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<figure id="figure-kh9q6xjq2m3ldtiea"><img id="kh9q6xjq2m3ldtiea" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/484794034/photo/concept-of-accusation-guilty-person-girl.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kdx-BQ7C4hxHCqNiHlaybjByopCFibUittiR0F4-k0E=" alt="Concept of accusation guilty person girl" title="Concept of accusation guilty person girl" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/484794034/photo/concept-of-accusation-guilty-person-girl.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kdx-BQ7C4hxHCqNiHlaybjByopCFibUittiR0F4-k0E=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear reader,As I was reading Romans 14:10-12 today, my heart was deeply stirred. You know how sometimes a verse just jumps off the page and grabs you? Well, listen to what Paul says here: "But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God... So then each one of us will give an account concerning himself to God."Let me share what touched me so deeply. You see, there's this amazing yet sobering truth about the judgment seat of God. It's going to happen right after Jesus returns, before the millennium (that wonderful 1000-year kingdom). And here's the beautiful part - it's not about determining our salvation at all. That's already settled in Christ! Instead, it's about examining how we lived and what we did after we were saved.I've been thinking about how this judgment will determine our rewards in the millennial kingdom. But you know what really struck me? Paul's heart behind this message. He's essentially saying, "Hey, instead of arguing with each other or criticizing one another, why don't we focus on our own walk with the Lord?" Because truthfully, each one of us will stand before that judgment seat to give account of our own life and work.Can I share something that really convicted me? Every time I'm tempted to judge another believer or even when I'm simply welcoming someone new into fellowship, I need to pause and pray, "O Lord, have mercy on me. Who am I to judge my brother? Cover me, Lord. I want You to judge me. I need to examine my own life and living first."That's the heart attitude I believe the Lord is looking for. Not picking apart others' walks, but humbly examining our own hearts before Him.Just had to share this with you. It's amazing how the Lord can use His Word to both humble and encourage us at the same time, isn't it?With love in Christ, [Your name]P.S. When was the last time a verse grabbed your heart like this? I'd love to hear about it.

Pointing Fingers?

<figure id="figure-wfoh2d9z7nm3k0mobp"><img id="wfoh2d9z7nm3k0mobp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/15XnYy2DPHQfnTRflfJZxNsPP0Sw9jln0pIpDIGihYasqCTiYEBQyyxXVSleDocg.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/15XnYy2DPHQfnTRflfJZxNsPP0Sw9jln0pIpDIGihYasqCTiYEBQyyxXVSleDocg.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear Reader,Today hit differently. I was reading Romans 14:1-5, and it really made me pause and think about how I've been acting lately. You know how I can get sometimes – pretty quick to form opinions about how others practice their faith. This passage felt like a gentle but firm nudge from God.It's funny, really. Here I am, often silently judging others for their choices – like Sarah at church with her strict dietary choices, or Mike's insistence on specific worship days. Paul's words in Romans just cut right through all that noise. Who am I to judge? God has accepted them, period. End of story.I had to be honest with myself today. I've definitely been that person who tries to "fix" others' beliefs. Just last Sunday, I caught myself wanting to argue with John about his views on baptism. But this passage reminded me – that's not my job. My job is to love and accept, not to be the doctrine police.Something really struck me about how Paul handled this. He knew the "right" answers about food and holy days, but he chose not to hammer people with them. Instead, he focused on acceptance and understanding. That's pretty powerful when you think about it. Maybe true spiritual maturity isn't about knowing all the right answers, but about knowing when to set aside our "rightness" for the sake of love.I'm making a commitment to myself right here: I want to be more like that. Less judgmental, more accepting. Less focused on being right, more focused on being kind. It's going to be a journey, and I know I'll mess up, but I want to try.Note to self: Next time I'm tempted to correct someone's theological views, I'll take a breath and remember today's reflection. Their journey with God is their journey, not mine to micromanage.Until next time, Chaplain Mark

