Chaplain’s Message
March 7, 2024
There are lies we hold to and share with one another that we got from culture that directly oppose the reality of Scripture. These will wreck our relationship with God and others unless we cut them out of our lives. Tonight I will cover the third lie in this series, which I call, “LIES FROM THE PIT OF HELL!”
We’ve all heard this before: “We have all the time in the world.” Again, this is a deception clouding reality. 150,000 people die every day. You and I are one missed heartbeat away from the throne of God.
What kind of case are you going to make for yourself when you’re standing before the Righteous Judge? Are you really going to look the most holy, perfect, and righteous being in the Universe and say, “God, I am basically a good person.”?
You know it’s not true - just as I know it’s not true about me. I’m a wreck - I’m selfish, I’m inconsiderate. I don’t love my wife and my kids and my grandkids like I should. I have faults and flaws that could fill a book. I fall short in every possible way. Because of this, no man can stand righteous before God on his own merit.
But I trust. I trust in the only hope we have - the righteousness of Jesus Christ. And I will stand before Almighty God clothed in his righteousness. If you haven’t made a decision to follow him, what are you waiting for? You don’t have all the time in the world.
Rev. 3:20 - Look! I am standing at the door and knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he with me.
Amen.
March 7, 2024
There are lies we hold to and share with one another that we got from culture that directly oppose the reality of Scripture. These will wreck our relationship with God and others unless we cut them out of our lives. Tonight I will cover the third lie in this series, which I call, “LIES FROM THE PIT OF HELL!”
We’ve all heard this before: “We have all the time in the world.” Again, this is a deception clouding reality. 150,000 people die every day. You and I are one missed heartbeat away from the throne of God.
What kind of case are you going to make for yourself when you’re standing before the Righteous Judge? Are you really going to look the most holy, perfect, and righteous being in the Universe and say, “God, I am basically a good person.”?
You know it’s not true - just as I know it’s not true about me. I’m a wreck - I’m selfish, I’m inconsiderate. I don’t love my wife and my kids and my grandkids like I should. I have faults and flaws that could fill a book. I fall short in every possible way. Because of this, no man can stand righteous before God on his own merit.
But I trust. I trust in the only hope we have - the righteousness of Jesus Christ. And I will stand before Almighty God clothed in his righteousness. If you haven’t made a decision to follow him, what are you waiting for? You don’t have all the time in the world.
Rev. 3:20 - Look! I am standing at the door and knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he with me.
Amen.
Chaplain’s Message Feb. 1, 2024
Tonight we have our second installment of “LIES FROM THE PIT OF HELL” series. Tonight’s lie is: “What’s true for me is not necessarily true for you.”
Many people may preach this, but nobody lives this out. If somebody breaks into your house and murders your family, you would want justice, just as I would want justice. The nature of that justice may differ among people, but we can all agree that the wrong has to be made right.
There are absolute moral standards in the universe. We are born with the knowledge of good and evil. Have you ever witnessed two children playing and one has a toy that the other wants? What happens when the one takes that toy from the other child? The child knows that he has been wronged, and he cries out for justice.
Now, an agnostic or atheist, especially a sociologist, might tell you that the right and wrong is just cultural. As a culture, we decide what’s good and what’s bad, and we punish the bad and celebrate the good. And that’s why you believe what you believe. And I say, “Bravo Sierra,” because even in remote villages with no basic structure of society, murder is wrong. There are absolute moral standards in the universe.
As a Christian, we say our standard is the Bible. So don’t buy into this lie that religious truth is like ice cream preference. You may think Blue Bell ice cream is the best there is. But somebody else may come up to you and say, “Central Dairy is the best ice cream on the planet!” That’s called an opinion, and both of you are right to hold your opinion. But that does not mean that Islam and Christianity are both right about who Jesus is. Somebody’s right and somebody’s wrong.
When we consider historical claims, and when we consider moral claims, and religious truth, there’s no way that Jesus could be just a prophet, as Islam claims, and the Son of God, as Christianity claims - at the same time. There is only one Truth, and as Jesus proclaimed, it is the Word of God. This is our standard, and it does not change. To believe something other than the Truth is to believe a lie.
So don’t believe the lie that what’s true for me may not be true for you.
Amen.
Tonight we have our second installment of “LIES FROM THE PIT OF HELL” series. Tonight’s lie is: “What’s true for me is not necessarily true for you.”
Many people may preach this, but nobody lives this out. If somebody breaks into your house and murders your family, you would want justice, just as I would want justice. The nature of that justice may differ among people, but we can all agree that the wrong has to be made right.
There are absolute moral standards in the universe. We are born with the knowledge of good and evil. Have you ever witnessed two children playing and one has a toy that the other wants? What happens when the one takes that toy from the other child? The child knows that he has been wronged, and he cries out for justice.
Now, an agnostic or atheist, especially a sociologist, might tell you that the right and wrong is just cultural. As a culture, we decide what’s good and what’s bad, and we punish the bad and celebrate the good. And that’s why you believe what you believe. And I say, “Bravo Sierra,” because even in remote villages with no basic structure of society, murder is wrong. There are absolute moral standards in the universe.
As a Christian, we say our standard is the Bible. So don’t buy into this lie that religious truth is like ice cream preference. You may think Blue Bell ice cream is the best there is. But somebody else may come up to you and say, “Central Dairy is the best ice cream on the planet!” That’s called an opinion, and both of you are right to hold your opinion. But that does not mean that Islam and Christianity are both right about who Jesus is. Somebody’s right and somebody’s wrong.
When we consider historical claims, and when we consider moral claims, and religious truth, there’s no way that Jesus could be just a prophet, as Islam claims, and the Son of God, as Christianity claims - at the same time. There is only one Truth, and as Jesus proclaimed, it is the Word of God. This is our standard, and it does not change. To believe something other than the Truth is to believe a lie.
So don’t believe the lie that what’s true for me may not be true for you.
Amen.
Chaplain’s Message
January 4, 2024
LIES FROM THE PIT OF HELL
Series #1
There are lies that we believe, hold to and share with one another that we got from culture that are in direct opposition to the reality of Scripture.
I was speaking with a friend recently about the year that had just ended and the chaotic events that occurred, and he made the following statement, “All good things must come to an end.”
I can’t even tell you how much I despise this adage!
It’s really just a bad coping mechanism, because evil hurts. Our world has been devastated by sin and evil - and it hurts us. People, when they choose to devise evil in their hearts, hurt us. And in response to this hurt, we put up walls to protect us and we say, “you know, this is the way it is, so we’re going to have to get used to it because good things just don’t last.”
But the Bible tells us an opposite story.
For those who love and follow Jesus Christ, all bad things must come to an end, and the really good stuff lasts for an eternity. When Jesus returns, he will right every wrong; punish and destroy every evil; and wipe away every tear from every eye of those who love him.
So, my message to you today, and this is something I need to remind myself:
don’t let sin and evil cloud our hope in the promises of God.
Amen.
January 4, 2024
LIES FROM THE PIT OF HELL
Series #1
There are lies that we believe, hold to and share with one another that we got from culture that are in direct opposition to the reality of Scripture.
I was speaking with a friend recently about the year that had just ended and the chaotic events that occurred, and he made the following statement, “All good things must come to an end.”
I can’t even tell you how much I despise this adage!
It’s really just a bad coping mechanism, because evil hurts. Our world has been devastated by sin and evil - and it hurts us. People, when they choose to devise evil in their hearts, hurt us. And in response to this hurt, we put up walls to protect us and we say, “you know, this is the way it is, so we’re going to have to get used to it because good things just don’t last.”
But the Bible tells us an opposite story.
For those who love and follow Jesus Christ, all bad things must come to an end, and the really good stuff lasts for an eternity. When Jesus returns, he will right every wrong; punish and destroy every evil; and wipe away every tear from every eye of those who love him.
So, my message to you today, and this is something I need to remind myself:
don’t let sin and evil cloud our hope in the promises of God.
Amen.
Chalin's Message
November 2, 2023
God's Hall of Fame
The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God created man and that He created him for His glory. Therefore, the ultimate purpose of man, according to the Bible, is simply to glorify God. When man rejected God in the Garden, the relationship between God and man was severed. This left a void in man’s existence, a void that all mankind experience. Without a relationship with the Creator, man is unable to find his true meaning and purpose in life. We inwardly desire to be known and appreciated, loved and respected. The void will only be filled when a man renews his relationship with his Creator. It is then that he will realize that he is the Creator’s greatest creation. God has placed all those who love Him in His Hall of Fame.
God’s Hall of Fame
by Walt Huntley
Your name may not appear down here
In this world’s Hall of Fame,
In fact you may be so unknown
That no one knows your name;
The Oscars and the praise of men
May never come your way;
Don’t forget, God has rewards
That he’ll hand out someday.
This crowd on earth they’ll soon forget
When you’re not up at the top.
They’ll cheer like mad until you fall
And then their praise will stop.
Not God, He never does forget,
And in His Hall of Fame,
By just believing on His Son,
Forever – there’s your name.
I tell you, friend, I wouldn’t trade
My name, however small.
It’s written there beyond the stars
In that celestial Hall.
All the famous names on earth,
And the glory that they share;
My brothers and sisters, I’d rather be an unknown here,
And have my name up there.
People may not notice the good you do or the work that you give. However, our life's scorecard is kept by God, who knows everything we wish to do. This week, as you go out, strive to be a hall of famer and an all star of life. The good you do will not return unnoticed or unblessed by He who holds eternity in his hand!
November 2, 2023
God's Hall of Fame
The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God created man and that He created him for His glory. Therefore, the ultimate purpose of man, according to the Bible, is simply to glorify God. When man rejected God in the Garden, the relationship between God and man was severed. This left a void in man’s existence, a void that all mankind experience. Without a relationship with the Creator, man is unable to find his true meaning and purpose in life. We inwardly desire to be known and appreciated, loved and respected. The void will only be filled when a man renews his relationship with his Creator. It is then that he will realize that he is the Creator’s greatest creation. God has placed all those who love Him in His Hall of Fame.
God’s Hall of Fame
by Walt Huntley
Your name may not appear down here
In this world’s Hall of Fame,
In fact you may be so unknown
That no one knows your name;
The Oscars and the praise of men
May never come your way;
Don’t forget, God has rewards
That he’ll hand out someday.
This crowd on earth they’ll soon forget
When you’re not up at the top.
They’ll cheer like mad until you fall
And then their praise will stop.
Not God, He never does forget,
And in His Hall of Fame,
By just believing on His Son,
Forever – there’s your name.
I tell you, friend, I wouldn’t trade
My name, however small.
It’s written there beyond the stars
In that celestial Hall.
All the famous names on earth,
And the glory that they share;
My brothers and sisters, I’d rather be an unknown here,
And have my name up there.
People may not notice the good you do or the work that you give. However, our life's scorecard is kept by God, who knows everything we wish to do. This week, as you go out, strive to be a hall of famer and an all star of life. The good you do will not return unnoticed or unblessed by He who holds eternity in his hand!
Chaplain Message
October 5, 2023
Blessed Assurance
I saw an advertisement that was posted outside of a business that read,
There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.
Now there’s one big, fat word that sticks out to me in this ad - “probably”. Does that word sit well with you? Let’s insert that word into other important life events.
Guys, what if your wife gives birth and the doctor holds up the baby and says to you, “that’s probably your son!” What if you ask someone to marry you, and they answer and say, “…probably.”
It’s hard to take a “probably” seriously. We desire assurance, a guarantee in important matters
Now, what about when it comes to your spiritual life? What if you’re told, “Do these things, and your afterlife probably won’t suck too bad.” Or how about this one: “If you believe this, you’re probably going to heaven.” Or even, “If you say this or do that, you’re probably going to hell.”
I encourage you to read the Bible. Not once does God say to either the nation of Israel in the O.T. or to the Church in the N.T., “Do these things and follow me, and probably everything will be okay.” No. God says throughout the Bible, “Believe what I say and do what I tell you because look what I have done.”
We have a historical record of His interactions with humanity and His plan for our salvation. People say all the time, “I wish God would just show up and talk to us plainly.” He did. He sent His Son to represent Him, …and we nailed him to a cross.
So don’t let anyone tell you that Christianity is just another “probably.” God has given us everything that we need to repent, believe, and be saved. So read your Bible and get assurance, and then you can stop worrying and enjoy the life God has prepared for you.
Don’t live with “probably” hanging over your head.
October 5, 2023
Blessed Assurance
I saw an advertisement that was posted outside of a business that read,
There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.
Now there’s one big, fat word that sticks out to me in this ad - “probably”. Does that word sit well with you? Let’s insert that word into other important life events.
Guys, what if your wife gives birth and the doctor holds up the baby and says to you, “that’s probably your son!” What if you ask someone to marry you, and they answer and say, “…probably.”
It’s hard to take a “probably” seriously. We desire assurance, a guarantee in important matters
Now, what about when it comes to your spiritual life? What if you’re told, “Do these things, and your afterlife probably won’t suck too bad.” Or how about this one: “If you believe this, you’re probably going to heaven.” Or even, “If you say this or do that, you’re probably going to hell.”
I encourage you to read the Bible. Not once does God say to either the nation of Israel in the O.T. or to the Church in the N.T., “Do these things and follow me, and probably everything will be okay.” No. God says throughout the Bible, “Believe what I say and do what I tell you because look what I have done.”
We have a historical record of His interactions with humanity and His plan for our salvation. People say all the time, “I wish God would just show up and talk to us plainly.” He did. He sent His Son to represent Him, …and we nailed him to a cross.
So don’t let anyone tell you that Christianity is just another “probably.” God has given us everything that we need to repent, believe, and be saved. So read your Bible and get assurance, and then you can stop worrying and enjoy the life God has prepared for you.
Don’t live with “probably” hanging over your head.
Chaplain Message
July 6, 2023
Our True Identity
Whether we are aware of them or not, our insecurities play a powerful role in our actions and relationships with others. They seep into our thoughts about our self-image, our marriage, our career, and many other areas of our lives. No one is completely free from the power insecurity can hold, but I believe we can all get to a place where our insecurities have less and less control over our lives.
The first step in this journey is to recognize what insecurities have gripped your life. Addressing these can cut back on the pain and impact they may have on relationships. And relationships, my friends, are what life is all about.
Affirmation from a father is such a vital gift. Yet, many of us had a father that failed to express words of love and validation. Maybe you were told that you would never amount to anything; that you were worthless, stupid, or good for nothing. Without the affirmations of love, one becomes vulnerable to an identity crisis. Unsure of who they are, they become susceptible to allowing the world to define them through ungodly influences. We are lead to believe lies about our abilities and to doubt our worth.
In Satan’s arsenal, one of his biggest weapons is doubt. Satan loves for us to question who we are and how we measure up to others. He wants us to feel insecure over the meaning and purpose of our lives, where we’re going, and how we’ll get there.
God audibly affirmed His love for His son because he was human, subject to all the assaults that one can experience. Jesus’ character was maligned. And although he knew the truth about his birth and calling, the question surrounding his birth labeled him illegitimate. He had to choose to focus on and believe his true identity as revealed to him in God’s Word.
When we believe and receive Jesus Christ as our Lord, we become children of God via the New Birth. We share in the identity of Jesus Christ - we are sons and daughters of the living God.
All of us will at some point be attacked in the area of our identities. Whispers of doubt and doom, accusations and suspicions, coming both from outside and within, can all challenge your stability. Only by knowing and hearing that you are loved will you possess the security you need to break through the clutter of voices. And the voice you need to hear is God, your Father, speaking to you as His son, just as He spoke to Jesus, as it is written:
And behold, a voice came out of heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
Jesus got clear confirmation that he was the Son of God, and God intends for us to have that understanding too. So when you are subjected to assaults - when your character is maligned, and your past is thrown in your face, will you choose to focus on your true identity, or will you fall back into believing the lies you’ve been told? Trying to hurt you by bringing up your past is like trying to rob your old house - YOU DON’T LIVE THERE ANY MORE! You are His beloved sons, in whom He is well pleased. Amen.
