Search results for "out of the valley"

Results 101 - 200 of 533 Page 2 of 6
Sorted by: Relevance | Sort by: Date Results per-page: 10 | 20 | 50 | All

Further insights from Mike and Angie Moyles

[…]questions…  Forget the “how long do I have” question. Only One knows the answer—God. Some of the best doctors in the world gave me five years to live—seventeen years ago. Don’t focus on how long. Rather, live every single day as if it’s your last. Cancer or not, that might be the case. So maximize every minute. “Why me” is more difficult, but the answer is largely the same: faith, fitness, family. There are explanations—smoking, obesity, malnutrition, other clear links—in some cases. In my case, there’s no explanation. I was in the lowest risk group. But it didn’t matter. The […]

How does the Lord see you?

[…]obedient servants boldly stepping forward to answer God’s call to serve is the biblical account of the prophet Isaiah. He accepted the Lord’s commission to warn Judah about impending Babylonian captivity because of sin. Isaiah understood how God saw him and that his sin had been dealt with, “your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for” (Isaiah 6:7-8). Bolstered by the enormity of those truths, Isaiah confidently moved out with the Lord’s message of judgment, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here […]
aaa-Leadership-with-Coersion–1SG-Ryan-Matson-USA

Leadership without Coercion

[…]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. Their spiritual […]

Leaving a legacy of faith

[…]various accounts of events worthy of memorialization down through the ages. The “good deed” 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 […]

On The Rock

[…]“What should I do?” but “How will I choose to respond?” Will you succumb 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 […]
aa edit-Prof-Excel-LTC-Steven-Johnston-USA

Professional Excellence (Durfey)

[…]those who serve. Those most effective in that role are those who put others’ interests ahead of their own and put their trust in the Lord. By doing so, they exemplify the service’s core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to duty, and become true servant leaders. The Coast Guard core values cited above are simple yet godly. Honor and high integrity should be considered synonymous. Integrity is a critical ingredient in any leader. The dictionary defines integrity as soundness or completeness. Christian leaders know they can only be complete in Christ; they must keep their eyes on Him whom […]

The Chaplain’s Role

[…]soldiers go “outside the wire” on one shift while the other soldiers are sleeping. Because of the patrol rotations, a chaplain may find himself preaching at multiple services to accommodate his soldiers. This is the life of a field chaplain. Juggling Time, Resources, & Opportunities Because of this awkward schedule, a chaplain must utilize his resources, the soldier’s time, and every opportunity. This is where small Bible studies excel. As a chaplain I have a burning desire to teach my soldiers the Word of God. I want to equip them with Bibles, study books, and counseling so that they can […]
edit-Jungles-<span class="bsearch_highlight">of</span>-War-LCpl-Kealii-De-Los-Santos-USMC

The Jungles of War

[…]Cyprus and Northern Ireland, I encountered several such dilemmas. I’ll examine a couple of them in this article. First let me establish that a military career had not been my choice early in life. The second of three sons born to a Marine who held every rank from private to major (some twice!), I’d decided living out of a sea bag (11 grammar schools and four high schools) was not for me. In 1955, when I was a 17-year-old boy living in Yokohama, Japan, I accepted Christ as Lord. Thereupon I told God I’d go anywhere and do anything He […]

Through A Glass Darkly

[…]Laura was almost three and Beki was then nine month old. Other mothers had shared with me some of the pitfalls they’d been through. Their advice was to prepare for the fact that our baby wouldn’t even know her daddy when he returned. She’s just too young to remember, they warned. Don’t expect too much, another said. It’ll take time, but they’ll start all over again. With that advice, I purposed in my heart to be different. I would do all I could to give my girls a sense of having a father, even if he wasn’t with them for […]

Time, Talent, Treasure: Academies

[…]service academies, deliberately designed as such to forge finely tuned military leaders from out of the fires of continual challenge. Cadets and midshipmen juggle jam-packed schedules that stretch them beyond the max physically, emotionally, mentally.  And spiritually.    These young men and women are preparing for lives of service and sacrifice as military officers to their country, a nation whose society is increasingly drifting off course into the ocean of moral compromise, severed from its Christian moorings.  Knowing full well the ever-increasing difficulties our nation’s future leaders are facing, four couples provide OCF presence at the U.S. Military, Naval, Air […]
edit-What-Works-for-New-Officers–SGT-James-McCann-USA

What Works for New Officers?

