SECTION ONE: AN EXPLANATION TO SOMEONE WHO EXPERIENCED A LOSS

            Experiencing loss is never an easy emotion to cope.  It is natural to question God as Creator relative to why God would allow you to experience such pain.  While my explanation of why suffering exists in the world may not make things easier right now, I trust that it will ease your mind as you continue to grieve.  I invite you to understand that in order to experience the joy and highs of life, the nature of our creation consequently forces us to experience the suffering and lows of life, too.

            The hurt and suffering you feel right now may challenge your belief in God.  Allow me to explain why it is that God allows you to feel the way that you do right now.  Part of being human is the faculty from God to make our own choices—free will.  Ultimately, because we are not perfect, that makes us finite beings.  Along with our free will, God is capable of remaining omnipotent, omniscient and perfectly good.[1]  Imagine a child that touches something hot.  Though the burn hurts for a moment, it ultimately teaches the child to not touch hot things.  God’s willingness and gift to allow us to have free will (thus, to be finite) and to suffer is measurable under that same principle as the child getting burnt.  Loss reminds us of the gift of life itself.[2]

            Though it is likely still challenging to understand what you are presently experiencing, allow me to broadly explain faith.  Madeline L’Engle explains, “If you have to have finite answers to infinite questions, you’re not going to move.”[3]  To have faith is to move.  God’s perfect goodness may not make sense to you right now, but faith includes resting assured that God is indeed perfectly good.

SECTION TWO: AN EXPLANATION TO A 20-YEAR-OLD AGNOSTIC

At some point in life, everyone confronts the state of their spirituality.  Regardless of one’s faith background, one may assume that we all ask ourselves—on one or more occasions—questions relative to creation, divine intervention, the meaning of life, and the existence of evil in the world, among other concerns.  For many of us, especially those that identify as agnostic, finding logistical proof based on religious assumptions and traditions can be difficult to grasp.  Dr. Joel Marcus often asks, “Is it possible?  Yes, but is it probable?”[4]  Though you possess much doubt relative to logistical proof for God’s being and morality, I seek to explain why God allows evil to exist in the world.  I hope to communicate that God is omniscient, omnipotent and perfectly good, and that the free will of humanity insists that evil must survive in order to achieve an overall joyous existence.

The world we live in is far from perfect.  Natural disasters destroy communities; innocent children die in car crashes; and people constantly cause harm to others.  We need not spend too much time proving the reality of evil in the world, for it is quite evident.  Michael Peterson writes that humanity’s problem with evil is a “moral protest”.[5]  If God exists and/or is active in human lives, how could God allow such evil to occur?  Does God understand or desire for the pain humanity feels?  As an agnostic, you likely question how God can identify as omniscient, omnipotent and perfectly good while allowing evil to endure.  Answer: humanity’s morally significant free will.[6]

            As an agnostic, I assume that logistical consistency is of high priority to you.  James R. Beebe offers that, “A set of statements is logically consistent if and only if it is possible for all of them to be true at the same time.”[7]  For a statement or parlay of statements to be consistent requires only that it is possible (omitting any direct contradictions).  The probability of said statement(s) is not relative to its logistical consistency.  For an agnostic or non-believer, the logistical consistency for God’s omniscience, omnipotence and perfect goodness in cohabitation with the presence of evil in the world may have little to no foundation and truth.  However, I believe that those statements are indeed consistent.

            In order for God and evil to coexist, God justifies morally sufficient as the reason for allowing evil to preside.  Allow me to use a practical illustration to explain morally sufficient reasoning.  As a father, I choose to discipline my children.  Though the reinforcement of my discipline may cause them temporary emotional suffering, I rest assured knowing that my efforts will condition them for a more enjoyable life.  In the moment, though my disciplinary efforts bring about pain for the child, my parenting by way of suffering is justified by the morally sufficient reasoning of long-term pleasure and success.  If it is acceptable to affirm morally sufficient reasoning for a finite creation such as humanity, is it not possible to accept the same affirmations about God, the Creator?

            Under the assumption that God operates within morally sufficient reasoning, why did God find it reasonable to grant humanity free will?  Famed contemporary philosopher Alvin Plantinga responds that for God, human free will and evil are essential to creation.  In order for humans to truly experience joy as a result of our own choices, there must be a contrast—evil.[8]  For God not to allow free will for humans would regress the incentive for humans to be in relationship with each other and God.  Without choice, life itself lacks purpose and meaning.

Within Christian teaching, God’s will is often mentioned.  If God foresees a plan for one’s life, how is true free will in effect?  Beebe describes a philosophy of human free will titled, libertarianism.  Libertarianism states that when humans are presented with a choice, they are free to choose or not choose any particular circumstance without active divine influence.[9]  Plantinga affirms that libertarianism is the best explanation of humanity’s free will.[10]  Where does God’s will fit in to the libertarianism point-of-view?  Though God chooses to not actively engage with free will, God is able to provide opportunity and indirect influence.  If someone considers a career change, they may initially choose not to leave their current employer.  Then, God enlists a friend with the choice to speak with his/her confidant which resurfaces the choice to change careers.  Humans are ultimately still free to make their own choice, but God’s omniscience can afford humans the occasion to achieve that which is perfectly good.

