Sep
1
2010
Toward the end of my enlistment I really enjoyed asking my younger Marines, “Why are you here?” This was usually in response to some complaining about the Corps or Gunny or something not entirely significant. At that time I could guarantee one of three answers: 1. “I want money for college” 2. “I wanted to travel the world”, 3. “Have you seen the uniform?” And yes, I did actually get that last one. All of those answers are pretty funny for anyone who has put on the uniform though. Off the top of my head: 1.) you could have gotten a loan or a job for college money, 2.) you could have been a steward on an airline and travelled, 3.) you could have bought an Armani suit. Any of those and you wouldn’t have had to put up with all this.
Now, why are you here?
Well, I don’t know?
“You went through all of this and you don’t know why? We really need to talk about that because this place is crazy and you need to have a good reason for being here. Now let’s look at what you did to get here. I don’t know if every recruiter does it or if it was just mine, but I remember filling out the contract and signing every page and initialing every paragraph. When we got to the very end the recruiter turned the paperwork around to me and read the last block which said, “We promise you two hours of sleep and one meal a day. Sign here.” Now my 17 year old brain had a moment of unusual clarity in which it realized what was left out of that promise. They did not promise comfort or shelter or being home with my family for Thanksgiving. For that matter there was no promise I’d come home with all my appendages. There was no promise I’d come home. But I signed the line and so did everyone in uniform. So did you. Why are you here?”
“When you signed that line you gave away all your comfort and everything you knew. Your country can now call on you to go anyplace at any time, and you go. You will likely have to do tedious and greasy work in hot and smelly places. There is no promise you will see your family at Christmas. There is a good chance you will have to sleep in some dank and dirty place and eat cold nasty food. You gave up home and family. You are not your own. Why are you here?
“If we are really honest there is no promise you will keep your arms or legs. There is a real chance this may cost you your life. You signed up for it. Why are you here?”
“Now let’s look at the gospel. Christ gave up his place in heaven. He was seated next to the Father with whom he had a perfect relationship. He was worshipped day and night by angelic hosts. Yet of his own will out of his great love for us his enemies he stepped down and took on flesh. He was reviled though he did no wrong. He was killed for our transgressions. He accomplished on our behalf that which we so desperately needed but were wholly incapable of doing.
“You voluntarily gave up everything to offer up yourself on behalf of those who would not or could not do it themselves. You live out the gospel everyday. Paul says, “I run the race to win the prize” And “I buffet my body to make it my slave.” You are the one getting up at 5:30 am to do PT. You are the one who stands in the gap for those at home, to intercept the wrath directed at us. This is what you have done. Now look at what Christ has done for you.
SUBMITTED BY KEITH TEPERA
Valor :: The Citadel
Aug
12
2010
I recently read a commentary in ‘The World’ magazine online by Andree Seu. The author shared an experience of her eldest son and how it sparked a realization of who she is in Jesus Christ, and why she’s not struggling with some of the voids that many in the world do struggle with. I thought her categories were thought provoking and relevant to the start of a new fall semester, so I’ve borrowed the categories, but rewritten the explanations.
You have identity. One of the many wonderful gifts of knowing Christ personally is the inestimable knowledge of identity as a child of God (1 John 3:1–2). What does this mean? You were known before your birth and introduction to the world (Psalm 139: 15–16). You are not defined by the clothes you wear, your major, career choices or promotions, or your role or lack of role in ROTC. Followers of Jesus Christ do not need to be caught in the endless cycle of seeking identity in entertainment, sports, parties, or trendy fads; rather we can experience total freedom from these empty pursuits.
You have a purpose. Consider the debate about human origins, or even bigger – the origins of life itself. A primordial goo, sport for gods, reincarnation, gradual development, or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang…(oh wait, was that a movie…)? What purpose does life have if it is not intentionally created? Why do you exist? Having our identity firmly rooted in Jesus Christ means we are free to embrace our purpose – to glorify God and enjoy him forever (1 Peter 2:9, Ephesians 2:1–10). Such a purpose should lead to a sense of meaning as well.