[…]are you in the military? Have you ever thought of yourself as a highly paid missionary? TIP: Be the thermostat and not the thermometer. Effect your environment-don’t let it affect you. 4. If you get to your unit and can’t find a BIBLE STUDY, start one! See whom the Lord sends your way. Get support from your chaplains. Ask for their advice; they may even be able to buy study guides for your group. Start with an interesting study in which all can participate, like Luke or Philippians. Ask others for help. Make it fun, avoid controversial issues, and focus […]
aa edit-whose-arm-doth-reach-PO3-Christopher-Veloicaza-USN

Whose Arm Doth Reach

[…]up the daughter of a submariner, I was always fascinated by the raw beauty and power of the sea. Its proximity was partly to blame; until I went off to college, I had never lived in a land-locked place. The other reality that inspired my awe, however, was that the ocean was my father’s livelihood. Even as he knew how to navigate and operate within it, he lived constantly at its mercy. As a little girl when I spoke of my father as being “at sea,” I really had no notion of the dangers he faced—he had helped teach my […]

WSS Winter Retreat #4

[…]role models for how to live a balanced life in the military. He said that the apostles and writers of the NT books all seems to be a bit extreme. That got me thinking about what I encourage students and permanent staff and retirees to pursue. I am usually found reminding believers to not be ashamed, to share in suffering, to endure everything for the sake of the elect, and to preach the Word. Have I missed something by using Paul’s words to Timothy in this way? Do the Scriptures speak of a balanced life where we can successfully weigh […]

Double Portion

[…]God’s work does not cease with key personnel turnover. You will recall: Moses led Israel out of captivity, but it was Joshua who led them into the promised land. David had a desire for a temple dedicated to God, but it was Solomon who built it. Various kings before Asa did not remove idols from the land, but Asa, king of Judah took courage and removed the detestable idols from the whole land” (2 Chronicles 15:8). As you consider Elisha’s request, does it rise up in you, as it does in me, to avoid using expressions such as “indispensable and […]

Finding certainty in an uncertain world

[…]answered the ringing phone awakening us at 0430 while on vacation years ago. On the other end of the line my vice wing commander quickly informs me to tear up the PCS orders I’ve had since March, orders that would have kept the Warner family in Colorado for another year. Now wide-awake, Lori and our two daughters are hanging on every single word of the one-way conversation they’re hearing. We’re to be at our new duty station in thirty days.   The impact of sudden change was overwhelming. Lori had to inform her school she wouldn’t be returning in the […]
edit-For-all-leaders-MC2-Amanda-Hayes-USN

For All Leaders

[…]no matter how busy you are. Be competent in your profession and give God the glory. David, one of the greatest warrior-leaders of all time, provides us an outstanding example in Psalm 144:1, “Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” David demonstrated excellence as a warrior and glorified God in the process. Let those you lead know early on that you are a Christian. You can do this in several ways. Symbols in your office can reflect your faith, but your words and actions will make your Christian character evident […]

From Mid to Married to Mom

[…]the more I realized my need to prepare myself for what’s ahead. I felt God prompting me out of my fears to search through His Word for His promises of comfort and hope, such as Psalm 18:2: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”  We’ve been through a lot in our four short years of marriage, but it’s been exciting to look back and see how God has been a part of it all, especially in the […]

How Should a Christian Live?

[…]sin nature), determines everything from how you approach relationships to how you view the role of the state. The power of reason, through which we search for God’s existence, is itself a sign of God’s creation. Our ability to think is a sign of God’s character because He is the source of all reason. You are at the season of life where you are naturally beginning your own moral and ethical search. If you are not in a stressful time, it’s probably because you’re not paying attention! If there is any poverty in the discipline of philosophy, it is in […]

Ice Cream in Iraq

[…]Are there a lot of camels running around? I’m pretty sure there are but I have never seen any of them. I’ll keep looking though! 8. Do you have any friends in Iraq?I have lots of friends here. Many of them are people I came here with when we left Hawaii. Many of them have children in school just like me. I hope they are getting letters from their son or daughter’s classmates like I did! I also have made some friends since I got here. They are Iraqi people who want to help us win the war. I’m very […]

Impact Your Military Community!

