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War on Spiritual Terrorism

[…]clear–we operate in an environment of spiritual terrorism. As military leaders we must recognize and commit ourselves to train and lead our personnel in both operational environments–the physical domain of direct action, and the domain of unconventional spiritual warfare. True Strength While physical training strengthens our bodies, and battle drills build the muscle memory to act automatically under duress–we often overlook the “moral, ethical, and spiritual strength” required for combat. As Christian leaders we must comprehend Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark […]

What Right Looks Like

[…]second lieutenants assuming their roles as platoon leaders should listen to their platoon sergeant and first sergeant. They should not “reject the advice” of those who have served for many years and have much to offer. See What Right Looks 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 […]

You Are Commissioned

[…]for certain: there will be crises. You will have short-notice deployments, training will be demanding, and if deployed in this war on terrorism, the pressures of mounting combat operations will be intense. You can expect to deal with the casualties of war. That is a part of being a leader and part of “exercising biblical leadership.” So, how prepared will you be to deal with crisis? Will you react under your own strength or will you call upon the Lord to carry you through His plan for your life for His purposes? You were called by God for a purpose […]

Professional Excellence (Durfey)

[…]own personal agenda and our own needs, we are much more likely to see others’ needs more clearly and have the time and energy to meet them. Respect, or sensitivity, toward the needs of subordinates, peers and superiors will help a leader better prioritize tasks and guide one in unselfish (or more just) decision making. One becomes “disinterested” in short term personal gain when they sense the value of their work in the long term (even eternal) benefit of others. Through a concerted effort to be a servant leader, something that does not come naturally, a giving heart, is cultivated […]

Professional Perspectives for Senior Officers

[…]your spouse GENESIS 2:24. (also quoted by Paul in Ephesians 5:31) Upon marriage, God looks at husband and wife as one flesh. This is the next most important relationship after their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Marriage partners should continually reflect on the dimensions of: 1) leaving, 2) cleaving, and 3) being one flesh. This relationship needs constant attention in the demanding environment of senior leadership. EPHESLANS 5:21-33. How are we to love our spouses? This Scripture sets forth some of God’s primary commands for marital relationships, as follows: Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (vs. […]
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Six Generations: 2

[…] said, “Hi Barry, I’m Jon.” Hesitating but happy and relieved, I raised his right hand and firmly grasped Jon’s and our eyes met and a bond was formed that day that only the few who have experienced it can comprehend. But that wasn’t the end of the Special Inspection. Jon then opened and held out his left hand, which had been grasping a dulled-silver dollar, a rather old vintage coin that held some significance to Jon. He explained its significance to me. Jon had received the silver dollar from a graduating cadet when he was a Plebe, at a […]

Six Generations: 3

[…]hand in all of this, pulled all of us veterans together, helped to give us rest in heart and mind, and given us all a reason to remember each other. For this I am forever grateful.” Jon Shine and Joe Roberts names are on the Vietnam Memorial Wall, panel 6 West, line 2…together…just as they fell in battle. The Investment Pays Off The time Jon Shine invested in me–studying God’s Word, praying together, meeting in fellowship with others at the Academy and going to spiritual conferences on weekends–made profound inroads in my life and the lives of several other cadets, […]

Follow Me

[…]of Galilee. The Gospel of Matthew records this incident when Jesus called to Peter and his brother Andrew and said to them, “…’Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of 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 […]

Leadership and the Christian Officer

[…]obstacles as challenges rather than a cause for apprehension. The commander must be able to understand and analyze problems, make firm decisions, give clear orders and then forcefully carry out their will despite difficulties. There must be that character which is willing to accept responsibility, to reason out problems, make decisions and then push them through to success. Possessing this basic trait of character, they must then prepare themselves intellectually to face the tasks which confront them. Loyalty To achieve the best results from subordinates, the commander must have their confidence and personal loyalty. One thing must be remembered-loyalty starts […]

Leadership by Example

[…]to train and then to adapt that expertise to new situations as we are doing in Afghanistan and Iraq, and they do it well, the best in the world I might add. And, if they do not, then, it goes without saying that the Army will not contribute militarily to subduing the insurgencies in those two locations. But it takes far more than tactical competence to fulfill your obligations as an officer. It takes, secondly, moral character of the highest sort in every commissioned leader, particularly as our Army fights the dirty battles of urban warfare as initiated by terrorists, […]

