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[…]men…'” (Matthew 4:19 RSV). As a Christian officer in the military today, I need only look to Jesus for the example to follow. Jesus provides the premier lesson on leadership by focusing on three areas: serving others, doing the will of His Father, and forsaking the world’s view of leadership. Serve Others Serving others may sound like an odd way to lead. If we’re appointed as leaders, people are supposed to obey our orders and follow us. Servant leadership is not new to this age, but can be traced back to first-century Judea. In Mark’s Gospel account, Jesus redefined leadership […]
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[…]to be a leader in God’s kingdom. An accurate view of authority and service JOHN 13:3-4. Before Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, He was fully aware of His authority and position in the kingdom. John takes pains to remind us that Jesus viewed His exalted position accurately. The magnificence of His act of service comes from the fact that He did not seek His own glory, but entrusted that to the Father. Instead, He used His authority and power to serve others. Submission to Christ’s authority JOHN 13:8-9. One way Christ taught His followers to be servants was by washing […]
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[…]congregations contain military people who need to know more of a personal walk with the Lord Jesus. Some have never made a faith commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Others have never clarified and developed their faith so as to grow into mature disciples. In combat many will be open to the chaplains’ ministry who would otherwise be uninterested. In overseas duty stations a number of young men and women who are far from home will show up at chapel services. Military personnel are often referred to chaplains by the chain of command for counseling. Because of these […]
[…]as I loved my Lord and did not want to bring dishonor to His name. In this, as in all other areas, Jesus must be Lord. And as He is Lord, there will be integrity in your life. “Jesus is Lord” will affect your attitude toward your career. Your mission from the Army–and even more from our Lord–is not to reach some particular rank, but to serve your nation and lead and serve your soldiers. Knowing that we are called to this by our Lord frees us from the unreachable drive for personal success, to follow instead the call and […]
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[…]on dusty hills, they clearly understood the support they provided. During some of my unannounced visits to the troops’ work places, I heard them talk firsthand about how their individual roles were significant and how what they did contributed to the final mission of handing over the infrastructure to the Iraqi army. Our soldiers are professional, dedicated, strong, and compassionate. Yes, they looked forward to getting home to their families and lives on American soil. But in Iraq last summer, morale was upbeat-considering they still had to take cover when sirens sounded “incoming rocket fire” from insurgents. My view is […]
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[…]clear to me. It reads, “Every time the disciples started establishing rules-no children near Jesus; don’t let the crowd touch Jesus; don’t talk to Samaritan women; don’t let people waste expensive perfumes-Jesus told them to knock it off, and His rebuke was usually followed by a lecture that said, ‘You still don’t get it! We are not substituting religious rules with new rules. We are substituting religious rules with Me!‘ Jesus kept saying, ‘Follow Me!‘ not ‘Follow My Rules.’ So most of us have spent our Christian lives learning what we can’t do instead of celebrating what we can do […]
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[…]for one vehicle is available. We’d love to share meals with guests! Happy to host guests for visits to OCF HQ or other staff events, family visiting their cadets or service members, or other […]
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[…]as God sees fit for His good pleasure. I need to put the nose down and get back to earth just like Jesus did. Hearing Christ’s Call Jesus calls us to a lower altitude. With that lowered altitude we will start to have the right attitude. When we lower ourselves, when we live life “nap of the earth,” we will model the attitude of Jesus. Ultimately the altitude and attitude of Jesus is one of our greatest quality of life steps. When we see ourselves as servants with no rights or privileges, dependent completely on our Heavenly Father we are […]
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[…]died for me and rose from the dead, and I accept Him as my Savior. Thank You for loving me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” If you would like more information about Jesus Christ, His offer of free salvation, and answers to life’s many questions you may have, check out the Billy Graham Evangelical Association […]
[…]died for me and rose from the dead, and I accept Him as my Savior. Thank You for loving me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” If you would like more information about Jesus Christ, His offer of free salvation, and answers to life’s many questions you may have, check out the Billy Graham Evangelical Association […]
