Resurrected Blog, Resurrected Hope

 Wow, 10 years. 

Ten years since my last blog post.  The many blessings have also included bumps and bruises, and I feel as if now I actually have something to contribute in the way of wisdom. I will keep posting occasional updates on caringbridge.com regarding my health and that of close family.  But stop back here from time to time (or subscribe at the bottom) as I reflect on culture, faith and eternity.  For now, AI has gotten my attention along with most of the first world:

The oldest profession in the world was preceded by the oldest pastime in the world: The lust of males after the beauty of the female body.  And what we read about through the ages makes perfect sense in light of a good God and a sinful humanity.  Others have traced the trajectory of pornography through the years of pre-internet.  Most Gen Xers remember the relative inaccessibility of porn, with covered up covers stored safely behind the 7-11 clerk’s checkout counter.  Today, young teens do not merely have a rolled-up Playboy in their back pocket; instead, they have a 24/7 adult superstore with no clerks or checkout counters to be found. 

 

Unfortunately (in this case) in our modern culture technological ‘advancement’ seems to take place exponentially.  So, what may the future hold in this area with the advent of AI?  Many heard of the recent Taylor Swift images making the rounds on X with a superimposed digital nude body.  (Don’t worry, they were quickly taken down.)  Let me suggest what may be a mere matter of months away: Lightning-fast computer programs and apps that allow any subject on any screen to appear nude: from an image of a friend to a YouTube clip, and—yes, even in real-time walking down the sidewalk through Vision Pro Goggles.  The impact on marriages, families and society is overwhelming and discouraging.  Except for what I am observing this year. 

 

At many churches (in name only), let’s face it: no real transformation takes place.  At most churches long-haul life-change simply takes time, measured often in years.  But at a small, growing number of churches, real change can be observed week to week.  At one such church in Upstate SC, small groups of mostly young men and women work to address all sorts of behaviors, habits and addictions they desire to change.  Through mud, sweat and tears (it is messy), they dig into issues of family, the past, forgiveness, reconciliation; looking at how they have been hurt, honestly admitting where they have hurt others, and all this through the lens of God’s unlimited grace through Jesus.  

 

Jesus said, “I will build my Church.”  I wish it were much quicker, starting with my own heart, but it is happening, nonetheless.  And if you are not a Christian, what is taking place is difficult to explain away without supernatural forces at work.  That which appears to be shrinking is simply becoming more well defined, refined and beautiful with time.   

 

Playing in the Street

"And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets," Zech 8:5

When I was young, my mother would say, in joking frustration, "Go play in the street."  I don't think that is what the prophet Zechariah is after, when he speaks of a future day when children would do just that.  He is certainly speaking of a day of peace, joy, and laughter; when the Prince of Peace would bring peace to earth--both in part at his inauguration, and in fullness at his consummation.  

But I am also convinced that the New Heavens and New Earth will be one of activity, responsibility, engagement, and--yes, play.  When my Fort Bragg MPs patrol the roads, and we feel safe enough that our kids play in the street; when neighbors come out to play, and talk, and borrow chocolate chips; when we bring or fire pit out, and throw the football, we are mirroring and moving toward that great Day when there will be no more skinned knees, or dangers, or accidents of any kind for those whose trust is in Christ.  

Someone has called it "rolling back the effects of the fall."  In a way, I do that in different ways, not just as a neighbor, but as a Chaplain.  I am blessed that Soldiers instantly identify me by the cross on my uniform.  And as I live out my life, find balance with my family, seek to be helpful, promote justice, and bring encouragement, I am imaging Christ to a lost world.  

This morning, instead of doing PT with a platoon of Soldiers, one with a cane called me over.  He has had multiple injuries and is in severe and constant pain.  As the conversation finally got around to 'religious' issues, he opened up to me that he has a nominal faith and attends a church.  I was able to talk about Christ's suffering, his poor treatment by others, his physical pain, and the wrath of God he bore for the sake of those who believe.  That those who suffer more can identify with him in unique ways that others can't.  

As we continued to talk, I thanked God silently for calling me into military Chaplaincy.  I continue to love what I do, and I have more opportunities than ever to be stretched and communicate the gospel.  God has most certainly answered that early prayer of mine, that many have joined in praying for me! 

Even as my excitement in what I do stays strong, for the time being, I'm losing the motivation to blog regularly.  I will send a newsletter to supporting churches regularly, and if anyone would like a copy of those by e-mail, send me a message: hammted@gmail.com. 

Blessings, and thanks for continued prayers! 

Sharing Leads to Deepening

"...and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ,"  Phlm 1:6.

I have often read the jailor account in Acts 16 and thought, "Sure, when is it going to happen that someone comes to me and asks, 'What must I do to be saved?'"  Well, it finally happened. In casual conversation after church last weekend, someone mentioned to me they were wanting to be saved, but that they had to take care of some things first.  This led to a long conversation, and me communicating that there is nothing one must 'take care of' first, and her trusting Christ.   Miraculously, we didn't have any interruptions in a room full of people for at least 30 minutes.  My wife didn't come prop me up and complement me, which would not have been a bad thing.  The Navigator Director was not around for me to pass her off to.  God gave me the words I needed, the confidence, the ability to be a tool in his hands, when it seemed clear someone was ready to trust him.

During seminary on a visit to Prague, I remember watching a respected pastor have a one-on-one conversation about faith, belief in God, and spiritual issues with a young lady.  I remember his confidence, his articulateness, his boldness, and thinking, "Wow, I wish I could do that."