Relative to the problem of evil, there are two main categories: moral evil and natural evil.  Moral evil refers to most of the examples used so far in this essay.  Moral suffering is, “moral wrong-doing such as lying, cheating, stealing, torturing, and murdering” in addition to, “character defects like greed, deceit, cruelty, wantonness, cowardice, and selfishness”.[11]  For most philosophers, it is simple to see how moral evil could exist without God’s direct influence—it exists by way of human free will.  On the other hand, there is natural evil such as cancers and other diseases; natural disasters like hurricanes; physical and genetic birth defects, among others.[12]  Natural evil is more difficult to pin on human free will.  However, Plantinga offers a response.  Though natural evil is more difficult to understand compared to moral evil relative to its presence in the world, Plantinga suggests that God allows natural evils to exist and continue as a result of the first sin by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  Though Adam and Eve’s sin is represented as moral evil, moral evil itself corrupted the garden, for the garden was under the watch and responsibility of Adam and Eve.[13]  Therefore, by way of compounding poor choice, Adam and Eve’s first sin initiated moral evil, and thus contaminated the Garden of Eden bringing about natural evil, too.[14]  Though it may seem that I support the claim that evil exists in the world, I do not.  The “evil” that exists cannot be categorized as a deliberate, uninfluenced attempt by God to afford bad things throughout the universe.  Instead, “evil” is brought on by a human choice, and confirmed by God for a morally significant reason.

Nearing conclusion, allow me to affirm the nature of God and the place of humanity and evil within it.  Though there are various perspectives, I believe: (a) God creates persons with morally significant free will; (b) God does not causally determine people in every situation to choose what is right and to avoid what is wrong; and (c) there is no evil or suffering in the world.[15]  First, this essay already extensively explained human free will and God’s placement thereof.  Without free will for humanity, there would be no evil, but also no joy.  Without an opposition, extreme emotion—evil or joy—may not exist without the other.  Additionally, God desires for humanity to choose relationship with God and each other.  The second claim addresses God’s determination.  Notice the phrasing in statement (b).  An overuse of God’s omnipotence could challenge the understanding of free will.  Therefore, while God does omnisciently apply purpose to each human life, God does so through passive opportunistic inquiries that support human free will.  Lastly, based on the omnipotence of God, I suggest that evil does not exist on account of God’s influential desire, but by way of poor choice by humanity beginning with Adam and Eve.  If God were to directly intervene with any of the evils that exist in the world without human free will playing a role in the omission of a particular evil.

[1] Beebe, J. R. Logical Problem of Evil. Retrieved from Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: https://iep.utm.edu/evil-log/.

[2] Peterson, M. L. (2013). The Problem of Evil. Retrieved from Seedbed: https://www.seedbed.com/the-problem-of-evil/.

[3] L’Engle, M. (2010). Madeleine L’Engle: Infinite Questions. Retrieved from Odyssey Impact: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCdeMcAnlN0.

[4] Marcus, J. (2016). Introduction to New Testament Interpretation. Duke Divinity School: Durham, NC.

[5] Peterson, M. L. (1998). Good and Evil: An Introduction to the Issues. Routledge: New York, NY.

[6] Beebe.

[7] Beebe.

[8] Plantinga, A. (1977). God, Freedom, and Evil. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company: Grand Rapids, MI.

[9] Beebe.

[10] Plantinga, 1977.

[11] Madden, E. H. & Hare, P. H. (1968). Evil and the Concept of God. Charles C. Thomas: Springfield, IL.

[12] Madden & Hare, 1968.

[13] See Genesis 1:29-30.

[14] Plantinga, 1977.

[15] Beebe.

by Rev. Bronson Clark

            When discussion between science and Christian belief arises, it is assumed that those ideas are binary.  Information on church history and the various theologians that contributed to the Christian tradition are well known.  Within the scientific atheist movement, there are many perspectives too, including Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett and Sam Harris eel Wilson who represent the New Atheists.  In response to the New Atheists and other atheist groups, there is a new development called the Intelligent Design Movement.  These ideas by Bill Demske and Michael Behe, among others, discredit the claims of evolution by science-based atheists.  Additionally, a group of theistic evolutionists find themselves in the middle of the seemingly contrasting claims of science and Christian belief.