[…]Those subordinate leaders should never get the fierce loyalty and following that belongs only to Jesus Christ. Therefore, their adherents should always see unity in the church as a primary goal over their own distinctiveness. Jesus prayed that we would all be one (John 17:21). One critical way believers live in unity is to pray for our leaders. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 the apostle Paul exhorts us to pray for those in authority over us. Through intercessory prayer for our leaders, believers unify with God and with each other against both military and spiritual forces. Here’s one last example to […]
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[…]stoned as the Church’s first martyr, he “looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55). Jesus’ promise to His distressed disciples the night before He was crucified is rock solid to us as well 2,000 years later, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that 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 […]
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[…]The Samaritan woman received salvation, a regenerated life, and a chance to point others to Jesus. There is much we can learn from this encounter! The leader keeps in the forefront why he is doing what he is called to do. Jesus responded to the woman’s initial rejection with a persistent offer. Not offended, nor hardened by rejection, the leader keeps to the task. The leader removes barriers for the good of the one in need. Jesus gave the woman the opportunity to confess her past mistakes. He did so without assigning condemnation or judgment. The leader’s satisfaction comes in […]
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[…]without an OCF study, I’ll definitely start one. Why OCF? Kit Vaughn: Gwynn received Jesus while reading the Bible, but most of his growth in Jesus came through OCF. We have found OCF as a good conduit to bring others to Jesus and encourage Christians in their faith. Jeff Silliman: With our military moves and varied church experiences, OCF was, for many years, our ‘home church’ whether we were worshipping in a community church, base chapel, or sharing with a local home group. Those OCF men and women who nurtured us in biblical truths and held us up in […]
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[…]spending lots of time on your knees in humility before God. Let people see the joy you have in Jesus Christ. There will be times when you will feel tired and discouraged. However, unlike happiness, our joy does not come from circumstances, but from Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always…” (Phil. 4:4). Don’t let circumstances steal your joy. Your testimony in the midst of adverse circumstances may be what draws another to Jesus Christ. We’re also told in the Bible to, “Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is […]
[…]“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). Paul shows exactly what matters to Jesus; not what you are or where you are, but who you are and where you’re going. You’re probably saying to yourself that it sure seems that whites get promoted faster and that minorities have a better chance at scholarships. Well, as my wife says, you can’t battle racism with more racism. The Bible repeatedly says that Christ is the head of the church and we are the body. When I picture […]
[…]think: He who carries the biggest stick wins. Instead of condoning Peter’s protective gesture, Jesus healed the servant’s injury and told Peter to put away his weapon (John 18:10-11). Jesus could have responded to the arresting entourage with a show of His mighty power or through a simple appeal to his Father and the thousands of angels standing by for Jesus’ use. Instead, He identified Himself as the one they sought (John 18:5). A good leader leads best with actions reflecting decisions arrived at through calm, calculated, inspired thought rather than reckless displays of power. Jesus command to Peter reveals […]
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[…] searching the Gospel to find out who this God was. I gave my life to Christ and recognized Jesus as my Lord and Savior 20 July 1996…that Scripture has stayed with me until this day. “There was something different about this man, different from other chaplains I had met previously in the battalion. At the time I didn’t know what it was, but later realized that he had a light that shined. There was something in this man’s life that I wanted, too. He was compassionate and very friendly, always had time for others and what was best is […]
[…]you are sorry for your sins and that you are willing to have Him change your way of living. Ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord. The Officers’ Christian Fellowship statement of faith serves as a simple, yet eternally profound prayer to use: Inasmuch as I am a sinner and deserve the wrath of God, and since Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried, and has been bodily resurrected, according to the Scriptures, I have accepted Him as my personal Lord and Savior and am saved by His grace alone. Seek out other believers and a Bible-based church to help you grow in your […]
