continuing to toil anxiously in vain?
The benefit of the eternal purpose is that "He gives to His beloved sleep." See the contrast? One gets no sleep, only anxiety. The other rest securely because they trust that God is in control. Rest easy child of God because you are His beloved and He holds you. Just ask yourself... "Does this have eternal consequence?"
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to His beloved sleep.
"Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." This saying was repeated to me frequently when I was growing up. An old proverb that helps to instill a good work ethic in children at an early age. There is nothing wrong with working hard. But, today I want to ask the question... What are you working for? What are you staying awake to watch for? What are you going to bed late and rising early for? What brings you anxious toil?
This verse lays it out very clearly that unless it is for the LORD then it is in vain. You waste your anxieties. You waste your precious hours. Because without God it is all dust. Without God there is no legacy that will last. Without God you work without gain. This doesn't mean that our days should be spent with everyone becoming pastors / chaplains. No, this is a reflection of the purpose behind your work. Are you utilizing everything you do to the benefit of God and His kingdom or are you focused on your kingdom? His kingdom will last forever. Yours will be destroyed. There can be only one King. Have you given your actions eternal purpose or are you continuing to toil anxiously in vain?
The benefit of the eternal purpose is that "He gives to His beloved sleep." See the contrast? One gets no sleep, only anxiety. The other rest securely because they trust that God is in control. Rest easy child of God because you are His beloved and He holds you. Just ask yourself... "Does this have eternal consequence?"
Sunday, May 29, 2016
30May16
Psalm 82:3-4 ESV
Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Today is Memorial Day in the United States. Last night we took a moment of silence during our service to remember those who went before us. Those who willing laid down their lives for the cause of freedom and justice. When I was a civilian I remember many Memorial days passing by where I was just thankful for the day off from work. I paid little thought to those who gave it all for my security. Now that I serve in a foreign land in the footsteps of those great men and women I am reminded consistently of the call that each Soldier has. God calls us to bring justice, uphold rights, rescue, and deliver all people. Soldiers are the right hand of God in this. All gave some... Some gave all. Take a moment to reflect on this verse in silence and remember.
Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Today is Memorial Day in the United States. Last night we took a moment of silence during our service to remember those who went before us. Those who willing laid down their lives for the cause of freedom and justice. When I was a civilian I remember many Memorial days passing by where I was just thankful for the day off from work. I paid little thought to those who gave it all for my security. Now that I serve in a foreign land in the footsteps of those great men and women I am reminded consistently of the call that each Soldier has. God calls us to bring justice, uphold rights, rescue, and deliver all people. Soldiers are the right hand of God in this. All gave some... Some gave all. Take a moment to reflect on this verse in silence and remember.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
27May16
Hebrews 5:8
Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
As I sat in a three hour long convoy traveling at 10 miles per hour (just about top speed) through the streets of Korea at 2300 hours my back was screaming at me. You see, we were told that we needed to wear our body armor for the entire trip. At first that wasn't an issue but, when you sit in the same position with those plates digging into your back for a while it really starts to get uncomfortable. So, about two hours into the trip the pain directed my thoughts to the question... why? Why on earth are we wearing body armor on a four hour trip through the peaceful streets of S. Korea? What's the purpose of this? Do they think someone is going to shoot at me here tonight? I knew that if I uttered the question out loud I would get a response similar to many things in the army... "because it's good Army training Hooah."
Often times when I find myself in pain, in suffering, I reach out for that one question... "why?" Or a variation in the form of "why me?" When I read the above verse I am reminded that Jesus suffered... a lot. In His pain He cried out, "My God My God Why..." It's not wrong to ask the question "why?" But, the Bible answers that question for us on multiple occasions. For Jesus it was for the purpose of obedience. Can you imagine that? You endure pain so that you can learn just to obey... sounds like Basic training all over again. Sometimes asking the question why is answered with a simple answer of... "so you can learn to obey." Do you have a heart that will accept this answer? Will you obey or is your heart in rebellion?
Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
As I sat in a three hour long convoy traveling at 10 miles per hour (just about top speed) through the streets of Korea at 2300 hours my back was screaming at me. You see, we were told that we needed to wear our body armor for the entire trip. At first that wasn't an issue but, when you sit in the same position with those plates digging into your back for a while it really starts to get uncomfortable. So, about two hours into the trip the pain directed my thoughts to the question... why? Why on earth are we wearing body armor on a four hour trip through the peaceful streets of S. Korea? What's the purpose of this? Do they think someone is going to shoot at me here tonight? I knew that if I uttered the question out loud I would get a response similar to many things in the army... "because it's good Army training Hooah."
