The Better Chaplain Devotional
45 Scriptural Considerations for Ministering In and Among the Military
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
“A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit,” says the old proverb. Military members, almost to a man, will make improvements that they shall not long enjoy (if at all); it is the nature of our mission, including chaplains, to be a blessing for a finite amount of time and then we head on to our next assignment. In a grander sense, this world is not our home either. We are temporarily on mission here to make disciples and bless people, ultimately convincing them that here we have no lasting city, we seek the city that is to come. The people of Israel were carried off to a land that they did not choose and they did not like; their intention was to leave their place of exile and get home as soon as possible. But God had other plans for them. He left them in that assignment for 70 years with the standing command to not just seek their own welfare, but the welfare of everyone around them. Men like Nebuchadnezzar have been eternally blessed because God had godly men live in a place that was not their home. Peter, in his first letter to the church, makes it clear that Christians are living in this exile from their true home, and seeking the welfare of the cities in which God has sent them into exile. Only one life, ‘Twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ shall last. ~ Charles Thomas Studd Key Verse: Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. ~ Jeremiah 29:7 More: 1. If you are supposed to bear fruit in the place you are sent into exile, is there a parallel for the person who is not happy in the body they are wearing? 2. The Ring-Necked Pheasant—the state bird of South Dakota—and the Oryx in New Mexico were only released in the last century or so, yet both are thriving in their new environments. Christians need one thing to thrive: Jesus to walk alongside them. Where in this world could Jesus send you that you wouldn’t be able to not just survive, but thrive, in the role he has for you? 3. Peter concludes his letter with, “She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings…” How could someone in Babylon hear about the living Christ and be saved by his amazing grace if God had not sent someone to Babylon to bring the good news? Chaplain, does she who is in your place of exile send greetings? 4. Further Resources: Bunyan, John. The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World to that Which is to Come, Delivered Under the Similitude of a Dream. London: Nathaniel Ponder, 1678. Lawton, Wendy. The Tinker’s Daughter: A Story Based on the Life of Mary Bunyan. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2002. Piper, John. Don’t Waste Your Life. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2003. Casting Crowns. “Thrive.” Thrive. Track 1. Beach Street/Reunion Records, 2014. CD.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
The military is no place for shallow faith. Yet, too often, our chaplains are sent into the fray under-trained and over-stretched. While the military harvest is difficult and treacherous, it is eternally rewarding for those prepared to reap it. The Better Chaplain Devotional equips our future forces with better chaplains anchored to the foundation of God’s Word and the legacy of great chaplains of history—both inside and outside of the Bible—so that they are able to imitate those who have won great victories. If a student cannot rise above his teacher, then we must set high standards of faith, practice, and mentorship. Through forty-five core principles and a deep dive into impossible ethical dilemmas, this book encourages current and future chaplains to rise to their calling. Specifically designed for the front lines, these lessons also apply to every pastor, missionary, or believer intent on winning spiritual battles. Truly, the military harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, and the stakes are eternal.
About the Author
Canyon Shearer is an active-duty Air Force chaplain. He holds a DMin in Expository Preaching, Masters in Pastoral Counseling and Evangelism & Church Planting, and a Baccalaureate in Professional Aeronautics. Prior to his current role he maintained F-22, F-15, and unmanned aircraft. He has pastored bi-vocationally since 2008. He is a devoted husband, father, Airman, mentor, evangelist, and ambassador of Christ.