July 6, 2023
Our True Identity
Whether we are aware of them or not, our insecurities play a powerful role in our actions and relationships with others. They seep into our thoughts about our self-image, our marriage, our career, and many other areas of our lives. No one is completely free from the power insecurity can hold, but I believe we can all get to a place where our insecurities have less and less control over our lives.
The first step in this journey is to recognize what insecurities have gripped your life. Addressing these can cut back on the pain and impact they may have on relationships. And relationships, my friends, are what life is all about.
Affirmation from a father is such a vital gift. Yet, many of us had a father that failed to express words of love and validation. Maybe you were told that you would never amount to anything; that you were worthless, stupid, or good for nothing. Without the affirmations of love, one becomes vulnerable to an identity crisis. Unsure of who they are, they become susceptible to allowing the world to define them through ungodly influences. We are lead to believe lies about our abilities and to doubt our worth.
In Satan’s arsenal, one of his biggest weapons is doubt. Satan loves for us to question who we are and how we measure up to others. He wants us to feel insecure over the meaning and purpose of our lives, where we’re going, and how we’ll get there.
God audibly affirmed His love for His son because he was human, subject to all the assaults that one can experience. Jesus’ character was maligned. And although he knew the truth about his birth and calling, the question surrounding his birth labeled him illegitimate. He had to choose to focus on and believe his true identity as revealed to him in God’s Word.
When we believe and receive Jesus Christ as our Lord, we become children of God via the New Birth. We share in the identity of Jesus Christ - we are sons and daughters of the living God.
All of us will at some point be attacked in the area of our identities. Whispers of doubt and doom, accusations and suspicions, coming both from outside and within, can all challenge your stability. Only by knowing and hearing that you are loved will you possess the security you need to break through the clutter of voices. And the voice you need to hear is God, your Father, speaking to you as His son, just as He spoke to Jesus, as it is written:
And behold, a voice came out of heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
Jesus got clear confirmation that he was the Son of God, and God intends for us to have that understanding too. So when you are subjected to assaults - when your character is maligned, and your past is thrown in your face, will you choose to focus on your true identity, or will you fall back into believing the lies you’ve been told? Trying to hurt you by bringing up your past is like trying to rob your old house - YOU DON’T LIVE THERE ANY MORE! You are His beloved sons, in whom He is well pleased. Amen.
Chaplain's Message - June 1, 2023
Courage is a Choice
Courage (also called bravery or valor) is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. According to Professor Daniel Putman, "courage involves deliberate choice in the face of painful or fearful circumstances for the sake of a worthy goal"
Physical courage is bravery in the face of physical pain, hardship, even death, or threat of death; while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, or personal loss.
Today, more than ever before in our country, we need men and women with moral courage to stand up and speak out against the deluge of immorality, injustice, and criminal behavior that is engulfing our nation.
Those who wish to destroy the moral fabric of our nation are relentless in their attack on what is good and pure and godly. And for those who choose to confront the illicit rubbish that is being forced upon us, there will be backlash. As Daniel Putnam said, "courage involves deliberate choice in the face of painful or fearful circumstances for the sake of a worthy goal"
Blake Treinen is a Major League pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and when he saw his team honor the anti-Christian LGBTQ group, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Blake didn't sit on the sidelines. He stood tall and spoke the truth—perverse propaganda has no place in our daily lives - not at Bud Light, at Target, or in Major League Baseball. Blake Treinen sent the following statement to the Dodgers organization:
I am disappointed to see the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence being honored as heroes at Dodger Stadium. Many of their performances are blasphemous, and their work only displays hate and mockery of Catholics and the Christian faith.
I understand that playing baseball is a privilege, and not a right. My convictions in Jesus Christ will always come first. Since I have been with the Dodgers, they have been at the forefront of supporting a variety of groups. However, inviting the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to perform disenfranchises a large community and promotes hate of Christians and people of faith. This single event alienates the fans and supporters of the Dodgers, Major League Baseball, and professional sports. People like baseball for its entertainment value and competition. The fans do not want propaganda or politics forced on them. The debacle with Bud Light and Target should be a warning to companies and professional sports to stay true to their brand and leave the propaganda and politics off the field.
I believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins. I believe the Word of God is true, and in Galatians 6:7 it says, “do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked; a man reaps what he sows.” This group openly mocks Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of my faith, and I want to make it clear that I do not agree with nor support the decision of the Dodger’s to “honor” the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15.
Blake Treinen
Brothers and sisters, courage is a choice we make for the sake of a worthy goal. The question is, are we willing? Our founders established the Constitution to, among other things, establish justice and secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and their posterity. All will be lost if we the people are not willing to be courageous and stand against injustice and the assault on liberty. Choose courage.
Courage is a Choice
Courage (also called bravery or valor) is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. According to Professor Daniel Putman, "courage involves deliberate choice in the face of painful or fearful circumstances for the sake of a worthy goal"
Physical courage is bravery in the face of physical pain, hardship, even death, or threat of death; while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, discouragement, or personal loss.
Today, more than ever before in our country, we need men and women with moral courage to stand up and speak out against the deluge of immorality, injustice, and criminal behavior that is engulfing our nation.
Those who wish to destroy the moral fabric of our nation are relentless in their attack on what is good and pure and godly. And for those who choose to confront the illicit rubbish that is being forced upon us, there will be backlash. As Daniel Putnam said, "courage involves deliberate choice in the face of painful or fearful circumstances for the sake of a worthy goal"
Blake Treinen is a Major League pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and when he saw his team honor the anti-Christian LGBTQ group, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Blake didn't sit on the sidelines. He stood tall and spoke the truth—perverse propaganda has no place in our daily lives - not at Bud Light, at Target, or in Major League Baseball. Blake Treinen sent the following statement to the Dodgers organization:
I am disappointed to see the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence being honored as heroes at Dodger Stadium. Many of their performances are blasphemous, and their work only displays hate and mockery of Catholics and the Christian faith.
I understand that playing baseball is a privilege, and not a right. My convictions in Jesus Christ will always come first. Since I have been with the Dodgers, they have been at the forefront of supporting a variety of groups. However, inviting the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to perform disenfranchises a large community and promotes hate of Christians and people of faith. This single event alienates the fans and supporters of the Dodgers, Major League Baseball, and professional sports. People like baseball for its entertainment value and competition. The fans do not want propaganda or politics forced on them. The debacle with Bud Light and Target should be a warning to companies and professional sports to stay true to their brand and leave the propaganda and politics off the field.
I believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins. I believe the Word of God is true, and in Galatians 6:7 it says, “do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked; a man reaps what he sows.” This group openly mocks Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of my faith, and I want to make it clear that I do not agree with nor support the decision of the Dodger’s to “honor” the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15.
Blake Treinen
Brothers and sisters, courage is a choice we make for the sake of a worthy goal. The question is, are we willing? Our founders established the Constitution to, among other things, establish justice and secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and their posterity. All will be lost if we the people are not willing to be courageous and stand against injustice and the assault on liberty. Choose courage.
Chaplain's Message - May 4, 2023
The Question: “Does Jesus accept me as I am?”
In 1977, I went to Staten Island, New York on a mission assignment to start a Home Church and teach classes on the Bible. It was during this time that I met Vincenzo, an older man who started attending our meetings.
Vinnie was the strong, silent type. He had a chiseled frame and intensity about him that spoke, “don’t mess with me.” He kept a wad of bills in his pocket that made my eyes bulge, and his wardrobe was tailor-made. He conveyed affluence, from the Rolex on his wrist to his patent leather shoes. The gold chains around his neck and wrist were like icing on a cake.
After attending a few meetings, he pulled me aside. “Charlie, I can’t come to these meetings anymore. I don’t belong here.” He disclosed that he had done terrible things and God would never forgive him. It turns out that Vinnie wasn’t the brick-layer he said he was. Rather, Vinnie was a hit-man for a Mafia crime family in New York. All of my persuading failed to change his mind. I never saw him again.
We are born with a deep need to belong. I think that’s what attracted Vinnie to our meetings. We want to be accepted just the way we are - no strings attached. But that seldom happens in life. We join a club or some other group, and we get accepted, but we must follow the rules. Our behavior must follow written, or sometimes, unwritten rules. If we break the rules, we are asked to leave.
Jesus Christ invites us to follow him. His invitation is open to all, and there are no rules or strings attached. He simply says, “Come.” Why the invitation? Because his love and compassion compels him. He doesn’t care where you work, or where you live, or even what your family tree looks like. Most of all, he doesn’t care what you’ve done in the past. He simply invites us to come and follow him.
I regret that I could not get Vinnie to see that Jesus accepted him as he was. The invitation was given, but Vinnie refused to accept it.
Christ’s invitation still stands. It’s an open invitation to all mankind. When we accept it and follow him, a miraculous thing happens: we begin to change, from the inside out. Christ changes everything: you are no longer the same. You can come as you are, but you can’t leave as you were.
The Answer: Yes, he does!
-Chaplain Charlie
The Question: “Does Jesus accept me as I am?”
In 1977, I went to Staten Island, New York on a mission assignment to start a Home Church and teach classes on the Bible. It was during this time that I met Vincenzo, an older man who started attending our meetings.
Vinnie was the strong, silent type. He had a chiseled frame and intensity about him that spoke, “don’t mess with me.” He kept a wad of bills in his pocket that made my eyes bulge, and his wardrobe was tailor-made. He conveyed affluence, from the Rolex on his wrist to his patent leather shoes. The gold chains around his neck and wrist were like icing on a cake.
After attending a few meetings, he pulled me aside. “Charlie, I can’t come to these meetings anymore. I don’t belong here.” He disclosed that he had done terrible things and God would never forgive him. It turns out that Vinnie wasn’t the brick-layer he said he was. Rather, Vinnie was a hit-man for a Mafia crime family in New York. All of my persuading failed to change his mind. I never saw him again.
We are born with a deep need to belong. I think that’s what attracted Vinnie to our meetings. We want to be accepted just the way we are - no strings attached. But that seldom happens in life. We join a club or some other group, and we get accepted, but we must follow the rules. Our behavior must follow written, or sometimes, unwritten rules. If we break the rules, we are asked to leave.
Jesus Christ invites us to follow him. His invitation is open to all, and there are no rules or strings attached. He simply says, “Come.” Why the invitation? Because his love and compassion compels him. He doesn’t care where you work, or where you live, or even what your family tree looks like. Most of all, he doesn’t care what you’ve done in the past. He simply invites us to come and follow him.
I regret that I could not get Vinnie to see that Jesus accepted him as he was. The invitation was given, but Vinnie refused to accept it.
Christ’s invitation still stands. It’s an open invitation to all mankind. When we accept it and follow him, a miraculous thing happens: we begin to change, from the inside out. Christ changes everything: you are no longer the same. You can come as you are, but you can’t leave as you were.
The Answer: Yes, he does!
-Chaplain Charlie
Chaplain’s Message - March. 2, 2023
ALR Preamble:
For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: 1To promote and support programs of The American Legion; 2to participate in parades and other ceremonies; 3to promote motorcycle safety programs; 4to provide a social atmosphere for American Legion Members who share the same interest; 5to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; 6to maintain law and order; 7to foster and perpetuate one hundred percent Americanism.
_________________________________________
There are 7 purposes listed in our preamble - let’s take a closer look the first one listed, ‘To promote and support programs of The American Legion’:
Promote is a verb, and it means to encourage or support something, or to help something become successful.
Support is also a verb, and it means to bear the weight, especially from below; to keep it from falling, sinking, or slipping.
It is plain to see that these two words are linked together in their meaning. To promote something is to support it, and to support something is to promote it. As verbs, both imply action that must be taken.
We associate ourselves together. Why? First and foremost, to promote and support our programs. Together we bear the weight to insure these programs are successful, for without the support of the ALR family, they will surely fail.
So what action do we take in order to promote and support our designated programs? We get involved. This means we volunteer (when we are able) to do the work to make them successful. This is a necessary action that we must partake in. It involves our time and our effort, but without the participation of our members, our programs will not succeed.
We all enjoy the rides and the social atmosphere that our group provides, but each of us - not just a select few - bears the responsibility of doing the work that is necessary to promote and support our programs.
So please, I encourage you to volunteer, if you’re able to do so, when help is needed, and help make our ALR programs vibrant, successful, and enjoyed by all.
Thank you and may God continue to bless our efforts.
Chaplain Charlie
ALR Preamble:
For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: 1To promote and support programs of The American Legion; 2to participate in parades and other ceremonies; 3to promote motorcycle safety programs; 4to provide a social atmosphere for American Legion Members who share the same interest; 5to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; 6to maintain law and order; 7to foster and perpetuate one hundred percent Americanism.
_________________________________________
There are 7 purposes listed in our preamble - let’s take a closer look the first one listed, ‘To promote and support programs of The American Legion’:
Promote is a verb, and it means to encourage or support something, or to help something become successful.
Support is also a verb, and it means to bear the weight, especially from below; to keep it from falling, sinking, or slipping.
It is plain to see that these two words are linked together in their meaning. To promote something is to support it, and to support something is to promote it. As verbs, both imply action that must be taken.
We associate ourselves together. Why? First and foremost, to promote and support our programs. Together we bear the weight to insure these programs are successful, for without the support of the ALR family, they will surely fail.
So what action do we take in order to promote and support our designated programs? We get involved. This means we volunteer (when we are able) to do the work to make them successful. This is a necessary action that we must partake in. It involves our time and our effort, but without the participation of our members, our programs will not succeed.
We all enjoy the rides and the social atmosphere that our group provides, but each of us - not just a select few - bears the responsibility of doing the work that is necessary to promote and support our programs.
So please, I encourage you to volunteer, if you’re able to do so, when help is needed, and help make our ALR programs vibrant, successful, and enjoyed by all.
Thank you and may God continue to bless our efforts.
Chaplain Charlie
GUARD YOUR HEART
Chaplain’s Message: February 2, 2023
In National news this week we were informed of events in Memphis, TN, where a young black man was beaten by 5 black police officers, causing his death. Now, if the young man were white, or if the police officers were white, one might think that it was racially motivated. But the fact that both assailants and victim were of the same race indicates a heart problem, not a race problem. It affirms the biblical truth that the heart of man is evil from childhood.
We are told in Proverbs 4:23, More than anything else you protect, guard your heart, because from it flow the issues of life. Life proceeds from the heart, which in this context is the inner core of a person’s life, not just what he is thinking at the time; the heart is life’s source.
Jesus confirmed that the heart is the source of much of what we say and do, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immorality, thefts, false witness, insults” (Matthew 15:19). Because of that, we can easily see why the Word of God tells us to guard our hearts more closely than anything else we guard.
The heart needs to be guarded because it is constantly changing. For example, it can turn directions, become hard; become proud or lifted up; become humble; become tender; become strong; become broken or be healed from being broken; be cleansed; be destroyed; become “fat,” meaning stubborn; be deceived; become dull and stubborn, be nourished; be established, and be purified.
The great gatekeeper of the heart is the mind. Things get into our hearts through the mind, which is why it is so important to watch what we see and hear and control our thoughts. Philippians 4:8 says to think about things that are true, pure, righteous, etc.
It is also vital to control our actions. Uncontrolled actions only reinforce any anger or evil that is already in us.
There is a great war going on between God and Satan for people’s hearts. The Devil knows that if he can win people’s hearts they will suffer a lot in this life and the next. And they don’t have to openly worship him; they just have to think and act in ungodly ways.
Solomon was the wisest man on the earth at one time, but he gave in to his sensual desires and his heart changed. He ended his life with lots of money, with 1,000 wives and concubines, and worshiping pagan gods, but Satan had won his heart and he “did evil in the eyes of Yahweh.” The blessing of God was off of his life. Wise Christians guard their heart and diligently watch what they see, hear, think, and do.
Chaplain’s Message: February 2, 2023
In National news this week we were informed of events in Memphis, TN, where a young black man was beaten by 5 black police officers, causing his death. Now, if the young man were white, or if the police officers were white, one might think that it was racially motivated. But the fact that both assailants and victim were of the same race indicates a heart problem, not a race problem. It affirms the biblical truth that the heart of man is evil from childhood.