            Michael Peterson highlights three models relative to the compatibility of science and Christian belief.[1]  First, philosophers like Dawkins suggest a conflictive model, therein the ideas a science and Christian belief are indeed binary.  Secondly, some support the idea of compartmentalization that segregates the discussions of science of Christian belief on the authority that the two are incompatible.  Lastly is the dialog model.  This model encourages conversation between the two perspectives and believes that ongoing conversation will eventually settle or provide some sort of treaty between the viewpoints.  Peterson does not fully support any of the three models in current culture.  Instead, he suggests a fourth—the integration model.  In this circumstance, religious leaders could use science to investigate some of the gaps we have within the Christian construct.  As finite beings, Peterson says, we obviously do not possess the knowledge of understanding for all things relative to divine decision making.  In order for science and Christian belief to be compatible, there must be balance.  For example, using a Christian perspective—such as that of creation—to explore a scientific perspective is a healthy use of both subjects.

[1] Peterson, M. L. (2013). Science and the Christian Worldview. Retrieved from Seedbed: https://www.seedbed.com/science-and-the-christian-worldview/.

by Rev. Bronson Clark

“Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials.” – Smith Wigglesworth

Each evening, I read my thought for the day to my wife. Last night, as I was reading her my thought on ATTITUDE, I could not help but notice the number 40 that I had highlighted in bold. As I said yesterday, 40 is the number of days that USACE has been responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each time I looked at my thought the “Today, marks day 40” stood out to me. My original intent was solely to highlight the fact that we have been rowing hard for 40 days now. As I looked at my thought for the last night time last night, I believe God reminded me of the significance of the number of 40 in the Bible.

Did you know that the number 40 appears in the Bible approximately 146-159 times, depending on the translation you use? Any time the Bible mentions a number that many times, it is not a coincidence. God uses that number intentionally. On many occasions throughout the Bible, the number 40 is associated with testing, hardships, and judgments one must endure to become more spiritually aware. Let’s look at some of the major events it is used.

• God destroyed every living thing on earth by flooding it for 40 days (Genesis 7-8).
• The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years (Exodus 16:35).
• Moses was on Mt. Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights, on two different occasions, receiving God’s laws (Exodus 24:18, 34:1-28).
• The spies returned after 40 days of spying on the promise land (Numbers 13:25; 14:34).
• Ezekiel laid on his right side for 40 days to “bear the iniquity” of Judea’s sins (Ezekiel 4:6).
• Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days before David defeated him (1 Samuel 17:16).
• Three kings reigned for 40 years each: Saul, David and Solomon.
• Moses, Elijah and Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days each. *The examples above are only a few of the number 40 listed in the Bible. So, what’s your point, Chaplain? Are you saying that USACE and our Nation is being tested, and now that we are now at day 41 that we are done with the test? No, this is not what I am saying. What I am saying is that tests, trials, and temptations come into our lives, and when they do come, they more often than not come into our lives for a reason. This is a fact. James, writing to the early church, said, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). Paul, writing to the church in Corinth in response to these tests, trials, and temptations, said that “

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

USACE, in conclusion, we know that tests, trials, and temptations will come. That is a given. We also know that these test, trials, and temptations are nothing new to humankind. Others have faced/are facing much more difficult situations than we are today. Despite our present circumstances, we still live in a free country. Please be encouraged that despite our circumstances, we have the perfect example in Jesus Christ.

Tomorrow, we will continue this thought by looking at Jesus’ temptation after He had fasted for forty days and forty nights (Matthew 4:1-11).

Blessings,
Chaplain Brad Baumann

“The Samaritan who road down from Jericho had nothing to do in the morning but follow the highway, and take care that his beast did not stumble of hurt itself, or get tired so that it could not finish the journey…But when he came to the place where that unknown pilgrim lay senseless and bleeding beside the road, then, in a moment, the Samaritan’s duty changed, and it compelled him to become a rescuer, a nurse, a helper of the wounded. (Source Unknown)

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been doing a lot of thinking about what is the appropriate level of care to others my family and I should be applying during this time of need. To say there are a lot of people in need of care is an understatement. The “Go Fund Me” and “donation” opportunities are too vast for me to even list out here. They are everywhere. So, what is my responsibility?

Today, I would like to look at the very familiar biblical parable (an earthly story with a spiritual meaning) about the Good Samaritan, and see if we can find any answers. Please take a minute to either read, or open your Bible to Luke 10:29-37.

As a starting point, we know that Jesus was responding to the second question from a lawyer (see vs. 25). In the second question, the lawyer asks “And who is my neighbor” (vs. 29)? Jesus begins the parable by telling about a man who was walking on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho. He chose this road because He knew the audience would be familiar with the infamous route. It was the stretch of road, approximately 17 miles, that was very dangerous. The rocky terrain that lined the road gave robbers a good hiding place, and many reports of nefarious activity came from it.

Verse 30 tells us that a man traveling on that road fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and left him there for dead. His condition was dire, and if no one gave him medical treatment, he would likely die.

It is at this point that Jesus introduces the three main characters of the story – The Priest, Levite, and Samaritan. Jesus says, “Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side” (vs. 34-35).