You can establish healthy rules for living. If you have a clear identity, purpose, and sense of meaning you can embrace a life free from the tyrannical whims of an overindulgent world. As temptations arise how will you face them? Establishing boundaries early can help you build a healthy lifestyle that affirms and encourages your ability to live freely in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13–16). True freedom is found in the power to move confidently in the way you’re designed.
You have relationship with the living God through Jesus Christ. In John 14 Jesus tells his disciples (v.6) that no one can go to the Father except through him, (v. 16) that he would ask the Father to send another Helper to be with them forever, and (v. 18) that he would not leave them as orphans, but come to them. In John 15:15 Jesus calls his disciple friends. These are not the words of an ethereal and vaguely tangible deity, but of a living and active person who is fully God.
You know your destination. Confessing sin, repenting, and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior leads to eternal life with God. We’re given knowledge of our destination not to ignore the present and wait, but to give us hope and motivation. It gives us a glimpse of the wonders to come when Jesus Christ makes his return, it makes current circumstances bearable and pale in comparison. How many people around you do not know with confidence what will happen to them when they die?
Consider what you’ll face when you return to campus and ask yourself what you want your influence for Jesus Christ to look like, and why. This doesn’t necessarily mean bold evangelism with tracts, a soapbox and a megaphone in the main thoroughfares of your campus, but it can mean intentionally looking at people around you and recognizing that many of them do not know Jesus Christ. I encourage your to take time to pray about the coming semester and what the Lord would have you do for him. The freedom we have should give us confidence as we interact with those who do not know Jesus Christ. If we have something as good as the knowledge of what brings eternal life, why not share it?
Jul
8
2010
I’m reading a book titled “God Space” by author Doug Pollock. It’s one of those books where you say, “I should have thought of that.” Yet we didn’t and we even less often do what it describes. I’d like to share some thoughts from what I took from reading it. (I’d also encourage you to get a copy for yourself instead of just taking my word for it!)
From years of experience, Doug gives many Biblical and practical perspectives on how to naturally create what he calls God Space, or room for spiritual conversations where God is felt and encountered in ways that address the longings of our heart, where judgment is absent, dialogue flows, and where those far from God feel safe to bring their real selves out into the light and journey to the magnetic pull they sense in their souls.
To be honest with you, I absolutely love the idea of taking the Good News to the world, but struggle with doing it. I fear, I doubt, and I hesitate to offer hope when I’m talking with people. Pollock’s book highlights a few things that are helping me as I seek to have spiritual conversations with those around me.
The first is my own resistance to allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me. When I decide to listen to my own will, I handicap the will of the God working in me. Our battle isn’t to overcome our sinful desires, but to surrender them and to choose to submit to God.
His other principles are to Notice, Serve, Listen, and Wonder your way into spiritual conversations.
- Noticing involves using the “eyes of your heart” to see others the way God sees them. Look for their joys and sorrows and seek ways to bridge their needs with God’s ability to meet those needs.
- Serving is straight forward: Go meet someone’s need out of kindness and see if they don’t ask you why you’re doing it. You’ll have many opportunities to share the hope that is within you!
- Listening means resisting the urge to hijack a conversation and humbly seeking to understand more than to be understood. As you genuinely seek to offer others a chance to share, they’ll take you up on it. This doesn’t mean agreeing with every idea out there, but it does mean affirming others as they pursue God.
- Wondering is about asking questions that invite others to think more deeply about their lives and beliefs. Let people know you’re curious about their thoughts on God, truth, sin, life, and why they hold to those thoughts.
On a final note, I was struck when he pointed out, “It’s been said that the only thing more difficult than getting the church to go to the world is getting the world to come to us.” God invites us to ‘go and be’ the body of Christ. Will you join me in taking the first step and going to those who aren’t interested in coming to us, but who need to meet Jesus and have their longings met by Him?
Jun
9
2010
The following is taken from the “7 Characteristics of ROTC Life and Faith” series posted in the resources tab of www.valormovement.com, and is an abridged version of the 7th study in the series. The series was written by the former Valor Director for Texas A&M, and is intended to dive deep into scripture to integrate faith and military life. I would encourage you to explore this series of 6 Bible studies covering: Priorities, Training, Deny the Self-Centered Life, Submission to God’s Will, Following Christ, Stewardship, and Loving Others. This series would make a fantastic summer study for an individual or a group.
