God is WHAT?

One of the joys of reading the Scriptures multiple times is "finding" something different each experience. It is most noted when, despite numerous readings, something "jumps out" that I never "caught" before. Almost like an epiphany, I think to myself "why haven't I seen this before?"

Well, another one of those moments occurred as I was reading Luke 6:27-36. It is the discourse on "how" to treat our enemies. Yes, we know that if someone is an enemy, we love them. If they happen to curse us, we bless them instead. Even if they out-right hate us, we do good to them in return. The hard part (for me at least) is that when they obviously go "out of their way" to hurt me, I am supposed to pray for them. Why, because Jesus instructs us to love them...unconditionally as he loves me. So, we "get the picture" on our enemy. Or...so I thought. This is the "ta-dah" moment.

Tucked away in the final sentence of verse 35, there is the "how come" and "what for" answer as to "why" we treat our enemy in this degree of love and concern. "For He is kind to the unthankful and evil." GOD IS WHAT?? Yes, God is KIND even to the unthankful and to those who are evil!

God loves all of us regardless...even if not all of us love Him in return. It is God's desire that we always respond in the way that He would...in love. I think we need to reverse our current trend of "making things worse" by retaliating or seeing that an offender "gets what they deserve" in a punitive sense.

God is kind to the ungrateful, the unthankful, the evil, selfish, self-centered, egotistical maniac....you know, like me...and you, possibly? That's why I get a lump in my throat when I begin to sing about God's "Amazing Grace" that "saved a wretch like me."

Everyone is equal and on level ground when on their knees at the foot of the cross. His love knows no bounds or limitations...no labels, no classifications...just love...period. He died for me, for my enemies, and for those who are "unthankful and evil."

How can I model God's example towards my enemies...those I can't stand...people that are hard to get along with...those who are annoying, mean, vile, crude, and down-right hateful? You know...all those people God loves! :)

New Year's Eve 2012

I am very certain that 365 days ago, I wrote a "Post" on "Another Year"in reflection of not only the year behind me, but the one coming up ahead as well. Here's the link if you wish....( http://www.fodwalker.blogspot.com/2011/12/another-year.html

I believe in the article, I mentioned how quickly 2011 went right past me. Yes, it did that AGAIN! However this year ends on a unique note. I am currently serving in a foreign land about three months into a 1-year deployment in Afghanistan. The year 2012 includes that word "transition" again as I saw a change in unit assignment and my first deployment with the US Army.

So, staying true-to-form on this next endeavor, I will first look back at my "predictions" and see if I came anywhere close to mastering or completing.

I made the assessment to:

1. First, I am looking forward to my transition from student-based ministry to "regular" unit ministry with the 201st MI BN at Fort Sam Houston.
2. I am still counting on my first Army deployment to Afghanistan in October 2012.
3. I would like to be sitting at 200lbs (or possibly 195-198lbs) on December 31, 2012 (one year from this writing).

Looking over the list, I'd say I did fairly well...at least 2 out of 3! I did transition to the 201st Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. So, that is a "check"...done! Then, on to #2, which, considering that I am writing this "from" Afghanistan, it would be safe to say that this is also a "check"...done!

Not sure if there is a need to move on to #3 as that just didn't happen! I wish weight loss was equally easy as weight gain. I struggle with this and have been for nearly 15 years. Yes, this is "confession time." It is my goal while deployed to shed that down significantly. So, #3 is a BIG red "X"...almost like getting one on "Family Feud!"

So, with that out of the way, I believe it is time to look ahead to 2013! Dare I even make any?? Why not? I have a few options on the table that could possibly be obtained from Afghanistan! For 2013, I would like to think:

1. Will make it safely home in early February 2013 for my wife's birthday and two weeks of R&R.
2. Will finish my deployment with success and come home (along with my unit) in September 2013
3.  Unlike 2012, I WILL be "Home for Christmas" in 2013!
4. Pass my physical fitness test with my best score to date.
5. Yes...I'm going to put it down again! I would like to be at 200lbs or less come December 31, 2013.

Well...I guess we'll see...I'll have 365 days to accomplish these 5 goals...I think I am in the best position to actually do it this time....100%...all five! Let's hope! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

"This is the Day"

There is a particular praise song of "thanksgiving" that most of us have sung at one point and time in our lives to uplift us on any particular day.