The actions of the Priest and Levite were both important and interesting. Important because everyone of Jesus’ audience knew the potential cost to the Priest and Levite if they stopped. Levitical Law presented both men with the same problem – to stop meant ritual cleansing because they came in contact with human blood. This left them with two choices: 1) Either they could stop, help the man in need, and face the uncomfortable process of ritual cleansing, or 2) they could continue toward their destination by using religious reasons to justify their actions. The parable tells us what they did, and this is interesting because they were appointed care givers that should have stopped.

Now enters the third man, the Samaritan (vs. 33-37). In summation, we know that when the main character came upon the wounded man, “it compelled the Samaritan to become a rescuer, a

nurse, a helper of the wounded.” This is significant because the Jews and the Samaritans did not like one another, and Jesus’ Jewish audience would NOT have liked the fact that the hero of the story was a Samaritan. Because the Samaritan had every reason to keep moving past the wounded man, Jesus’ knew these words would have a deep impact. This was His intent.

So, why did Jesus do this, and what was He saying? First, He did this because it was His mission – “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Second, Jesus did this because he deeply loved those He was speaking to that day. Third, Jesus deeply loved and cared for those who are hurting (Matthew 9:12). Nothing has changed, and this is still true today.

This leads us to the “so what” of the parable. The heavenly meaning is that there is no room for prejudice within God’s Kingdom. God has always expected us to view people the same way Jesus viewed the people he taught that day – with COMPASSION and LOVE!!! The Samaritan’s actions were not driven by his tradition, historic dislikes, or selfishness. They were driven by compassion and love. In the end, this is the filter God expects us to run everything through when we are deciding how to care for people.

USACE, in conclusion, I cannot tell you what to do. I cannot tell you where you should give your time, talent, or treasure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. What I can tell you is that regardless of what you chose to do, let the driving force be compassion and love!

Blessings,
Chaplain Brad Baumann

Nuclear fission is the breakup of the nucleus of an atom into two lighter nuclei. Occurring primarily in heavy nuclei, this process may take place spontaneously in some cases or may be induced by the excitation of the nucleus with a variety of particles (e.g., neutrons, protons, deuterons, or alpha particles) or with electromagnetic radiation in the form of gamma rays. In the fission process, a large quantity of energy is released, radioactive products are formed, and several neutrons are emitted. These neutrons can induce fission in a nearby nucleus of fissionable material and release more neutrons that can repeat the sequence, causing a chain reaction in which a large number of nuclei undergo fission and an enormous amount of energy is released. If controlled in a nuclear reactor, such a chain reaction can provide power for society’s benefit. If uncontrolled, as in the case of the atomic bomb, it can lead to an explosion of awesome destructive force. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fission)

USACE, let me begin by saying that I know NOTHING about nuclear technology. Neutrons, protons, deuterons, and alpha particles are not topics that keep me awake at night. I do, however, like this illustration because I know a little bit about “controlled” and “uncontrolled” behavior, and I believe there is a comparison between the two to be made here.

Although there are numerous behaviors addressed in the Bible, the one I want to focus on today is the tongue. An anonymous writer once said, “If you mean to guard your heart, first learn to befriend your tongue.” Let me say upfront that this is an area in which I struggle.

As a starting point, I would ask that you take a minute to read James 3:1-13. In these verses, James goes into a very detailed teaching on the topic of the tongue, and he clearly states that none of us are exempt here – “All stumble in many ways” (vs 2). He also gives us three sets of illustrations that are easily identifiable and understandable: Horse Bit and Ship Rudder; Fire and Wild Animals; Water and Fruit. Out of these illustrations, James makes three points about the tongue:

1. The Power of the Tongue
2. The Potential Danger of the Tongue
3. The Poisonous Nature of the Tongue

First, let’s look at the power of the tongue. James begins by using the example of the horse’s bit and the ship’s rudder, which both are very small; however, albeit small, they both have the power to control large objects. Never underestimate the power of your words. The Psalmist said, “My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness” (Psalm 119:172). Also, never forget that you can use your tongue to teach your family the Word of God. You can use your tongue to share God’s plan of salvation with a family member, a friend, or co- worker that may not yet know Him. You can use your tongue to deliver an encouraging word to somebody who is hurting. Remember that “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4).

Second, let’s look at the potential danger of the tongue. The second example James uses here is that of fire. James says “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” Do you believe that you could burn your entire house to the ground with one single match? Think how much damage only a few angry words can cause in a person’s life. Please meditate on these verses. The Psalmist David said, “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle” (Psalm 39:1). The writer of Proverbs said, “An

ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends” (Proverbs 16:27). And finally, Jesus said, “Hear Me, everyone, and understand: There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear,’” and “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Mark 7:14- 15; Matthew 12:34).