We are told in Proverbs 4:23, More than anything else you protect, guard your heart, because from it flow the issues of life. Life proceeds from the heart, which in this context is the inner core of a person’s life, not just what he is thinking at the time; the heart is life’s source.
Jesus confirmed that the heart is the source of much of what we say and do, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immorality, thefts, false witness, insults” (Matthew 15:19). Because of that, we can easily see why the Word of God tells us to guard our hearts more closely than anything else we guard.
The heart needs to be guarded because it is constantly changing. For example, it can turn directions, become hard; become proud or lifted up; become humble; become tender; become strong; become broken or be healed from being broken; be cleansed; be destroyed; become “fat,” meaning stubborn; be deceived; become dull and stubborn, be nourished; be established, and be purified.
The great gatekeeper of the heart is the mind. Things get into our hearts through the mind, which is why it is so important to watch what we see and hear and control our thoughts. Philippians 4:8 says to think about things that are true, pure, righteous, etc.
It is also vital to control our actions. Uncontrolled actions only reinforce any anger or evil that is already in us.
There is a great war going on between God and Satan for people’s hearts. The Devil knows that if he can win people’s hearts they will suffer a lot in this life and the next. And they don’t have to openly worship him; they just have to think and act in ungodly ways.
Solomon was the wisest man on the earth at one time, but he gave in to his sensual desires and his heart changed. He ended his life with lots of money, with 1,000 wives and concubines, and worshiping pagan gods, but Satan had won his heart and he “did evil in the eyes of Yahweh.” The blessing of God was off of his life. Wise Christians guard their heart and diligently watch what they see, hear, think, and do.
HOW TO LIVE WITH JOY IN THE NEW YEAR
Chaplain’s Message - Jan. 5, 2023
A new year for many means a new resolution, a pledge to change, improve upon, or start anew in a positive direction in their life. It sounds like a good thing for someone to do, but is it? It depends on the motivation for the resolution being made.
I considered the resolutions I made in the past and discovered that more often than not, the motivation for the resolution was regret, disappointment, or a lack of some kind. So I did some investigating, and found that for many people, resolutions were spurred by remorse, guilt, unhappiness, discontentment, or other responses to the individual’s need in their life.
I’ve personally made resolutions in the past to lose weight, quit smoking, save money, pay off debts, practice positive thinking, set goals, improve my performance on the job, read more books, and so many more that I can’t remember. If only I had accomplished even a few of those, I would now be thin, wealthy, scholarly, and a prominent man in my community!
“If only…” Think of how often those two little words are spoken, expressing regret for missed opportunities, wrongdoing, hurtful words, and indiscretions; each time they play back the regretful memory in a person’s mind like a short film and cause enduring anxiety.
“If only…” We’ve all lost opportunities which will never return. But God can transform the resulting destructive anxiety into a constructive consideration for the hope for future good. Leave the past in His hands, and move forward into the good which He has prepared for each of us to walk in.
We are all human, and we will do things we regret, and there will be situations that we can’t avoid that are outside of our control. But in all situations, we control our thoughts and deal with the circumstances in light of the hope of future good.
When we fail to control our thoughts and allow regret to overtake us, the results will ultimately produce the “death” of our joy and peace of mind. I am reminded of something Charles Swindoll said in one of his teachings, “When we clear away our regrets, joy replaces resentment and peace replaces conflict.”
So this New Year, if you make a resolution, let go of those things in the past and reach forward to the bright hope of our future.
Happy New Year!
Chaplain’s Message - Jan. 5, 2023
A new year for many means a new resolution, a pledge to change, improve upon, or start anew in a positive direction in their life. It sounds like a good thing for someone to do, but is it? It depends on the motivation for the resolution being made.
I considered the resolutions I made in the past and discovered that more often than not, the motivation for the resolution was regret, disappointment, or a lack of some kind. So I did some investigating, and found that for many people, resolutions were spurred by remorse, guilt, unhappiness, discontentment, or other responses to the individual’s need in their life.
I’ve personally made resolutions in the past to lose weight, quit smoking, save money, pay off debts, practice positive thinking, set goals, improve my performance on the job, read more books, and so many more that I can’t remember. If only I had accomplished even a few of those, I would now be thin, wealthy, scholarly, and a prominent man in my community!
“If only…” Think of how often those two little words are spoken, expressing regret for missed opportunities, wrongdoing, hurtful words, and indiscretions; each time they play back the regretful memory in a person’s mind like a short film and cause enduring anxiety.
“If only…” We’ve all lost opportunities which will never return. But God can transform the resulting destructive anxiety into a constructive consideration for the hope for future good. Leave the past in His hands, and move forward into the good which He has prepared for each of us to walk in.
We are all human, and we will do things we regret, and there will be situations that we can’t avoid that are outside of our control. But in all situations, we control our thoughts and deal with the circumstances in light of the hope of future good.
When we fail to control our thoughts and allow regret to overtake us, the results will ultimately produce the “death” of our joy and peace of mind. I am reminded of something Charles Swindoll said in one of his teachings, “When we clear away our regrets, joy replaces resentment and peace replaces conflict.”
So this New Year, if you make a resolution, let go of those things in the past and reach forward to the bright hope of our future.
Happy New Year!
Chaplain Charlie Lindquist
November, 2022
Decisive Factors
The mid-term elections are underway, and since I take my voting privileges seriously, I am researching the candidates to see what they believe. So I look at what they have done, both past and present. You will know a tree by the fruit it bears.
As Christians, we should base our political ideas and involvement upon what the Word of God says. After all, civil government was His idea. Actually, He intended it to be a lot more civil than it is.
We are living amidst nothing less than a cultural revolution, but at least we’re not bored. The Bible tells us that the only standard for TRUTH is the Word of God. Without adhering to that, people are at the mercy and the schemes of the Adversary and can be manipulated by fear and deception to call light darkness, and darkness light.
1Tim. 2:4 states that God wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. The Devil has read this verse, and he wants exactly the opposite of what God wants. He wants no one to be saved or learn the Word of God. That is why Satan’s attack on any country is aimed most directly at freedom and prosperity. Even if my choice is between the lesser of two evils, I will vote for those candidates who I believe will promote more freedom and prosperity than will their opponents.
John 8: 31, 32 Jesus said, “If you continue in my word, then you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Freedom is a big deal to God, and He speaks about it often. Practicing Truth makes one free, while practicing error puts one in bondage to some degree. Therefore, one major criterion for determining whether a policy or program is godly is whether it promotes individual freedom or a lack thereof. The purpose of government is to promote and protect as much individual freedom as possible, but where ungodly people rule, people’s freedom is greatly restricted on many fronts.
Freedom allows people to maximize their potential, and society benefits as a result. Freedom promotes prosperity, which means “a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition.” Socialism/Marxism/Communism promotes the involuntary redistribution of wealth, forcibly taking it from those who earn/have it and giving it to those who do not (though much of what is taken goes to those who take it). History shows undeniably that it has never worked, and it never will. Yes, there are many evil people in business who are cheating and abusing others, but overall, capitalism/free enterprise results in the greatest prosperity for the most people.
Winston Churchill said: “Socialism is a philosophy of failure, a creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. Its only inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.”
As Christians, it is our responsibility to try to make a difference by choosing between the better of imperfect options and electing those officials whose policies are at least less ungodly than those of their opponents. We should compare each candidate’s worldview, their policies, and what kind of people will be around them. The closer one’s policies are to biblical principles, the better off the people will be. I assert that freedom and prosperity are two criteria by which we can make that call. So do your due diligence, and cast your vote.
Looking on the bright side, we have the assurance of knowing that when the Lord Jesus again comes to the earth, he will BE the government!
November, 2022
Decisive Factors
The mid-term elections are underway, and since I take my voting privileges seriously, I am researching the candidates to see what they believe. So I look at what they have done, both past and present. You will know a tree by the fruit it bears.
As Christians, we should base our political ideas and involvement upon what the Word of God says. After all, civil government was His idea. Actually, He intended it to be a lot more civil than it is.
We are living amidst nothing less than a cultural revolution, but at least we’re not bored. The Bible tells us that the only standard for TRUTH is the Word of God. Without adhering to that, people are at the mercy and the schemes of the Adversary and can be manipulated by fear and deception to call light darkness, and darkness light.
1Tim. 2:4 states that God wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. The Devil has read this verse, and he wants exactly the opposite of what God wants. He wants no one to be saved or learn the Word of God. That is why Satan’s attack on any country is aimed most directly at freedom and prosperity. Even if my choice is between the lesser of two evils, I will vote for those candidates who I believe will promote more freedom and prosperity than will their opponents.
John 8: 31, 32 Jesus said, “If you continue in my word, then you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Freedom is a big deal to God, and He speaks about it often. Practicing Truth makes one free, while practicing error puts one in bondage to some degree. Therefore, one major criterion for determining whether a policy or program is godly is whether it promotes individual freedom or a lack thereof. The purpose of government is to promote and protect as much individual freedom as possible, but where ungodly people rule, people’s freedom is greatly restricted on many fronts.
Freedom allows people to maximize their potential, and society benefits as a result. Freedom promotes prosperity, which means “a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition.” Socialism/Marxism/Communism promotes the involuntary redistribution of wealth, forcibly taking it from those who earn/have it and giving it to those who do not (though much of what is taken goes to those who take it). History shows undeniably that it has never worked, and it never will. Yes, there are many evil people in business who are cheating and abusing others, but overall, capitalism/free enterprise results in the greatest prosperity for the most people.
Winston Churchill said: “Socialism is a philosophy of failure, a creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. Its only inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.”
As Christians, it is our responsibility to try to make a difference by choosing between the better of imperfect options and electing those officials whose policies are at least less ungodly than those of their opponents. We should compare each candidate’s worldview, their policies, and what kind of people will be around them. The closer one’s policies are to biblical principles, the better off the people will be. I assert that freedom and prosperity are two criteria by which we can make that call. So do your due diligence, and cast your vote.
Looking on the bright side, we have the assurance of knowing that when the Lord Jesus again comes to the earth, he will BE the government!
Focusing on Others
Chaplain’s Message 07/07/22
There is a principle I have learned that I want to share with you.
We all encounter times of great adversity and pain, caused by many different reasons: financial distress, health, failure of a relationship, stress at work - the list is long. During these times you lose your joy for living and it is easy to sink into depression. Staying focused on yourself internalizes your pain. Focus on your problems and you will have more problems.
When you are thrust into these situations, the only way to heal is to change your focus and begin to focus on others. Your healing comes as you go outside of yourself. This is an unnatural response, but I can assure you this is the only path to true healing. If you continue to sow into others during these times, you will find joy returning to your life.
If you are experiencing adversity or pain, turn your focus to helping somebody. As you give to others, you will receive. It’s a great principle of life, and it works!
-Chaplain Charlie
Chaplain’s Message 07/07/22
There is a principle I have learned that I want to share with you.
We all encounter times of great adversity and pain, caused by many different reasons: financial distress, health, failure of a relationship, stress at work - the list is long. During these times you lose your joy for living and it is easy to sink into depression. Staying focused on yourself internalizes your pain. Focus on your problems and you will have more problems.
When you are thrust into these situations, the only way to heal is to change your focus and begin to focus on others. Your healing comes as you go outside of yourself. This is an unnatural response, but I can assure you this is the only path to true healing. If you continue to sow into others during these times, you will find joy returning to your life.
If you are experiencing adversity or pain, turn your focus to helping somebody. As you give to others, you will receive. It’s a great principle of life, and it works!
-Chaplain Charlie
Be a Do-Gooder
Chaplains Message - Thursday, June 2, 2022
I was in the checkout line at the grocery store waiting for the man in front of me to pay for his items. I watched as he fumbled about, looking for his wallet, but to his embarrassment, he had left it at home. I thought to myself, “been there, done that.”
The clerk was very kind and offered to put a hold on the transaction so the man could go home, retrieve his wallet, come back and pay for his items. But suddenly, the man behind me thrust a credit card across my body and urged the clerk to take it and pay for the man’s items. The amount was minimal, but the man had a need and I didn’t recognize it. I was ashamed that I did not think to do good when given the opportunity.
God instructs us to be imitators of Him, and since God is good, it behooves us to know exactly what goodness is.
The Bible names “goodness” as a fruit of the spirit. It is defined as uprightness in heart and life, a moral excellence. The person who exhibits the fruit “goodness” is upright and honorable, and is acceptable to God.
“Goodness” is usually associated with actions rather than inner nature, although the good actions spring from the good heart, as Jesus Christ said in Luke 6:45: “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart.”
Goodness is not self-absorbed or comfort-oriented. Many “good” tasks are uncomfortable to perform (it’s not always easy to give your hard-earned money away). “Goodness” is anchored in God and in His revelation to man. In the Scripture, “good” is often contrasted with “evil” and it is the Word of God that must define that which is good and that which is evil.
Today, moral relativism leaves both “good” and “evil” up to the feelings and inclinations of the individual. In a system without Godly standards, all kinds of “good” things become “evil.” In this kind of system, holding people accountable becomes evil (you may hurt their “self-esteem”), punishment of any kind becomes evil (they were not really at fault, but were victims of society), saying that someone is wrong becomes evil (why be so narrow minded), etc.
Also, without godly standards, many “evil” things become “good.” Let me give you some examples. Have you ever taken advantage of another’s mistake, such as getting too much change back on a purchase but not telling the cashier? How about living together without being married? And not returning something you find even if you could locate the owner if you tried? By the world’s standard, these would be called good things, good fortune – “finders keepers, losers weepers.” Evil actions become good.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance so that we would walk in them.
God did not prepare good works so we “might” walk in them, He prepared them for us to walk in them. “Walk” is idiomatic for something we do regularly. Similarly, good works are supposed to be something that we do daily, as part of life.
So I will leave you with this exhortation given in Galatians 6:9, 10:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Amen.
Chaplain Charlie
Chaplains Message - Thursday, June 2, 2022
I was in the checkout line at the grocery store waiting for the man in front of me to pay for his items. I watched as he fumbled about, looking for his wallet, but to his embarrassment, he had left it at home. I thought to myself, “been there, done that.”
The clerk was very kind and offered to put a hold on the transaction so the man could go home, retrieve his wallet, come back and pay for his items. But suddenly, the man behind me thrust a credit card across my body and urged the clerk to take it and pay for the man’s items. The amount was minimal, but the man had a need and I didn’t recognize it. I was ashamed that I did not think to do good when given the opportunity.
God instructs us to be imitators of Him, and since God is good, it behooves us to know exactly what goodness is.
The Bible names “goodness” as a fruit of the spirit. It is defined as uprightness in heart and life, a moral excellence. The person who exhibits the fruit “goodness” is upright and honorable, and is acceptable to God.
“Goodness” is usually associated with actions rather than inner nature, although the good actions spring from the good heart, as Jesus Christ said in Luke 6:45: “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart.”
Goodness is not self-absorbed or comfort-oriented. Many “good” tasks are uncomfortable to perform (it’s not always easy to give your hard-earned money away). “Goodness” is anchored in God and in His revelation to man. In the Scripture, “good” is often contrasted with “evil” and it is the Word of God that must define that which is good and that which is evil.
Today, moral relativism leaves both “good” and “evil” up to the feelings and inclinations of the individual. In a system without Godly standards, all kinds of “good” things become “evil.” In this kind of system, holding people accountable becomes evil (you may hurt their “self-esteem”), punishment of any kind becomes evil (they were not really at fault, but were victims of society), saying that someone is wrong becomes evil (why be so narrow minded), etc.
Also, without godly standards, many “evil” things become “good.” Let me give you some examples. Have you ever taken advantage of another’s mistake, such as getting too much change back on a purchase but not telling the cashier? How about living together without being married? And not returning something you find even if you could locate the owner if you tried? By the world’s standard, these would be called good things, good fortune – “finders keepers, losers weepers.” Evil actions become good.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance so that we would walk in them.
God did not prepare good works so we “might” walk in them, He prepared them for us to walk in them. “Walk” is idiomatic for something we do regularly. Similarly, good works are supposed to be something that we do daily, as part of life.
So I will leave you with this exhortation given in Galatians 6:9, 10:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Amen.