The final study in the series covers Service – Love Others, below is an abbreviated version. Consider this – both the military and faith require that you love others and serve others. How would you define Love, and who in your life has demonstrated this for you?
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will now that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34–35
Love is a COMMAND – “a new commandment I give to you”
The military emphasizes group cohesion, team work, and leaving no one behind – as a leader you’re to think of others first. Without this external perspective your unit would not function efficiently or effectively, it could not accomplish its mission.
Love is a PERSON – “as I have loved you”
How can anyone know what is love? By knowing the life of Jesus Christ, Love is defined by his very words and actions.
Love is a TESTIMONY – “by this all people will know that you are my disciples”
If Jesus is Love and you love others like he loves, then others will see Jesus through you. How is this love different than love from other people?
Check out the rest of the study, and series, at: http://www.valormovement.com/biblestudies.htm
Consider those around you now, perhaps you are in a training environment, working a temporary summer job, or spending lots of time with family. Pray for God to reveal a new way for you to demonstrate love — taking out trash without being asked, offering rides, giving someone help with a task, offering encouragement, or even checking your sarcasm. Living out love runs counter to our world, it means letting go of your desires and demands and allowing others to come before you, and yet it is an integral piece of living for Jesus Christ. Just as our own salvation is not of our own accord, neither can we love without the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask for the Lord to move, then be willing to allow him to move — I’m confident you’ll be amazed by how the Lord transforms through love.
Jun
2
2010
The video below is taken from a clip of a Francis Chan talk from a 2006 conference. Take a few minutes and check it out; it’s a pretty challenging message.
As you watch, ask yourself if you recognize yourself in his words and actions. Summer break from classes is a great time to reevaluate your influence for Christ within your ROTC program, Valor movement, or general life on campus. The objectives of military training are set with an expectation that you will move from receiving all direction and instruction, to giving direction and instruction for creative problem solving, leadership, and mission accomplishment.
Our lives as Christians are no different. Spiritual formation is guided by the scriptures to result in a maturity that will enable us to teach and guide others to grow. The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy explaining that his mentoring was not so Timothy would hold it all to himself, but that he would “entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Tim 2:2).
I would encourage you to take a few minutes and look at what the Lord has done during the past academic year, and what you’d like to see happen in the next one. Give thanks for what he has done, and pray specifically for your new goals. You could even write them down to be reminded of both what God has already done, and what you are believing him to do through you.
embedded by Embedded Video
YouTube DirektFrancis Chan
May
24
2010
In April I wrote briefly about the importance of drinking from the source, ensuring our time reading is soaked with time in the Bible. There are so many resources available to encourage your walk with the Lord, but without a personal familiarity of the Bible it is very difficult to properly filter human teaching. And, after all anything about the Bible is just human teaching. I’d like to take this to the next level and challenge you to read the entire New Testament this summer.
That’s right, the entire New Testament.
That’s 27 books, 260 chapters, 7,959 verses, or depending on your translation — 184,590 words.
Given that most students will not return to campus until late-August, you could have roughly 90 days before classes start again. To read the entire New Testament in 90 days you would need to cover 3 chapters each day. What do you think, want to give it a go?
Consider this summer your summer with Jesus, the One and Only (ref. taken from a Beth Moore title). Make a plan to stay close to Jesus Christ amidst training requirements, work, internships, missions trips, or time with family. I know I have tendency hang out on the sidelines when I’m not among fellow believers or do not have a small group meeting regularly. It becomes easy to convince myself that I’m staying close to the Lord when in reality I’m only holding onto memories of times of closeness. We’re not meant to be in the game just during the academic year, we’re meant to be in the game daily.
If you’re taking the time to read you’ll want to get the most out of it. Consider this basic method for studying the Bible as a way to focus your heart and mind: Observe, Interpret, Apply. I find it helpful to take a few notes along the way to stay on track and to review later and remind myself of how much the Lord has taught me. Let’s look at Mark 5: 21–34.