Leadership Excellence

[…]it are sometimes immense. While we tend to discount the toil, leadership remains yeoman’s work and demands absolute dedication, focused effort, and most importantly, great strength of character. Leaders must understand that the profession of arms is an altogether unique endeavor, a true “calling” and, in many ways, a spiritual undertaking. They must recognize the true nature of the enterprise, acknowledge the spiritual dimension of their service, and appreciate the motives and expectations of their subordinates. Service members are generally distinguished by their deep conviction and sense of duty, and by their confidence in the integrity of the organizations to […]

Financial Responsibility for Children

[…]altogether. At one base when we were homeschooling, our three daughters babysat during the day, and they were in high demand. Our son mowed lawns and did other work for people so he had a source of income as well. In college each one held jobs which paid for the luxuries of college life, and in their last two years of college they helped with their rent and food costs with that income. The Financial Manager When our oldest was a sophomore in high school we decided to take a Big step. We delegated the management of the family finances […]

Know Your Rights!

[…] We feel that it is honoring to the Lord to be as open as we can be about our finances and programs. If you have any questions, let me know. Visit office and program sites of an organization to talk personally with the staff. Please come visit us! It’s an absolute joy when people visit the Home 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 […]

Predicting the Future

[…]the above as a backdrop, a commentary on mankind reveals that people have always tried to replace random chaos with some type of order. Stated another way, most people do not like to take risks, and want to envision a secure future. Security is an attempt to replace the elements of the unknown with predictable outcomes. Hence, life insurance, or any insurance, is an ordering mechanism that tries to take the possibility of something unforeseen happening, and tries to predict an outcome that will keep us whole or stable. The Bible speaks to our nature in doing this. First, God’s […]

Spiritual Success

[…] care professionals, freeing them for service in medical missions. His best friend and wife Beth, and their three boys, Ryan, Tyler and Max live in Wheaton, […]

Strong to the Finish

[…]a time when God seems out of reach. Maybe your mind has raced to the worst possible conclusion and you are overcome by worry, disappointment, and fear. You may be at a point at which people are no longer allies but enemies as you fight to faithfully fulfill your responsibilities. Remember, God is at work in the midst of your struggles, helping you learn more about the love, strength, wisdom, and peace that only He can provide. Dan is the president of Encouragement FM, a former Christian camp director, and a past chair of the CCCA Board of Directors. This […]

Test Me!

[…]stewards of what God gives us.This includes not only our money, but also our possessions, and our time, and our health, and our career. Part of spiritual warfare is looking at all aspects of your life and seeing if God is in charge of each and every aspect. Is God in charge of your finances? If not, it’s time to “Test […]

Walking

[…]all we can do during that time is to groan in response to his burden upon our hearts. God understands and answers! Therefore, if we respond properly to God, nothing is impossible, because even when we don’t know how to tackle the problem in prayer, the Spirit along with us will take hold of the problem and it will be properly taken care of. Thus we become dearly beloved workers-together with God every step of the way. Difficult but triumphant is this life in Christ. Let us continue walking in the Spirit in the train of His […]

Ways to Give

[…]out of your bank account instead of your pay account. I have a form for you to fill out and send in along with a voided check so I can verify the bank routing number and your account number. Credit CardYet another option is to have your monthly contribution charged to your credit card. I also administer this personally at the beginning of each month. If you would like to contribute using your credit card, please contact me. Thank you very much for your support of and interest in the ministries of Officers’ Christian Fellowship. It is vital to the […]

We Know This Place Too Well

[…]who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:33-36). We know this place too well… Living in a State of Wonder When did we stop living in a state of wonder? Remember when we first got here for BCT, how we didn’t know where anything was and we were constantly surprised and we couldn’t wait for every last bite at Mitch’s? The surprises weren’t always good.  But there was mystery, excitement, apprehension, […]

What Works for New Officers?