Some just have a gift,  But I believe God uses life experiences, and sometimes the hard knocks of life, to develop in us deeper levels of confidence and ability to just navigate waters--including waters of relationships, questions, and conversations.  When I meet young Soldiers now in my third career (and calling), and they tell me about their short lives, their home state, their interests, I can almost always find a connection point, some way in which the contours of my life have intersected with theirs.

God also gives ability where there is an exercise of faith.  As one shares their faith, they develop greater faith themselves, as the above verse hints.  Lord, thank you for "Two Ways to Live," and my buddies that learned that gospel presentation with me, and for using it as training wheels to propel me forward in the exercise of my faith.

God, thank you that multiple extraordinary and ordinary forces combine to mature us as we walk through life, growing, looking to you, looking ahead to our reward.  Thank you for using me, in increasing measure, as part of your plan, the advancement of your church, your kingdom, and your glory, amen! 

Contented Activity

I continue to thoroughly enjoy, and be fulfilled with, my role as Chaplain for the Military Police Battalion on Fort Bragg.  I enjoy being with Soldiers where they are—at the range, motor pool, in the Company areas--slowly building rapport and relationships.  One Chaplain reminded me that a big part of our job is planting seeds.   As I am present with my unit, Soldiers ask questions, set up appointments, or pull me aside, and I have the opportunity to do just that--plant seeds.   But even more, I am thrilled with the fact that I am meeting semi-regularly with about five Soldiers who are considering Christianity, or desiring to return to (turn to?) Christ after years of spiritual neglect.  

 

Another Army job opportunity came across my e-mail last week--Chaplain recruiter out of Atlanta, GA.  I reflected that in years past, I was always itching to jump at new opportunities, new adventures, new places; but that it was mostly out of fear and a sense or running from, rather than a sense of running to.  God, thank you so much that I am content--more content to be where you have placed me than I ever have been before.  Thank you that I enjoy my work and am satisfied with staying here as long or as short as you want me. 

 

God, that you would change hearts and for these Soldiers to respond to my challenges—to invitations to chapel and churches, to read Scripture, to read books, to lunch, to Navigators, and to respond to gospel summaries I have given. 

 Father, help us with new challenges in parenting a teenager, for protection of family time and wisdom in deciding what extra-curricular activities to be involved in, and for educational decisions in the coming year. 

Close Friends

"There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."  Many Sargeants like to get creative with PT, and one exercise involves doing a situp with a log on your chest.  Actually it is a long log, with many Soldiers lined up on either side.  One side goes down with the log and back up, transfers it to the Soldiers on the opposite side, and they go down. 

Yesterday I found myself on the end, which should be a strong, anchorman position.  The Soldiers opposite me quickly and intuitively realized I would need some help, and instead of waiting for me to rise from the situp, they reached down, grabbed the log, and lifted it onto their own chests.  Part of me was embarrassed, but part of me was glad to give them a chance to help me out, and I thanked them profusely afterwards. 

As an evangelical chaplain, I often find myself communicating broad, common-grace principles in groups, and looking for opportunities to communicate the specifics of the gospel to individuals.  One of those principles is the encouragement to be good friends to one another. Sometimes young Soldiers show up to the unit without a friend, and often without the support of a healthy extended family behind them. 

As Jesus is the one True Friend for us, we are called likewise to reach out to, sacrifice for, and carry the weight of, those around us.

God, that there would be healthy relationships within my Battalion, with less and less behavior problems, abuses, and unhealthy interaction.  That those who are believers would be bright lights, having an impact on the consciences and behavior of the group as a whole. 

And for several Soldiers I'm meeting with one-on-one, work by your Spirit to draw them to yourself, and grant me the words, time, patience, and love to help them along the way. 

Amen!

Responding in Fear or Faith

"If you are determined to go to Egypt and you do go to settle there...the famine you dread will follow you into Egypt, and there you will die." - Jer 42:11-12.  I don't know how many times, and in how many generations Israel ran back to Egypt, or sought an alliance with them against common enemies, but this was the case at the beginning of the Babylonian captivity. 

It is still the tendency and temptation for ourselves as well.  Often--especially as it relates to our witness--the cowardly way seems safer, more attractive, more right.  But we will fail, we will not prosper, when we seek to protect ourselves in fear, rather than live by faith.  This is the way of the gospel--the way to life feels like death, because God would have our hearts and our trust rather than mere lip service. 

God, grant me the ability--and the continued desire on their part--to evangelize and disciple the three men you have brought into my life who are open to spiritual things.  Please open blind eyes to see!

Grant me strength and mental proficiency tomorrow, and for the next two weeks, in Air Assault School too finish the race, overcome fears, and pass the course.  For your sake.

Please bless and protect one of my Companies, preparing to go to Africa for Ebola related security. Grant safety, and also a deeper awareness of the frailty of man in order that more and more may turn to you in faith and repentance. 

God, haver mercy on the numerous broken marriages in my unit.  Grant me the wisdom and words for speaking into these situations, and may they turn to you in their desperation and hopelessness.

And in each of these situations, and many more, help me to step out in faith rather than fear, trusting you as I go!

Amen!  

Regimental Week Activities

Most of the family in an Armored Security Vehicle.  Very safe, and claustrophobic.  The Army frequently has celebrations for which you can invite the family.  This gives them a better picture of what Soldiers do--riding in vehicles, trying on parachutes, handling weapons, etc.  This also gives Lucibeth and me a great chance to connect with spouses we would not otherwise see.