Judge Judy, I Am Not

<figure id="figure-6gbo6ysfqhm3iifdjj"><img id="6gbo6ysfqhm3iifdjj" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1727990555625-3a4e763ca9e1?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyMHx8JTIwQm94aW5nJTIwR2xvdmVzfGVufDB8fHx8MTczMTY2MTM2OXww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="A man in a black shirt and boxing gloves" title="A man in a black shirt and boxing gloves" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Dear Reader,Contemplating Romans 8:1-2 today brought me face-to-face with my own spiritual journey. The more I think about it, the more I realize how much time I've spent battling sin in my own strength. Even though I'm saved and have eternal life, sin still troubles me deeply. My conscience, now alive to God, feels every misstep more keenly than ever.I've tried everything - white-knuckling through temptation, making endless resolutions, wrestling with my thoughts. Each time I fall, the discouragement cuts deeper. It's exhausting, this constant striving. But today's reading hit differently. All these methods I've been using - they're my own ideas, not God's way.The truth that's beginning to dawn on me is both simple and liberating: God never asked me to fight this battle. He's offering deliverance, not a training manual for spiritual warfare. Sin's power is real, but the solution isn't in my effort to destroy it. Instead, God's way is to move me away from sin's territory altogether.What strikes me most is that this freedom is available now, not after years of struggling. I don't need to earn it or fight for it. It's already mine in Christ Jesus. Maybe true victory starts with stopping my own efforts and simply accepting His freedom.Tonight, I'm letting go of my battle strategies. Tomorrow, instead of steeling myself for another day of resistance, I'll focus on receiving the freedom Christ has already won.

Trading My Spiritual Boxing Gloves for Freedom

A couple of people standing on top of a sandy beach

<figure id="figure-m7b1wwa27m3h4c3q4"><img id="m7b1wwa27m3h4c3q4" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1639251579/photo/new-and-old-me-concept-pointing-arrows-with-text.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=iTaa2sBpijGTbdlglXvPMYmOkMVdc2qaGH3t0jZ2K5o=" alt="New and old me concept. Pointing arrows with text" title="New and old me concept. Pointing arrows with text" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Dear reader,Today's reading in Romans opened my eyes to see something deeper about transformation. I realize that my ability to genuinely receive others isn't just about being nice or friendly - it requires a real transformation of my mind. Lord, when I'm honest, I can see how my natural way of thinking often keeps me from truly receiving others.Even the simple fact that I struggle with my own self shows me how much I need You to. How true it is that I can't even consistently agree with myself! If I can't do that, how can I expect to genuinely receive others without Your transforming work?Lord Jesus, renew my mind today. I want to prove what Your will is - that which is good, well-pleasing, and perfect. Show me where my natural concepts and behaviors are hindering real fellowship with others. Even though I meet with the saints, I see that I need more transformation to truly open my heart to them.Romans 14 and 15 are no longer just chapters about getting along - they're about letting You transform me so I can receive others as You have received me. Thank You for showing me that my difficulty in going along with others isn't solved by trying harder, but by being transformed.Lord, I open to You afresh. Transform me more today, especially in my mind and my thoughts toward others. Make me a person who can truly receive others for Your glory.until tomorrowChaplain Mark

Me, Myself, and I

<figure id="figure-gbirgddy0gm3fns9af"><img id="gbirgddy0gm3fns9af" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1766256041/photo/threads-x-and-other-social-media-apps.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-sVuaEqzHr2r2qqDwzWRDiRDTBoDlbvvHtU2oAT9UMQ=" alt="Threads, X, and Other Social Media Apps" title="Threads, X, and Other Social Media Apps" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1766256041/photo/threads-x-and-other-social-media-apps.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-sVuaEqzHr2r2qqDwzWRDiRDTBoDlbvvHtU2oAT9UMQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>During my devotions this morning, I was struck by Romans 13:13-14. The verses about "walking becomingly as in the day" really made me pause and reflect on my daily habits. It's interesting how Paul talks about putting on Christ, like it's a conscious choice we make each morning - as real as choosing what clothes to wear.I've been thinking a lot about my relationship with social media and my phone lately. Today during my lunch break, I caught myself mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, and something clicked. All these images and videos I consume... they're not neutral. They either draw me closer to the Lord or pull me away. There's no real middle ground.I remember Pastor James saying last Sunday that it's not about being legalistic, but about being intentional. That really resonates with me now. Instead of setting strict rules like "no TV" or "no social media," maybe it's about changing how I engage with these things.Today I tried something different. Before opening YouTube, I actually paused and prayed, "Lord, be present with me as I watch this. Help me see things through Your eyes." It felt a bit awkward at first, but it completely changed how I viewed the content. I found myself naturally gravitating toward more uplifting videos, and I closed the app much sooner than usual.What's really convicting is how different I feel when I start my morning with prayer and Scripture versus when I start by checking my phone. It's like choosing between pure spring water and sugary soda - both quench thirst, but only one truly nourishes.Note to self: Maybe I could try setting specific times for social media? And start each session with prayer? It's not about restriction - it's about making space for what truly matters. As Paul said, it's about "putting on Christ." I want that to be my daily choice.Lord, help me be more mindful of what I feed my spirit. Guide me in making choices that draw me closer to You, not just avoiding what pulls me away. I want to walk in the light, truly "as in the day."Need to meditate more on this verse tomorrow. There's something powerful here about daily choices and spiritual awareness that I want to grasp more fully.Until tomorrowChaplain Mark

