January 7, 2013 by John Potter
Human trafficking is the third largest crime in the world. It is also one of the fastest growing crimes across the globe. Trafficking consists of kidnapping, slavery, child abuse, prostitution and is a problem right here in America.
Child sex trafficking is a terrible type of abuse that no one should ever encounter. The average age at which a girl enters prostitution in this country is fourteen and in some states it is as low as twelve. The stories of survivors are depressing and horrific.
January 11-13 has been designated as the weekend of prayer to end slavery and trafficking. This is the second annual national prayer initiative where people can join together and pray for the end of this terrible injustice. Make time to lift up the victims, survivors, traffickers, and customers who are creating the demand for this crime.
Please mark your calendars, mobilize your prayer warriors, and devote time to this worthy prayer initiative.
Posted in News & Commentary | Tagged chaplain, child sex trafficking, christian, current events, god squad, human trafficking, human-rights, pastor, pray to end trafficking, religion, slavery, trafficking, weekend of prayer | Leave a Comment »
January 4, 2013 by John Potter
If you are looking for a cause that needs your prayer and support in 2013, look no further than the American Soldier.
Even though the surge ended this year, there are 68,000 service members who are still fighting in Afghanistan. While the headlines talk about budget cuts, college football games, and Hollywood celebrities, their stories are often untold and forgotten.
These are America’s warriors who have left their homes and families to defend our nation. These are the college students who cancelled classes when their nation called. These are the fathers and mothers who missed a child’s first steps at home. These are the veterans who have dodged bullets and bombs to stay alive.
Remember them in 2013. Remember those who are fighting and sacrificing for you. Remember military spouses. Remember military families. Remember them in your prayers and your efforts. Remember the 68,000.
Posted in Military Family, Military Marriages, News & Commentary | Tagged air force, army, chaplain, god squad, marine, marine corps, military spouse, national guard, navy, OEF, veteran | Leave a Comment »
December 22, 2012 by John Potter
Technology is trying to make the world better, but it often makes me feel like a dinosaur.
One of the latest marvels out there is a soft, flexible, wristband that you wear 24 hours a day. It is combined with an app that tracks how you sleep, move, and eat. The “UP” by Jawbone then helps you use that information to “be your best.” The concept is extremely impressive, especially to me, a guy who frequently falters in his exercise routine and does not get enough sleep.
Gadgets are often used as mirrors to show people the good, the bad, and the ugly things we do each day. The “UP” is ultimately trying to improve the physical health of people by showing them a better way and giving daily reminders on what to change. After learning about this new item, I immediately began to wonder, what technology or gadget is out there to improve spiritual health? What electrical device could show people a better way and give daily reminders on how to improve their spiritual lives? What technology, gadget, or electronic doodad would strengthen my walk with Christ?
I am a dinosaur, so responses were slow. I instead turned to some familiar items that currently help people strengthen their faith. I distinctly remembered a Marine I met at Camp Lemonnier. He downloaded the entire Bible to a handheld device and used that for our Wednesday night study of Matthew’s gospel. During this year’s annual training exercise, Soldiers were constantly asking for a “Military BibleStick.” It is a digital audio player that is pre-loaded with a dramatized recording of the entire New Testament. I handed out more sticks than Bibles this summer. There was another Soldier who wanted to read the entire Bible in a year, so I showed him a website where he could tailor a reading plan to his schedule.
As people begin to use their new gadgets and electronic Christmas gifts in the new year, utilize technology so that you can improve your spiritual health. Download your favorite translation of the Bible, add a prayer appointment to your electronic calendar, use Pandora and listen to your favorite Christian artist, find a website and sign up for a daily or weekly devotion. Don’t worry. Dinosaurs can jump into the mix as well. It does not matter if you keep a journal on a note pad or an iPad, the focus should be on building your spiritual muscles in 2013. Use technology in a way that will strengthen your faith and devotion in Christ.
Posted in Military Family | Tagged army, chaplain, Christmas, faith and technology, gadgets, god squad, Jesus, marine corps, military bible stick, national guard, religion, soldier, technology, veterans | 2 Comments »
December 18, 2012 by John Potter
We love this simple story because it speaks to our condition.
Christmas can be downright maddening.
First, everyone wants a piece of your time. Once you flip your calendar to December there is an immediate flood of invitations to office parties, family gatherings, teas, banquets, and more. The rush of the Christmas season only seems to get worse as the month continues.
Second, there is a flurry of activity. Get out the decorations. Put up the lights. Set up the tree. Start baking cookies and other delights before the guest arrive. Don’t forget the multiple pageants and plays you need to attend also. And remember to get your annual Christmas card out before everyone else.
Third, commercialism and consumerism run amuck. Celebrate Christmas this year with a 60 inch flat screen tv for $200 this Saturday only. Remember that it needs to be HD or the kids won’t like it. We really go crazy buying presents. Our focus easily turns to material items and excess instead of providing gifts of joy. This year the local Christmas bureau didn’t have enough people to adopt needy families. They ask for food, blankets, coats, towels, cleaning supplies and other necessities. Perhaps those were the gifts that we should have given this year.
