[…]embark the Maersk Alabama I was honored, since I was a new ensign with minimal experience in Navy life. Once the Bainbridge had located the ship and the lifeboat where Captain Richard Phillips was held captive, our security detachment boarded the cargo ship. Our mission was to escort her to Mombasa, Kenya–keeping out of harm’s way as much as possible–while Bainbridge and other units worked to resolve the hostage situation. There was concern about several pirate vessels armed with heavy machine guns that had sortied in our direction to disrupt the rescue. Be Strong and Courageous I didn’t sleep very […]
[…]and does not quit at signs of rejection. 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 […]
[…]speaking, it’s difficult to show love to one’s spouse when one doesn’t feel loved personally. But 1 Corinthians 13:5,7 reminds us that love “is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it 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 […]
[…]aroma in an effort not to offend anyone. Ultimately, you will be the fragrance of life to those who are being saved. Develop healthy relationships. Seek out like-minded Christians and participate in a chapel, a church congregation, a Bible study, or para-church organization. Read the Bible and pray daily if possible. Do it like Physical Training. Find a prayer partner to get with every week. When you are given the opportunity to talk to your platoon/unit, tell them who you are and include in a matter of fact way that you are a Christian. Do not preach to them; you […]
[…]they will sooner or later stick just like that and stay crossed for the rest of your life. Children need to learn at an early age that clean underwear is a must, in case they are in an automobile accident and have to go to the hospital. Surely they understand that there’s an official in the emergency room who divides patients into “clean underwear” and “dirty underwear” categories. Only the former receives prompt medical attention. And there are principles of good nutrition. If you drink all of your milk, it will make your hair curly (or straight, depending on which […]
[…]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 go back to their soldiers and hold small group services while out on patrol. Bible study groups are the only […]
[…]he planned to enter the ministry. Then he told me how much it had meant to him in everyday life to become a Christian. In discussing his immediate future, Russell said that the platoon of which he was a member needed a scout, and that he had volunteered. 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 […]
[…]led—and that He was preparing you for the next assignment on the dream sheet He wrote for your life. Look around at what you’re about to step into—go in with your eyes wide open. Finally, look ahead, building on what you’ve discovered in the first two looks as you prepare to move forward. Your prayerful reflections, coupled with a humble “I’m a work in progress… I have not arrived” attitude, can be powerful tools in God’s hand as you seek to glorify Him on your leadership journey. Lt Col Frickenstein is currently serving as commander of the 15th Services Squadron […]