Holy Hotkeys: Control+Alt+Delete My Digital Demons

<figure id="figure-weqqml45pm3e93qoz" class=""><img id="weqqml45pm3e93qoz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/314puKj7WYGxRSYDWTBLhPjVFDWcv3BmjMydhLippaV1yRvQhc6ZJpX1rveu9dNl.jpg" alt="Close-up of a therapist gesticulating while talking to a group of listing teenagers during an educational self-acceptance and motivation meeting." title="Close-up of a therapist gesticulating while talking to a group of listing teenagers during an educational self-acceptance and motivation meeting." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/314puKj7WYGxRSYDWTBLhPjVFDWcv3BmjMydhLippaV1yRvQhc6ZJpX1rveu9dNl.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Dear Reader,Today during my quiet time, I'm still feeling grateful from yesterday's Veterans Day. Sitting here with John 4:14, it hits differently after sharing a meal with fellow vets at Applebee's: "whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall by no means thirst forever..."Becky and I had such a blessed time at Applebee's yesterday. You know, it's more than just a free meal - it's the recognition, the fellowship, the shared understanding between veterans. Watching Becky beam with pride when I wore my service cap, seeing other diners stopping by our table to say "thank you for your service" - it reminded me of how blessed we are to serve something greater than ourselves.The restaurant was packed with veterans and their families. At the table next to us, there was this family of adesert storm vet (a war that isn't in the history books today) and his family. Reminded me of my early days. And across from us was this Vietnam vet wearing his faded unit patch - the stories we shared, the bonds that formed over simple appetizers and endless refills.But you know what really struck me? How this living water Jesus talks about is like military service in a way - it transforms you from the inside out. Just like how serving changed my perspective forever, Christ's living water changes our spiritual DNA. It's not just about quenching a temporary thirst; it's about becoming a source of life yourself.What gets me is how universal this promise is - just like how Veterans Day welcomes all who served, regardless of branch, rank, or era. Jesus didn't offer this living water just to the elite or the specially qualified. He offered it to a Samaritan woman, an outsider. Just like how I welcomed home every vet I met yesterday, Jesus welcomes all who thirst.I keep thinking about how many of my battle buddies are still thirsting - for peace, for purpose, for healing. Some are still fighting battles long after leaving the service. When Jesus says He's enough, that His water satisfies forever, I want them to know that truth. It's not just about surviving; it's about finding a source of life that never runs dry.Lord, help me share this living water with my fellow veterans. Help me remember that while military service shaped who I am, Your living water defines who I can become. Thank You for Becky, who's stood by me through it all. Thank You for the camaraderie of fellow vets like Jim, and the precious memories of those who've gone ahead, like Melinda's husband Cal.Thank You for yesterday's reminder that freedom isn't free, but Your living water is a gift freely given. Help me be a spring of encouragement to others, especially my veteran brothers and sisters who might still be thirsting for something more.With grateful heart from a grateful vet, [Me]Until next timeChaplain Mark

Thirst Class Reflections: When Jesus Turns the Spiritual Tap

Diggin-deeper Christian Counseling