CHAPLAIN’S brief
Where the Truth is not subjective and opinions are different than facts. May contain controversy but the mission comes first as being Salt and Light are our Christian Duty. May our words edify and build up the body of Christ. May we be doers of The Word.
“But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Matthew 10:19-20)
2021-5-24-2230PST: Looks like the Marines are stepping up their skillset with mobile HF, recognizing the use of HF for tactical land-based operations. Likely they were on a heavy learning curve, figuring out the practical application of HF over land, NVIS, modes, what bands to use and when. Like most services the rebirth of HF radio is taking serious shape.
2020-12-21-1330PST: DHS’s CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) have issued two documents, Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide and a companion Fact Sheet. It’s been on my mind and heart to talk about the controversial (to some) subject of chaplains being armed. This is not to be confused with military chaplains who aren’t armed as tradition and as a component of the Geneva Convention. I am strictly talking about domestic chaplains who are shepherds and servants to their church and community. Our primary duties do not include policing of course, and it would be wrong to take on any such role especially in any pretense of official capacity. As many people in rural areas and reservations know, law enforcement response can be a long time away, and isn’t always available 24 hours. This has been the reality in many counties in Oregon. I will continue on this topic as a regular article to be posted soon. [here]
2020-12-18-1900PST: A year ago today I buried my precious service dog of 10 years, Kabu. She was love incarnate, and saw me through some dark years. I’m still speechless, and miss her like nothing I’ve experienced before.
2020-12-08-2030PST: I’m not an accomplished sermon writer, but I have self-righteously lectured some people when I was a non-believer- who hasn’t? When I’m feeling wronged I can get pretty surly too. Today I told my cardiologist to go f*** himself as he’s been negligent and providing sub-standard care. His lack of professionalism isn’t acceptable, but neither is mine. I’m not sure how to repent, especially as I totally felt justified, that it was just a salty rebuke. Nice rationalization, eh? Do I make amends, like in AA, or just pray for forgiveness, or both? I’m not feeling very repentant, too much has gone wrong with incompetent doctors to easily swallow my pride and be sorry; they make some pretty bad mistakes and low-income folks on medicare don’t have a lot of recourse so why not tell him where to go? Right? I could quote scripture about how we as Christians are to talk and treat those who wrong us, but I’ve been reading it all afternoon and I can’t find it in my heart to ameliorate what I did, I mean this guy deserved it, and I don’t feel bad. Well, I must feel bad or I wouldn’t be worried about it (although that’s not repentance in itself). It felt good though to give them a dose of righteous anger while they have taken my money and my health in their callous halfhearted hands.
None of this feels like a good answer either though; I’m not okay with being this way towards people. It’s not the way of a warrior through a fallen world that needs us to be better; it’s not what God asks of us. This doctor has forgiveness through the grace of Christ, just as I do. Who am I to insult him? Even if he isn’t a believer, I am and it reflects poorly on the gifts and sacrifice of our Lord.
I do know this: I will pray until I have an answer, and I will do, humbly, what the Lord asks of me.
Do you relate to my sin? How? What have you done to answer for it? Please feel free to respond. Rebuke me, offer insight, whatever the Lord puts on your heart.
Sons Of Thunder Signal Corps Ministry 