[…]disciples, ‘The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest'” (Matt. 9:37-38 RSV). A base theater is jammed with 252 people to hear Christian rock bands Damask Rose and Joy Electric. The bands use their musical talents to deliver the gospel. The crowd includes soldiers (officers & enlisted) and family members, half of whom are not believers. During the intermission, a chaplain takes the stage, presents the Gospel and offers an invitation to accept Jesus. Meanwhile, fifteen volunteers from Fort Stewart’s Vale Chapel perform an […]

Implicit Trust

[…]were proceeding in his general direction, stepped out of formation 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 […]

Leadership and the Christian Officer

by LTG William K. Harrison Jr., USA > PDF version Within the limits of the material means given him, the effectiveness of a unit depends to maximum degree on the leadership ability and practice of the commander. The military system of discipline is an essential foundation, but the extent to which it succeeds in obtaining the best results depends upon the commander’s own personality. The commander must win confidence and loyalty by his own acts. No one can do this for him. While he does certain things with the deliberate intent of gaining optimum control over his unit, and the […]
edit-Mortal-Enemies-PO1-Randi-Brown-USN

Mortal Enemies

[…]my objective: to surprise and cripple the American naval force in the Pacific. I gave no thought of the possibility of this attack breaking open a confrontation with the United States. I was only concerned about making a military success. “Plunge in to Attack” As we neared, I made a preliminary check of the harbor, nearby Hickam Field, and the other installations surrounding Honolulu. Viewing the entire American Pacific Fleet peacefully at anchor in the inlet below, I smiled as I ordered, “All squadrons, plunge in to attack!” The time was 7:49 a.m. Like a hurricane out of nowhere, my […]

Predicting the Future

[…]and ruler from the Babylonian era who developed a code to live by. This code of 282 laws was one of the earliest examples of a ruler publicly proclaiming to his people an entire body of laws, arranged in orderly groups, so that all subjects might read and know what was required of them. The code was carved on a black stone monument eight feet high; it was discovered in 1901. The code then regulated in clear and definite strokes how society should be organized. Yet, Hammurabi’s code is not really the earliest. There are some indications that another code […]

Question Authority

by Col Larry Simpson, USAF (Ret.) “Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm. He said: ‘Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.'” (Job 38:1-3). From my experience, most leaders don’t care to have their decisions challenged. This is particularly true, I believe, when the pace is fast and compliance must be immediate. In our leaders’ devotion this morning, someone commented, “There are some things you are not supposed to understand.” This was certainly the case with Job. For all of […]

Situational Awareness

[…]your career experience has seen unprecedented change. Your life has spanned the dependable pace of the Cold War, the revved up tempo of the 1990s peacekeeping and stability operations, and now the frenzy of the Global War on Terrorism. More than modernization, your byword is transformation. Each branch of service is undergoing major shifts in organization and culture. The impact of continuous change can leave service members and their families mentally adrift and stressed to the breaking point. You have great opportunities in this environment to provide the stability that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can bring.Standing Tactics, Techniques, […]
aa edit-Spiritual-battle-plan-LCpl-Dalton-Swanbeck-USMC

Spiritual Battle Plans

[…]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 factors that cause godly ambassadorship on deployment to be more difficult: an increased operational tempo, less sleep, irregular eating habits, more demands/stress, and less alone […]

Our Address

OCF logo
OCF Home Office
4050 Lee Vance Drive, Suite 330
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Phone: 303-761-1984

OCF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our CFC number is 10531. OCF is also a member of these organizations:

Subscribe

Our Connected Monthly email will keep you connected with OCF ministry news, events, and more. Subscribe or re-subscribe below.

View our email archives

* indicates required

Copyright © 2000-2023 Officers’ Christian Fellowship. All Rights Reserved.

Subscribe

Our Connected Monthly email will keep you connected with OCF ministry news, events, and more. Subscribe or re-subscribe below.

View our email archives

* indicates required

Our Address

OCF logo
OCF Home Office
4050 Lee Vance Drive, Suite 330
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Phone: 303-761-1984

OCF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our CFC number is 10531. OCF is also a member of these organizations:

Copyright © 2000-2023 Officers’ Christian Fellowship. All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies and third party services. Settings Ok
Go to Top