This cartoon is a timeless classic because it sums up our struggle with Christmas. Charlie Brown and company encounter all the typical distractions that try to steal the real meaning of Christmas. In his frustration, Charlie Brown asks, “isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” The turning point of the cartoon is when Linus takes center stage to share the story of Luke 2, Jesus being born in Bethlehem.
We too, get caught up in the parties, the activities, and the gift giving, but there is much more to the season. Take time to hear the simple story. Take time to focus on the importance of angels proclaiming his birth. Take time to focus on what is truly important this Christmas season, our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged army, chaplain, Charlie Brown, Christmas, god squad, Jesus, Luke 2, national guard, pastor, religion | Leave a Comment »
December 5, 2012 by John Potter
Dave Brubeck, an American jazz legend, died today. He was a respected pianist and composer who helped to define jazz. Most articles and stories will focus on great pieces like, “Take Five,” “Koto Song,” and “Blue Rondo a la Turk.” These songs will showcase his talent and skill, but folks should also remember Dave Brubeck the Army veteran.
After he graduated with a music degree in 1942, Brubeck enlisted in the Army. Brubeck belonged to Patton’s Third Army and served in the European campaign. One night he volunteered to play the piano at a Red Cross show. This was a turning point in his military career. Everyone was so impressed with his musical gift, that he was ordered to form a band. This resulted in the creation of an Army first, a racially integrated band.
When Dave Brubeck spoke about his military service, he often mentioned how it evoked a spiritual awakening in him. While many WWII era veterans would not share stories about the conflict they saw, Brubeck shared how it moved him to faith in God. This was not a quick conclusion. Brubeck became a Christian nearly 40 years after he witnessed combat.
I hope that Dave Brubeck is remembered for his God-given talent, his ability to see people for their skill instead of their skin color, his long quest as a spiritual seeker, and ultimately his faith in Jesus Christ.
Posted in News & Commentary | Tagged army, army integration, chaplain, dave brubeck, god squad, jazz, national guard, pastor, racially integrated army band, take five, veteran, WWII veteran | Leave a Comment »
November 23, 2012 by John Potter
Everyone loves the Christmas season. While reasons may vary from hearing a performance of the Hallelujah Chorus to snow sledding, people love the Christmas season. It is the arrival of our promised Emmanuel, “God with us.” This season also has a funny way of changing people.
Yes, Christmas is the best time of year, but we often forget to mention what it does to us. Christmas brings out the best in us. No matter where you live, there is an increased effort for people to be kind, caring, and generous. Drivers are more courteous on the roadways. You open the door for someone when their arms are full with shopping bags. Neighbors help each other by raking leaves or shoveling snow off sidewalks. We even tell total strangers, “Merry Christmas!”
This spirit of gratitude and grace comes from our Creator. God has demonstrated His love in sending Jesus Christ to earth. We celebrate this perfect gift in many ways, but the power of God’s love changes us.
We reciprocate the love that God has shared with us, His children. The gift of Jesus is so tremendous that we live in a different way. We choose to be transformed and in turn show greater compassion. This beautiful event happens more now than at any other time of the year. Christmas and the celebration of our Savior yield a new and different world. One where people give gifts, adopt orphans, feed the homeless, care for widows, support unemployed veterans, and show compassion to the resident stranger. In short, we decide to live out our faith. We put God’s plan of grace into action.
As the Christmas holiday approaches you and your family, make the decision to be transformed. Reflect the love that God has poured out from heaven, through Jesus the promised Messiah. Demonstrate your faith and share the love that you have received from our Heavenly Father.
Posted in Military Family | Tagged armed forces, army, chaplain, christian, Christmas, hallelujah chorus, military, military family, national guard, pastor, religion | Leave a Comment »
November 20, 2012 by John Potter
This week PBS aired, “The Dust Bowl” Ken Burns’ latest film. The documentary chronicled a decade-long drought during the 1930s and how it impacted farm families across the heart of America. Survivors shared powerful stories on how they endured incredible suffering and hardship.
It was truly moving to hear the personal accounts of loss and sacrifice. Sand and dust dunes covered crops and livestock. Money was so scarce that mothers would turn used flour sacks into dresses for daughters. Ranchers would burn the needles off cactus plants so their cattle could eat. Farmers went years without rain and crops. Families lost homes, mortgaged their farm machinery, and send children to live with relatives. Many who decided to ride out the dust storms lost infants and elderly family members to “dust pneumonia.”
No one can watch this series and remain the same. The hardships and trials of this generation will shock you. The stories of survival will amaze you. They endured the suffering and poverty that few can imagine in our country. This series is an important reminder to be thankful and consider our blessings.
I encourage you to watch the series and consider how God has personally blessed you this holiday season.
Posted in News & Commentary, Uncategorized | Tagged chaplain, christian, dust bowl, dust bowl survivor, Ken Burns, pastor, PBS, religion, spiritual | Leave a Comment »
November 10, 2012 by John Potter
Today Marines celebrate 237 years of faithful duty, service, and sacrifice to our nation. Know that your efforts are appreciated throughout America.