Often times when I find myself in pain, in suffering, I reach out for that one question... "why?" Or a variation in the form of "why me?" When I read the above verse I am reminded that Jesus suffered... a lot. In His pain He cried out, "My God My God Why..." It's not wrong to ask the question "why?" But, the Bible answers that question for us on multiple occasions. For Jesus it was for the purpose of obedience. Can you imagine that? You endure pain so that you can learn just to obey... sounds like Basic training all over again. Sometimes asking the question why is answered with a simple answer of... "so you can learn to obey." Do you have a heart that will accept this answer? Will you obey or is your heart in rebellion?
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
25May16
Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."
It is amazing how we carry things with us through life. Grudges, hurts, pain, heartache... these things that steal the joy from us before we even step foot out of our bed. They destroy relationships before we even start. They leave you feeling bitter and hollow on the inside. When I was in high school I would wake up super early in the morning so that I could get to the school early for my extra-curriculars and then stay late for practices and rehearsals. Every morning I knew that I had a ton of stuff to accomplish before I could rest and I thought that my entire future hinged on how I would do each and every day. It made me sick. Literally. The first thing I would do in the morning is walk over to the toilet and barf. Once I had that out of my system I would move through my day. I carried my stress from day to day without ever finding that rest, love, mercy, faithfulness, or new beginning. It made me sick and it will make you sick.
Maybe not physically sick but, when we carry these things through life day to day, without ever finding that peace with God in our spirit, it embitters us. It starts to rot us from the inside. But, God wants to refresh you. This morning. Right now. He says that His love and mercy are new EVERY morning! We don't have to carry them with us! Take a moment right now and close your eyes. Breathe in the peace of God and ask Him to bring to you a fresh wind of love and mercy this morning. He's good for it.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."
It is amazing how we carry things with us through life. Grudges, hurts, pain, heartache... these things that steal the joy from us before we even step foot out of our bed. They destroy relationships before we even start. They leave you feeling bitter and hollow on the inside. When I was in high school I would wake up super early in the morning so that I could get to the school early for my extra-curriculars and then stay late for practices and rehearsals. Every morning I knew that I had a ton of stuff to accomplish before I could rest and I thought that my entire future hinged on how I would do each and every day. It made me sick. Literally. The first thing I would do in the morning is walk over to the toilet and barf. Once I had that out of my system I would move through my day. I carried my stress from day to day without ever finding that rest, love, mercy, faithfulness, or new beginning. It made me sick and it will make you sick.
Maybe not physically sick but, when we carry these things through life day to day, without ever finding that peace with God in our spirit, it embitters us. It starts to rot us from the inside. But, God wants to refresh you. This morning. Right now. He says that His love and mercy are new EVERY morning! We don't have to carry them with us! Take a moment right now and close your eyes. Breathe in the peace of God and ask Him to bring to you a fresh wind of love and mercy this morning. He's good for it.
Monday, May 23, 2016
24May16
Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
During a class I was sitting in yesterday Brigadier General Mennes said, "Values determine behavior." He was talking about how what a Commander values will come out in what they do regardless of what their Philosophy is. Words can mean a lot of things and we can have the best of intentions when we write them but, they will never speak louder than the actions that you take. We can say over and over again that we value one thing and prove that we don't care about it at all with the next action that we take. This drives a lot of Soldiers crazy. Especially when the number one thing that a Commander says they value is the Soldier himself and yet they feel entirely disposable. I wonder what you would say you value if you had to list the top five things on there? Is God, your faith, your relationship with the Almighty, on there?
A lot of people say that they value God. In fact a lot of people say that they are Christians. But, values determine behavior and where your treasure is, that's where your heart is. So do you act like you value God or do you just say it because it's the "right" thing to say? Do you give him your time, treasure, talent, and try to live a life like He asks us to or do you really value something else? The class I was sitting in was about creating a positive command climate and as I thought about the leaders I have worked for, in the Army and out, I could nail down one distinctive trait about the ones I would consider toxic... selfishness. They valued themselves above all else and regardless of what they said... their actions proved it. What do you REALLY value?