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[…]reach the “unreachable” in our military community. Petra is Arabic for rock, which represents Jesus Christ. The concept is to bring in contemporary Christian bands to present the gospel to our service members (and their families) while free food and beverages are provided. Funded by the chapel, the event is free. It was one soldier’s idea. An OCF officer, a dozen military and family members, and a chaplain made it happen. Petra Cafe is reaching thousands in our military community at the Presidio of Monterey, Fort Stewart and soon Maxwell AFB. Over 2,000 attended the first eleven cafes at Fort […]
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[…]member Glen Eden Youth Center, Inc.; assistant youth minister. Personal testimony: I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior when I was seven years old and my great-grandfather baptized me that summer. Though I struggled through the teens and college, God placed people in my path to steer me back towards Him and I have been truly blessed. What is the biggest challenge you see currently facing OCF right now? Meeting the strategic challenge of an active anti-Christian metaculture currently present in not only the general populace but the federal government. For OCF the challenge becomes one of empowering and […]
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[…]addition to building confidence and commitment to purpose. Christians have an incredible leader in Jesus Christ. We can be fully confident that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion. In other words, He will lead us in the way we are to go. King Solomon wrote in the book of Proverbs: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path “(3:5-6). Trust God by acknowledging Him for who He is and following Him. The key to […]
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[…]a deployed chaplain is captured in one word–incarnational. It is ministry Jesus’ way. Just as Jesus came to earth in human form, chaplains are warrior priests who leave their homes and come to the military in soldier form. Deployed chaplains share in the same sufferings as their troops. They experience the same lacks. They miss the same birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. In a combat zone soldiers can rarely say, “Chaplain, you just don’t know what I’m going through.” Credibility is one of the cornerstones for the effective ministry of a chaplain. Once credibility is established, ministry doors open wide. Ministering […]
[…]Men must usually be assigned to this task. Russell assured me that his confidence was in Jesus to whom also he looked for the strength and courage necessary to undergo the many dangerous assignments which were to be his. I heard later that Russell was the means of leading at least three of his buddies to the Lord. He was killed in the Gothic Linc in North Italy, and as a result of his last moments, when he exhibited great heroism and Christian faith, two men accepted Jesus as Saviour. I was glad for the witness in that blacked-out house, […]
[…]to invite me to an OCF retreat at White Sulphur Springs. There Jim Wilson shared the good news of Jesus Christ and how I could know Him as my Savior and Lord. This retreat changed my life for eternity. Since then as a Christian, I have followed Jesus Christ and been involved with the OCF ministry. Austin: OCF follows you out into the Army, unlike the other Christian clubs in a college. It will be a connection we can help you make to BOLC (Basic Course) and then the first […]
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[…]Jesus. Using wisdom and discernment throughout our lives, we are told to be bold and courageous. Jesus has called us to take a stand in such a time as this. Laying low, and compromising are outside of our calling. In taking a stand, you may pay a high price, but in the end, your trust and faith must be in Him. So, as Jesus said, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16) in these times of challenge. COL Douglas Mastriano is currently at the US Army War College, a member of the 2010 Class. […]
[…]of the woman who anointed Jesus “beforehand for the burial” (Mark 14:8) is one such account. Jesus stated her act would subsequently be “spoken of in memory of her” (Mark 14:9). Death, however, need not be the event that delivers lasting memorials. Cornelius, a centurion, a leader of leaders, and a soldier is memorialized in Scripture for his consistent prayers and good deeds. An angel spoke to Cornelius and said: “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.” The Spirit of God used Cornelius to intervene in the life of Peter the Apostle and to deliver the […]
[…]forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” At that moment I seemed to meet Jesus for the first time. I understood the meaning of His death as a substitute for my wickedness and so in prayer, I requested Him to forgive my sins and change me from a bitter, disillusioned ex-pilot into a well-balanced Christian with purpose in living. On that day I became a new person. My complete view on life was changed by the Christ I had always hated and ignored before. Soon friends and family learned of my decision to be a follower […]