Third, let’s look at the poisonous nature of the tongue. In verses 7-10 James says, “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” In verse 8, James says the tongue is an “unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” The idea of “unruly evil” shows the tongue is always liable to break out into evil. It forms the picture of a caged animal pacing back and forth and seeking an opportunity to escape. And this “unruly evil” points to the instability and the double-mindedness of the tongue. Although you may think that you have control of your tongue one minute, always remember the potential harm that is always present. In verse 9 James demonstrates this by saying, “With the tongue we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God.” Always remember that this is the sin that all of us are ALL susceptible to, and we must guard ourselves against.

USACE, in conclusion, our speech is like a barometer. Most of us know that high barometric pressure often means good weather. Low barometric pressure often means bad weather. Controlled, positive, uplifting speech means a higher level of spirituality. Out of control, negative, abusive speech means a lower level of spirituality. Jesus said that we can know one another by the fruit our lives produce, and He expects us to judge one another based off that fruit. James ends this passage with two rhetorical questions: 1) “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” 2) “Can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?” Your speech is either under control, or out of control. What do our personal “barometers” read today?

-Brad Baumann

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.” Psalm 127:1-5

I would like to begin today’s thought by saying that I love my family. I thank God that He has blessed me with a help mate that I still passionately love. We will celebrate 28 years of marriage this summer, and to this day she remains my confidant and best friend. In addition to this, God has blessed us with four competent, capable, and healthy children (ages 19, 20, 21, 22). As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all six of us are here at home.

The other night, my wife and I were talking about life and family. My wife said that this likely will be the last time in our lives that we are all together for this amount of time again. Our youngest graduates high school next month, and soon we will be “empty nesters.” For now, we will enjoy our time together as a family.

As I thought about our conversation this morning, it led me to ask a question, “How can I, as a father, best continue to take care of my family?” Like you, I want to see my kids successful, happily married, and having children of their own. As I read the above Psalm this morning, I believe three words quickly emerged – Humility, Prayer and Love.

First, I must continue to humble myself and acknowledge that my family is not my own. This is so important. It is important because as verse 1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” And verse 3 says, “Children too are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.” There is tremendous power in acknowledging that God has blessed us with our families. There is tremendous strength in knowing that when we give back our families to God that we have committed them into the hands of an all-powerful God! And there is tremendous peace knowing that God is watching over our and protecting our families when we are not physically present to do it ourselves.

Second, I must pray for my family. Although the Psalmist does not specify the task of praying for our families here, please assume it is an implied task in our overall care plan. For me personally, the greatest prayer I pray is that I do not get in their way. I pray that God protects, prospers, and provides them with His peace and wisdom. I also pray that God leads, guides, and directs their footsteps. Finally, I pray that God continually reminds me that I provide indirect support. He provides the direct support. As I have said in previous thoughts, remember that “Whatever you ask for in prayer, with faith, you will receive” (Matthew 21:22), and that “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). A common saying is “The best offense is a good defense!!” Defend your family by daily praying for them, and remember that god “grants sleep (rest/peace) to those he loves.”

Third, and finally, love your family. If asked, “What is the most powerful tool you have to defend your family?” I would answer you that it is love. Why? Because if I love God, I will love my family. A family member that knows he/she is loved can deal with a lot. Always remember the words of the Apostle Paul, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:1-4; also read 1 Corinthians 13). I also encourage you to head the words of Theodore Hesburgh, “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” The words “father” and “mother” can easily be reversed here too. Finally, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

In conclusion, the answer to the above question, “How can I, as a father/husband, best continue to take care of my family?” I answer it with three words: Humility, Prayer and Love!

Blessings,
Chaplain Brad Baumann

“Father, I am seeking: I am hesitant and uncertain, but will you, O God, watch over each step of mine and guide me.” – Saint Augustine

As a Christian, there is great joy in knowing that we do not have to fumble through life trying to find our own way. A passage that I use often in both counseling and formal prayers is, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalm 37:23). For each of, we can rest assured that God has a blue print for each one our lives. Outside of knowing God as my Savior and Sanctifier, knowing Him as my Guide is the most important knowledge of my life.

Now that said, I am not naïve when it comes to the subject of God’s will. It is not always super easy and clear cut. A frequent question that I get is, “How do we know what the will of God is for us specifically?”

I know that I have come to many crossroads where I have wondered what God’s will was for my family and me. In one experience, I thought that was pursuing the will of God, which as it turned out, I was not. And in the other, I thought I had missed the place God wanted me, and saw later that I was in the center of God’s will. The strange thing was that although both situations were very difficult to go through, they both yielded great lessons. Therefore, I personally know the complexity of this subject.

Life is a lot like driving in a city prior to GPS, it is not always so easy to find your way around – especially in Washington, D.C. One wrong turn can cost you an hour of your life just trying to get back on course – especially during rush hour traffic! So, how do we successfully navigate our way through life?

I truly believe that on this journey through life, God has put distinctive road signs out there to help us find our way. I also believe that if we use these signs, God will order and guide our steps in the direction He wants them to go.

