From Royal Ranger to USS Ranger

Since the new year began in 2022, I have had strange and unique encounters with people lately, via the phone or in person, where the opportunities arise to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with people and to pray for them. It’s really a blessing and reminds me that my job on earth is not finished. More than ever before. I’ve always remembered the Bible quote, to “be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). After a long drought of curtain ministry activities and gifts, I am suddenly operating “in season,” however, I am a prepared vessel for the work of the Kingdom.

My youth church functions in Buffalo, NY as a Royal Ranger (the Assemblies of God equivalent to Kiwanis or Boy Scouts), coupled with my military service in San Diego, CA onboard the Navy aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CV-61) gave me the tools to be ready at all times for anything. To this day I remember, and often quote, the The Royal Rangers Motto: “Ready” – Meaning of Motto: Ready for anything! Ready to work, play, serve, worship, live, and obey God’s Word. In addition, I still hear in my head the sound of the William Tell Overture, also known as the theme song for the 1950s TV series The Lone Ranger. Each time the USS Ranger departed for deployment or an operation, the song would play on the sound system to inspire the crew.

Royal Rangers | USS Ranger CV-61 | 2 Timothy 4:2

Fun Fact: I once was awarded “Outpost Ranger of the Year” (1984) and “Rangerman of the Month” (Nov 1992),

Tune In: I speak a lot about my daily / weekly experiences like these type of events on my podcast.

On way I’ve managed to stay prepared for the Lord’s work is to attend various Bible studies and worship services, to stay under the Word, as they say. Reading, listening, and speaking the Word of God helps me to be prepared.

I remember one day, years ago (late 1990s) in Florida, Rosemarie and I were at a gas station and a women in distress was crying and outwardly shaking. We both approached her to see what was the situation. Neither of us were in a spiritual mode, yet we were ready. As we found out the situation we prayed for her and she was delivered from demon possession, yes, right there in her pickup truck in the parking lot of the gas station. After walking away stunned as to what just happened. We both began to laugh that God disrupted, through us, the plans of the enemy .

(June 17, 2023) My latest encounter was a man and a women on the street I ran into that both needed a touch and word from God. My daughter provided the touch, I provided the Word (we are a good team). Reading the Bible gives you all the spiritual ammunition so the Holy Ghost, through you, can shoot to the heart of those in need. I pulled no punches and gave them the word of knowledge and encouragement they needed for that moment. After praying with them, I saw a feeling of relief with both of them as we parted ways.

I will be adding to this post as I go along. Check back as often as possible

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Title: The Signs of the End Times: Reflections on Matthew 24