Observe: Identify what is happening in the passage — key words, characters, compare/contrast…
- Jesus is en route to heal the daughter of one of the rulers of the synagogue
- A woman who was suffering greatly from a 12-year hemorrhage approaches Jesus to touch his garments for healing
- Ask yourself what life for this woman would be like, what were her options?
Interpret: Discover the author’s intended meaning in light of God’s redemptive plan.
- Jesus healed her physically, but what happened spiritually?
- What was the woman’s faith like?
- In v. 34 Jesus calls this woman, “daughter”, what does this represent?
Apply: Scripture is intended to direct our hearts to Christ so that we may believe, and expose sin so we may repent and grow in fellowship with Christ. (ref: John 20:31, 1 John 5–10)
- Do you have an area of your life similar to this woman’s hemorrhage? What is your faith like?
- When do you embrace your identity as son or daughter of God, and in what areas of your life do you still have doubt?
- Pray over this area of your life, ask the Lord for specific and measurable growth.
It’s far easier to take a journey like this with friends, so invite some of your Bible study members to take this challenge with you. Make time to catch up with each other over the summer and rejoice in what the Lord is teaching you. I pray this summer with the One and Only will solidify a foundational knowledge of the New Testament for you, from which you will always draw upon, and to which you will always draw others.
May
20
2010
I don’t know about you, but I’m beginning to see “real ministry” in a totally different way. For a long time I “perceived” that if there were difficulties in ministry it meant adjustments need to be made. I would sometimes think that a reflection of being “smack dab in the middle of God’s will” meant that everything came together, the fruits of the spirit flowed, and all of God’s people said “Amen”. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have this Polly Anna view of what a life with Christ looks like. I understand the cross and what took place (as best I can). Yet as I begin to do things for God I’m discovering that much of the important tasks require some pretty heavy lifting. Here’s a few questions for you: When you’re doing something in response to what you think God’s telling you to do and difficulties come are you more inclined to believe a) God’s closing a door or b) the enemies opposing you? How bout this one: When you’re involved in a significant task and things begin to come apart (people bail on you, funding drops out, cats and dogs fall from the sky…ok skip the last one) do you say “God must be telling us this isn’t His will” or “I think we’ve awoken the devil and clearly we’re where we need to be”?
So you ready for the answer? Yea, me too so let me know! But this I do know. Throughout the Bible men and women who follow hard after God and do the heavy lifting are rewarded with some serious difficulties. Anyone want to talk about Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Job…? As a follower of Christ I believe I should recognize every day that whether I’m in the safe confinements of a church building or in the middle of a messy ministry situation (which describes most ministry) the words of my Lord: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10).
My hope is that all of us know the truth that sets us free so that when we do face this heavy lifting we can recognize the authenticity of the Maker and the destroyer and respond as God’s people have for thousands of years: Setting the captives free!
May
3
2010
I finished my only marathon several months ago. I knew as the race started that my only goal was to finish. I had trained for months and developed strength and endurance to complete this task. As the race began I was amazed at the crowd of people who were competing with me. So many started, how many would finish. My mind gravitated toward Hebrews 12.
Hebrews 12:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
A
s we embrace God’s calling toward a life-time of ministry, the inward affect of God’s love and work in our lives should overflow to an outward love and compassion that enables us to share God redeeming message and work with others. I remember as a new believer I was so eager and passionate to share the Holy Spirit’s redeeming work with others. I was dramatically changed. I could hardly keep inside the good news.
But then life began to creep back in. And sin weighed me down, and shame and guilt overshadowed the redeeming work of Christ in my life.