Chaplain Charlie
We have all experienced the attacks on our self-value. We've been called names like worthless, stupid, and many other names aimed at degrading us. We end up believing those lies and it leaves us battered and scarred. But our Creator made us a little lower than Himself and placed a great value on each of us. He valued us so much that He gave His only son to die so that whosoever believes on him should not perish but have life in the age to come. It was a high price that He paid - may we live up to the value He placed on us.
The Touch of the Master's Hand
by Myra Brooks Welch
'Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile.
"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar, a dollar. Then two! Only two?
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?"
"Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;
Going for three…" But no,
From the room, far back, a grey-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loosened strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet,
As a caroling angel sings.
The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said: "What am I bid for the old violin?"
And he held it up with the bow.
"A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
Two thousand! And who'll make it three?
Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice,
And going and gone," said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We do not quite understand.
What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply:
"The touch of the Master's hand."
And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd
Much like the old violin.
A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine,
A game — and he travels on.
He is "going" once, and "going" twice,
He's "going" and almost "gone."
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the touch of the Master's hand.
by Myra Brooks Welch
'Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But held it up with a smile.
"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar, a dollar. Then two! Only two?
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?"
"Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;
Going for three…" But no,
From the room, far back, a grey-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow;
Then wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loosened strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet,
As a caroling angel sings.
The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said: "What am I bid for the old violin?"
And he held it up with the bow.
"A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two?
Two thousand! And who'll make it three?
Three thousand, once; three thousand, twice,
And going and gone," said he.
The people cheered, but some of them cried,
"We do not quite understand.
What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply:
"The touch of the Master's hand."
And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd
Much like the old violin.
A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine,
A game — and he travels on.
He is "going" once, and "going" twice,
He's "going" and almost "gone."
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the touch of the Master's hand.
AMAZING TREASURE
Chaplain’s Message 4/7/22
23 miles northwest of Gunnison Colorado is a little town known as Irwin. Irwin, CO began as a mining camp called Ruby Camp. The silver mined there was actually a sulfide of silver. It had a crystal form that when crushed was a blood-red color; thus the name "Ruby Camp."
In the spring of 1879, an exciting event occurred at Ruby Camp. The driver of a freight wagon bringing supplies from the railroad came in early one morning. The wagon was unloaded and the driver decided he wouldn't leave until the following morning. Since he had nothing to do, he mentioned to some folks that he might try his hand at mining. The people he spoke to thought they would have some fun and advised him, "if you want to find a mine, go down that gully and just start digging - you'll find one!"
He followed their suggestion, which of course was meant as a joke. Less than 400 yards from where he stood that morning, he started digging. To everyone's amazement he began to see an outcrop of a silver vein. As he continued digging, he found what he later named the "Forest Queen Mine." A short time after discovering this mine, the man sold it for $50K. Within two years that vein produced silver ore worth one million dollars.
Hundreds of miners had walked over that mine before, but none had realized the tremendous treasure so close at hand. None had found it except this one man, who named it "Forest Queen."
The Forest Queen Mine is like God's Word. The treasures of God's Word have been available for centuries. The reason some people never find it is because they never search, they never dig at the right place. People will search a lifetime for Truth and never find it. And yet it is right under their nose their whole life.
The Word of God is the most remarkable document in the whole world. The man who seeks it, searches it out and believes it can receive the treasures of this life, and life in the age to come.
Because He is love, God allows you to choose. You can choose to accept man's opinions, theologies, and philosophies about life, or you can seek the Truth from the Creator of life. The Word of God is the blueprint for life for all that believe.
The Bible tells us that God desires all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. My prayer is that each of you will decide to mine the treasures that our God has in store for you, treasures that can be found in His wonderful Word.
Chaplain’s Message 4/7/22
23 miles northwest of Gunnison Colorado is a little town known as Irwin. Irwin, CO began as a mining camp called Ruby Camp. The silver mined there was actually a sulfide of silver. It had a crystal form that when crushed was a blood-red color; thus the name "Ruby Camp."
In the spring of 1879, an exciting event occurred at Ruby Camp. The driver of a freight wagon bringing supplies from the railroad came in early one morning. The wagon was unloaded and the driver decided he wouldn't leave until the following morning. Since he had nothing to do, he mentioned to some folks that he might try his hand at mining. The people he spoke to thought they would have some fun and advised him, "if you want to find a mine, go down that gully and just start digging - you'll find one!"
He followed their suggestion, which of course was meant as a joke. Less than 400 yards from where he stood that morning, he started digging. To everyone's amazement he began to see an outcrop of a silver vein. As he continued digging, he found what he later named the "Forest Queen Mine." A short time after discovering this mine, the man sold it for $50K. Within two years that vein produced silver ore worth one million dollars.
Hundreds of miners had walked over that mine before, but none had realized the tremendous treasure so close at hand. None had found it except this one man, who named it "Forest Queen."
The Forest Queen Mine is like God's Word. The treasures of God's Word have been available for centuries. The reason some people never find it is because they never search, they never dig at the right place. People will search a lifetime for Truth and never find it. And yet it is right under their nose their whole life.
The Word of God is the most remarkable document in the whole world. The man who seeks it, searches it out and believes it can receive the treasures of this life, and life in the age to come.
Because He is love, God allows you to choose. You can choose to accept man's opinions, theologies, and philosophies about life, or you can seek the Truth from the Creator of life. The Word of God is the blueprint for life for all that believe.
The Bible tells us that God desires all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. My prayer is that each of you will decide to mine the treasures that our God has in store for you, treasures that can be found in His wonderful Word.
SPEAK UP!
Chaplain's Message, March 2022
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves” (Matt. 27:24).
Pilate thought he would be exonerated of the blame he tried to excuse himself of by washing his hands in front of the people, but history records and the scriptures reveals that he was to blame for Jesus’ death. Even though he testified to Jesus’ innocence, he still went ahead to give the command for Jesus to be executed due to fear of popular opinion (John 19:16).
Speaking against injustice isn’t optional. As we see in the scripture above, Pilate was the only one that thought differently about crucifying the innocent man–Jesus. Yet, due to fear of the people, he compromised on what he believed was right.
I’d like to talk a bit about selective silence. Selective silence is a refusal to address controversial topics for fear of offending someone, or fear of reprisal or social backlash, or simply because it is controversial and opposes popular opinion. We have been ‘trained’ not to talk about such matters in public discussion, i.e. – religion and politics.
To believe that we should not speak or discuss matters concerning either topic is ludicrous and effectively censors necessary debate on crucial issues of the day. Selective silence has made cowards of us all at one time or another.
Even though you’re the only one fighting against injustice, you mustn’t budge. Whether you’re afraid of what the crowd might say, you’re afraid of losing your friends, you’re the only one against a million people, or you’re being pressured on every side - God still believes that you must stand up against evil and injustice. Neutrality is connivance with evil. There’s no middle ground.
We must learn to speak up against injustice instead of conniving with evil. Specifically, I am talking about the issues we are faced with at this hour: Lockdowns, mask mandates, vaccine mandates; all of which are advocated as necessary but designed to control the populace, destroy small businesses, and cause irreparable damage psychologically and physically to our children and older adults. Furthermore, critical race theory is a reconstituted attempt to instill Marxism in our schools, our institutions, and in our government with one purpose - to destroy our republic.
American writer and novelist William Faulkner said, “Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world…would do this, it would change the earth.”
And Irish statesman and philosopher, Edmunde Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
SPEAK UP!
Chaplain's Message, March 2022
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves” (Matt. 27:24).
Pilate thought he would be exonerated of the blame he tried to excuse himself of by washing his hands in front of the people, but history records and the scriptures reveals that he was to blame for Jesus’ death. Even though he testified to Jesus’ innocence, he still went ahead to give the command for Jesus to be executed due to fear of popular opinion (John 19:16).
Speaking against injustice isn’t optional. As we see in the scripture above, Pilate was the only one that thought differently about crucifying the innocent man–Jesus. Yet, due to fear of the people, he compromised on what he believed was right.
I’d like to talk a bit about selective silence. Selective silence is a refusal to address controversial topics for fear of offending someone, or fear of reprisal or social backlash, or simply because it is controversial and opposes popular opinion. We have been ‘trained’ not to talk about such matters in public discussion, i.e. – religion and politics.
To believe that we should not speak or discuss matters concerning either topic is ludicrous and effectively censors necessary debate on crucial issues of the day. Selective silence has made cowards of us all at one time or another.
Even though you’re the only one fighting against injustice, you mustn’t budge. Whether you’re afraid of what the crowd might say, you’re afraid of losing your friends, you’re the only one against a million people, or you’re being pressured on every side - God still believes that you must stand up against evil and injustice. Neutrality is connivance with evil. There’s no middle ground.
We must learn to speak up against injustice instead of conniving with evil. Specifically, I am talking about the issues we are faced with at this hour: Lockdowns, mask mandates, vaccine mandates; all of which are advocated as necessary but designed to control the populace, destroy small businesses, and cause irreparable damage psychologically and physically to our children and older adults. Furthermore, critical race theory is a reconstituted attempt to instill Marxism in our schools, our institutions, and in our government with one purpose - to destroy our republic.
American writer and novelist William Faulkner said, “Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world…would do this, it would change the earth.”
And Irish statesman and philosopher, Edmunde Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
SPEAK UP!
Our God Is A Warrior
Chaplain’s Message, Feb. 4, 2022
As we gather together tonight, there is a war raging. I’m not talking about the war being waged in the Ukraine, although that war is a physical manifestation of the war of which I speak. I am talking about the spiritual war between the forces of good and the forces of evil that is going on all around us. It’s not a pretend war, it’s not a make-believe war - it’s a real war with real casualties.
Ephesians 6:10 reads, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
The Bible speaks loudly and clearly on this subject. God is referred to as “the Lord of Hosts.” In today’s English, “the God of Armies.” Exodus 15:3 says “The Lord is a warrior…” (NIV). When Moses led the children of Israel into battle, he told the people, “You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.” Our God is a warrior!
The spiritual war is not seen with human eyes, except for the devastation and casualties that are left behind. All of the wars that have ever been fought, all of the genocides that have ever been carried out, every murder and evil act that has ever been perpetrated on the earth has been inspired by the spiritual forces of evil.
We are at war. We are at war against the forces of evil - both in this country and throughout the world. So my message to you tonight is this:
In the midst of all that is going on in the world - FEAR NOT. Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6, 7
Chaplain’s Message, Feb. 4, 2022
As we gather together tonight, there is a war raging. I’m not talking about the war being waged in the Ukraine, although that war is a physical manifestation of the war of which I speak. I am talking about the spiritual war between the forces of good and the forces of evil that is going on all around us. It’s not a pretend war, it’s not a make-believe war - it’s a real war with real casualties.
Ephesians 6:10 reads, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
The Bible speaks loudly and clearly on this subject. God is referred to as “the Lord of Hosts.” In today’s English, “the God of Armies.” Exodus 15:3 says “The Lord is a warrior…” (NIV). When Moses led the children of Israel into battle, he told the people, “You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.” Our God is a warrior!
The spiritual war is not seen with human eyes, except for the devastation and casualties that are left behind. All of the wars that have ever been fought, all of the genocides that have ever been carried out, every murder and evil act that has ever been perpetrated on the earth has been inspired by the spiritual forces of evil.
We are at war. We are at war against the forces of evil - both in this country and throughout the world. So my message to you tonight is this:
In the midst of all that is going on in the world - FEAR NOT. Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6, 7
Be Your Best!
January 1, 2022 arrived quietly at my house.
My wife and I were awake in bed discussing future matters and we heard the clock chime midnight. We wished each other a Happy New Year, and with a kiss goodnight, drifted off to dreamland.
That day, I spent some time considering a New Year’s resolution for my life. I will retire at the end of January and will have my 70th birthday a little later this year. What does my future hold? Better yet, how much of a future do I have left? One thing is certain – I want to be productive and not just a bystander on the sidelines of life watching others play the game.
But then, all the sayings and jokes and views about “old age” started to infiltrate my mind. Am I too old to start a new endeavor? Should I just have fun while I still can? It was disconcerting to think about the time I have left and what to do with it. Then I read an article that a friend sent to me.*
An extensive study in the U.S.A found that the most productive age in human life is between 60-70 years of age. The 2nd most productive stage of the human being is from 70 to 80 years of age. The 3rd most productive stage is from 50 to 60 years of age. The average age of NOBEL PRIZE winners is 62 years old. The average age of the presidents of prominent companies in the world is 63 years…….
This tells us in a way that it has been determined that the best years of your life are between 60 and 80 years of age!
A study published in NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE found that at age 60, you reach the TOP of your potential and this continues into your 80s.
Therefore, if you are between 60 -70 or 70-80 you are in the BEST and 2nd best level of your life. Can I get an Amen on that!?
Psalm 92:12-15 (REV)
The righteous person will flourish like the palm tree. He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of Yahweh. They will greatly flourish in the courts of our God. They will continue to bear fruit in old age. They will be fat and fresh, showing that Yahweh is upright— my Rock, in whom there is no injustice.
Stop complaining about growing old and start living the life God intended you to live as a creative, productive, culture changer! Age is just a number! For most of us, our best days are ahead of us – do something with them!
*[email protected] SOURCE: New England Journal of Medicine, 70,389 (2018) ..
January 1, 2022 arrived quietly at my house.
My wife and I were awake in bed discussing future matters and we heard the clock chime midnight. We wished each other a Happy New Year, and with a kiss goodnight, drifted off to dreamland.
That day, I spent some time considering a New Year’s resolution for my life. I will retire at the end of January and will have my 70th birthday a little later this year. What does my future hold? Better yet, how much of a future do I have left? One thing is certain – I want to be productive and not just a bystander on the sidelines of life watching others play the game.
But then, all the sayings and jokes and views about “old age” started to infiltrate my mind. Am I too old to start a new endeavor? Should I just have fun while I still can? It was disconcerting to think about the time I have left and what to do with it. Then I read an article that a friend sent to me.*
An extensive study in the U.S.A found that the most productive age in human life is between 60-70 years of age. The 2nd most productive stage of the human being is from 70 to 80 years of age. The 3rd most productive stage is from 50 to 60 years of age. The average age of NOBEL PRIZE winners is 62 years old. The average age of the presidents of prominent companies in the world is 63 years…….
This tells us in a way that it has been determined that the best years of your life are between 60 and 80 years of age!
A study published in NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE found that at age 60, you reach the TOP of your potential and this continues into your 80s.
Therefore, if you are between 60 -70 or 70-80 you are in the BEST and 2nd best level of your life. Can I get an Amen on that!?
Psalm 92:12-15 (REV)
The righteous person will flourish like the palm tree. He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of Yahweh. They will greatly flourish in the courts of our God. They will continue to bear fruit in old age. They will be fat and fresh, showing that Yahweh is upright— my Rock, in whom there is no injustice.
Stop complaining about growing old and start living the life God intended you to live as a creative, productive, culture changer! Age is just a number! For most of us, our best days are ahead of us – do something with them!
*[email protected] SOURCE: New England Journal of Medicine, 70,389 (2018) ..
Veteran’s Day
CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE 11/4/21
As a country and as individuals, it is important for us to honor the heroes who make our world better. And as a nation, there’s no one more deserving of our gratitude and respect than those who have served in the military —which is why Veterans Day is so incredibly significant.
This year, Veterans Day (originally called “Armistice Day”) falls on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day. We can all do our own singular part to recognize the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces.
Taking the time to give a heartfelt, genuine “thank you” is always an appropriate gesture toward former/retired and active military personnel. However, there are also many distinctive statements of acknowledgment and appreciation that can be made. Therefore, I want to share with you some quotes that I found that express the gratitude that I have for our veterans.
“We must never forget why we have, and why we need our military. Our armed forces exist solely to ensure our nation is safe, so that each and every one of us can sleep soundly at night, knowing we have ‘guardians at the gate.'” — Allen West
“America without her soldiers would be like God without his angels.”
— Claudia Pemberton
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” — George Washington
“Better than honor and glory, and History’s iron pen, was the thought of duty done and the love of his fellow-men.” — Richard Watson Gilder
And my personal favorite:
“Never was so much owed by so many to so few.” — Winston Churchill
___________________________________________________________________________________
On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free. Thank you, Veterans, and may God bless you.