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
During a class I was sitting in yesterday Brigadier General Mennes said, "Values determine behavior." He was talking about how what a Commander values will come out in what they do regardless of what their Philosophy is. Words can mean a lot of things and we can have the best of intentions when we write them but, they will never speak louder than the actions that you take. We can say over and over again that we value one thing and prove that we don't care about it at all with the next action that we take. This drives a lot of Soldiers crazy. Especially when the number one thing that a Commander says they value is the Soldier himself and yet they feel entirely disposable. I wonder what you would say you value if you had to list the top five things on there? Is God, your faith, your relationship with the Almighty, on there?
A lot of people say that they value God. In fact a lot of people say that they are Christians. But, values determine behavior and where your treasure is, that's where your heart is. So do you act like you value God or do you just say it because it's the "right" thing to say? Do you give him your time, treasure, talent, and try to live a life like He asks us to or do you really value something else? The class I was sitting in was about creating a positive command climate and as I thought about the leaders I have worked for, in the Army and out, I could nail down one distinctive trait about the ones I would consider toxic... selfishness. They valued themselves above all else and regardless of what they said... their actions proved it. What do you REALLY value?
Sunday, May 22, 2016
23may16
Proverbs 24:16 ESV
For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
Sunday morning I started my day by going over to Camp Casey and praying for our Expert Infantry Badge candidates before the first event of their actual testing. (If you didn't catch what the rigors of this competition are and mean to a Soldier check out my Word of the Day from last week). The competition started with a Physical Training Test. The Army standard for physical fitness is not one that most civilian people can even meet (which is scoring at least a 60 in each event) and EIB candidates must score above 80 in each event (push ups, situps, and running 2 miles). This is not an easy task especially after two weeks of grueling training from sun up to sun down. I can't do it. But, these men tried.
After the first event I waited as they came off the PT field with their heads hung low and some with tears in their eyes. One word rolling through their mind... failure. More came after the second. After the run only 90 out of 160 were still in the competition. And that's considered a good showing! That leaves a lot of Soldiers walking around with that word haunting their thoughts. Failure. Have you ever given everything you had to something? Tried to come across the finish line only to realize you were 5 seconds too late? Been one sit up short of the prize? Have you ever thought you were a failure?
The difference in this verse between the righteous and the wicked is one thing... persistence. The righteous falls more times but, each time rises back up again. The wicked turn their failures into a time of calamity. "It's ALL OVER!!! Woe is me!!! Waaaah!" This kind of reaction can be most of our initial reaction but, it cannot stay in our hearts. We must rise again. Learn from our failure. When you fail it does not make you a failure. It's HOW you fail that makes you a failure. Will you rise back up this morning from your failure or will you allow it to turn your life into a calamity? Rise up.
For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
Sunday morning I started my day by going over to Camp Casey and praying for our Expert Infantry Badge candidates before the first event of their actual testing. (If you didn't catch what the rigors of this competition are and mean to a Soldier check out my Word of the Day from last week). The competition started with a Physical Training Test. The Army standard for physical fitness is not one that most civilian people can even meet (which is scoring at least a 60 in each event) and EIB candidates must score above 80 in each event (push ups, situps, and running 2 miles). This is not an easy task especially after two weeks of grueling training from sun up to sun down. I can't do it. But, these men tried.
After the first event I waited as they came off the PT field with their heads hung low and some with tears in their eyes. One word rolling through their mind... failure. More came after the second. After the run only 90 out of 160 were still in the competition. And that's considered a good showing! That leaves a lot of Soldiers walking around with that word haunting their thoughts. Failure. Have you ever given everything you had to something? Tried to come across the finish line only to realize you were 5 seconds too late? Been one sit up short of the prize? Have you ever thought you were a failure?
The difference in this verse between the righteous and the wicked is one thing... persistence. The righteous falls more times but, each time rises back up again. The wicked turn their failures into a time of calamity. "It's ALL OVER!!! Woe is me!!! Waaaah!" This kind of reaction can be most of our initial reaction but, it cannot stay in our hearts. We must rise again. Learn from our failure. When you fail it does not make you a failure. It's HOW you fail that makes you a failure. Will you rise back up this morning from your failure or will you allow it to turn your life into a calamity? Rise up.
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