Introduction: Over the last 23 years, I have taught English either part-time, online, full-time, or some combination thereof, in addition to serving my nation as a chaplain and soldier. And one of the literary zingers I have often shared with students is this line from American poet Emily Dickinson:

“Hope” is the thing with feathers – /That perches in the soul –

It remains one of literature’s greatest lines, in my view. Why? Because we can survive sleep deprivation for a bit, hunger for a bit, thirst for a bit, isolation for a bit, fatigue, and even dehydration for a bit, but what’s needed to sustain a soldier, male or female, rich or poor, day in and day out, is what Dickinson was calling our attention to: hope.

Connection & Encouragement: In the Christian tradition, many would be familiar with the apostle Paul. And one of his most powerful pieces of the New Testament centers on this theme of hope because of the gospel’s truth:

¹⁶  So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Cor 4:16-18 ESV)

Why did Paul write that? Because he knew the Author of men’s souls, the Author of all things. Therefore, he endured. And so can we. Press on, looking to the Anchor of the souls of men, the Author of hope.

BLUF: Spiritual connection is crucial.

Each month with a group of believers from church, our Sunday school class gathers multiple times for fellowship. We do what we call “Breakfast Sunday” the first Sunday of each month before I begin teaching. Then on the second Saturday of each month, we gather for a time of fellowship and fun, invariably as part of eating together and just hanging out for games and time together. “Monthly Fellowship” (such a clever title, right?) God uses to craft and deepen Christian relationships. We are not in our “Sunday clothes,” if you will, but in our everyday threads.

What has happened over the years is that the class has grown of course; but more than that, it has deepened theologically. That’s the key. There is a spirit among the people that is special. Why? It’s because they understand that the spiritual connection that exists among them is the most important one. We are designed for spiritual connection. And when we act in accordance with God’s design, we (to change the metaphor) fire on all cylinders. 

Connection & Encouragement: I am quite aware that a nation’s army is not the church. But the centrality of soldiers’ spiritual lives ought not be annexed to a check-the-box bureaucratic regimen. Believe me, when things get real, soldiers and families are spiritual. Those theological terms some people banter around on holidays suddenly are not mere terms; they become viscerally important. I’ve never led a memorial service at a unit where I didn’t see commanders, 1SGs, and soldiers break down when they stood before a downturned weapon with a fellow soldier’s dog tags hanging from the pistol grip. We are designed for spiritual connection. 

May we have the intellectual honesty and courage to follow the true and wise one, or as Christ says in Scripture, ” . . . wisdom is justified [shown to be right/vindicated] by all her children” (Luke 7:35). 

Had a blast at the TTB concert in ATL. Their band showcased talents in live performance that sounded just as fine as their records, even better. Derek’s playing is incomparable, esp. with what he does with a slide, as if he channels Duane Allman and even raised the bar. And Susan’s voice (her blues guitar is also wonderful) is as moving as scents of honeysuckle in spring and cicadas at twilight. They played their own tunes, plus some classic Dylan tunes like “Tangled Up in Blue” and “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.” A sold-out show for good reason, salute to TTB for continuing to produce great blues music that honors the genre, great songwriters and musicians of the past, and contributes to the soulful musical canon.

What a week. As a family, we had to put down our old but beloved German shepherd Brewster. He was as fine a dog–better even–than we could have ever asked for. We miss you, old buddy.

Second, I was blessed by reading a few (mostly) short books this week, among others. The first is one of my favorites, a Reformed classic and summary of what it means to be a Christian. It is unadulterated biblical doctrine about sovereignty, providence, the order of salvation, preservation, etc. A classic.

The second was a brief, clear, basic introduction to Christianity, and the biblical worldview’s responses to commonly asked questions. This is a very easy read and written in a manner to appeal to honest skeptics of the Christian faith and/or to new Christians. I know the author personally; he is a good man, a fine chaplain, and the real deal. This could be a good starting resource for those with little or no theological training, but who are open to the truth.

Third is a book by Coleman Luck that I heard about through the revelations that continue to be disclosed regarding McLean Bible Chuch’s David Platt and other “Big Eva” ‘leaders’.

Here again is another fine work written in a clear and practical style. Thankful for Luck’s honesty and courage to pen this needed resource for those who love the truth and the true church.