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[…]is meaningless. He said our lives are like a blade of grass, which soon withers and disappears. Jesus brings order out of disorder…wholeness out of brokenness. Codes, from whomever the ancient secular author might be, are man’s attempt at ordering the future and removing the unknowns. God’s insurance plan is simple … it comes in the form of God’s Son Himself who came to earth to save us. Jesus is our eternal life insurance policy that is underwritten by the blood of the Lamb, and is issued when He comes into our hearts. Has an eternal life insurance policy been […]
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[…]to demonstrate once more what he had repeatedly failed at throughout the night. On the other hand, Jesus allowed him the opportunity to demonstrate faith and trust. One might ask: Did Simon really fail, or was his unproductive fishing tied to Christ’s master plan and call? I would think the latter. What can we draw from this from a leadership perspective? Recognize that God has a master plan. Failure is a part of living. As leaders, however, we have the ability to serve as change agents–and what agents for change we can be! Having been bounced around from shop to […]
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[…]us: through our love, integrity, honor, courage in the face of danger, and our moral behavior. Jesus said, “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl…. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:15-16). Respect for others. Developing healthy relationships with non-Christian friends and associates and accepting them where they are in their spiritual journey through life is essential to both your officership and your ambassadorship. It sets the stage for us to share the gospel. Sometimes our isolationist or conformist approaches to […]
[…]resurrection, we are reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21) and the war has been won through Jesus. But until the fullness of that victory comes, we are engaged in spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12). Our enemy, the devil, is the father of lies (John 8:44) who seeks to devour (1 Peter 5:8), and kill and destroy us (John 10:10). He wants us to believe we are easy prey for his schemes-that we are alone and isolated without worth, hope, or help. That spiritual battle is also within us, between our old and new natures. Our flesh always wants to be in […]
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by OCF Communications For seven decades the living waters of Jesus Christ have flowed forth, from the heart of the ministry of Officers’ Christian Fellowship—innumerable men and women making a kingdom difference by living, loving and working with others throughout the military society. No “day in the life of” is typical—Bible studies, small group fellowships, supporting the chaplaincy and so many other ministry endeavors, the kingdom work of our limitless Lord. How it all gets done is the continual flow of the Holy Spirit working through hard-working men and women, those OCF members who are the hands and feet of […]
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[…]the joy of Lord. 4. Remember the reason for Christmas. It is the same this year as it ever was–Jesus was born a baby so that we could be His children. This foundation stands true whether you carry out your traditions or make new ones. When your celebrations center around Christ, others will notice. What an opportunity to share the reason for the hope that is in us! (1 Peter 3:15) Celebrating the holidays without your spouse is hard. To your children, though, it signals that the reason for our joy doesn’t change with circumstances. During the holiday season, cling […]
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[…]foremost that the purposes of God be fulfilled and that glory be brought to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For through God’s purposes and glory, we will be bound to the One who loves us, to love and worship Him for eternity. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of […]
[…]had become a captain, so the Word of God provides the sinner who believes and trusts in the Lord Jesus the assurance that he or she has become a child of God, has passed from darkness into His marvelous light, from death to life everlasting. Romans 10:9 (KJV) presents the Gospel succinctly: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Years ago, returning by train from Baltimore to my duty station in Philadelphia, the spirit of God led me […]
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[…]Office. Give without being high-pressured by the organization. We like to use the “What Would Jesus Do?” principle. Jesus didn’t use high pressure, and neither will we. Know that the organization is well managed. The Lord has blessed OCF with a wonderful council that sets the tone for and gives oversight to OCF. Know that there is a responsible governing board and know who those board members are. Elected from the general membership, the entire OCF Council meets twice a year. Know that all appeals for funds are truthful and accurate. The only way we can honor the Lord is […]