I’m not sure when I first rheard Hebrews 12, but it applied so readily to me back then and undoubtedly now as I still wrestle with giants in my own life to give God more access and control over my heart and mind. How do I “lay aside what holds me back?” another version tells me to “Strip off every encumbrance that weighs me down”
I want to lay out three steps to help free us from the slavery of sin (both as a believer and unbeliever) and help us lay aside what weighs us down and run with endurance the race that God has set before us:
1. Acknowledge our need for God–We all fall short of what it takes. Where do we need Jesus to change our heart TODAY? (Romans 3:23)
2. Confession–Confess your sins to one another so that you will be healed (James 5:16)
3. Repentance–Turning from our sin by depending on God for our strength and not ourselves. (Acts 3:19)
Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Apr
23
2010
How often have you been asked “What are you reading?” Or, how often have you asked this of someone else? What kind of answer do you typically receive? Perhaps you’ll hear about a popular novel, a trendy bestseller, a new magazine issue, or a blog.
There are so many resources available that it can almost feel like sensory overload. The number of newly published books arriving online and in bookstores weekly is astounding. For many believers books or blogs on faith, living well, social issues, and theology are key complements to church and Bible studies.
Yet, it’s important to ensure a love for books by well-established authors is not replacing time in God’s word. It is critical that our first source of teaching, inspiration, and encouragement is scripture. Our taproot of faith and relationship with Jesus Christ must be firmly planted in the living Word of God to ensure we are properly nourished and hydrated. Without this grounding we will not have the correct understanding through which to filter human teaching.
“All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,” 2 Peter 1:3
Our true knowledge of Jesus Christ must come from scripture first, as God intended. While we cannot succeed in this journey alone, we also cannot succeed by learning only from other people. It should be our joy to learn more about our savior Jesus Christ so we are prepared to defend Him against false teachers, guide our disciples toward greater understanding, and lead others to relationship with Jesus Christ. It saddens me to know many students who can quote more popular pastors and authors than scripture. That’s a little like going on a date in a movie theater. You’re sitting in close proximity, but there is no conversation, connection or way to come into a deeper understanding of the other person’s character. In many ways you’re left at square one. God made us for relationship, intimate relationship with Him, but it can’t be experienced by spending your time with folks who know about Him. You need to know Him for yourself.
Next time you ask what someone is reading, ask specifically what they’re learning about in scripture. Rejoice with them as they grow in understanding. Encourage those who aren’t regularly reading scripture to take the time to do so. Examine your own reading habits, and make sure your time in the Bible is rising to the top of your priorities. Share what you’re learning with others, and invite them on the journey.
Drink from the source, often and deep.
Apr
19
2010
Leadership demands a high calling.
Leadership demands a high calling. You’ve probably heard this from any number of sources, the Bible agrees (read Titus). One of the toughest attributes of leadership that I’ve wrestled with is an understanding of
the attitudes and motivations behind my actions. Whether leading in the home or leading in the field, being too focused on myself causes me to lose touch with the reality of my circumstances. That causes poor leadership. Trials develop that test our competency, endurance and attitudes. 11 years ago I counted the cost and decided to give up everything that following Christ demanded. Admittedly, I didn’t know the depth of that cost. I haven’t retracted my offer to give Christ my all, but it is much more work than I could have ever imagined at that time.
We all face trials and tests. I face them daily whether I am aware of it in the moment or not. God loves to develop our character and our obedience to His word. As I grow and mature, God brings to fruition a refinement that changes me to the core. How deep does the refinement go?
if I continue in His word then I am truly His disciple, I will know the truth and the truth will set me free (John 8:31–32).
His word tells me that if I continue in His word then I am truly His disciple, I will know the truth and the truth will set me free (John 8:31–32). I want to know His truth and see myself as He sees me, but rooted deep in my heart is deceit that has yet to be unseated or discovered fully. My faith is tested daily as the outward fruit of my discipleship is given opportunities to flourish or fail. My actions either give life or death to the refinement that God is working out in my life. Change should be evident by the way I live and breathe and move, but I must preserve, endure and decide to follow Christ, not follow my sinful nature. How do I persevere? I must continue in His word! This is an inward view of discipleship, permanent continuance in the Words of Jesus.
In trials and testing, the inward refinement of my attitude compels me to continue in His Word.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2–4)
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. …Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him… When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1 (2–4, 12–15)
Deep inside at my core lives the very thing that Jesus died to free me from. Here sin survives, it tempts, drags away, entices and gives birth to death. But I have the choice to continue in His Word, to be His disciple and live by daily enduring and counting the cost for His name sake.