1. Road Sign #1 is God’s Word. Without a doubt, God’s Word is our greatest guide to knowing what He wants for us. God’s Word is our moral compass. According to the writer of Hebrews, “It is living and powerful,” and is “a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (4:12). God’s Word stands like the road sign marked “Divided Highway/Keep Right!” Anything to the “left” of the sign contradicts the Bible’s commands, and God’s will is never found in that direction. As a starting point, we can read the Bible, God’s moral law, and apply it to any decision and immediately know if we are right or wrong. A life decision that contradicts God’s Word is ALWAYS wrong – PERIOD!
2. Road Sign #2 is Circumstances. We know as believers that no circumstance develops by chance. I believe in neither happenstance, blind luck, nor karma. We serve a sovereign ruler. Deuteronomy 10:14, says “Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the LORD your God, also the earth with all that is in it.” As Christians, we read God’s Word because He is the author. We should read God’s “providence” because He controls it. God often will use open and shut doors to reveal His will to us. I remember my mother telling me early on in my Christian walk to go ahead as if there was an open door. God will shut that door if it is not His will. I have found those wise words to be consistently true in my life.

3. Road Sign #3 is God’s Still Small Voice. For me personally, this is the most difficult road sign to see. I know that there have been many times I have sped right by this sign, only to meet a state trooper waiting for me. I was speeding along trying to make it happen in my own strength and wisdom. When it comes to voice of God, He usually does not speak in a dramatic, “Damascus Road” type of way. He more often comes like He came to Elijah when he was hiding in the cave. He often comes to us in that moment where we have finally stopped trying to do it on our own.
4. Road Sign #4 is Mature Counsel. Proverbs 24:6, says “For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.” I know personally that this has been a place of safety for me. I give all praise to God for the mature counsel I have received over the years in discovering God’s will for my life.
5. Road Sign #5 is Prayer. “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen (Matthew 6:9-13). Never underestimate the power of prayer!

Mature counsel, God’s Still Small Voice, Circumstances, the Word of God, and Prayer can all help you in finding God’s will for your life.

Blessings,
Chaplain Brad Baumann

In the jungle, a strange plant can be found. It is called the strangler fig. This plant starts as a tiny seed dropped by a bird on to a tree trunk. The seed puts out threadlike roots through which it gets nourishment from the air. At first the strangler fig is small and looks harmless, but it grows very quickly. Soon it has shoots going both up into the air and down into the soil. Large leaves develop which keep light from the tree. Its roots entwine themselves around the tree trunk, stealing nourishment from it. The strangler fig gets bigger and bigger. It becomes stronger and stronger. Gradually it strangles the tree to death. (https://www.abeka.com – extracted from a part of a 3rd grade lesson given to our sons many years ago)

Have you ever been tempted to either doubt yourself, or the circumstances that life has placed you into? I know that I have more often than I wish to recount. Doubt is very powerful and can be equally destructive if not tempered by faith in God. When unchecked, doubt is a lot like the strangler fig.

In today’s thought, I would like to talk about one of the Bible’s greatest prophets, Elijah, who also dealt with the battle between faith and doubt in a challenging set of circumstances. In yesterday’s thought about “anxiety” and the need for “prayer” in order to gain God “peace,” I concluded by quoting James 5:16 – “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person produces results.”

Providentially (I did not know what today’s topic was yet), that verse is referencing the prophet Elijah. We know this because in the next two verses James goes on to say that “Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops” (vs. 16-17).

An interesting note is that Elijah is not someone we readily associate with doubt. More often, we associate his fiery biblical character with the powerful miracles in which God used him (google miracles and Elijah). However, if you take a minute and read 1 Kings 19:9-18, you will quickly see that Elijah struggled with doubt, and he was very much a “human being, even as we are.”

In vs. 9, we find Elijah alone, hiding in a cave, and racked with feelings of self-doubt and fear. Why? Because he had a contract out on his life! After the great victory at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18 – multiple miracles performed), Queen Jezebel was not impressed and had issued a death warrant against Elijah. In a time when Elijah should have had faith because of God’s power, he had doubt.

It is here, in vs. 9, that we find God meeting Elijah at his place of need. We know that God asks Elijah, “What are you doing here?” We know that Elijah then enthusiastically responds by giving God a laundry list of excuses why he is there. And we know that God spoke to Elijah in a “gentle whisper” – not the way Elijah expected after all the great miracles he had witnessed (vs. 11-12).