-Chaplain Charlie
CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE 11/4/21
As a country and as individuals, it is important for us to honor the heroes who make our world better. And as a nation, there’s no one more deserving of our gratitude and respect than those who have served in the military —which is why Veterans Day is so incredibly significant.
This year, Veterans Day (originally called “Armistice Day”) falls on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day. We can all do our own singular part to recognize the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces.
Taking the time to give a heartfelt, genuine “thank you” is always an appropriate gesture toward former/retired and active military personnel. However, there are also many distinctive statements of acknowledgment and appreciation that can be made. Therefore, I want to share with you some quotes that I found that express the gratitude that I have for our veterans.
“We must never forget why we have, and why we need our military. Our armed forces exist solely to ensure our nation is safe, so that each and every one of us can sleep soundly at night, knowing we have ‘guardians at the gate.'” — Allen West
“America without her soldiers would be like God without his angels.”
— Claudia Pemberton
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” — George Washington
“Better than honor and glory, and History’s iron pen, was the thought of duty done and the love of his fellow-men.” — Richard Watson Gilder
And my personal favorite:
“Never was so much owed by so many to so few.” — Winston Churchill
___________________________________________________________________________________
On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free. Thank you, Veterans, and may God bless you.
-Chaplain Charlie
Look at Him
Chaplain’s Message, October 7, 2021
There is change in the air - you can feel it. Summer is tiptoeing into autumn, discarding its green cloak for a more colorful wardrobe. The days are shorter, the evenings cooler. It’s time to break out the sweaters and jackets.
Summer is like a stone that skips on the water. This event and that outing; a dinner party or two; ball games and get-togethers; excursions to the seashore, or the lake, or the river. Then the stone hits the water for the last time and sinks to the bottom. All of the seasons follow suit. One leads into the other and changes come and go.
Year after year, the pattern is repeated. I always marvel at the end of each season how fast the stone has skipped. Time mysteriously moves faster as I get older.
Change is a part of life. In all of life, from the smallest insect to the great Blue Whale, change is constant. And frankly, change can be alarming.
We are experiencing change in our nation that we have never encountered. A relentless barrage of negative news bombards our minds daily and fuels fear. Negative people surround us on every side. Hope is being chipped away, little by little.
This, I believe, is by design. Our enemies, both socio-political and spiritual, are waging a war against Truth and freedom. It can leave even the staunchest of Christian patriots dazed and confused. What are the keys to managing change and staying positive and hopeful in these trying times?
One key is stated in Psalm 62:6
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
God is our rock, our salvation, and our fortress. As we place our trust in Him, We will not be shaken.
I remember the picture I saw as a child in our illustrated family Bible. It was of Daniel in the lion’s den.
There was Daniel, surrounded by lions. Some had lips snarled and fangs bared, and I could almost hear them roar. Scattered on the floor were bones and a human skull. It was a frightful scene to behold!
The lions were watching Daniel, waiting. Daniel’s hands were uplifted in the posture of praise and prayer, but his eyes were not on the lions. His eyes were looking up, looking heavenward to the God he served, the God that can save in any situation.
In these trying times that press heavily upon our souls, where are we looking - at the lions that surround us, seeking to devour us? Or are we trusting God, our eyes fixed upon Jesus Christ, our living Savior and our Hope? I leave you to answer that question for yourselves.
Chaplain Charlie
Chaplain’s Message, October 7, 2021
There is change in the air - you can feel it. Summer is tiptoeing into autumn, discarding its green cloak for a more colorful wardrobe. The days are shorter, the evenings cooler. It’s time to break out the sweaters and jackets.
Summer is like a stone that skips on the water. This event and that outing; a dinner party or two; ball games and get-togethers; excursions to the seashore, or the lake, or the river. Then the stone hits the water for the last time and sinks to the bottom. All of the seasons follow suit. One leads into the other and changes come and go.
Year after year, the pattern is repeated. I always marvel at the end of each season how fast the stone has skipped. Time mysteriously moves faster as I get older.
Change is a part of life. In all of life, from the smallest insect to the great Blue Whale, change is constant. And frankly, change can be alarming.
We are experiencing change in our nation that we have never encountered. A relentless barrage of negative news bombards our minds daily and fuels fear. Negative people surround us on every side. Hope is being chipped away, little by little.
This, I believe, is by design. Our enemies, both socio-political and spiritual, are waging a war against Truth and freedom. It can leave even the staunchest of Christian patriots dazed and confused. What are the keys to managing change and staying positive and hopeful in these trying times?
One key is stated in Psalm 62:6
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
God is our rock, our salvation, and our fortress. As we place our trust in Him, We will not be shaken.
I remember the picture I saw as a child in our illustrated family Bible. It was of Daniel in the lion’s den.
There was Daniel, surrounded by lions. Some had lips snarled and fangs bared, and I could almost hear them roar. Scattered on the floor were bones and a human skull. It was a frightful scene to behold!
The lions were watching Daniel, waiting. Daniel’s hands were uplifted in the posture of praise and prayer, but his eyes were not on the lions. His eyes were looking up, looking heavenward to the God he served, the God that can save in any situation.
In these trying times that press heavily upon our souls, where are we looking - at the lions that surround us, seeking to devour us? Or are we trusting God, our eyes fixed upon Jesus Christ, our living Savior and our Hope? I leave you to answer that question for yourselves.
Chaplain Charlie
Chaplain Report Charlie Lindquist
Chaplain Charlie presented the following message:
A FREE LIFE
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” –Galatians 5:13&14
What is true freedom? Is it the ability to do what we want at any given time? I don’t know about you, but if I did what I thought I wanted at any given time, I’d live a pretty lonely pitiful life!
Where do we find true freedom? The Bible says we find true freedom by being a “bondservant” of Christ. (Romans 1:1) What does this mean? Isn’t this a contradiction? But, it’s really true! If we live by the laws of love in every area of our lives, we find true freedom, in every area of life. If we’re always blessing people, we’re not bound by their thoughts of us. If we’ve truly trusted God with our whole life, we’ll be free from stress. If we really knew love, we would never struggle with addictive habits. And if we’ve truly forgiven the people in our past, we’re free from both regret and unforgiveness. As Mother Teresa said, if you’re always loving people, you don’t have time to judge them. The law of love truly does bring freedom!
“Owe nothing to anyone – except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s Law.” –Romans 13:8
God desire that we be free and unfettered in every area of life. Is there anything holding you back? Perhaps doubt, discouragement, disappointment, unforgiveness or bitterness toward someone or something? Let God help you, and apply His laws of love. It is only through His love that we can become truly free.
Chaplain Charlie presented the following message:
A FREE LIFE
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” –Galatians 5:13&14
What is true freedom? Is it the ability to do what we want at any given time? I don’t know about you, but if I did what I thought I wanted at any given time, I’d live a pretty lonely pitiful life!
Where do we find true freedom? The Bible says we find true freedom by being a “bondservant” of Christ. (Romans 1:1) What does this mean? Isn’t this a contradiction? But, it’s really true! If we live by the laws of love in every area of our lives, we find true freedom, in every area of life. If we’re always blessing people, we’re not bound by their thoughts of us. If we’ve truly trusted God with our whole life, we’ll be free from stress. If we really knew love, we would never struggle with addictive habits. And if we’ve truly forgiven the people in our past, we’re free from both regret and unforgiveness. As Mother Teresa said, if you’re always loving people, you don’t have time to judge them. The law of love truly does bring freedom!
“Owe nothing to anyone – except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s Law.” –Romans 13:8
God desire that we be free and unfettered in every area of life. Is there anything holding you back? Perhaps doubt, discouragement, disappointment, unforgiveness or bitterness toward someone or something? Let God help you, and apply His laws of love. It is only through His love that we can become truly free.
August 2021
SPEAK UP!
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves” (Matt. 27:24).
Pilate thought he would be exonerated of the blame he tried to excuse himself of by washing his hands in front of the people, but history records and the scriptures reveals that he was to blame for Jesus’ death. Even though he testified to Jesus’ innocence, he still went ahead to give the command for Jesus to be executed due to fear of popular opinion (John 19:16).
Speaking against injustice isn’t optional. As we see in the scripture above, Pilate was the only one that thought differently about crucifying the innocent man–Jesus. Yet, due to fear of the people, he compromised on what he believed was right.
I’d like to talk a bit about selective silence. Selective silence is a refusal to address controversial topics for fear of offending someone, or fear of reprisal or social backlash, or simply because it is controversial and opposes popular opinion. We have been ‘trained’ not to talk about such matters in public discussion, i.e. – religion and politics.
To believe that we should not speak or discuss matters concerning either topic is ludicrous and effectively censors necessary debate on crucial issues of the day. Selective silence has made cowards of us all at one time or another.
Even though you’re the only one fighting against injustice, you mustn’t budge. Whether you’re afraid of what the crowd might say, you’re afraid of losing your friends, you’re the only one against a million people, or you’re being pressured on every side - God still believes that you must stand up against evil and injustice. Neutrality is connivance with evil. There’s no middle ground.
We must learn to speak up against injustice instead of conniving with evil. Specifically, I am talking about the issues we are faced with at this hour: Lockdowns, mask mandates, vaccine mandates; all of which are advocated as necessary but designed to control the populace, destroy small businesses, and cause irreparable damage psychologically and physically to our children and older adults. Furthermore, critical race theory is a reconstituted attempt to instill Marxism in our schools, our institutions, and in our government with one purpose - to destroy our republic.
American writer and novelist William Faulkner said, “Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world…would do this, it would change the earth.”
And Irish statesman and philosopher, Edmunde Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
SPEAK UP!
SPEAK UP!
So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves” (Matt. 27:24).
Pilate thought he would be exonerated of the blame he tried to excuse himself of by washing his hands in front of the people, but history records and the scriptures reveals that he was to blame for Jesus’ death. Even though he testified to Jesus’ innocence, he still went ahead to give the command for Jesus to be executed due to fear of popular opinion (John 19:16).
Speaking against injustice isn’t optional. As we see in the scripture above, Pilate was the only one that thought differently about crucifying the innocent man–Jesus. Yet, due to fear of the people, he compromised on what he believed was right.
I’d like to talk a bit about selective silence. Selective silence is a refusal to address controversial topics for fear of offending someone, or fear of reprisal or social backlash, or simply because it is controversial and opposes popular opinion. We have been ‘trained’ not to talk about such matters in public discussion, i.e. – religion and politics.
To believe that we should not speak or discuss matters concerning either topic is ludicrous and effectively censors necessary debate on crucial issues of the day. Selective silence has made cowards of us all at one time or another.
Even though you’re the only one fighting against injustice, you mustn’t budge. Whether you’re afraid of what the crowd might say, you’re afraid of losing your friends, you’re the only one against a million people, or you’re being pressured on every side - God still believes that you must stand up against evil and injustice. Neutrality is connivance with evil. There’s no middle ground.
We must learn to speak up against injustice instead of conniving with evil. Specifically, I am talking about the issues we are faced with at this hour: Lockdowns, mask mandates, vaccine mandates; all of which are advocated as necessary but designed to control the populace, destroy small businesses, and cause irreparable damage psychologically and physically to our children and older adults. Furthermore, critical race theory is a reconstituted attempt to instill Marxism in our schools, our institutions, and in our government with one purpose - to destroy our republic.
American writer and novelist William Faulkner said, “Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world…would do this, it would change the earth.”
And Irish statesman and philosopher, Edmunde Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
SPEAK UP!
BE COURAGEOUS!
In today’s world, men and women who love God and country must be courageous. There is an ongoing assault against the Bible, Christianity, and the Constitution – everything our nation was founded upon - and it must be met head-on. We are at war and it takes courage to stand for what is right.
Courage is a firmness of mind in difficult or dangerous situations.
Courage is not foolhardiness or a lack of wisdom, and should never be confused with stupidity. Endangering your life by doing something stupid is not courage.
Courage is doing the right thing at the right time. It’s determination followed by action. Fear and courage are compatible. Most courageous actions involve risk. (Armed Forces, First Responders).
As men and women who love God and country, we will need courage as we move forward; and there are some things that can help us to be men and women of courage in this day and time:
Chaplain Charlie
July 1, 2021
In today’s world, men and women who love God and country must be courageous. There is an ongoing assault against the Bible, Christianity, and the Constitution – everything our nation was founded upon - and it must be met head-on. We are at war and it takes courage to stand for what is right.
Courage is a firmness of mind in difficult or dangerous situations.
Courage is not foolhardiness or a lack of wisdom, and should never be confused with stupidity. Endangering your life by doing something stupid is not courage.
Courage is doing the right thing at the right time. It’s determination followed by action. Fear and courage are compatible. Most courageous actions involve risk. (Armed Forces, First Responders).
As men and women who love God and country, we will need courage as we move forward; and there are some things that can help us to be men and women of courage in this day and time:
- Knowing that we are inside the will of God when we stand for what is morally right. The world will call us haters and try to intimidate us.
- We need encouragers that will speak encouraging words to help us do the right thing. Moses was a great encourager. When the Children of Israel were fighting the armies that possessed the Promised Land, he told the people to be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God goes with you. We need these encouragers and we need to be encouragers for others.
- Other people who stand alongside of us. Those who also love God and country and so stand with us in our fight for what is right. We encourage one another.
- We must be able to have a positive conversation with ourselves to move forward courageously. (When David fought Goliath, David’s conversation with himself wasn’t, “I don’t think I can do this…” but more likely, “I’ve killed a bear and a lion with my sling, this Philistine will die as they did…”
Chaplain Charlie
July 1, 2021
National Day of Prayer (May 6, 2021)
The following is an excerpt from an article by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Allen West
As I think about what a National Day of Prayer means, I am reminded of the powerful painting "The Prayer at Valley Forge" by Arnold Friberg, depicting Gen. George Washington kneeling beside his horse in the snow. You can just imagine he felt the weight of his entire fledgling nation’s future on his shoulders at a time when things looked very bleak. I often feel that weight today, as I am sure many others do, as well. But I keep a print of that painting in my home to remind me that there is hope – that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ does answer the prayers of His people lifted on behalf of a country at a crossroads. When I view that painting, I am inspired by the power of prayer, and how it was integral to the founding of our nation.
While we may not be facing enemies at the gate, we are clearly in a battle for the heart and soul of our nation. We must follow the extraordinary examples of the leaders throughout our short history who, relying on the power of prayer, were so pivotal in winning and preserving the freedoms we enjoy today.
We can join them on our knees, pleading for our Lord and Savior’s intervention once again in our beloved country’s plight, asking Him to turn hearts toward him and ignite in each of us a renewed love for our fellow man.
The enemies we face today are not so visible – cynicism, hopelessness and distrust – but could just as easily lead to the loss of our liberties if we fail to pray for one another, our nation and its leaders as we ought.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For the first time in 70 years, no prayer service will be conducted at the U.S. Capitol. Earlier this week, the Biden administration denied Rev. Patrick Mahoney, head of the Christian Defense Coalition, permission to organize the National Day of Prayer at the Capitol building.
Rev. Mahoney said, "It is deeply troubling, and every American needs to be asking the question, 'How is it possible to have public prayer prohibited at the Capitol on the National Day of Prayer?' - especially when it is a national observance designated by Congress. Free speech is in danger today in America.”
I urge each of you to pray for God’s intervention in our beloved country’s plight; that we might once again become one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
-Chaplain Charlie
The following is an excerpt from an article by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Allen West
As I think about what a National Day of Prayer means, I am reminded of the powerful painting "The Prayer at Valley Forge" by Arnold Friberg, depicting Gen. George Washington kneeling beside his horse in the snow. You can just imagine he felt the weight of his entire fledgling nation’s future on his shoulders at a time when things looked very bleak. I often feel that weight today, as I am sure many others do, as well. But I keep a print of that painting in my home to remind me that there is hope – that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ does answer the prayers of His people lifted on behalf of a country at a crossroads. When I view that painting, I am inspired by the power of prayer, and how it was integral to the founding of our nation.
While we may not be facing enemies at the gate, we are clearly in a battle for the heart and soul of our nation. We must follow the extraordinary examples of the leaders throughout our short history who, relying on the power of prayer, were so pivotal in winning and preserving the freedoms we enjoy today.
