Do you remember why you joined the military, or chose to serve as a first responder? Many people join because it provides a sense of belonging and acceptance. The oaths sworn assures that we belong to something bigger than ourselves. A tradition that is accomplishing something good in the world. The sacrifices made as a team provide a sense of camaraderie (acceptance) that lead to a stronger bond then even some marriages experience.

But what happens when you take the uniform off? Who are you apart from your uniform?

I was spending time with one of my good friends the other day, a combat vet who served in the 82nd Airborne Division, and he mentioned how “Forward Operating Base (FOB) Shank” was one of their strategic outposts in Afghanistan. It provided security and defense against Taliban fighters whose reign of terror came to an end, because the warriors there were willing to “stand in the gap.”

“I will be with you and I will protect you.”

From our fall in the Garden of Eden, excuses have been tossed around like footballs on Sunday.  In that very first sin, Adam blamed Eve, who blamed the Slithering One.  From that time on excuses have been a part of our flawed DNA.

The Christmas season is supposed to be a wonderful time for families and friends to gather, reconnect, and celebrate. BUT is it really the most wonderful time of the year?

In the military, 24-hour time is used for 2 reasons. First: Military operations are around-the-clock 24hrs a day / 365 days a year and military operations are global in nature. There’s really no “quittin’ time!” Second: AM and PM often get mixed up so this really reduces the amount of confusion. There’s no time for mistakes. It’s important that every minute is used efficiently.

If you want to make an impact with your life, you’ve got to do one thing: Get control of your time. Your time is your life. If you don’t learn to manage your time, you’ll limit the legacy of your life.

“For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does.” - Psalm 33:4 (NLT)

Let’s be honest. We live in an extremely dishonest generation. Politicians, Hollywood, celebrities, social media… It’s hard to know what the truth is when all we hear encounter is dishonesty. In a time when so much of the world seems false, one of the great questions to ask is: “Who are you going to trust?”

The way you answer this question will determine whether your life will be filled with Peace or uncertainty.

On the battlefield, commanders employ many intelligence-gathering systems to gain “ground truth.” We need this accurate information in order to make sound tactical decisions. Good decisions save lives. Spiritually speaking, knowing the Truth is even more crucial. Why? The only part of life that crosses the threshold between this world and the next is the human soul. Eternity is a long time. Where you spend it all depends on really knowing the Truth.

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’ – Matthew 25:21

After two decades of lagging development in military aircraft following WWI, the threat of war in Europe created a sense of urgency among military leaders to catch up with the Axis powers...

“I am not really alone, because the Father is with me.” - John 16:32 (GNT)

Isolation is a real issue within our warrior class. Isolation leads to loneliness, which leads to depression… and it becomes this brutal cycle that one can easily get stuck in. Although, it’s not always easy, it’s extremely important to remember that you are never alone.

Having the mind of Christ means always being aware that God is with you.

You can’t heal the most painful, costly wounds in your life by focusing on your past. To defeat those giants, you need to look ahead.

Stop looking in your rearview mirror to find healing? When you do this, you’re more likely to crash than heal. Focusing on whatever happened in your past that’s making you seek healing  won’t lead you in the right direction.