[…]cold at night in the middle of winter there. I’d always wondered if it were really cold when Jesus was born, being so near a desert and fairly far south. If He really were born around Christmastime as we celebrate it, yes, it would have been cold in that stable! And if the restrictive way they treat women in Saudi is anything close to the traditions of Jesus’ day, then it really did go blatantly against the culture when He honored women (such as Mary, the Samaritan at the well, and the woman who touched Him in the crowd). I […]
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[…]be, I would be wise to consider the Holy Scriptures and to pattern my questions and concerns after Jesus’ response while here on earth: Pray. When Jesus was anxious, He prayed. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Mark 14:34). Desire God’s will. “Abba! Father! Everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36). Rest confidently in Him. “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people […]
[…]keeps no record of wrongs…. always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Jesus summed up a life lived out in love as this: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). And even if for no other reason, we love our spouses because Jesus tells us to. Marriage is far richer when we know how to love each other effectively! And when one spouse makes it a priority, the vast majority of the time the other spouse will follow suit. Jocelyn is an award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction whose titles include Faith […]
[…]been going on for thousands of years, God produced the decisive person, place, action, and time: Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever. God accomplished His purpose. 2. Since that time, the enemy of our souls has been severely handicapped: his power is limited, his intelligence is limited, his time is limited, and his arrogance is unlimited. 3. We do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. Our weapons have Divine Power to demolish strongholds. 4. Satan is overcome by the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. […]
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[…]Prussman Chapels were where the Lord let me preach and help people grow in their relationship with Jesus. My unit deployed to Kuwait for a year. Preaching there was another chance to help people with their spiritual growth, as well as using the Alpha Course for discipleship, and living our lives the way the Lord wants. My second active duty station was the 2d Military Intelligence Battalion in Darmstadt, Germany. The Lord let me lead singles’ and family conferences there, which once again helped people get closer to each other and to Christ. God also opened the doors for me […]
[…]tasks provide a sense of His loving presence. Look at the rainbow God made! and Did you know that Jesus loves you even more than you love this little puppy? are natural ways to incorporate a youngster’s understanding of the Lord we serve. Daily (or nightly) prayers on the most simple level help children to begin to learn a conversation of faith. Yes, there were times when I thought perhaps the voices were correct. Yes, there were times when I thought kissing the cold glass picture in the frame was a pretty stupid thing to do. I had more than […]
[…]their foundation in much more enduring truths to which we can all relate. In Matthew 5:37, Jesus states, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’.” That is the foundation of integrity-say what we mean, mean what we say, and do the right thing even when no one is watching. From verse 13 of chapter 15 of John’s Gospel, Jesus tells us, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” That illustrates service before self for all time. We pledge to lay down our lives for our friends, our nation. […]
[…]already know, but I suspect you will find a new perspective, informed by Scripture, and modeled in Jesus’ life that will allow you to grow as a Christian leader. In doing this, I trust you will be even more successful in the terms that others commonly think of as those of a leader. The difference will be leadership for God’s glory, service to the Lord, and service to those you lead. Leadership Library for Christians Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, Thomas Nelson, 2005. Leadership is an Art by Max De Pree, Doubleday, 2004. The Making of […]
[…]Like Also important is the ability to see what right looks like. I’m reminded of John 10:32 as Jesus says to the Jews, “…I have shown you many great miracles from the Father…” Jesus Christ showed the entire world what right looks like. Through his daily walk with God, the example He set constantly, He showed exactly how we should act. In 2 Corinthians 6:3 Paul says, “We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path so that our ministry may not be discredited.” Like Paul, through our walk with Christ, and our demonstration of our faith to others, people should […]
[…]is the greatest need? Why do we serve our God as Joshua exhorted? We serve our God because of what Jesus did for us on the Cross. We are blessed to be able, through our lives in the military, to demonstrate the message of salvation to those who have not heard or received it. It was by God’s grace through faith that we were brought fully into His family and presence. Our love for Him motivates us to serve Him in our military, to serve and work for our families, and to serve and work to enable the message of […]