[…]5:17, Rom. 8:26). TIP: Set aside specific time to pray for coworkers, commanders, subordinates, and issues. 7. KNOW and DO your job well. Only then will you earn the respect of your peers and the right to be heard (Col. 3:23, 24). Be reliable and take the initiative when opportunity arises. TIP: Avoid complaining. A common tendency in any workplace is to complain. Do your job as unto the Lord (Phil. 2:14, 4:11). 8. Decide now what kind of SPIRITUAL COMMITMENT you will require of a future mate. Will he or she have the same vision for ministry as you? […]

Returning Home

[…]expecting their children to turn to the remaining spouse for permission, and letting the rules stand until mom and dad have a chance to calmly renegotiate. If a couple has been actively and regularly communicating concern and support, they may discover they have a stronger marriage when they are brought together again. These couples may wish to renew their wedding vows–or at least re-dedicate themselves to one other–in an intentional act of commitment to each other and to God. Their home church can be a supportive part of that celebration. The adjustments families need to make can be improved by […]

Situational Awareness

[…]with information regarding your unique situation. My prayer is that this will expand your understanding and increase your effectiveness as military leaders, spouses, and ambassadors for Christ. Others may want to read along to increase their knowledge of this gap.The Gap Described Culturally you are a pivotal element in our society. By chance of birth you live in the gap between the modern and post-modern eras. The modern era existed from 1500 a.d. until about the time you were born. The industrial age reigned supreme. Truth was determined by the scientific method. Life consisted of laboratory-like certainties. Biblical laws were […]

Spiritual Battle Plans

[…]encouraging phone calls to family and to my Christian brother, Jonathan Shine, a fellow commander and believer of like heart. I found that my individual walk with the Lord suffered. I saw that God truly made us to be relational creatures. Hence, one of the natural effects of time spent with other Christians (whether realized at the time or not) is an increased ability to withstand temptation and walk victoriously in the Christian life. Because a robust Christian support network is often not available on deployments, godly ambassadorship during these times requires intentional vision and endurance. There are also other […]

How Shall We Pray?

[…]we pray?” is that we pray for the strength to obey the Lord’s will, to fulfill His purposes, and to bring honor and glory to His holy name. Yes I want victory in the GWOT, safe keeping for those fighting this war, families reunited, the sick healed, peace for those who grieve, and relationships reconciled. But as I pray for those things, I pray first and 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 […]

I Only See Green

[…]for the past wrongs, and to accept heartfelt apologies. We can only do that by putting our hearts and eyes on Christ and by praying for the strength to love one another unconditionally. Racism could end in a day. That day when all of God’s children accept Jesus Christ as Savior and vow to try to live up to His teachings. People would know that we are all created in the perfect image of God (Gen 1:27). We all descended from Adam and Eve so no matter what race we are, we all come from the same blood (Acts 17:26). […]

Implicit Trust

[…]and, springing into the path of the frightened animal, seized the bridle, brought the horse to a stand and replaced the reins into the Emperor’s hands. In recognition and reward for the soldier’s devotion, Napoleon said, as he secured the reins in his hands, “Thank you, Captain.” Without hesitation the soldier came to attention, saluted his imperial master and inquired, “Of what regiment, sir?” Charmed by the soldier’s complete faith and unquestioning confidence in his word, the Emperor responded, “Of my own guards,” and then, turning his mount, he rode away at a gallop. Immediately the soldier lay down his […]

Preparing for Active Duty

[…]will learn that you and your family can serve as Christians in the military, and you will develop and understand the importance of a biblical family in military leadership. You will begin to develop an understanding of servant leadership (to serve versus be served). One lieutenant visited colleges within 100 miles and helped establish OCF groups at those schools. Others have discipled new believers. Still others have joined our chapel choirs and praise bands. Whatever ministry the Lord has for you, become a part of our OCF/base chapel team. Our vision of a spiritually transformed military is the chaplain’s vision, […]

Share this spiritual gift with your teen

[…]does the Aussie. Much emphasis on safety. Reassuring. That’s my son doing that. Thank you, God. Andy and Kristy Lathrop share their testimony with us atop the cliff. What a fine young couple, so much heart for this ministry. Ate our sack lunches. Getting warm, drinking lots of water. The boys are cutting up, getting cocky about rappelling, and now rock climbing. Good equipment. Safe. We drive to Buena Vista (the nearby town about ten minutes down the road) and to “K’s” for ice cream. Brian got a shake, enjoying the other boys’ company. Beautiful park next to K’s. Frisbee, […]