Nehemiah 4:14 is a great passage that highlights people who are willing to stand up and do what is right. The verse reminds us to ” . . . Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome,and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
Our first charge is the remember the Lord. There is no escaping our Creator. Scripture constantly reminds us to remember the love that God has for us. The second charge challenges us to fight for our brothers. Some may call that a mixed message, but it was a message that people needed to hear in the time of Nehemiah. I believe that it is also relevant in our day and age. Service takes different shapes and forms.
When injustices arise, there is a need for the farmer to leave his plow and defend what is right and true. When disasters strike, leaders must come forward to help those in distress. Faithful servants must be ready to right wrongs, help widows and orphans in need, and yes, at times take up arms to fight for our families.
Thank you for being there to fight for us. May God continue to bless you and keep you!
Posted in Devotions, News & Commentary | Tagged army, chaplain, devotion, marine, marine corps, military, national guard, veteran | 1 Comment »
October 23, 2012 by John Potter
Americans gave almost $300 billion to charities in 2011. That is a staggering number when you consider our troubled economy. As a nation with high unemployment and frozen salaries for those who can find work, $300 billion is quite a hefty sum. But that figure also represents an incredible feat of generosity. One that deserves a deeper look.
When you dig into the total by category, you find that religious organizations received the most donations. Religious organizations garnered nearly one-third of the total.
Generous giving of that magnitude creates a lot of attention in the news. The talking heads and pundits on most media outlets are still discussing the story, but they don’t know how to interpret the information. They point to foundations, museums, art and cultural groups, or research hospitals as worthy causes for such giving, but for some reason religious groups seem like an odd place for people to send that level of financial support. In the end of their stories they end up scratching their heads as they try to figure out why people give and sacrifice in this manner. To me, the answer is quite clear. Churches, charities, missions, and religious organizations are performing the work of Christ.
Religious organizations feed the hungry, care for the sick, give comfort to the wounded, share hope with the broken-hearted, and minister to our souls. Significant acts like these will always mean more to people than receiving a tax deduction. It causes us to open our wallets. It enables us to volunteer and assist others in their time of need. It allows us to reflect Christ in a dark world.
As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, remember religious organizations, charities, and churches. You can give through the combined federal campaign in the armed forces or locally. Your financial support, no matter how great or small, allows people to share the redemptive story of Jesus and perform the loving work of our gracious God.
Posted in Military Family | Tagged army, chaplain, charity, christian, combined federal campaign, Jesus, national guard, pastor, thanksgiving, veteran | Leave a Comment »
October 17, 2012 by John Potter
What is your favorite Bible translation?
The National Association of Evangelicals and CBA recently shared the results of that very question. Both organizations surveyed their members and found similar responses.
The New International Version of the Bible is the most widely read version in the United States, receiving 39 percent in the poll. A distant second is the New American Standard Bible with 20 percent. It was followed by the English Standard Version with 13 percent.
The NIV has maintained popularity and influence since it was published in 1978. The NIV was designed so that modern day readers could understand the biblical text in the same way that the very first readers understood the text. Thirty years after its first publication, there are more than 400 million NIV Bibles in print.
The NASB has also been around since the 1970s. Its strength is translating the biblical text literally word-for-word and has been widely embraced as “the most literally accurate English translation.” People who are not fluent in the biblical languages, but who like to do word studies, find the NASB’s word-for-word style easy to follow. In 1995, the NASB was updated to increase clarity and readability.
Though a relatively recent translation, the English Standard Version, has gained wide popularity since it was published in 2001. The ESV is set in the classic stream of literal translation, while paying close attention to literary beauty. The ESV Bible was the first to be published simultaneously in print and digital formats.
Feel free to share what translation you use and why.
Posted in News & Commentary | Tagged accurate english translation, Bible, chaplain, christian, ESV, NASB, NIV, pastor, religion, translation | Leave a Comment »
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God Squad 
End Human Trafficking
January 7, 2013 by John Potter
Human trafficking is the third largest crime in the world. It is also one of the fastest growing crimes across the globe. Trafficking consists of kidnapping, slavery, child abuse, prostitution and is a problem right here in America.
Child sex trafficking is a terrible type of abuse that no one should ever encounter. The average age at which a girl enters prostitution in this country is fourteen and in some states it is as low as twelve. The stories of survivors are depressing and horrific.
January 11-13 has been designated as the weekend of prayer to end slavery and trafficking. This is the second annual national prayer initiative where people can join together and pray for the end of this terrible injustice. Make time to lift up the victims, survivors, traffickers, and customers who are creating the demand for this crime.
Please mark your calendars, mobilize your prayer warriors, and devote time to this worthy prayer initiative.
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Posted in News & Commentary | Tagged chaplain, child sex trafficking, christian, current events, god squad, human trafficking, human-rights, pastor, pray to end trafficking, religion, slavery, trafficking, weekend of prayer | Leave a Comment »