[…]like your Christ; I do not like your Christians.” His problem with the Christian faith isn’t Jesus Christ—it is us. I proved Gandhi right that afternoon with my troubled friend. My friend described his attempts to save the marriage by going to counseling after the affairs. But his wife had no interest in working on their marriage. Her adultery took them to the doorstep of divorce, and she was ready to take the next step. As he finished the story, I commented that he was handling the whole ordeal amazingly well. No one would have known the upheaval that was […]
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[…]overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” As a family member or military member, you were “commissioned” in our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard to do the work of our Lord as professional military servants, as a family, and as ambassadors of Jesus Christ. The crises in your lives will be hard, but they are for His purposes and for the purpose of shaping you in His image. So praise the Lord as you take on this new “commission” and […]
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[…]peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (vv. 6–7). Guard your heart. Have you placed the cause of your uncertainty at the Lord’s feet? Are you thankful for where He has you and what He’s allowing you to experience? When you do this, the overwhelming sense of peace will pour over you and your heart will be free of worries. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. […]
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[…]love, “Here I am. Send me!” Seek those who are lost and hurting, and be the heart and hands of Jesus for someone who’s ready to receive Him. Editor’s note: With this article, General Warner begins a series exploring our relationships with God and others. Only when we begin to understand God’s immense love and sacrifice for us, can we love and serve Him and others with all our hearts. In future articles, General Warner will delve into how other people see you, how you see others, and how you can apply your God-given calling to your daily life in […]
[…]Christian school from kindergarten through twelfth grade. At one point in third grade I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior and then in eighth grade I really started to try to live for Him. However, since the tenth grade I have been on quite a rocky path. I know that the normal believer struggles in the faith, but there are facets to my struggle that I am sure must not be common. First, I am a philosophy major, and as you can assume, I love reading anything from C.S. Lewis and Sproul to Rand and Nietzsche. I am compelled to […]
[…]our strict accountability in such matters. How can chaplains and laypersons work together to exalt Jesus Christ in our military society? A comprehensive description of roles and relationships in military ministry requires a thorough study of the New Testament. Here are some possible actions. Build a friendship and maintain contact with the chaplain regardless of differences in theology. Pray for and with one another when you can. Find positive ways to express and discuss your differences. Make OCF or personal ministries part of the Command Religious Program by staff procedures that show you are acting openly in accord with military […]
[…]treating the Lord of All as some uninvited pest needing to be permanently shooed from our lives. Jesus declared in the Sermon on the Mount, “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7:26-27). All of which underlines the real heart and core of celebrating workers and their work, particularly in the greater-than eternal economy of God’s full […]
[…]on post, he sought me out. He said, “Sir, I want you to know that I am a Christian. I accepted Jesus because of what you said to us on your first day in the battalion and how you backed it up with your life.” He and I had never had a discussion about spiritual matters. We had a young chaplain in the battalion who did a wonderful job of ministry to soldiers. As a member of the staff, he attended our weekly meetings, and he asked if he could open them with prayer. I first asked the others who […]
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[…]own safety and survival to come to the aid of their “battle buddies,” are at the very heart of Jesus’ proclamation that, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Four WWII chaplains, who had studied and served together, put into practice one February morning in 1943 what they preached. They gave their lives so others might live. The USAT Dorchester was a converted troop ship taking 902 souls from New York to war in Europe via Greenland. Anyone who’s ever been aboard a troop ship as a passenger, with troops huddled […]