We can join them on our knees, pleading for our Lord and Savior’s intervention once again in our beloved country’s plight, asking Him to turn hearts toward him and ignite in each of us a renewed love for our fellow man.
The enemies we face today are not so visible – cynicism, hopelessness and distrust – but could just as easily lead to the loss of our liberties if we fail to pray for one another, our nation and its leaders as we ought.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For the first time in 70 years, no prayer service will be conducted at the U.S. Capitol. Earlier this week, the Biden administration denied Rev. Patrick Mahoney, head of the Christian Defense Coalition, permission to organize the National Day of Prayer at the Capitol building.
Rev. Mahoney said, "It is deeply troubling, and every American needs to be asking the question, 'How is it possible to have public prayer prohibited at the Capitol on the National Day of Prayer?' - especially when it is a national observance designated by Congress. Free speech is in danger today in America.”
I urge each of you to pray for God’s intervention in our beloved country’s plight; that we might once again become one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
-Chaplain Charlie
WHY EASTER?
CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE 4/1/21
On Sunday, we celebrate Easter, the single most important holiday on the Christian calendar. More important than Christmas – the birth of Christ – is Easter – the resurrection of Christ from the dead.
Why? Because God accomplished a critical triumph with the resurrection of Jesus Christ: He conquered death and provided salvation for all mankind.
Romans 6:23 - The wages of sin is death. The wages of sin is now, and has always been, death. This means that anyone can pay for his own sin. All a person has to do to pay for his own sin is die. Of course, the problem with paying for your own sin is that you are dead; you cease to exist. Thankfully, God allows us to have someone else pay for our sin, but to make that payment the substitute must himself be sinless, and the only sinless person to ever live was Jesus Christ. So, the way for a person to acquire everlasting life is by having Christ pay for his sin.
Because God gave us free will, we can choose to live a life without God and refuse to accept the saving grace provided by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible portrays “Sin” as a slave-master. When we reject God and live in sin, we work for the slave-master Sin, who pays us, but pays us by our own death. Jesus Christ died for the sins of the whole world. When we accept Jesus as Lord and live for him, the wage we receive is life in the age to come!
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have life in the age to come.
Christmas is a beautiful holiday. But Easter – the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - is the crown jewel for all of God’s creation, for it is at this time that Jesus Christ accomplished salvation for the world when God raised him from death to life.
Chaplain Charlie
ALR Chapter 5
CHAPLAIN’S MESSAGE 4/1/21
On Sunday, we celebrate Easter, the single most important holiday on the Christian calendar. More important than Christmas – the birth of Christ – is Easter – the resurrection of Christ from the dead.
Why? Because God accomplished a critical triumph with the resurrection of Jesus Christ: He conquered death and provided salvation for all mankind.
Romans 6:23 - The wages of sin is death. The wages of sin is now, and has always been, death. This means that anyone can pay for his own sin. All a person has to do to pay for his own sin is die. Of course, the problem with paying for your own sin is that you are dead; you cease to exist. Thankfully, God allows us to have someone else pay for our sin, but to make that payment the substitute must himself be sinless, and the only sinless person to ever live was Jesus Christ. So, the way for a person to acquire everlasting life is by having Christ pay for his sin.
Because God gave us free will, we can choose to live a life without God and refuse to accept the saving grace provided by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible portrays “Sin” as a slave-master. When we reject God and live in sin, we work for the slave-master Sin, who pays us, but pays us by our own death. Jesus Christ died for the sins of the whole world. When we accept Jesus as Lord and live for him, the wage we receive is life in the age to come!
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have life in the age to come.
Christmas is a beautiful holiday. But Easter – the Resurrection of Jesus Christ - is the crown jewel for all of God’s creation, for it is at this time that Jesus Christ accomplished salvation for the world when God raised him from death to life.
Chaplain Charlie
ALR Chapter 5
CONSIDER THESE THINGS March 4, 2021
How is your trust gauge when it comes to trusting God? On a scale of 1 to 10 where would you rank yourself?
Every day, I marvel at the trust most of us exercise without even thinking about it. We drive our cars 60-70 miles per hour with oncoming cars doing the same with only a white line and six to eight feet separating us. We trust that the drivers of each car will not cross into our lane. We fly on airplanes that take us over oceans, trusting the pilots with our very lives. We ride on roller coasters that take us several stories into the air and travel fifty to seventy miles per hour down a winding slope. We trust the operators of that ride with our own mortality. We jump out of an airplane putting our life in the hands of whoever packed the chute!
There is a great irony in the fact that we can place our trust in people we don’t know but cannot place our trust in the hands of the one who created us. Our God is faithful. His word is good; what he has said he will do, you can be assured that he will do it. Why is it so hard for us to trust in God?
I believe the answer to this question is simple. We do not know Him, and you cannot trust someone you do not know.
Our greatest need is to know Him. God reveals His heart to us in His written word - the Bible. But think about it: how much time do we spend searching out God’s heart and getting to know Him? Friends, we will never fully trust God if we don’t know Him. And we will never truly know God if we don’t seek Him.
In the book of Hebrews it is written, And without trust it is impossible to please him, for whoever comes to God must believe that he is, and that he rewards those who seek him. (Heb.11:6)
I urge you to think on these things and consider where your heart is with your Creator.
Chaplain Charlie
ALR Chapter 5
How is your trust gauge when it comes to trusting God? On a scale of 1 to 10 where would you rank yourself?
Every day, I marvel at the trust most of us exercise without even thinking about it. We drive our cars 60-70 miles per hour with oncoming cars doing the same with only a white line and six to eight feet separating us. We trust that the drivers of each car will not cross into our lane. We fly on airplanes that take us over oceans, trusting the pilots with our very lives. We ride on roller coasters that take us several stories into the air and travel fifty to seventy miles per hour down a winding slope. We trust the operators of that ride with our own mortality. We jump out of an airplane putting our life in the hands of whoever packed the chute!
There is a great irony in the fact that we can place our trust in people we don’t know but cannot place our trust in the hands of the one who created us. Our God is faithful. His word is good; what he has said he will do, you can be assured that he will do it. Why is it so hard for us to trust in God?
I believe the answer to this question is simple. We do not know Him, and you cannot trust someone you do not know.
Our greatest need is to know Him. God reveals His heart to us in His written word - the Bible. But think about it: how much time do we spend searching out God’s heart and getting to know Him? Friends, we will never fully trust God if we don’t know Him. And we will never truly know God if we don’t seek Him.
In the book of Hebrews it is written, And without trust it is impossible to please him, for whoever comes to God must believe that he is, and that he rewards those who seek him. (Heb.11:6)
I urge you to think on these things and consider where your heart is with your Creator.
Chaplain Charlie
ALR Chapter 5
Righteous Anger February 4, 2021
I read this today:
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, - Ephesians 4:26
I have an anger problem. When I was a small child, I would throw tantrums and bang my head on the floor, or so my older sister tells me. In any case, at the age of 68, I still have to deal with anger. No, I don’t bang my head on the floor anymore. But the urge to throw a tantrum rises every now and then.
There are hundreds of verses in the Bible that speak of anger. Why do you suppose God makes such a big deal about anger? Why are we told more than once we can be angry, but not to let it lead to sin?
I have learned from experience and know from the experience of others that words spoken or actions taken by a parent or authority figure in anger often leave the greatest marks, resonating with us far, far after the words have been spoken. How does that saying go? It takes a moment’s misdeed to unravel a lifetime of trust. What we do in one outburst of anger can have far-reaching consequences.
Think of how much of this has been seen throughout the scope of human history. How many people lashing out in a fit of boiling anger changed the course of human history? Cain was angry, so he killed Abel; Joseph’s brothers were angry, so they threw him in a pit; men stoned Stephen in anger. Kings went to war, friends wounded friends, on and on—all because of anger. And for many of us, there is a similar story in our history. We may not have physically killed somebody in a fit of anger, but I wonder how many we have emotionally scarred with our angry words? Our brothers? Our friends? Spouses?
There’s no doubt about it, there are consequences when we give full vent to our anger, letting it control us rather than us controlling it.
In a time when it’s sometimes easier to catch someone’s anger than their grace, let’s stand apart. In the book of James, chapter 1, it is written,
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
When anger comes, we must control our bodies and tongues, not turning that anger into a weapon that causes us injure someone, but instead letting it fuel us to bring about a good, godly, and righteous outcome.
Let’s not wound in our anger, but restore what is right and good. Let’s not leave scars, but lessons. And in our anger, let’s never give in to sin. Let’s enter a place of pause and peace instead—collect ourselves, and from there, bring about a healthy resolution to the situation.
Chaplain Charlie
ALR Chapter 5
I read this today:
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, - Ephesians 4:26
I have an anger problem. When I was a small child, I would throw tantrums and bang my head on the floor, or so my older sister tells me. In any case, at the age of 68, I still have to deal with anger. No, I don’t bang my head on the floor anymore. But the urge to throw a tantrum rises every now and then.
There are hundreds of verses in the Bible that speak of anger. Why do you suppose God makes such a big deal about anger? Why are we told more than once we can be angry, but not to let it lead to sin?
I have learned from experience and know from the experience of others that words spoken or actions taken by a parent or authority figure in anger often leave the greatest marks, resonating with us far, far after the words have been spoken. How does that saying go? It takes a moment’s misdeed to unravel a lifetime of trust. What we do in one outburst of anger can have far-reaching consequences.
Think of how much of this has been seen throughout the scope of human history. How many people lashing out in a fit of boiling anger changed the course of human history? Cain was angry, so he killed Abel; Joseph’s brothers were angry, so they threw him in a pit; men stoned Stephen in anger. Kings went to war, friends wounded friends, on and on—all because of anger. And for many of us, there is a similar story in our history. We may not have physically killed somebody in a fit of anger, but I wonder how many we have emotionally scarred with our angry words? Our brothers? Our friends? Spouses?
There’s no doubt about it, there are consequences when we give full vent to our anger, letting it control us rather than us controlling it.
In a time when it’s sometimes easier to catch someone’s anger than their grace, let’s stand apart. In the book of James, chapter 1, it is written,
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
When anger comes, we must control our bodies and tongues, not turning that anger into a weapon that causes us injure someone, but instead letting it fuel us to bring about a good, godly, and righteous outcome.
Let’s not wound in our anger, but restore what is right and good. Let’s not leave scars, but lessons. And in our anger, let’s never give in to sin. Let’s enter a place of pause and peace instead—collect ourselves, and from there, bring about a healthy resolution to the situation.
Chaplain Charlie
ALR Chapter 5
KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR
Chaplain’s Message: January 7, 2021
The world defines success in terms of wealth, position, rank and title, influence, power, and fame, among others things. Yet we’ve all seen people that are wealthy, powerful, and famous crash and burn. The Biblical view of success is quite different: success is fulfilling your divinely ordained reason for being.
Here are three keys to success for this new year.
All of our cars/trucks have a big windshield that allows us to see ahead as we move forward. They also have a small rear view mirror that enables us to glance back from time to time along the way. But we don’t focus our attention in the rear view mirror, or we will crash. We can look back to the past from time to time, but we don’t live there. Live in the future of where God wants you to go.
David didn’t look at Goliath and tremble like everyone else. Why? Because he believed that the battle was God’s. When we focus on God, there is no man that can stop us from claiming what He has prepared for us!
If you apply these three keys, I guarantee you will be successful in fulfilling your divinely ordained reason for being, in the new year and beyond. AMEN.
Chaplain Charlie
Chaplain’s Message: January 7, 2021
The world defines success in terms of wealth, position, rank and title, influence, power, and fame, among others things. Yet we’ve all seen people that are wealthy, powerful, and famous crash and burn. The Biblical view of success is quite different: success is fulfilling your divinely ordained reason for being.
Here are three keys to success for this new year.
- Leave the past behind. We have started a new year – leave last year behind …don’t carry last year into this year – it’s gone. Last year was filled with frustrations and hurt, disappointments, discouragement, pain and suffering. There were some good times, and a lot of bad. That was last year. We are in a new year – get up and get moving! Many will not be successful in the new year because they are still chained to yesterday.
All of our cars/trucks have a big windshield that allows us to see ahead as we move forward. They also have a small rear view mirror that enables us to glance back from time to time along the way. But we don’t focus our attention in the rear view mirror, or we will crash. We can look back to the past from time to time, but we don’t live there. Live in the future of where God wants you to go.
- Focus on God-not people. Ephesians 2:10 says that “…we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance so we would walk in them.” When you go to lay hold of what God has for you in this coming year, there will be resistance. The enemies of God are waiting for you. They might be wealthy, hold a position of power, have a fancy title, or wield a lot of influence. The only thing that can stop you from getting all of the good things that God has prepared for you – is you!
David didn’t look at Goliath and tremble like everyone else. Why? Because he believed that the battle was God’s. When we focus on God, there is no man that can stop us from claiming what He has prepared for us!
- Stay anchored in God’s Word. 2Peter 1:3 – “His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
If you apply these three keys, I guarantee you will be successful in fulfilling your divinely ordained reason for being, in the new year and beyond. AMEN.
Chaplain Charlie
Chaplain's Message, October 1, 2020
BEWARE OF WOLVES
Well, it’s election time here in the U.S., and although most voters already have a candidate in mind, how can someone really know a candidate and what they will do once in office? And if you don’t know them very well, how can you know them at all?
There is a great lesson in the scripture about knowing who people are by their fruit. What exactly does it mean to know people by their fruit?
Consider fruit on a tree. That fruit takes time to develop and grow, and you can watch this happen. So when scripture says you can know somebody by their fruit, it’s talking about knowing them by what they produce. We might better understand this in today’s jargon by the phrase, know them by their track record.
People can say a lot of wonderful things. People that run for office know what you want to hear. They know you want lower taxes and a better economy and other things. And we don’t have any way of judging the heart because we’re not God (and that’s a GOOD thing!), so we can’t really tell if people are lying to us. But what we can do is look at people’s track records.
That takes some digging. But it is a matter of public record, so their track record is out there – but you will have to dig to find it. If you move to a new area and need a mechanic or a hairdresser or a doctor - you want to know their track record. Evil people who have not produced good fruit in their lives do not really want people digging up their track records.
The way Jesus Christ expressed this was to look at people’s fruit.
Matthew 7:15 -“Beware of false prophets, (teachers) who come to you dressed as a sheep (appearing gentle and innocent), but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
The first thing Jesus tells us is to beware. It’s important for us to know that we have to beware of people who are liars, who love power, people that want to be in control and do not have your best interests at heart. Do not be naïve. They pretend to be someone they are not. They look gentle and say the right things (Ba-a-a-a-a), but they are devouring wolves (in sheepskin)!
Matthew 7:16 – 20 “You will recognize them by their fruit. (Don’t listen to what they say, look at their fruit). Do people gather grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree brings forth good fruit, but the corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree is not able to bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will recognize them by their fruit (track record).”
We have to be really, really careful of the leaders we elect. If we elect evil leaders, we will suffer at their hands. Millions have suffered through the policies of evil leaders. They will tell you that they are going to lower taxes, that you can keep your weapons, that they won’t touch your land, or touch Social Security. But once they are in office, they do the opposite. They never intended to do what they said.
Jesus said BEWARE. Look at their track record. How have they voted? What have they done? What laws have they put in place or been party to? – That’s the track record we must look at. Party affiliation cannot be the main priority. We are obligated to our posterity to do our due diligence to keep our Republic safe. Start digging - by their fruit you will know them.
BEWARE OF WOLVES
Well, it’s election time here in the U.S., and although most voters already have a candidate in mind, how can someone really know a candidate and what they will do once in office? And if you don’t know them very well, how can you know them at all?
There is a great lesson in the scripture about knowing who people are by their fruit. What exactly does it mean to know people by their fruit?
Consider fruit on a tree. That fruit takes time to develop and grow, and you can watch this happen. So when scripture says you can know somebody by their fruit, it’s talking about knowing them by what they produce. We might better understand this in today’s jargon by the phrase, know them by their track record.