The familiar tune, "This is the day! This is the day that the Lord has made! I will rejoice. I will rejoice and be glad in it!" On and on it goes...for various occasions, at church, or even right now as you read.

The reason this song resonates with me at this particular time is due to my current location. I just happen to be deployed with the Army in Afghanistan. We arrived here with the understanding that it would be a 9-month deployment. Well, that quickly changed on "Day #5" after our arrival. We are now here for an entire year...a 12-month deployment.

Even as a Chaplain, I found myself a bit overwhelmed at the vastness of rocks, lack of grass, blowing sand and dirt...not to mention the choking smoke/exhaust of generators, burn pits, and vehicles. I must admit that it was hard...or should I say, flat-out difficult, to be motivated to be here.

I just wanted to be home. I wanted it to be September 2013...time to return home. I soon found myself "being grateful" that the time was passing quickly and at the end of each day, remarking that it was at least"one more day that is over with." I was in a mind-set of "just get this over with."

Then came a subtle reminder of Psalm 118:24...you guessed it...that quaint little praise chorus that gets easily stuck in your head. The verse that proclaimed, "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."

This became a wave of conviction that I had become so focused on "being done so I could go home" from my deployment, that I was missing the opportunity to "rejoice and be glad" for each day...even if "that day" is in Afghanistan. I have asked God to forgive me for my ungratefulness and sour attitude towards each day that He has given me on this deployment to be His Ambassador to our Soldiers.

So, starting now...and each morning as I awake to the sunshine and beautiful mountains of this part of Afghanistan, I will proclaim in a song of praise..."this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it!" Thank you, Lord for your reminder to adjust my attitude and to be grateful for each day that you give me. Thank you!!

Happy New Year!

For most of us, in this busy and hectic world our attention is numbed by political ads for the upcoming Presidential election as well as tensions surrounding the brutal and unnecessary focus of mobs storming our U.S. Embassies around the world. In a sense, we would like to "start over" with a New Year...why wait until December 31, 2012. Well, you can!!

This week in September 2012 marks the dawning of "Rosh Hashanah" or YEAR 5773. This important date marks the beginning of the 10-day holiday that will end with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This is an important time to to be charitable and thankful, and, above all, to deepen your connection to God and fellow people through prayer and penitence.

So, yes...you CAN have a "do-over" and start new...or, just simply "pick up where you left off" with those "resolutions" you made a little over 9-months ago! In this year of 5773, let us all recommit ourselves to those things that bring peace and the presence of God's love in this world that seems confused, bewildered and lost in unrest.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! May this be a new beginning for you...as well as a time for reflection on how we can all contribute to the cause of hope. Hope...something this world so desperately needs.

Have We Become Like Samson?

There has been some discussion recently about what each of us considered as some of "the scariest" scripture in the Bible. Of course, most would probably say that "blaspheming the Holy Spirit" would rank up near the top of the list (Mark 3:28-30). However, I came across one that startled me a little because, quite frankly, it had never "popped up" in my face before.

It comes out of the book of Judges as part of what we know as "The Story of Samson and Delilah." It is Chapter 16, Verse 20 and it reads, "Then she cried, 'Samson, the Philistines are here!' When he awoke from his sleep, he said, 'I will escape as I did before and shake myself free!' But he did not know that the Lord had left him."

Wow...can we, as believers, actually get comfortable enough in our faith or even become so routine in our walk with God that we don't even notice when we start "drifting away" from Him? Has our ministry lost its vitality...has our influence lost its grasp on others...do we even find ministry all that enticing anymore?

Think about it...you may be assuming "all is well...everything is fine," but seriously consider where things stand at this very moment. Take inventory and see...for instance, when you pray, do you notice the answers don't seem to come as they once did? The positive effect you once had on those around you seem to be negligible or even harmful? You were once friendly and reconciling, but now have been noticing more problems in your relationships? Have those who have relied on you stopped coming because you're not proving to be as helpful as before? Some things to consider....have we, like Samson, taken our relationship with God for granted?

Spiritual decline is something to guard against daily. If we can get to the point, like Samson, that we don't even realize the Lord "isn't even with us," we need to stop and get our relationship with God back where it belongs. The fact remains: God desires a relationship with us...one that is close, personal, loving and intimate.

May it be our prayer that we would invite God to search our lives to see if there are attitudes, relationships, or activities/habits that need to be removed from our life. When He reveals this to us, we quickly rid them from our life, and walk with God to grow in spiritual strength.