[…]science department on our campus. Depravity–and the bully syndrome–will be with us until Jesus comes back. Hence the warrior spirit must be righteously nurtured. There is a necessary place for it in a liberal arts program. A thousand years after David faced the giant at Elah, the greater son of David demonstrated the warrior spirit when he climbed a piece of high ground called calvary and faced off with the champion of evil, the bully of all bullies. Warrior that He is, our Christ stood between us and all that would destroy us, deliberately taking the full fury, and shedding […]
[…]to minister effectively in the military society. As an expression of my commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and to His work in the military society, I will participate actively and prayerfully in the ministry of OCF with my time, talents, spiritual gifts, and financial resources. I further commit, by God’s grace, to live my life as an example consistent with biblical guidelines.'” This change to OCF’s Statement of Participation, contained in Article V of the OCF Constitution, reaffirms OCF’s commitment to minister to the entire military society and ensures we OCF members live our lives consistent with biblical guidelines, […]
[…]camaraderie we have through OCF—connecting in fellowship with other military members who love Jesus, to support, equip, and encourage each other in God’s Word. Beth Dowty served as a personnel officer in the United States Air Force from 2000-2004. She is now serving as a military wife and homeschool mom. […]
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[…]to the demands of the event or will your response come from the foundation of your spiritual life? Jesus said that everyone who hears and acts on His words is wise. That wise one will be the person all eyes turn to in the midst of tragedy and need. When I was a child, we played a game called Follow the Leader. As an adult, it is not a game. The world is watching, and those in our sphere of influence will follow our lead. The strength of our building materials will be revealed by how our life of faith […]
[…]GENERAL DAVID WARNER, USAF (RET.) As partners in God’s kingdom, we carry forth the legacy of Jesus Christ Don’t you love it when the Lord reveals something new through His Word? I have read Matthew many times. And I’ll admit that I usually skim past the genealogy to get to the “meat” proclaiming the birth, life and good news about our Savior. Recently, however, my eyes were opened to two truths that penetrated my heart, ensuring that I will never again fast forward past these verses and forever ponder my lineage and legacy. Truth #1: Several weeks ago, […]
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[…]flight commander, every squadron commander, every wing commander were “on fire” for the Lord Jesus? What would your Air Force look like? 2) How are you going to make a Kingdom difference during your career? OCF can be a key to answering that question. Upon commissioning from an Academy, ROTC or Officer Training School, check the leader list on the OCF website and link up with the OCF leader at your new duty station. If there is no OCF leader shown at the base to which you are being assigned, the home office can provide a list of OCF members […]
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[…]thing they overwhelmingly emphasized as being invaluable–aside from their own personal walk with Jesus Christ–was Christian fellowship. Again and again they said, “I couldn’t have made it without my Christian friends and their fellowship.” I wholeheartedly agree. The importance of this cannot be overstated. I don’t think it’s enough just to attend a local church or chapel. You need the close intimate fellowship that only comes from a small group. It may be a prayer and fellowship group from church or chapel, such as your local chapter of Protestant Women of the Chapel (contact your chaplain’s office for PWOC information). […]
[…]great opportunities in this environment to provide the stability that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can bring.Standing Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for gap leaders 1 – Establish security.Living in the gap does not necessarily equal standing in the gap. God is looking for people who will bridge the gap and influence this difficult environment with kingdom power. This must be a conscientious decision made by each individual willing to make a difference. you are ready for the challenge or you wouldn’t have read this far. However, I would refer you to Proverbs 24:6 and Luke 14:31 concerning pre-conflict planning-summarized […]
[…] with Jon. Paul Stanley was that man, but the story of Jon’s development as a disciple of Jesus Christ goes farther back than Paul’s life. We must look at the “generation” before Paul to a man who had a profound impact on Paul’s life while a cadet–Joe Caldwell. From Joe we can count forward and see six “generations” of reliable or faithful men, as Paul talked to Timothy about, who desired to serve Christ and serve others. Jon Shine was touched by and touched many in a ministry of multiplication. Senior cadet Joe Caldwell’s relationship to Plebe cadet Paul […]
[…]special moment, it was holy, and I realized it even then. I had just been saying the name of Jesus out loud, over and over as I worked on Roberts, and I hear Jon say, ‘Doc, I’ve been hit in the head but I’m OK. Just throw me some bandages and I’ll stop the bleeding until you finish with Roberts and get back.’ That’s very close to verbatim. Over the years I’ve told the story many time and I always include how remarkably composed he was… It wasn’t until I met you, Barry, that I understood how he could be […]
