Missed Opportunities

This week I had two times when I was offered to speak into situations, and I had nothing. Only afterwards I thought what I would, could, should have said.  I'm a chaplain, offered to speak into a situation involving morals and ethics, and I've got nothing. It wasn't fear--in these cases, it was more just who I am, not always having something to say, often tongue tied unless I prepare.  I think I'll have many opportunities in the army to shoot from the hip. I have already, and I will have more. 

I write of these missed opportunities with a smile on my face.   I would have been only frustrated and maybe guilty in the past.  But I'm in training, continually growing, learning.  Next time perhaps I'll be more ready.  But God is sovereign, and his pleasure in me does not rest in my performance, praise God!

God, make me more in tune with your Holy Spirit. Help me to grow in wisdom, and in being more relaxed, to speak boldly and courageously into situations that involve you. For your glory alone.

Applying the Gospel

One Soldier came to me, struggling with anger toward his spouse.  Apparently he gets furious when he doesn't feel heard, and she begins to walk away.  I was able to tell him about Jesus receiving blows, and spit, and whips during his last week, and that he did not lash back out.  But more than an example, Jesus took those temporal blows when we deserved eternal blows.  Jesus took our punishment to restore us to God, so that God looks on us with respect, God listens to us in prayer, all because of Jesus (he is a professing believer). He told me he liked what I had to say, that it made alot of sense.  I thank God for the opportunities to speak to Soldiers about the gospel; more than any other stage of my life. 

Thank you, God for the opportunity to hold two small field services last week, thank you for a successful marriage seminar today and for high level support in recruiting for it.  Thank you for a beautiful home, family, new acquaintances at chapel; beautiful weather, chaplain friends, and a great next-level-up Brigade Chaplain.

Easter

God, thank you for sustaining me on my 20k ruck march.  Thank you that missing my goal doesn't devestate me as it would have in years past.  Thank you for the privilege of sleeping out under the stars with Soldiers last week, and for the one who asked me for a devotional, and actually read in it and came back to me.  Thank you for the invitation to speak briefly at our Battalion Eggstravaganza tomorrow morning.  God, grant me the words, help me to be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.  May I communicate truth, but in such a way that will not close off opportunities to speak at such gatherings in the future. 

Help thou my unbelief...

I was reminded of this verse this morning in relation to prayer.  Last month I had prayed, and asked for prayer, that Soldiers would show up to a new monthly Bible study (they did).  First, what was my motive?  That they would show up so I wouldn't be embarrassed?  Or that they would be impacted by the gospel? 

Second, the next month (today), I didn't pray hardly at all until the night before.  Am I any less dependent on God and the work of his Spirit now?  Or perhaps moreso, since now I am tempted to trust in man's effort?

Thank you, God, that some came.  That you would encourage believers, and open the eyes of those who do not know you, that they would hear with spiritual ears, and be saved.  That I would have more courage, and better planning for time, next month to make the rounds and invite Soldiers to come.  Thank you for this now established venue to be an explicitly Christian Chaplain.  Thank you for the verbal support of my commander for this, and that she would be able to come next month.

Thank you, God, for this incredibly fulfilling assignment; continue to work in me as I pray you work through me.  Grant me courage to be myself, to be bold, and to be firm when called for.  Grant me peace when I feel like a third wheel off to the side, and grant me an increased ability to plan my schedule in a very fast paced training environment.