Soldiers of Faith: Washington

[…]should have beaten them. Much has been written about Washington the hero, Washington the commander, and Washington the President. Unfortunately, historians have often missed the mark on why Washington possessed such strong qualities of leadership and character. His Christian faith was the most potent force in his life and yet, to read modern history, one could never learn what truly set Washington apart from his peers. Some revisionist historians today even suggest that Washington was a deist, though there is no scholarly evidence to support such a claim. These historians further claim that it was Washington’s luck, combined with Yankee […]

Stretchmark Sorority

[…]raising children to know and love and walk with our Lord. We share with our mothers and grandmothers the experiences of nursing our children’s fevers, cheering their accomplishments, and constantly kneeling before our God in their behalf. Our Lord cares enough to give us this sense of family, tradition, and connectedness as we seek to walk with him and to be the godly mothers of our own generation, alive with the encouragement, consolation, praise, and laughter of one another. Yes, it is a wonderful sisterhood indeed! “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation […]

What Are Parents to Do?

[…]feet. Darren’s homecoming was filled with a joy beyond description, a peace that passes understanding, and the pride that only a parent can feel. We were excited to see him, hug him, and hear of his experience–and how he, too, had placed his faith in God. And it was only with a small twinge of disappointment, but also enormous satisfaction in the way we raised him, to hear him say he “wouldn’t mind going back again.” He did not feel himself a hero, but humbly took satisfaction in doing his duty and helping the people, whom he came to love. […]

Impact Your Military Community!

[…]you want to conduct outreaches that impact your unit, you need the chapel. Location and command “sponsorship” are the vital links. The chapel is not only strategically located where the troops are but also carries with it the authority of the command. The chapel is the spiritual center for unit-wide outreach. Lost Opportunities Officers make a decisive impact upon their units. The chapel is the only church body that is a part of the unit. Since it is part of the command, officers can enthusiastically support events that it conducts. Another noteworthy dynamic occurs when an officer attends chapel. Usually […]

Interview with Chaplain Beach

[…]program. Who really is responsible for the religious program on any base? The answer is: the commanding officer. Every commander, regardless of his personal convictions, is responsible for the welfare, including the spiritual welfare, of his personnel. That responsibility extends to insuring appropriate programs are provided. He is responsible for what occurs on his base. This means he will want to know and exercise approval or disapproval of programs. The special staff professional who is provided to assist him is the chaplain. Officers’ Christian Fellowship groups meeting or advertising on any base (including quarters areas) should submit to the military […]

Letter to My Sergeant

[…]was elected to the OCF Council Class of 2002. Stu culminated a 23 year career with battalion command, and retired 1 August 2001. Stu, wife Kay and son Logan reside in Copperas Cove, Texas. Their other two children, Stuart IV and Erin, attend the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton, […]

Mortal Enemies

[…]Finally it came to be his turn—for three weeks. There, in the Japanese P.O.W. camp, he read and read—and eventually came to understand that the Bible’s message was relevant to him right there in his cell. The dynamic power of Christ changed DeShazer’s attitude toward his captors. His hatred turned to love and concern, and he resolved that should he be liberated, he would someday return to Japan to introduce others to this life-changing book. Looking for Answers The peaceful motivation I read about was exactly what I was seeking. Since the American found it in the Bible, I decided […]

Re-entry Reminders

[…]end, returning military men and women and their families will be challenged with unique deployment and re-entry issues. Ilene Stubbs offers suggestions–and the timelessness of God’s wisdom–for managing the process of reunion and readjustment.   Normal has changed for everyone. Be patient–it takes time to get into a routine. Soldiers haven’t been on a vacation. Expect your household to be different. Keep life as routine as possible. Take time to re-adjust to one another. Go slowly. Communicate feelings. Anxiety is normal. Discuss frustrations. Accept that we are all different. Initial discomfort in adjusting doesn’t mean your spouse is unhappy with […]