Maintaining a loving, personal, and intimate relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit will allow us the vitality to stay alert and strong so that we don't "fall asleep" like Samson and end up in a ton of trouble. We should never get to the point where we don't even realize "the Lord had left...." Have you become like Samson? Let us all make sure our relationship with God remains close!

I LOVE MY JOB!

I wonder how many of us could honestly say, "I love my job" and enjoy going to work. I've have heard several state that "the way" to know you love what you do is to "envision that it is Sunday night and you are looking forward to going to work tomorrow."

There are times I wonder if that is the case for everyone. I must first "preface" that with the fact that I believe ALL work is important and that it is crucial for everyone to "work to earn their keep." But, I still can't help but ponder the dreams of others and the aspirations they may have had in their earlier life given the work they do now.

I sometimes wonder if the people doing certain jobs ever said as a young person, "when I grow up, I want to stock shelves at Walmart!" Did anyone ever dream that "when I grow up, I want to work at McDonald's." I wondered if they had dreams of being in the Military, becoming a Lawyer, or owner of their own business. But, regardless of what "it" is that they do, is it something they enjoy doing?

I came across a statement from one of my favorite actors, Morgan Freeman, when asked if he thought about retiring from acting. He said, "No! What good is that? You want to retire from a job you’re not that all enamoured with. I love what I do. I want to keep doing it till I can’t get out of bed doing it."

It is my prayer that we are all gainfully employed doing our best and enjoying what we do each day. It honestly doesn't matter what the job is at hand as long as we approach it with a grateful heart, a good attitude, and the best effort we can afford. Maybe even adopt the mindset of Mr. Freeman that the job you have is something you'd like to do "till I can't get out of bed doing it!"

Although I enjoy the weekends as much as anyone else, I am thankful that I CAN get up each Monday morning and approach the week with a thankful heart that I can be productive in this world "doing what it is that I do." Yes, I LOVE MY JOB!!

Love Despite Failure

Many I have spoken with through the years have had a concept of failure as being "final." They express that "all is lost" or that they should just give up, throw in the towel and quit because "it's over." I think our society is too quick in sending these kind of messages. Just look at how easy it is to go from "Hero to Zero" today. Look at how quick our world will disown, discredit and destroy those who fail "just once."

I am sure the Disciples of Jesus were feeling like they totally blew it when they suddenly realized what they had done...abandoned Jesus at the most crucial time in human history. Unfortunately, Judas took the "easy wrong" instead of the "hard right" and committed suicide by hanging himself. Peter cursed up a storm to emphatically deny knowing Jesus.

But, it wasn't just Judas and Peter...it was all 12 Disciples. When Jesus was arrested in the garden of Gethsemane, Matthew 26:56 tells us "...Then all the disciples deserted him and fled." Betrayal, abandonment, denial...you name it, Jesus endured it all. His purpose was not to be a punching-bag or a 'sin-sponge' to absorb all the brokenness we could dish out. His purpose was to show us the unconditional love of God the Father. It was to invite us into a personal, loving, intimate relationship with him.

This is what I find so fascinating about how Jesus restored Peter (John 21:15-19). Jesus didn't take Peter's denials and rub them in his face or grab him by the collar and demand an apology. In fact, Jesus wasn't looking for a confession of sin...Jesus was hoping for a confession of love...and that is precisely how Peter responded. PETER GOT IT!

Jesus covers all our failures with his unconditional and pardoning love. What disappointments, mistakes or failures are you STILL holding on to? Failure is not in falling down...it is in the refusal to "get back up." Will you allow Jesus to help you back up? His hand is outstretched...will you grasp his hand and let Jesus help you get back up on your feet? I'm sure Peter would be cheering you on saying "do it...you won't be sorry!!"

For the Gospel

I read with interest the introductory words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:12 when he talks of his own personal hardship and possible disappointments, sadness, and struggles. He said in verse 12, "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel." I honestly don't know if I could say those words with full assurance while sitting in prison especially when I know I haven't committed any crime or broke any law. I wonder how many of us, when faced with a set-back, illness, job loss, or other life-challenging situation, would step back and happily exclaim "hey, at least this will advance the gospel of Christ!" Don't get me wrong, because there IS a season to mourn and grieve loss, disappointment and set-back. There is a season to be angry and question during these momentous times of great challenge. But there also needs to be a time to allow God to not only use these challenging times in our life, but to use how we respond to these events to bring Glory to Himself and to show others how they can come to Him, through His Son Jesus, to experience a loving, close, personal and intimate relationship with Him. Through this experience they can find comfort and peace in order to see that their "issue" can, indeed, "advance the Gospel."

