Strong Bonds

"Do you preach at a Chapel on post?"  This was a question asked of me by a couple at a marriage conference I co-facilitated this weekend at Myrtle Beach, called Strong Bonds.  This is a "non-religious" marriage curriculum that many Chaplains complain of.  It may be because of the administrative challenges, the lack of interest, or the quality of material.  But certainly it is because it is not faith-based. 

I have several thoughts about Strong Bonds events. One, I am not forbidden from--and I have never had a Soldier complain from--my inserting Christian foundational principles: "As a Christian Chaplain, I have to mention at this point..."  Second, I have learned that these events, especially weekend events, are prime opportunities to get to know Soldiers, and build relationships for future discussions. 

Third, it is an opportunity for them to see me and my family--imperfect though it is; through informal counseling, Q&A panel at the end, with me and Lucibeth, or just playing at the beach.  I can easily imagine that ours is the very first Christian family many of these Soldiers have ever come into contact with up close, and that some of them, at least, will notice some stark differences from what they grew up with. 

Today starts the first lunch of going through Mere Chrstianity with an agnostic/skeptic.  God, work as I simply lay out before him the Christian faith without compromise, and--Lord willing--have an opportunity to call him to believe. 

Conversational Prayer

"What is it you want?"  Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and  I answered the king.  Neh 2:3

I praised God yesterday for the privilege to pray for my Soldiers, any time, any where, out loud, or silently.  It struck me for some reason, that there is no limit.  A prayer life confined to meal times and church is a sad, restrictive life.  How freeing to know that part of my job (and all of our lives) is to pray for blessing, salvation, safety for others, healthy relationships, freedom from addictions, strong marriages, repentant spirits, wisdom, faith, health, an eternal perspective, a love for your Word, and on and on. 

Nehemiah shows us in the verse above a conversational prayer life inspired by grace and developed with maturity.  He reminds us our own faith is strengthened in the face of fear, or trial, but he shows us that his knee-jerk reaction is not to trust in himself, but in his God.  He goes to the sovereign Lord of the universe in the heat of the moment with no time to think, when pressed for an immidiate response. 

God, may we go to you in those times, and in times of blessing, exercising the incredible blessing, more and more often, of conversing with, depending on, and growing in depth with, or sovereign, heavenly Father, through Christ.

God, bless these marriage this weekend as we take a group of Soldiers and spouses on a marriage retreat to Myrtle Beach.  May they latch on to practical, helpful communication and relational tips; most of all may we clearly communicate the ultimate power for a healthy marriage, in the Gospel of Christ. 

Amen!

The Gracious Hand of God

"And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests." - Neh 2:8

I have sensed God's gracious hand upon me and the ministry here of late.  Lucibeth and I have met with two couples for pre-marriage counseling and had clear opportunities to present and challenge to believe the Gospel.  I have had Soldiers attend my Bible studies who are clearly not believers, and one has agreed that God may be getting her attention through her challenges, and the study.  One Soldier has indicated willingness to go through Case for Christ, as he considers becoming a Christian. 

God's gracious hand is not always easy.  In the very next verse in Nehemiah, Sanballat is mentioned, who would be a thorn in his side for a long time to come.  I have had challenges as well, I have had to tell someone 'no' who wanted too much of me.  But even challenges are part of God's gracious hand, as he uses them to mold us into the image of Christ.

God, continue to work in and through me for your Glory; utilize even challenges and obstacles around me to advance your name, your kingdom, your glory.  Amen!