Man. This is so good. So much wisdom here. Thank you for clarifying this so well.
I did not serve, in combat or in service to my communities. I was a broken, anxious, depressed, angry and cowardly man most most of my life. For 53 years I denied there was a god. For 53 years I did what I could, I held a decent career down, but I didn't advance in it. I had a family, but I didn't lead them. I had a decent life from the outside, but all I wanted was to end it all.
Then I got radically saved. Now, God has called me to be a warrior. And while I don't doubt the calling, I am not familiar with the ways of a warrior. But what I'm realizing is that my form of being a warrior is going to look very different from many of yours. I am not fighting on a physical battlefield, but the battlefields I am on are no less vital. God is teaching me daily how to be more truthful and resolute, how to be strong and courageous. How to give up fear and doubt and move with certainty and resolve in His will. How to be a man, and minister to men. God often uses the least qualified to teach others. Jesus didn't call Pharisees and Scribes to teach His Word, he called fishermen and tax collectors. It makes no sense for God to use me in this way, but when He called, I said "Here am I Lord, send me". I just pray for His will and guidance in how to move forward.
This article is so useful to me because it helps me to see the hearts of true warriors and come closer to understanding them, to make accommodations for them, to help them remain true to themselves and yet integrate into the Body of Christ in the fashion they were made for. I pray that this lesson sinks in and becomes a regular part of the multiple ministries I am involved in.
Praise God for you and this blog. Thanks for putting your views out there and committing to keeping others safe.
Brother, what you just shared is exactly why this ministry exists. God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called, and your testimony is proof of that. The battlefield you're standing on, winning men to Christ, teaching them to lead their families, ministering truth into broken lives, is no less important than any other. Keep going.
Hey Keith, I need some clarification... Who wrote this article? That's the second time I read one and thought it was absolutely outstanding and it looks like the author is Caitlin? Sounds like your perspective but that's the name I find underneath this and the previous one I like.
My daughter Caitlyn, helps me with the Bible studies. She is helping me to lighten the load. It is actually offered by both of us, but sometimes I forget to put my name at the top.
I belong to a Christian denomination that strongly believes in noncombatancy, but is not pacifist in the broader sense. They believe that service is not automatically and wholly wrong. They point to examples like Desmond Doss, a WW2 combat medic and CMH recipient who refused to so much as even touch a firearm or bayonet. I am no Desmond Doss. I have read most if not all relevant scripture and clearly understand its' context. While I would not go into the military today, I still believe that a career in law enforcement/corrections/executive protection doesn't violate the church's doctrine. As a former public safety professional and Military Police NCO, I understand the difference between the military and law enforcement rules of engagement. The military is expected to shoot & kill the enemy, whereas law enforcement's ROE is to "shoot to stop" when lethal force is needed. Likewise, private citizens have the right to armed self-defense when confronted with deadly threats. All of that being said, my local congregation understands I'm a sheepdog and that I have always stood between the flock and the threats that are out there. Even so, the vast majority of the congregation even voted me to be the Elder, a leader in every aspect of our congregation's routine service to God.
Thanks, Keith, for the resources you've offered. Even the basic material you've presented, stuff that any active or former LE / military veteran already knows, gets read by myself because 1) I'm interested in your perspective, and 2) Reviewing the basics occasionally is still important for the professional defender! Please keep up the good work! The fight isn't over until Jesus returns!
I love the Book of Nehemiah and how they presented the various strategies of the enemy and how to deal with each one, but I have never seen Nehemiah in the way that you do, based on your experience. My eyes are opened to truly consider the various persons within the Biblical account and how that truly impacted how they approached situations. Thank you! This was good!
Thank you. I Truly appreciate your insight and faithful understanding. Especially to some of us who truly feel awkward and out of place in God's House, understanding the reality of what seeks to devour us.
I wonder sometimes, where have all the Lions gone.
These Bible Study's are right on point. God's Word is the central core as it should be. In all we do, say and think. Thanks Brother Amen PTL bb
Wow. This hit home. I enjoyed how you put things into perspective. I'm embracing this message.
Man. This is so good. So much wisdom here. Thank you for clarifying this so well.
