Several years ago I met Col. James Ammerman, a retired US Army Chaplain, who led the move to get the military to recognize independent full gospel chaplains (the fastest growing Christian group in America) along with mainline chaplains.
He authored a book entitled ‘After the Storm’ that was a history of military chaplains in Operation Desert Storm when the military invaded Iraq. A couple of notes I made when reading the book were:
- Three times as many Vietnam veterans have committed suicide than died in that war.
- There were at that time 123 Full Gospel Chaplains, 58 serving in Desert Storm.
- 25% of Desert Storm soldiers made first time decisions for Christ.
- Before Desert Storm began, terrible south winds blew. It was hot, dirty, and soldiers were miserable in their tents. However, the winds uncovered land mines the enemy had planted. The winds made it impossible for Iraq to use gas they may have had, which strengthened the confidence of Allied soldiers.
I was encouraged that what appeared to be a natural problem (sandstorm) was actually a natural assistance. Let’s keep our eyes open for problems that could be a solution. God’s ways are not our ways.
Tags: Desert Storm, provision, wind
I do most of my sermon preparation in my study at home. Out the widow there are a couple of Ironwood trees that have been there long before our house was built and are now pretty good size. Those two trees have crossed each other (literally). One large branch has grown across another large branch. When the wind blows, they grate against one another. After decades of this grating in the wind, and amazing thing has happened.
Both having their bark stripped away, their sap has intermingled one with the other. Each time they begin to scar over, another wind causes them to dig yet deeper into one another. Now, years later, those two independent trees are nestled tightly against one another as if they were hugging. Although they are still independent, you would never know it from their intertwined appearance. They each provide protection for the other in their injury. Broken, they have become one. And they sing a beautiful song of nature when the wind blows.
Do you think there might be a lesson in that for marriages? If this was a word from God, what would it say to couples in need?
Tags: healing, marriage, trees, wind
As I’m writing this there is a torrential downpour going on. I had earlier checked the weather radar and knew it was coming, so really wasn’t surprised. A real gulley-washer like this was needed and will, hopefully, clear out the intense humidity.
And I’m reminded that the outpouring of God’s Spirit has been called a shower of blessings. I checked the Bible and saw that it is predicted. The Holy Spirit moving is also referred to as a mighty wind. My prayer is that God will send a real gulley-washer of a revival to his sleeping church. The Lord stands at the door and knocks, but few are seriously listening.
Lord, awaken the sleeping church and raise up an army of believers that will take your word at face value and usher in a great outpouring of your Spirit in these last days. Amen.
Tags: , rain, revival, wind