People can say a lot of wonderful things. People that run for office know what you want to hear. They know you want lower taxes and a better economy and other things. And we don’t have any way of judging the heart because we’re not God (and that’s a GOOD thing!), so we can’t really tell if people are lying to us. But what we can do is look at people’s track records.
That takes some digging. But it is a matter of public record, so their track record is out there – but you will have to dig to find it. If you move to a new area and need a mechanic or a hairdresser or a doctor - you want to know their track record. Evil people who have not produced good fruit in their lives do not really want people digging up their track records.
The way Jesus Christ expressed this was to look at people’s fruit.
Matthew 7:15 -“Beware of false prophets, (teachers) who come to you dressed as a sheep (appearing gentle and innocent), but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
The first thing Jesus tells us is to beware. It’s important for us to know that we have to beware of people who are liars, who love power, people that want to be in control and do not have your best interests at heart. Do not be naïve. They pretend to be someone they are not. They look gentle and say the right things (Ba-a-a-a-a), but they are devouring wolves (in sheepskin)!
Matthew 7:16 – 20 “You will recognize them by their fruit. (Don’t listen to what they say, look at their fruit). Do people gather grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree brings forth good fruit, but the corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree is not able to bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will recognize them by their fruit (track record).”
We have to be really, really careful of the leaders we elect. If we elect evil leaders, we will suffer at their hands. Millions have suffered through the policies of evil leaders. They will tell you that they are going to lower taxes, that you can keep your weapons, that they won’t touch your land, or touch Social Security. But once they are in office, they do the opposite. They never intended to do what they said.
Jesus said BEWARE. Look at their track record. How have they voted? What have they done? What laws have they put in place or been party to? – That’s the track record we must look at. Party affiliation cannot be the main priority. We are obligated to our posterity to do our due diligence to keep our Republic safe. Start digging - by their fruit you will know them.
Chaplin's Message, September 3, 2020
LOVE ONE ANOTHER
When I was a lad growing up with my three other siblings, there would be disagreements that lead to arguments and fighting, resulting in absolute chaos. Our house was a war zone during those times. My mother would enter the fray (my dad was usually at work), begging us to stop, and she would always say these words: “love one another!” This became an axiom in our household.
We are experiencing a very chaotic period in the history of our nation. There have been such periods in the past, but none as threatening to our lives and our liberties as this current period of unrest. With all of the diversity that exists, we will never agree with one another on everything. But we can still be united in our common purpose. On a smaller scale, the same holds true for us and every group that unites for a common purpose.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus said, "Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”(John 13:34)
It is noteworthy that at no time did Jesus command us to agree with one another. He did not say, "Agree with one another. Just as I have agreed with you, you also are to agree with one another.”
It takes strong moral character to love one another, especially when there is a differing of opinions. But this is precisely the moral character that Jesus commanded us to cultivate in our hearts and souls and requires of us in times like the ones we live in now.
There is a reason Jesus commanded us to love one another. There is a reason why loving one another is so important to him. The reason is that human life is better when we understand and practice love, and human relationships are degraded when we don't. This has never been as evident as it is in our society today.
Love one another. Today. Right now. It is such a simple phrase...If we do not practice love when it is most challenging, yet most needed, we will find ourselves engulfed in a very dark world.
Chaplain Charlie
LOVE ONE ANOTHER
When I was a lad growing up with my three other siblings, there would be disagreements that lead to arguments and fighting, resulting in absolute chaos. Our house was a war zone during those times. My mother would enter the fray (my dad was usually at work), begging us to stop, and she would always say these words: “love one another!” This became an axiom in our household.
We are experiencing a very chaotic period in the history of our nation. There have been such periods in the past, but none as threatening to our lives and our liberties as this current period of unrest. With all of the diversity that exists, we will never agree with one another on everything. But we can still be united in our common purpose. On a smaller scale, the same holds true for us and every group that unites for a common purpose.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus said, "Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”(John 13:34)
It is noteworthy that at no time did Jesus command us to agree with one another. He did not say, "Agree with one another. Just as I have agreed with you, you also are to agree with one another.”
It takes strong moral character to love one another, especially when there is a differing of opinions. But this is precisely the moral character that Jesus commanded us to cultivate in our hearts and souls and requires of us in times like the ones we live in now.
There is a reason Jesus commanded us to love one another. There is a reason why loving one another is so important to him. The reason is that human life is better when we understand and practice love, and human relationships are degraded when we don't. This has never been as evident as it is in our society today.
Love one another. Today. Right now. It is such a simple phrase...If we do not practice love when it is most challenging, yet most needed, we will find ourselves engulfed in a very dark world.
Chaplain Charlie
Chapin's Message, August 2020
Intimate Knowledge
I am amazed at how many people are satisfied to know about God when they could actually know him personally.
In Ephesians Chapter 1, Paul prays that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, will give the believers spiritual wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
This is not a superficial, grade school knowledge of God, although some people never go beyond what they were taught as a child. I remember learning, “God is a supreme being who made all things.” That’s great for a starting point, but there is so much more. Some people are satisfied to attend their local church for an hour each week, but they do not “know” God. They may know about God, but knowing about God does nothing for an individual. Even the Devil knows about God.
God desires more from you and me. He desires a personal, intimate relationship, and to get that we must know him intimately. As our Creator, God already has an intimate knowledge of us. He loves each of us so personally, so deeply and intimately, that he gave his only son as payment for you and me and for all who will trust in the name of Jesus Christ. He ransomed us from the death-grip of sin and made us his children. Now, His greatest desire is to have an intimate relationship with each of us.
How do we develop an intimate relationship with God? Well think about it – how do we build a loving, intimate relationship with our spouses, or our best friends? We spend time with them; we talk with them and learn about them. God has revealed everything we need to know about him in his Word. It is his heart to you. Read it. “Eat it,” as Jeremiah proclaimed: “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words were to me a joy, and the rejoicing of my heart…”
If you desire to know God on this level, as He desires to know you, then I urge you to open His Word, His heart to you – the Bible - and read it. In Romans 12 we read, “Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Transformed like a caterpillar into a butterfly. We plant God’s Word in our minds, and He transforms us – from old to new.
If you don’t know God and you haven’t made Jesus Christ Lord in your life, God has made salvation very easy: Romans 10:9, 10 “…if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him out from among the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made, resulting in salvation.” This is the beginning of an intimate relationship with our Creator.
In the knowledge of God we find love and mercy and the hope of everlasting life in a Paradise that cannot be conceived. As it is written in Scripture, “Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.”
In His service - Chaplain Charlie
Intimate Knowledge
I am amazed at how many people are satisfied to know about God when they could actually know him personally.
In Ephesians Chapter 1, Paul prays that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, will give the believers spiritual wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.
This is not a superficial, grade school knowledge of God, although some people never go beyond what they were taught as a child. I remember learning, “God is a supreme being who made all things.” That’s great for a starting point, but there is so much more. Some people are satisfied to attend their local church for an hour each week, but they do not “know” God. They may know about God, but knowing about God does nothing for an individual. Even the Devil knows about God.
God desires more from you and me. He desires a personal, intimate relationship, and to get that we must know him intimately. As our Creator, God already has an intimate knowledge of us. He loves each of us so personally, so deeply and intimately, that he gave his only son as payment for you and me and for all who will trust in the name of Jesus Christ. He ransomed us from the death-grip of sin and made us his children. Now, His greatest desire is to have an intimate relationship with each of us.
How do we develop an intimate relationship with God? Well think about it – how do we build a loving, intimate relationship with our spouses, or our best friends? We spend time with them; we talk with them and learn about them. God has revealed everything we need to know about him in his Word. It is his heart to you. Read it. “Eat it,” as Jeremiah proclaimed: “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words were to me a joy, and the rejoicing of my heart…”
If you desire to know God on this level, as He desires to know you, then I urge you to open His Word, His heart to you – the Bible - and read it. In Romans 12 we read, “Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Transformed like a caterpillar into a butterfly. We plant God’s Word in our minds, and He transforms us – from old to new.
If you don’t know God and you haven’t made Jesus Christ Lord in your life, God has made salvation very easy: Romans 10:9, 10 “…if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him out from among the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made, resulting in salvation.” This is the beginning of an intimate relationship with our Creator.
In the knowledge of God we find love and mercy and the hope of everlasting life in a Paradise that cannot be conceived. As it is written in Scripture, “Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.”
In His service - Chaplain Charlie
Chaplain's Message, 7/2/20
Independence Day
In the USA, the Fourth of July signifies FREEDOM. Today, all citizens with any spiritual awareness realize that our God-given national freedoms are steadily being eroded by more and more ungodly laws and regulations. Thank God there is one freedom that no one can take from us, and that is free will. No matter what is happening to you, you are free to choose how you respond to it. Despite the external factors you can’t control, you are in control of your own thoughts, words, and actions.
There is a great war going on between God and Satan for people’s hearts. The Devil knows that the heart is man’s life-source. If he can win the heart, he can cause suffering in this life and the next.
Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “More than anything else you protect, guard your heart, because from it flow the issues of life.”
The mind is the gatekeeper of the heart. The heart can only be won through the mind, and for this reason we must be vigilant to guard our heart by controlling our thoughts. John 10:10 tells us that the “thief” does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. He is always trying to take our minds captive and cause great destruction in our lives, and he has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgements are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.
Diligently pursue peace with everyone, and pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Watch over others, so that no one is falling away from the grace of God; so that no root of bitterness sprouts up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; Hebrews 12:14, 15
There is a thought process that leads to bitterness—and this is something that each of us must be aware of and be prepared to deal with in our own lives, and help others deal with in their lives.
When a person becomes unthankful, selfish, angry, or hurt, that person may decide to think negative, bitter thoughts. Their brain neurons grow in a way that reinforces those thoughts. Over time as a person continues to harbor bitter thoughts, the neurons in the brain actually grow and strengthen that thought process.
If we do not make up our minds to obey God and stop our anger, the angry thoughts we rehearse in our minds become more and more like a strong root, and it will spring out in the open eventually. It not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer, and in the same way that cancer spreads until it devours the body, I have witnessed the destruction of clubs, churches and other organizations from this deadly disease called bitterness.
Breaking Satan’s foothold requires a decision to drop our pride and press into God’s grace. At least one of the parties involved must ask for or give forgiveness. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at those that have offended us. It is only obedience that allows God’s grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.
The next time you are hurt by somebody, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. We can, if we desire, stop the harmful thoughts of anger and bitterness. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow, and that is what Christians are called to do.On this Independence Day, let us understand and exercise the true freedom we have and refuse to allow our minds to be taken captive. This is true freedom. To do otherwise makes you a slave to do the bidding of our enemy.
-Chaplain Charlie-
Independence Day
In the USA, the Fourth of July signifies FREEDOM. Today, all citizens with any spiritual awareness realize that our God-given national freedoms are steadily being eroded by more and more ungodly laws and regulations. Thank God there is one freedom that no one can take from us, and that is free will. No matter what is happening to you, you are free to choose how you respond to it. Despite the external factors you can’t control, you are in control of your own thoughts, words, and actions.
There is a great war going on between God and Satan for people’s hearts. The Devil knows that the heart is man’s life-source. If he can win the heart, he can cause suffering in this life and the next.
Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “More than anything else you protect, guard your heart, because from it flow the issues of life.”
The mind is the gatekeeper of the heart. The heart can only be won through the mind, and for this reason we must be vigilant to guard our heart by controlling our thoughts. John 10:10 tells us that the “thief” does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. He is always trying to take our minds captive and cause great destruction in our lives, and he has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgements are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.
Diligently pursue peace with everyone, and pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Watch over others, so that no one is falling away from the grace of God; so that no root of bitterness sprouts up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; Hebrews 12:14, 15
There is a thought process that leads to bitterness—and this is something that each of us must be aware of and be prepared to deal with in our own lives, and help others deal with in their lives.
When a person becomes unthankful, selfish, angry, or hurt, that person may decide to think negative, bitter thoughts. Their brain neurons grow in a way that reinforces those thoughts. Over time as a person continues to harbor bitter thoughts, the neurons in the brain actually grow and strengthen that thought process.
If we do not make up our minds to obey God and stop our anger, the angry thoughts we rehearse in our minds become more and more like a strong root, and it will spring out in the open eventually. It not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer, and in the same way that cancer spreads until it devours the body, I have witnessed the destruction of clubs, churches and other organizations from this deadly disease called bitterness.
Breaking Satan’s foothold requires a decision to drop our pride and press into God’s grace. At least one of the parties involved must ask for or give forgiveness. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at those that have offended us. It is only obedience that allows God’s grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.
The next time you are hurt by somebody, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. We can, if we desire, stop the harmful thoughts of anger and bitterness. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow, and that is what Christians are called to do.On this Independence Day, let us understand and exercise the true freedom we have and refuse to allow our minds to be taken captive. This is true freedom. To do otherwise makes you a slave to do the bidding of our enemy.
-Chaplain Charlie-
Chaplains Message (3-5-20)
Seek His Face
The other night I was lying in bed with my wife – face to face – discussing the day’s events. It was an intimate moment. Face to face implies intimacy - unless the one you are face to face with is there without your approval. There have been occasions when someone would get “up close and personal,” and I had to tell him to “get out of my face!”
One of the great differences between Moses and any other character in the Bible is how God describes Moses. Moses was a friend of God, and he met God face to face. "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" (Ex. 33:11a).
God wants to be up close and personal with each of us. He desires an intimate relationship with His creation, but He isn’t going to force Himself on anyone. That is not the nature of love. God wants us to seek His face and to see His love and tenderness toward us as His children.
You can’t be intimate with someone you don’t know. That’s why God wants us to know Him. In fact, in Ephesians, chapter one, Paul’s prayer for the Church is that we would know Him and His power in our lives.
The Christian’s greatest need is to know Him. To know God is to love Him. But how many of us truly know God? Have we taken the time to build a relationship with our Father?
We learn about God through His Word – the Bible. The Bible is God’s heart opened to His people. If you truly want to know God, you must get face to face with Him. Take the time to read and study His Word and seek His face.
Consider the time we invest in other things – our careers, sports, video games, riding our bikes – which will all come to naught someday. What we learn about God and the things of God will not only benefit us in this life but also in the age to come.
When you seek His face, you will know His provision and His mercy in all aspects of life. Seek His face today and become a friend of God.
Chaplain Charlie
Seek His Face
The other night I was lying in bed with my wife – face to face – discussing the day’s events. It was an intimate moment. Face to face implies intimacy - unless the one you are face to face with is there without your approval. There have been occasions when someone would get “up close and personal,” and I had to tell him to “get out of my face!”
One of the great differences between Moses and any other character in the Bible is how God describes Moses. Moses was a friend of God, and he met God face to face. "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" (Ex. 33:11a).
God wants to be up close and personal with each of us. He desires an intimate relationship with His creation, but He isn’t going to force Himself on anyone. That is not the nature of love. God wants us to seek His face and to see His love and tenderness toward us as His children.
You can’t be intimate with someone you don’t know. That’s why God wants us to know Him. In fact, in Ephesians, chapter one, Paul’s prayer for the Church is that we would know Him and His power in our lives.
The Christian’s greatest need is to know Him. To know God is to love Him. But how many of us truly know God? Have we taken the time to build a relationship with our Father?
We learn about God through His Word – the Bible. The Bible is God’s heart opened to His people. If you truly want to know God, you must get face to face with Him. Take the time to read and study His Word and seek His face.
Consider the time we invest in other things – our careers, sports, video games, riding our bikes – which will all come to naught someday. What we learn about God and the things of God will not only benefit us in this life but also in the age to come.
When you seek His face, you will know His provision and His mercy in all aspects of life. Seek His face today and become a friend of God.
Chaplain Charlie
CHAPLAINS MESSAGE 2/6/20
On Super Bowl Sunday morning, a number of us rode to the Mexico Veteran’s Home and had lunch with the veterans. It is always rewarding to sit and talk with our veterans and see the light that we bring to their eyes.
After returning home, I went to the grocery store and bumped into a friend from church. The first words out of his mouth were, “Where were you today?” I told him what I had done earlier and I could tell by his response that he judged it not adequate enough to miss church. We obviously have a difference of opinion.