I did not serve, in combat or in service to my communities. I was a broken, anxious, depressed, angry and cowardly man most most of my life. For 53 years I denied there was a god. For 53 years I did what I could, I held a decent career down, but I didn't advance in it. I had a family, but I didn't lead them. I had a decent life from the outside, but all I wanted was to end it all.
Then I got radically saved. Now, God has called me to be a warrior. And while I don't doubt the calling, I am not familiar with the ways of a warrior. But what I'm realizing is that my form of being a warrior is going to look very different from many of yours. I am not fighting on a physical battlefield, but the battlefields I am on are no less vital. God is teaching me daily how to be more truthful and resolute, how to be strong and courageous. How to give up fear and doubt and move with certainty and resolve in His will. How to be a man, and minister to men. God often uses the least qualified to teach others. Jesus didn't call Pharisees and Scribes to teach His Word, he called fishermen and tax collectors. It makes no sense for God to use me in this way, but when He called, I said "Here am I Lord, send me". I just pray for His will and guidance in how to move forward.
This article is so useful to me because it helps me to see the hearts of true warriors and come closer to understanding them, to make accommodations for them, to help them remain true to themselves and yet integrate into the Body of Christ in the fashion they were made for. I pray that this lesson sinks in and becomes a regular part of the multiple ministries I am involved in.
Praise God for you and this blog. Thanks for putting your views out there and committing to keeping others safe.
Brother, what you just shared is exactly why this ministry exists. God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called, and your testimony is proof of that. The battlefield you're standing on, winning men to Christ, teaching them to lead their families, ministering truth into broken lives, is no less important than any other. Keep going.
Clearly you're an Ephesians 6 warrior for Christ. Keep your armor on, pay attention to our King and Commander-in-Chief, and you'll do well!
Hey Keith, I need some clarification... Who wrote this article? That's the second time I read one and thought it was absolutely outstanding and it looks like the author is Caitlin? Sounds like your perspective but that's the name I find underneath this and the previous one I like.
Sorry if I'm not tech savvy 🤷♂️☺️
My daughter Caitlyn, helps me with the Bible studies. She is helping me to lighten the load. It is actually offered by both of us, but sometimes I forget to put my name at the top.
I belong to a Christian denomination that strongly believes in noncombatancy, but is not pacifist in the broader sense. They believe that service is not automatically and wholly wrong. They point to examples like Desmond Doss, a WW2 combat medic and CMH recipient who refused to so much as even touch a firearm or bayonet. I am no Desmond Doss. I have read most if not all relevant scripture and clearly understand its' context. While I would not go into the military today, I still believe that a career in law enforcement/corrections/executive protection doesn't violate the church's doctrine. As a former public safety professional and Military Police NCO, I understand the difference between the military and law enforcement rules of engagement. The military is expected to shoot & kill the enemy, whereas law enforcement's ROE is to "shoot to stop" when lethal force is needed. Likewise, private citizens have the right to armed self-defense when confronted with deadly threats. All of that being said, my local congregation understands I'm a sheepdog and that I have always stood between the flock and the threats that are out there. Even so, the vast majority of the congregation even voted me to be the Elder, a leader in every aspect of our congregation's routine service to God.
Thanks, Keith, for the resources you've offered. Even the basic material you've presented, stuff that any active or former LE / military veteran already knows, gets read by myself because 1) I'm interested in your perspective, and 2) Reviewing the basics occasionally is still important for the professional defender! Please keep up the good work! The fight isn't over until Jesus returns!
I love the Book of Nehemiah and how they presented the various strategies of the enemy and how to deal with each one, but I have never seen Nehemiah in the way that you do, based on your experience. My eyes are opened to truly consider the various persons within the Biblical account and how that truly impacted how they approached situations. Thank you! This was good!
Thank you. I Truly appreciate your insight and faithful understanding. Especially to some of us who truly feel awkward and out of place in God's House, understanding the reality of what seeks to devour us.
I wonder sometimes, where have all the Lions gone.
Thank you for your words of encouragement.
Thank you Brother.
Thank you. This really helped. I'm going to highlight this at our next training.
Thank you brother!!