If we carefully read I Kings 17-19, there are three relevant and pertinent faith lessons I believe we can extract from these chapters:

• First, evil will always loose to that which is Good and Holy. No, it may not happen when or how we think, but that which is from God will always win. On Friday, we will celebrate Good Friday. This is the day that Jesus declared, “It is Finished!” Because of Jesus’ blood, we share in the ultimate victory over evil!
• Second, always keep the faith and do not let doubt rule the day. Because Elijah doubted, he forgot God’s power and he ran away scared and full of doubt. God did not forget him and met him in his place of need despite his doubt. God sees us where we are at right now. He knows all of our doubts, fears, and frustrations. I believe He is reminding us to “Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His loving kindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Deuteronomy 7:9). For us today, also know that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He will meet you at the place of your need.
• Third, and finally, God will always speak to you, but it may not be in the way you think it should be. Elijah looked for God in the wind, the earthquake, and the fire. God came to him, however, in the form of a gentle whisper. The bottom line is that in the same way Elijah was battling against the power of evil, so are we. Doubt is like the strangler fig…it comes like a seed dropped into our lives, it grows, and, if allowed, it destroys. Pray and trust that God will speak to you in His time and His way. In opening scene of the movie, The Gladiator, Maximus turned to the Cavalry and told them to “Hold the Line!” The Apostle Paul admonished the Ephesians when he said, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then…” (Ephesians 6:13-14). USACE, hold the line! Blessings,
  
  -Chaplain Brad Baumann
  

“Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” — Arthur Somers Roche

According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is more often than not a healthy and normal reaction to stress. God created His people to primarily experience good, healthy, and natural stress (eustress). This is the stress we feel when excited, exhilarated, or energized (e.g. word of a promotion, seeing a loved one after a long period of separation, or safely landing after jumping out of a perfectly good airplane). God’s stress is one that causes our heart rates to quicken and hormones to be released, leading to feelings of euphoria. God’s stress is good, healthy, and natural stress!

Unfortunately, not all stress is good. There are two types of bad stress – acute and chronic stress. Acute stress is not bad by itself, and God did create us with the ability to experience acute stress for our own good. This is the stress that produces a quick response (a “start”) that then creates the need for an immediate response. Acute stress is good in that it can keep us safe from danger – fight or flight. Please hear me when I say, “What God did not create us for is that stress/anxiety to stay in place for prolonged periods of time. Why? Because that “bad” stress can then become chronic and destructive.

One of my favorite passages that addresses the topic of stress/anxiety is Philippians 4:6-8. Why? Because there is an easy application of the passage? Absolutely not! It is my favorite because the Apostle Paul gives what I believe is the antidote to chronic and destructive stress.

This passage is formulaic in nature, and it can easily be broken into three primary parts: 1) God’s Challenging Expectations; 2) God’s Eternal Promise; 3) God’s Ongoing Encouragement.

First, what does God expect from us? In verse 6, Paul says: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God;” In this verse alone, God expects three things from us: 1) God expects us not to be stressed/anxious over things we have NO control over in this life. Please hear me when I say, “Paul knew what he was talking about here.” At the time of the writing of this letter (approximately 60 AD), Paul was under house arrest in Rome. He was facing an impending trial that could end in acquittal or death. And Paul knew the Church was facing persecution under the Emperor Nero (google Nero and the early church – not a pleasant picture). Every one of these were “anxiety causing” situations; 2) God expects us to pray. Not only does He expect us to pray, but He expects us to pray repeatedly (supplication means repeated prayers); 3) He expects us to maintain a “thankful” and “humble” heart regardless of the situation. USACE, as I said above, THIS IS A CHALLENGING FORMULA!!

Second, what is God’s promise to us? In verse 7, Paul says: “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” God’s promise to you is that if you remain calm, and pray with a thankful/humble heart, that He will provide his peace through the power of Jesus Christ (Resurrection Power). There are two important points here: 1) The origin of this peace is supernatural. “Super”natural mean it goes

beyond the standard laws and rules of nature. This peace is neither of this world, nor can it be attained by anything in this world. The power of this peace comes from our faith in God (for further study read Hebrews 11 – Faith’s Hall of Heroes); 2) The power of this supernatural peace is that it has the ability to defeat the negative effects of stress. Always remember that our God is greater (1 John 4:4), and God has foreordained us for eternal victory, regardless of our present circumstances (Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 2:19 – we are citizens of an eternal kingdom).

Third, what is God’s ongoing encouragement to us? It is all about mindset. In verse 8, Paul says: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” In one of my previous thoughts, I used Isaiah 26:3 – God keeps His children in perfect peace when their minds are meditating on Him.

USACE, we are living in challenging times. I have said it repeatedly, and I will say it again, I have read your emails. I know that the COVID-19 virus is producing high rates of chronic stress (negative anxiety) within our ranks and our families. Please know that God both sees us and hears our prayers. Always remember that “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person produces results” (James 5:16). He cares for you, does not want to see you stressed, and He will provide you with His peace. Please pray for me, and I will be praying for you!!

Blessings,
Chaplain Brad Baumann

“Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” — Arthur Somers Roche

According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is more often than not a healthy and normal reaction to stress. God created His people to primarily experience good, healthy, and natural stress (eustress). This is the stress we feel when excited, exhilarated, or energized (e.g. word of a promotion, seeing a loved one after a long period of separation, or safely landing after jumping out of a perfectly good airplane). God’s stress is one that causes our heart rates to quicken and hormones to be released, leading to feelings of euphoria. God’s stress is good, healthy, and natural stress!