I would like to tell all of you that the Executive Committee and I are thankful for any participation that you are able to give to our mission as Riders. I will not, nor should anyone else, judge you if you aren’t able to participate in ALR events. I don’t know what is going on in your life and neither does anyone else. Frankly, it’s nobody’s business but yours. I know that when you are able to come, you show up and participate. We thank you.
Let me share something with you. This is from the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7, 10:
6Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7Let each one give as he has previously decided in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.
10And he who is supplying seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
The context of this verse is giving money to help those brethren in need. But the greater context is giving in general – your time, your talents, your abilities, etc.
The phrase “harvest of your righteousness” means the rewards given to people by Christ for their righteous deeds. God will cause our harvest to grow, meaning he will increase the rewards we reap at Judgment Day.
Galatians 6:9 gives the key to understanding this verse: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (ESV). Another translation of this phrase reads: “enlarge the harvest which your deeds of charity yield.”
I want you to realize that God, the righteous judge, sees when you give and is keeping track of it. So keep giving – cheerfully! You will be rewarded when the books are opened on Judgement Day.
God bless you for your service to our veterans, our Post, and our country.
On Super Bowl Sunday morning, a number of us rode to the Mexico Veteran’s Home and had lunch with the veterans. It is always rewarding to sit and talk with our veterans and see the light that we bring to their eyes.
After returning home, I went to the grocery store and bumped into a friend from church. The first words out of his mouth were, “Where were you today?” I told him what I had done earlier and I could tell by his response that he judged it not adequate enough to miss church. We obviously have a difference of opinion.
I would like to tell all of you that the Executive Committee and I are thankful for any participation that you are able to give to our mission as Riders. I will not, nor should anyone else, judge you if you aren’t able to participate in ALR events. I don’t know what is going on in your life and neither does anyone else. Frankly, it’s nobody’s business but yours. I know that when you are able to come, you show up and participate. We thank you.
Let me share something with you. This is from the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7, 10:
6Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7Let each one give as he has previously decided in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.
10And he who is supplying seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
The context of this verse is giving money to help those brethren in need. But the greater context is giving in general – your time, your talents, your abilities, etc.
The phrase “harvest of your righteousness” means the rewards given to people by Christ for their righteous deeds. God will cause our harvest to grow, meaning he will increase the rewards we reap at Judgment Day.
Galatians 6:9 gives the key to understanding this verse: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (ESV). Another translation of this phrase reads: “enlarge the harvest which your deeds of charity yield.”
I want you to realize that God, the righteous judge, sees when you give and is keeping track of it. So keep giving – cheerfully! You will be rewarded when the books are opened on Judgement Day.
God bless you for your service to our veterans, our Post, and our country.
Chaplain's Message, 1/2/2020
Happy New Year!
In preparation for the New Year, I marked in my planner the various things that I wanted to do in 2020. Planning a vacation 7 months down the road causes one to consider that things don’t always happen the way you planned.
Nobody knows what unexpected events the future holds, whether good or bad. So we embark on this new year as the early explorers did when discovering new lands, prepared for the worst should it come, and yet having expectations for good and hope for prosperity.
We are told in Ecclesiastes, chapter 10, “A person does not know what will be; and what will be after him, who can tell him?” So we never know what will happen, good or bad. But it always seems that when bad does happen, we are never quite prepared for it.
When something bad happens, it can hit us like a slap in the face, and it can take the wind out of our sails. And if bad starts to pile on us like 300lb. linemen on a ball carrier, it can be overwhelming.
Habakkuk, a Prophet of God in the Old Testament experienced such a situation. The great conquering Babylonian king was knocking on Judah’s door. Things were not well in the kingdom of Judah, and Prophets had proclaimed Judah’s destruction. It was just a matter of time.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
For though the fig tree doesn’t flourish, nor fruit be in the vines,
the labor of the olive fails, the fields yield no food, the flocks are cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls,…
What a picture of despair! Some of you may have experienced low times in your life. You may have lost your job, or maybe you went through a divorce and lost everything you had built and saved for up to that time. You may have lost a loved one, a spouse, and you felt helpless and hopeless. You may have experienced a life-threatening illness. You may have an inkling of what Habakkuk was feeling. Listen to what he had to say about it:
…yet I will rejoice in Yahweh. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Yahweh the Lord is my strength. He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and enables me to go in high places.
As we embark on this New Year, let us always be mindful of this one thing: God is our strength. God alone. When all of our wealth and all of our health and all of our friends and all of our resources fail us, God says, I will absolutely not fail you, and I will absolutely not forsake you. So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Heb. 13:5-7)
Whatever we may face this year, Our God is with us – put your trust in Him.
Chaplain Charlie
ALR Chapter 5
Happy New Year!
In preparation for the New Year, I marked in my planner the various things that I wanted to do in 2020. Planning a vacation 7 months down the road causes one to consider that things don’t always happen the way you planned.
Nobody knows what unexpected events the future holds, whether good or bad. So we embark on this new year as the early explorers did when discovering new lands, prepared for the worst should it come, and yet having expectations for good and hope for prosperity.
We are told in Ecclesiastes, chapter 10, “A person does not know what will be; and what will be after him, who can tell him?” So we never know what will happen, good or bad. But it always seems that when bad does happen, we are never quite prepared for it.
When something bad happens, it can hit us like a slap in the face, and it can take the wind out of our sails. And if bad starts to pile on us like 300lb. linemen on a ball carrier, it can be overwhelming.
Habakkuk, a Prophet of God in the Old Testament experienced such a situation. The great conquering Babylonian king was knocking on Judah’s door. Things were not well in the kingdom of Judah, and Prophets had proclaimed Judah’s destruction. It was just a matter of time.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
For though the fig tree doesn’t flourish, nor fruit be in the vines,
the labor of the olive fails, the fields yield no food, the flocks are cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls,…
What a picture of despair! Some of you may have experienced low times in your life. You may have lost your job, or maybe you went through a divorce and lost everything you had built and saved for up to that time. You may have lost a loved one, a spouse, and you felt helpless and hopeless. You may have experienced a life-threatening illness. You may have an inkling of what Habakkuk was feeling. Listen to what he had to say about it:
…yet I will rejoice in Yahweh. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Yahweh the Lord is my strength. He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and enables me to go in high places.
As we embark on this New Year, let us always be mindful of this one thing: God is our strength. God alone. When all of our wealth and all of our health and all of our friends and all of our resources fail us, God says, I will absolutely not fail you, and I will absolutely not forsake you. So we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Heb. 13:5-7)
Whatever we may face this year, Our God is with us – put your trust in Him.
Chaplain Charlie
ALR Chapter 5
ONE Is Better Than One
Chaplain's Message, Nov. 7, 2019
Our brother, Mike Thompson asked me to share with you some personal information. Mike has been diagnosed with stage IV cancer. He being a private man did not want anybody to know and wanted to deal with this on his own. But after talking with others, he knows that he needs the strength and comfort that only friends and family can give.
Mike asks for our prayers. Not just the prayers from the Chaplain, although he will get that. He understands that prayer is a powerful force in the battle that he will be fighting. And he needs to know that we have his back.
So every time you think of Mike Thompson, throw a little prayer up to the Lord Jesus Christ and ask him to keep Mike in his care. The same holds true for Kevin Umfleet, who is also in a battle for his life. Our united prayers for Mike and Kevin can change outcomes.
Our Director, Frenchie, talked about doing things for those in need within our ranks. Here is a need. Both Mike and Kevin will have rough roads ahead. You might think about taking soup or a meal over to Mike or Kevin’s place during this particularly tough time. I’m confident God will inspire some of you to act on behalf of our brothers in need.
This is what family does. We fight for one another. Yes, at times we may fight with one another - we may argue and disagree. But we stand as ONE. Why? Because ONE is better than one. One team standing together is better than one person standing alone. A group of 10 people can accomplish more than one person alone. But it’s when those 10 people work together as a team that the magic happens.
The hard part is making those 10 individuals put their egos aside, trust each other, and act as a team. When you are part of a team – a truly cohesive unit that functions with a single purpose – you can accomplish wonders.
We are the American Legion Riders family. We stand with and fight for one another. Each of us must be on guard to never allow a grievance, hurt feelings, or anything else that would cause a division amongst our ranks to go unresolved. If you can’t resolve an issue with another member, than drop it. Just don’t let it fester. I will tell you what Jesus Christ would tell you – forgive your brother.
Stand together - one in purpose.
Chaplain's Message, Nov. 7, 2019
Our brother, Mike Thompson asked me to share with you some personal information. Mike has been diagnosed with stage IV cancer. He being a private man did not want anybody to know and wanted to deal with this on his own. But after talking with others, he knows that he needs the strength and comfort that only friends and family can give.
Mike asks for our prayers. Not just the prayers from the Chaplain, although he will get that. He understands that prayer is a powerful force in the battle that he will be fighting. And he needs to know that we have his back.
So every time you think of Mike Thompson, throw a little prayer up to the Lord Jesus Christ and ask him to keep Mike in his care. The same holds true for Kevin Umfleet, who is also in a battle for his life. Our united prayers for Mike and Kevin can change outcomes.
Our Director, Frenchie, talked about doing things for those in need within our ranks. Here is a need. Both Mike and Kevin will have rough roads ahead. You might think about taking soup or a meal over to Mike or Kevin’s place during this particularly tough time. I’m confident God will inspire some of you to act on behalf of our brothers in need.
This is what family does. We fight for one another. Yes, at times we may fight with one another - we may argue and disagree. But we stand as ONE. Why? Because ONE is better than one. One team standing together is better than one person standing alone. A group of 10 people can accomplish more than one person alone. But it’s when those 10 people work together as a team that the magic happens.
The hard part is making those 10 individuals put their egos aside, trust each other, and act as a team. When you are part of a team – a truly cohesive unit that functions with a single purpose – you can accomplish wonders.
We are the American Legion Riders family. We stand with and fight for one another. Each of us must be on guard to never allow a grievance, hurt feelings, or anything else that would cause a division amongst our ranks to go unresolved. If you can’t resolve an issue with another member, than drop it. Just don’t let it fester. I will tell you what Jesus Christ would tell you – forgive your brother.
Stand together - one in purpose.
Chaplain’s Message
On this day, October 3, 1921 – the USS Olympia sailed for France to bring home the Unknown Soldier from World War I.
The bodies of many soldiers killed in World War I could not be identified. To honor them, the remains of one were brought to the U.S. Capitol to lie in state, and on Armistice Day, 1921 they were ceremoniously buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
The tomb bears the inscription “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” Congress later directed that an “Unknown American” from subsequent wars — World War II, Korea and Vietnam — be similarly honored.
Because of the development of DNA technology, the Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War was recently exhumed and identified.
There may never be another unknown soldier.
It is the responsibility of all - not only those who serve in our armed forces, but each and every citizen of these United States - to never forget those who are missing from our ranks, and never be deterred in our efforts to locate them and bring them home. They sacrificed all of their tomorrows for our today. I pray that we keep this in mind as we enjoy our freedoms and our way of life.
On this day, October 3, 1921 – the USS Olympia sailed for France to bring home the Unknown Soldier from World War I.
The bodies of many soldiers killed in World War I could not be identified. To honor them, the remains of one were brought to the U.S. Capitol to lie in state, and on Armistice Day, 1921 they were ceremoniously buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
The tomb bears the inscription “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.” Congress later directed that an “Unknown American” from subsequent wars — World War II, Korea and Vietnam — be similarly honored.
Because of the development of DNA technology, the Unknown Soldier from the Vietnam War was recently exhumed and identified.
There may never be another unknown soldier.
It is the responsibility of all - not only those who serve in our armed forces, but each and every citizen of these United States - to never forget those who are missing from our ranks, and never be deterred in our efforts to locate them and bring them home. They sacrificed all of their tomorrows for our today. I pray that we keep this in mind as we enjoy our freedoms and our way of life.
September 2019
PRIORITIES
It was sad news to hear of the death of our brother, Dick Nelson. Dick had lost a hard battle against unseen forces.
Whenever things like this happen close to home, it brings us face to face with our own mortality. What would I do differently if I was informed that I had a short time to live? What would you do differently?
I have a challenge for you:
Live your life for one year as if it were the last year you will live. If you do this, I guarantee - it will change your life forever. You will begin to focus on different priorities and people when you view life in these terms.
The Bible gives us a perspective on viewing tomorrow.
It says in the book of James, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
Life is fragile. Consider where you are investing your time and energies.
Someone once said they had never heard anyone on his deathbed say that he wished he had made more money in his lifetime or he wished he had made this or that business deal. Usually it is something like, "I wish I had spent more time with my kids."
The reality is that life is not just 70 years and then a hole in the ground. We forget about the future reality of eternity.
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
One never knows how much time they may have on this earth. Reconsider the priorities for your life, for now and for eternity.
Chaplain Charlie
PRIORITIES
It was sad news to hear of the death of our brother, Dick Nelson. Dick had lost a hard battle against unseen forces.
Whenever things like this happen close to home, it brings us face to face with our own mortality. What would I do differently if I was informed that I had a short time to live? What would you do differently?
I have a challenge for you:
Live your life for one year as if it were the last year you will live. If you do this, I guarantee - it will change your life forever. You will begin to focus on different priorities and people when you view life in these terms.
The Bible gives us a perspective on viewing tomorrow.
It says in the book of James, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
Life is fragile. Consider where you are investing your time and energies.
Someone once said they had never heard anyone on his deathbed say that he wished he had made more money in his lifetime or he wished he had made this or that business deal. Usually it is something like, "I wish I had spent more time with my kids."
The reality is that life is not just 70 years and then a hole in the ground. We forget about the future reality of eternity.
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
One never knows how much time they may have on this earth. Reconsider the priorities for your life, for now and for eternity.
Chaplain Charlie
July 2019
INDEPENDENCE DAY
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain and were now united, free, and independent states. The United States from that time forward became a beacon of hope and a nation of opportunity for all.
If it weren’t for Thomas Jefferson and his magnificent Declaration of Independence, you and I may have grown up in a cold, suppressed, socialistic society. We would never have known the joy that freedom bequeaths to an individual, to a community, and to a nation.
But even a man as great as Jefferson can see his work and his legacy fade with time. This is true for all human endeavors.
It is also true that the words and works of God will never fade and have stood the test of time.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ will forever shine as a beacon of light and hope for humanity. The empty tomb was a Declaration of Independence. When God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, it was a declaration of freedom from death for Jesus Christ and all those who will believe in him.
All freedoms originate from Divine Authority. We have been endowed by our Father with certain inalienable rights, among these are everlasting life, liberty, and the pursuit of godliness.
So as we celebrate this wonderful country of ours and the freedoms that we have, let us remember the true author of freedom, Jesus Christ, and the Declaration of Independence that he ratified with his life’s blood.
God bless you, and God bless America.
Chaplain Charlie Lindquist
ALR Chapter 5
June 6, 2019
As you know, today we celebrate the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
On 6 June 1944, D-Day, Allied troops landed on the coast of Normandy. The Battle of Normandy was a hard-fought campaign.
My father participated in this campaign. He operated a landing craft – not sure what beach he landed on. He never spoke much about his war days. But then – I never asked him about it either.
And that’s a real shame because he might have told me and we might have had a closer relationship …if I had only asked him; if I had simply taken the time to talk with him about things.
He died in 1996, and all of his memories and information of any value that I could have had died with him.
I wonder how many of us, like me, never took the time to seek out our father’s heart. Never sat and simply asked him to share the things that he experienced, the sports he played, the things he liked to do when he was younger.
I loved my dad, as I am sure most of you loved your dads. But how much closer and richer and more meaningful would my/your relationship have been if time were taken to simply talk?
Our relationship with God our Father will follow the same course. It will be as close as we determine it to be. He has already given us his heart, his desires, and his plans for our lives – his love. Now, it is on each of us to search it out. He gave all of this in his written Word and in his son, Jesus Christ.
You can’t have a close relationship without meaningful communication. Like my dad, God won’t force-feed us his knowledge and wisdom. We must take the time and go to him through his word – the Bible – and through prayer to learn about him.
He has opened his heart to you …open yours to him.