Another Year

Where did 2011 go? This year seemed unusually swift in its entrance and departure. I am not sure why it seemed exceptionally fast. I think it may have been the whirlwind of activity in not only my profession, but our way of life. I am amazed that it started while living on base at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi as a Chaplain in the Air Force. Now, as I end the year, I find myself living on Post at Fort Sam Houston as an Army Chaplain in San Antonio, Texas. Although the year started with the knowledge of moving over to the Army, I still didn't know "where" it would be in terms of assignment. But, the year is complete and God has walked me through a very successful transition from "blue to green." The blessings included getting housing on Post, a non-deployable assignment, and successful completion of Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course...or "CH-BOLC" as we call it. Of course not all the blessings stopped with just those three accomplishments as I continue to experience the joy of rounding out 2011 with family. We have been able to visit all our family in Iowa as well as Kentucky. So, as another year closes, I would like to write a few "predictive-guesses" on what could possible unfold in 2012. I am not trying to "predict" anything in particular. I just find it intriguing to trace back to these blogs on December 31st to "compare" what really happened with what I "thought" might happen. 1. First, I am looking forward to my transition from student-based ministry to "regular" unit ministry with the 201st MI BN at Fort Sam Houston. 2. I am still counting on my first Army deployment to Afghanistan in October 2012. 3. I would like to be sitting at 200lbs (or possibly 195-198lbs) on December 31, 2012 (one year from this writing). I think these three can be a good start. But, above all, I know for sure that regardless of what transpires, God, my Heavenly Father is with me. Therefore, I remember His promise to Joshua, "I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you." Let us all end 2011 and begin 2012 in remembrance of this promise! As we reflect on God's faithfulness in 2011 we can have hope for 2012.

December 25th: Christmas?

First off, this is not a writing against Christmas being celebrated on December 25th! Whew! Now, with that disclaimer out of the way, I wanted to introduce just my pondering of "when" Jesus could have really been born. Although, for calendar celebration's-sake, we annually recognize the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th, I am more convinced that Jesus was born during the Jewish celebration of SUKKOT. That means, to me, that the birth of Christ occurred sometime within September to October time frame. The thoughts came to me as I wrote a sermon based on the Advent-Season lectionary Gospel reading in John 1:6-14. I came across verse 14, that says, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The word "dwelt" can be interpreted as "tent" or "tabernacle." Oddly enough, SUKKOT is the Jewish "Feast of Booths" or "Festival of Tents" to remember the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering the deserts and living in temporary shelters. It is one of the most joyous of celebrations and is considered as "The Season of Our Rejoicing." OK, so where am I going with this? I just think that Jesus being born during Sukkot makes sense. I believe God is very intentional with presenting/revealing Himself to us. After all, if the crucifixion/sacrifice of Jesus coincides with the Jewish celebration of PASSOVER why, then, could it not be possible for His birth to run parallel with SUKKOT? So, yes, I will keep on track with the Christmas, December 25th "recognition celebration" of Christ being born the Messiah...Savior of the world. I am in no hurry to "change Christmas" but to simply expand my understanding of how God works in our lives and our world to reveal Himself to us. Why, yes...that is a reason to rejoice! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Eagle's View

For many years, I have not only read Psalm 40:31, but have heard it preached and have used it myself for Bible study. But, not until recently, has it impacted me in a whole new way. The first part of the verse says, "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles."

We would all love to find that "new strength" that would help us to soar like an eagle. Yes, allowing God to uplift us emotionally and spiritually is wonderful, but also discovering why the imagery of an eagle is being used is also important.

I believe the answer lies in the view the eagle sees while in flight. When we "soar like eagles," God is lifting us up high to get a better view of our circumstances. When we stand on a mountain peak or the observation deck of a tower, building, or monument, we get a entirely different view of our surroundings. We are not only blown away by the thrill of heights, but how spectacular the view is from "way up here."

The next time you face trials or venture through tragedy, mistakes, opposition and even victories, allow God to help you see the events from the heights of an eagle. By doing so, it will help you see things from not only a "now" perspective, but also an "eternal" perspective that God is truly "working all things for good" (Romans 8:28). Begin today learning how to "enjoy the view" from the eagle's perspective as you "soar" through each day!