Unfortunately, not all stress is good. There are two types of bad stress – acute and chronic stress. Acute stress is not bad by itself, and God did create us with the ability to experience acute stress for our own good. This is the stress that produces a quick response (a “start”) that then creates the need for an immediate response. Acute stress is good in that it can keep us safe from danger – fight or flight. Please hear me when I say, “What God did not create us for is that stress/anxiety to stay in place for prolonged periods of time. Why? Because that “bad” stress can then become chronic and destructive.

One of my favorite passages that addresses the topic of stress/anxiety is Philippians 4:6-8. Why? Because there is an easy application of the passage? Absolutely not! It is my favorite because the Apostle Paul gives what I believe is the antidote to chronic and destructive stress.

This passage is formulaic in nature, and it can easily be broken into three primary parts: 1) God’s Challenging Expectations; 2) God’s Eternal Promise; 3) God’s Ongoing Encouragement.

First, what does God expect from us? In verse 6, Paul says: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God;” In this verse alone, God expects three things from us: 1) God expects us not to be stressed/anxious over things we have NO control over in this life. Please hear me when I say, “Paul knew what he was talking about here.” At the time of the writing of this letter (approximately 60 AD), Paul was under house arrest in Rome. He was facing an impending trial that could end in acquittal or death. And Paul knew the Church was facing persecution under the Emperor Nero (google Nero and the early church – not a pleasant picture). Every one of these were “anxiety causing” situations; 2) God expects us to pray. Not only does He expect us to pray, but He expects us to pray repeatedly (supplication means repeated prayers); 3) He expects us to maintain a “thankful” and “humble” heart regardless of the situation. USACE, as I said above, THIS IS A CHALLENGING FORMULA!!

Second, what is God’s promise to us? In verse 7, Paul says: “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” God’s promise to you is that if you remain calm, and pray with a thankful/humble heart, that He will provide his peace through the power of Jesus Christ (Resurrection Power). There are two important points here: 1) The origin of this peace is supernatural. “Super”natural mean it goes

beyond the standard laws and rules of nature. This peace is neither of this world, nor can it be attained by anything in this world. The power of this peace comes from our faith in God (for further study read Hebrews 11 – Faith’s Hall of Heroes); 2) The power of this supernatural peace is that it has the ability to defeat the negative effects of stress. Always remember that our God is greater (1 John 4:4), and God has foreordained us for eternal victory, regardless of our present circumstances (Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 2:19 – we are citizens of an eternal kingdom).

Third, what is God’s ongoing encouragement to us? It is all about mindset. In verse 8, Paul says: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” In one of my previous thoughts, I used Isaiah 26:3 – God keeps His children in perfect peace when their minds are meditating on Him.

“When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.” —Corrie ten Boom

Sports are great! My entire life, I have enjoyed both playing and watching a wide variety of sports (football, baseball, hockey, wrestling, boxing, etc.). By the grace of God, my wife also enjoys sports, and we pretty much enjoy watching anything with a competitive element – especially football. We can spend a lot of time together watching, talking about, and dissecting the game. In our dissection, the one thing we always come back to is those that emerge as champions (individual/team) are masters of discipline. They are disciplined in their determination, sacrifice, and training.

In many ways, our Christian faith can be compared to that of sports. The Apostle Paul clearly was a sports fan (likely attended the ancient Isthmian Games), and he compared the attributes of athletes to the attributes that should be present in the lives of Christians. Paul said, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

To be a champion in the Christian faith, as in sports, discipline is a must. It is not easy, and it too requires determination, sacrifice, and training. I have been a pastor and chaplain for almost 25 years. During those years, both in the church and the Army, I have seen and experienced a lot – some easy and some difficult. What we are experiencing right now is difficult, and it requires discipline.

Something I know to be 100% true is one of the greatest disciplines available to all Christians is the invitation to pray. USACE, I encourage all Christians to apply this discipline during these challenging times. Why? Because God sees, He knows, and He invites you to do exactly that – PRAY!

In chapter 4, the writer of Hebrews said three things about “Sabbath-Rest” that I often use in counseling:

1. God sees you! “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (v13).
2. God knows what we are experiencing! “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (v14-15).
3. God invites you to speak with Him! “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (v16).

USACE, know that I have read, in detail, every email you have sent me, and please hear these three things: First, I will continue praying for you. Second, hundreds of your fellow USACE teammates have committed to join me in prayer. And, third, I am asking all of us to join one another in prayer. I attaching a prayer sent to me from one of our co-workers that I believe covers all the requests I have received. Please join me in praying that prayer at least once every day for one another – insert names where appropriate.

Blessings,

Chaplain (Colonel) Brad Baumann

Blessings,
Chaplain Brad Baumann