Fourth, looking forward to enjoying a concert tonight by one of my favorite groups. What’s more, they are playing in my favorite musical venue, too. Plus, I get to take my favorite girl. Should be great fun.

Lastly, looking forward with gratitude to baptizing two saints from my Sunday school class this Sunday as the church gathers. They are taking steps of obedience, and I am humbled to be part of celebrating God’s work in their lives.

“Twas a rough week emotionally. Had to put down our aged German shepherd, Brewster, after about 15 years together. He was my buddy. He put a lot of miles in hiking with me, walking with CJ, playing with the kids as they grew up, and shedding more than a little hair in the houses during that time. I have had a lot of dogs, and have loved them all, but you were special. I’ll miss you, old buddy. You were everything a man could wish for in his dog.

As I took off this morning, the predawn over the Upper Midwest cheered me, though, as if a reminder of provision.

Introduction: It follows one of the most dramatic events in the Old Testament. Elijah has just been used by God to humiliate the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). It is impossible not to respect Elijah’s courage and his clarity of thought, as he confronted idolatry in his day. Listen to the way history records Elijah’s mighty words:

And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. (1 Kings 18:21 ESV)

The tension increased. The drama built. What would happen? Was God up to the challenge to vindicate his sovereignty and vanquish false religion? Was Elijah going to follow through on his courage and clarity? Who would be shown to be true and standing at the end? Here’s what happened:

³⁶ And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. ³⁷ Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” ³⁸ Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. ³⁹ And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” ⁴⁰ And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there. (1 Kings 18:36-40 ESV)

Connection to Our Day: Yesterday I was able to do one of my favorite things as a chaplain: I was asked to address a myriad audience on topics that matter to people, and to present the hope of redemption via the truth. The audience was comprised of veterans, the families, of older folks down to high school JROTC cadets, men and women of multiple races, Christians, and non-Christians. I was asked to address (4) main themes: 1) ministry amidst rapid cultural change; 2) some rigors of military life; 3) peace; and 4) hope. I addressed each theme and connected them all back to the heart of problem, and to the only means of reconciliation, redemption, and restoration.

And here’s how this connects to the story of Elijah. Elijah understood the lay of the land in his day at Mount Carmel in northwestern Israel. He understood the theological battle he was in, and he understood—more even than the idolaters did—the worldviews of secularism and paganism.

So much of Elijah’s ministry hinged upon his clarity of thought and his courage. Those were essential. But ultimately, even evil people can have clarity of thought and courage. What was and is required is the God of truth who rules history. When that God acts via demonstrable and often dramatic events (like at Mt. Carmel), even the pagans cry out, “The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God” (1 Kings 18:39 ESV). The same thing happened but in the final and ultimate way at another mountain in Israel, you see, but it was Mt. Calvary. There again, God acted. He raised the God-man from the dead, in precise fulfillment of hundred of prophecies.

Clarity of thought? Yes. Courage? Yes. But truth, folks—stark, unadulterated truth. The God who rules the nations, raises the dead, upholds the cosmos by the word of his power, and calls us sinners to be reconciled through the work accomplished by Jesus—this is message that started with God, is executed by God, and redounds to God’s glory, and yet He invites us to come. May we have the intellectual integrity, courage, and humility to say the same as people in 1 Kings 18: “The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God.”

I tried to get him to smile for the camera but he was playing all shy.

Few are the days that pass without my reading at least some Charles Dickens.

In reading a biography of church history recently I came across this quote from Dickens. Found it worth sharing:

All my strong illustrations are derived from the New Testament; all my social abuses are shown as departures from its spirit; all my good people are humble, charitble, faithful and forgiving. Over and over again, I claim them in express words as disciples of the Founder of our religion; but I must admit that to a man (or woman) they all arise and wash their faces, and do not appear unto men to fast (Cristobal Krusen. They Were Christians: The Inspiring Faith of Men and Women Who Changed the World. Grand Rapids, MI, Baker Books, 2016, p. 186).

I came across another delightful Christian history book lately that I read with zeal.

An easy read. Short chapters (usually about 10 pages each).

The chapters on Abraham Lincoln, Charles Dickens, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and several others were remarkable.

Highly recommended.

Looking forward to speaking to U.S. veterans today, and speaking to the church Sunday.

Grateful for God’s mercy–once again.