The Garbage Truck

There are some people who can't seem to talk about anything but what is hurting them, what isn't fair, what stinks and how bad things are at the moment. They are constantly "dumping their garbage" on every possible unsuspecting "victim" who happens to accidentally use the greeting "so, how's it going?"

That reminds me of the "Law of the Garbage Truck"....which is told:

"One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!' This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so ... Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!"

Have a garbage-free day!

Certainties for 2011 and Beyond

Nothing is ever certain and for most, even insurance policies, guarantees and warranties are limited. We seem to limit our responsibilities and expectations so that if they aren't met, we won't be so disappointed...after all, isn't it covered in the warranty, policies or guarantee? It is comforting to know, that through faith, there are still things from God and His word that are trustworthy and certain. As we venture into 2011, here are some of those "certainties" of God that will continue despite our ever-changing world. They are:

1. The Bible will still have answers
2. Prayer and faith will still be the most powerful thing on Earth.
3. The Holy Spirit will still be moving and working through believers.
4. God will still honor the praises rising from His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed, Holy Spirit inspired preaching of His Word.
6. People will still be lifting their hearts and voices in praise to God.
7. God will still pour out His blessings upon His children.
8. There is still plenty of room for you at the Cross of Jesus.
9. Jesus will not stop loving you!
10. Jesus will still save all those who call upon Him!

As we contemplate our experiences of 2010 and anticipate what lies ahead in 2011, it is always a good reminder to know God is still in control. We can depend on Him now and forever. 1 Peter 1:25 "The word of the Lord endures forever." Now, that we can be certain!

Bruised and Battered Achievement

There are people who cannot handle the achievements, abilities or work ethic of others. I feel, in most part, these feelings come because their own ability is threatened by someone who is being successful. In order to compensate, this type of individual will criticize ideas, sabotage deadlines, and slander the reputation of anyone who may be a "threat" to their reputation or employment. Those who are on the receiving end of this form of abuse will get battered, bashed and belittled along the way. The whole point of this attack is to get one to quit...to give up, surrender, and become an ordinary, unrecognized, average employee. It is easy to see why those who work diligently, ethically, and above-the-norm are faced with discouragement, disappointment, and betrayal due to a myriad of attacks from others who feel threatened by your abilities. I like what Chuck Swindoll said when he wrote, "Every achievement worth remembering is stained with the blood of diligence and scarred by the wounds of disappointment. To quit, to run, to escape, to hide -- none of these options solve anything. They only postpone reckoning with reality. Every journey is accomplished one step at a time. Don't stop now!" Despite all that others will do to discourage us into quitting let us hold to the words of Colossians 1:23, "Continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast." May the ill attempts of others be your barometer to gauge that you're on the right path. You must be, or they wouldn't be working so hard to stop you!

Suck it up! Drive on?

There is an old saying in the military when it comes to adversity, challenge, or opposition that says, "suck it up and drive on!" At first, I am somewhat appalled at the "tough guy" mentality that appears to be a brutal form of endurance. After meditating on a Scripture passage from a devotional booklet this past week, I may have changed my mind as it could pose a very important lesson in Christianity. In 1 Peter 2:23, it says that Jesus "did not retaliate when he was insulted,nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly." There are some things in life I cannot change or take mastery over. There are things that happen in life that are not fair, warranted, or expected. All I can control, most of the time, is my response to these situations. I wonder how much time I have wasted trying to rectify what I see as wrong or underhanded. I wonder how much needless stress and worry I have put my body through holding a grudge and trying to get my own form of justice against those who inflicted suffering upon me. Although there is a time and a place for justice, reconciliation, forgiveness and healing, there is still that time (usually at the moment of offense) that you literally "suck it up and drive on." Not as if to downplay it and pretend it didn't happen, but as a commitment to leave this person/situation in the hands of a Righteous Judge who will not only work through this situation, but work through me as a testimony of His unfailing love, mercy and grace. It is not easy to "sit there and take it" and do nothing more than to simply walk away. I admit, I love to speak out to justify and defend myself to make sure everyone knows how "wronged" I was and all that I have endured. It's time to silence the "you won't believe what happened to me" stories and move beyond the need to tell everyone about my woes. God's got my back and is firmly in control. In other words...suck it up and drive on!