Service Separations

[…]Don’t let them work against you; make them work for you! Marriages can grow even though husband and wife are separated by distance. If nothing else, separations force you to focus on the major good qualities of your mate, rather than his minor idiosyncrasies. When you are with a person all the time, little things like socks on the floor or newspapers scattered all over become progressively irritating. It’s easy to start taking each other for granted. Sometimes a few weeks of separation help to get perspectives back in focus as to what is really important! Once we were visiting […]

The Line Officer and the Chaplain

[…]have unique opportunities to share the truth and love of Jesus Christ. The line of decision and command responsibility runs through the line officer. As staff officers, chaplains recommend and advise. Even their spiritual ministry, however, is justified by the military as part of The Command Religious Program. On the other hand, as line officers you make decisions influencing the lives of everyone in your unit. I praise God for Christians like you who provide leadership both for mission accomplishment and to help the personnel in your unit. Our nation needs leaders like you to make command decisions — and […]

The Role of Faith

[…]Jelaine. “Look to God.” The Stars and Stripes, European Edition, 26 January 1996: 20. Carol Vandesteeg and her husband, Ren, are long time active members of OCF and reside in Universal City, TX, where Ren is a chaplain. They have two grown sons. We thank Cook Communications Ministries for allowing us to reprint this article from Carol Vandesteeg’s book When Duty Calls. The book is a complete guide to military separations and we highly recommend it. When Duty Calls can be ordered direct from Cook Communications Ministries, toll-free at 1-877-421-7323, online at www.cookministries.com,, or from most online and local book […]

The Role of the Chaplain

[…]in the unit, willing to face opposition in order to make their lot more livable. Will die with you and will not run away. Will pray for and with you as you lie dying or wounded–willingly go where needed, no matter how dangerous that place may be. Knows the different religious practices and beliefs of the people in your unit Is an enthusiastic contributor to the mission and morale of your organization, but one who will let you know when there are problems with its mission or morale. Those are some of the basic expectations that should be met by […]

Therefore We Will Not Fear

[…]to find in one of the buildings a room that could be blacked out enough to allow us to light a candle and catch up on our long overdue letters to home. Two of the men were new to combat and they were especially eager to write their reactions to the thick of the fight — their first combat experience. As each of us sat there, busy with thoughts and pens, distant antiaircraft fire was heard. We became alert and listened. The new men looked at me; they had not been in an air attack yet. I answered their questioning […]

Through A Glass Darkly

[…]ones to our Lord. Bible storybooks aimed at appropriate age levels are a wonderful tool. Tapes and songs and conversations about God in our daily 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, […]

Fervent Desire for Peace

[…]globe during the Second World War. Its muscular build and vicious blade elicit images of fierce hand-to-hand combat. My father served nearly three decades in the Marine Corps, enlisting in 1946 at the age of seventeen. He stood in awe of the veterans he met who were well acquainted with the kabar. In time he possessed his own, and it accompanied him to subsequent wars. Since his retirement, he gave himself over to more peaceful pursuits. In his seventies today, he still manages a sizeable garden; but when he first retired, he oversaw a veritable farm. He had rakes and […]

Man of the In-Between

[…]the shedding of blood–is necessary to the securing of peace. So it was in entering the Promised Land — and at Christ’s first coming — and so will it be at His second advent. That’s at least part of the reason why (on a lesser plane, of course) we need the military services in our country and a military 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 […]

Leadership without Coercion

[…]and their introduction to the Army, sixty drill sergeants to give them that introduction, and a handful of officers and NCOs to support them. When I introduced myself to the drill sergeants, I included with my hobbies, family, and interests the fact that I am a Christian. I said I wanted them to know what shapes my values and behavior. I told them that, although I prayed that each of them would be a Christian because I believed that would be the best thing for them, that my judgment of them would be based on their performance and conduct alone. […]

Three Words

[…]came not from me but from the wife of the Vietnamese major who commanded the battalion. She told Sandra how fortunate Sandra was that her husband was not like most other men, chasing the very available girls from the local village. What a blessing for my young wife to hear that from one who had simply observed the difference in my life–a difference that was the result of my imperfect, but sincere determination that Jesus would be the Lord of my life. I was faithful to Sandra because I loved her and did not want to hurt her, as much […]
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