Chaplain Report May 2001

Rev. Dr. William Jackson  Lincoln ALP 3 Chaplain 

There comes a time when every person needs to stand up, look into their mirror, and imagine…that a robust warrior is staring back at you, armed to the teeth, and raring to go to battle for a worthy cause. 

And what cause is worthy enough for a person like you, you’re wondering? Come to think of it, what cause warrants ANYONE’S attention, beyond the daily grind and bustle of merely living, let alone managing to make something of one’s self? I imagine that the Lord might have something to say about overcoming adversity, like in the case of having a dear friend to aid one’s quest for significance and accomplishment (Proverbs 17:17). 

What is it for you to stand in the Lord and finally realize what you’ve been put here for? Have you ever really wondered what it might be like to do and be the person God wants you to be, without rancor or subterfuge (Jeremiah 40:4)? Or how about fathoming what to do in your here-and-now to vastly improve your status among God’s elect (Matthew 24:24) in serving Him with no doubt or anxiety (1 Peter 5:7)? 

It’s time. Time to prepare. Time to rehearse. Time to do all things that would make you ready for His return in full glory to take you home with Him. Wouldn’t that be worthwhile to know that you, and hopefully your family and friends, will be caught up with the Lord—the Persia, Greek for the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:17)? Imagine: you and the Lord…together…in Heaven….!?!?

Preparation is the key to comprehending what the Lord has for you to do…still. It starts with your accepting Him as your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:10) to be saved from your rightful condemnation (Jude 1:4). Next is your willingness—for God would NEVER force you to obey Him—to serve Him through your love for Him and compassion for His greatest creation, your fellow women and men (Matthew 6:24). Another consideration for armouring up to fight on God’s team is to dress in appropriate gear (Ephesians 6:10-18), where your spiritual war garment covers your front, like any seasoned trooper, because you’re facing the enemy, not running away from him, Satan.

So…the battle is upon us. Who stands with the Lord, knowing victory over those little anti-Christs and Satan’s wiles because they CAN NOT HURT you—IF—you stand in the Lord’s wake (1 Corinthians 15:57)? We’re soldiers with varying skills and talents honed through our service with America’s Armed Forces, and our studies of His Word, the Holy Bible (2 Timothy 1:7). Let’s armour up, folks! You KNOW you can do it! This fight is spiritual, so never lose sight of your marching orders from God. Fulfill your destiny through God’s wisdom (James 1:5).