[…]resource so that my men and women come to know a saving knowledge of the one true God and His Son Jesus Christ. I want to do His will so that I will someday hear Him say to me, “Well done, my good and faithful […]
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[…]of you, such as OCF members David Ruth or Josh Gilliam, may have come face to face with the Lord Jesus Christ at RMH. In those quiet moments on the mountain, you heard and listened to the still, small voice of the Lord, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21). Whether you are newly commissioned, deployed, or in a high optempo job, your time is extremely limited. Maybe you have grown restless or you’ve lost the joy in your […]
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[…]but of faith, even a small and flickering faith, in the greatness of God’s love and mercy in Jesus Christ.”4 Each morning, whether you’re separated from a family member or not, you may find it helpful to begin the day looking to God for guidance and strength for the day. The military lifestyle gives you unique opportunities to experience the peace and grace of God during hard times. Chaplain Stan Beach said, “When my situation can’t be changed, I can work at learning and implementing productive responses that will honor the Lord.”5 Denise McColl said, “A good friend once told […]
[…]evangelistic techniques. Different denominations employ different ways tof sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. If your chaplains are doing things differently than you assume should be done, look deeper into their operation with an open mind. You may learn something from the Lord that you didn’t know. You should not assume that you will be assigned a Christian chaplain. The U.S. Constitution provides for the free exercise of religion — and not just the Christian religion. So you may have a chaplain who is not of a Christian faith group, and you have no warrant to complain if that is […]
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[…]about the greatest Suffering Servant declares, “By His wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus’ wounds and suffering are the venue through which we have been redeemed. Believers can rejoice because through our own lives, God uses the mystery of pain and suffering through which His eternal work shines brightly. After David came face-to-face with his scarred, miserable nature and repented, he penned marvelous words of God’s mercy that have guided sinners for centuries, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1). The transformation in Diana […]
[…]you should say” (Luke 12:12). And just as submariners have unique opportunities to illuminate Jesus Christ to others in the ocean depths, opportunities abound as well once back on dry land. Up in the often-overcast Pacific Northwest, Naval Base Kitsap OCF is a single snapshot of all the other OCF small groups whose military, civilian and family member attendees balance their ever changing, demanding schedules and constant deployments by regularly meeting for Bible study, and often times, meals. These OCF small groups often instantly become both family and lifeline to the attendees. And when emergencies arise, the small group members […]
[…]Paul’s letter to the believers at Colossae, God challenges us that “just as we received Christ Jesus as Lord,” we are called to “continue to live in him.” This means that if we are military officers, we are to continue to live in Christ in the role of military officer. But we also have other roles and if we are married, none is more important than that of spouse/parent. Both institutions, the military profession and the family, are greedy; both demand an almost overwhelming commitment of time, thought, and physical and emotional energy. On this morning we divided the officers […]
[…]has been extended. May you walk with the inner strength that comes from the LOVE of Christ […]
[…]Both pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to the hearts of those they mentor and lead to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Common Ground Both of these leaders recognize that they are fighting both a physical foe and a spiritual enemy. As one officer noted, “The well grounded Christian has prepared to be a brave, compassionate and unselfish fighter. We are at war. The closer we are to God, the more the enemy [in this case Satan] wants to separate and weaken us. His tools are not limited, he can cause fear in the masses by […]
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[…]and telephone calls would often startle us, we faithfully trusted in our all-sufficient Lord Jesus. Because Darren was stationed at a small patrol base in the mountains, he could only call or email us every few weeks. Not knowing what might happen, and not wanting to think about the worst, we looked to God for comfort. We clung to Him even more as we learned that Darren was leading nightly patrols and experiencing frequent contact with enemy forces. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and […]