Author Archives: Jeff Dillard

Love, Sex, and Biblical Theology

Sounds like a bad movie, doesn’t it? Have you ever wondered why our attitudes toward our loved ones, money, work, etc. waffle between joy and depression, caring and demanding? The problem lies in our ‘theology’ of expectations, and it’s a … Continue reading

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“Happy are the poor”? (Matthew 5:1-3)

The brief video below is one in a series of about 50 devotionals on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7.   I originally produced these for the 14,000 personnel in the Department of the Army whom I serve because … Continue reading

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“Love hurts”, (Matthew 5:4)

The brief video below is one in a series of about 50 devotionals on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7.   I originally produced these for the 14,000 personnel in the Department of the Army whom I serve because … Continue reading

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Biblical justice: “Give ’em the Chair”

Growing up, whenever I heard people talk about biblical justice, it was always associated with giving some confirmed criminal what they deserved.  That concept of ‘biblical justice’ seems to have come from the idea that God – especially from their … Continue reading

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“It’s dead” …but wait for it

God created us and recreates everyone who follows Jesus to bear fruit for Him.  But bearing and enjoying fruit in this life – physical or spiritual – is usually a seasonal pleasure, isn’t it? Earlier this week we had our … Continue reading

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Theologies and Strategies: a Matrix of Possibilities

Every one of us is a theologian – even those who believe in no God or hundreds of gods. They (and we) hold to at least a few core beliefs of what is really “True” and a few core values … Continue reading

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7 reasons to use Physical Exercise for Small Group Bible study & Fellowship

As a counselor, I have heard from singles, couples, families, white-collar and blue-collar workers, and homemakers of all kinds of races, religions and cultures for over 20 years.  And I’ve noticed that almost all of us tend to view ourselves in … Continue reading

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The 2017 Golden Globes, “What the people want”

Below is one in a series of weekly non-religious articles that I write and email to my Army unit as their Chaplain. I offer these non-religious reads to them praying that they will want more and might view the hyperlinked … Continue reading

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“Make a Way” (music video, by I Am They)

If you love Jesus and are going through hardship right now, know that the Lord is in it for your good.   If you’re interested in more posts in this category of “Music Mondays”,  you can subscribe to tools4trenches.net/ If … Continue reading

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“Oxygen” (music video, by Lincoln Brewster)

Mondays can be tough.  One of the things that helps me get going is to remember that simply breathing is a moment-by-moment reminder to receive what God gives and to give it to others.  Just.  Breathe.   If you’re interested … Continue reading

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The Heart of God

When I think of God’s heart, I think about my Dad.  Kindness, strength, practical wisdom, commitment, forgiveness, and, most of all, compassion for the lost have marked my Dad’s life.  In fact, today is his 80th birthday. I’m sad that … Continue reading

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How joyful is God?

I have to confess, I’m not a naturally joyful person. Probably like you, I’ve seen and experienced a lot of junk in my life.  So each time I open the Bible, I naturally (and I use that word very intentionally) … Continue reading

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“Lego Audio Adrenaline – Big, Big House” (music video by TeamLegoBuds)

One of the greatest and most subtle lies of Satan is that eternity with God will be floating on a boring cloud with boring elevator music.  This music video reminds me that our Lord is anything but boring.  He created … Continue reading

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“From the bottom of my heart”

In some circles, that’s a common phrase. But it’s usually a rare reality. On the surface, many of us answer “I’m great! How are you?” If we’re with a trusted friend, though, most of us will admit we struggle. We … Continue reading

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Counseling and Day 1 of Creation: Rogerian/Humanistic Theory and the Presence of Christ

The following is one in a series of articles on 8 “P”s of the gospel introduced in Genesis 1-2.  You can refer to the introductory video on the 8 “P”s and links to additional videos for more specific explanations on each.  Each of these articles contrasts a … Continue reading

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Leadership and the Presence of Christ: Man’s Greatness and God’s Goodness

This article is one in a series on 8 “P”s of the gospel introduced in Genesis 1-2.  You can refer to the introductory video and links to additional videos for more specific explanations.  Each article contrasts a foundational part of the good news in Jesus with an … Continue reading

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“I refuse” (music video, by Josh Wilson)

At the end of a hard day (or hard year), we can be tempted to shut down and hide. Don’t. The goodness of God in Christ Jesus is greater than all of our fear or fatigue. Focus on some specifics … Continue reading

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Christian Music Videos on “Image” (physical pictures of the Gospel)

As part of Music Mondays, the following Christian music videos and related Scriptures are provided to build up the Body of Christ for even greater joy and faith to follow Him.  You might also consider using them with “W.A.I.T. Training”, … Continue reading

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“Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus”, by Nabeel Qureshi

Islam. Muslims. Jihad. Depending on our individual experience, any of these words might elicit a strong response from us – and not necessarily positive. As an American Soldier who’s deployed in response to Islamic terrorism in one form or another, … Continue reading

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Spiritual Resilience Training (a YouTube channel series)

Below is a screenshot that hyperlinks to a series of relatively brief non-religious videos on the dynamics of values.  The purpose, as stated on the banner of the channel, is to equip and encourage greater awareness for management (leadership) of self and … Continue reading

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Who publishes the content in “tools4trenches”?

Unless otherwise indicated, Jeff Dillard is the author of all posts in this blog. I (Jeff) and my wife, Lauren, have been married since 1995.  By God’s grace, we have four wonderful children and two grandchildren.  Lauren serves in several … Continue reading

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The Places of Christ (a video on day 5 of creation)

If we’re supposed to follow Jesus, have you ever wondered…”where’s He going?” This video addresses that very question. The following video briefly outlines all eight “P”s of of the Gospel of Christ as introduced in the creation week, revealed more … Continue reading

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“The River”, an example of using art in counseling

What can Christian counselors do when the hurting person in front of us can’t seem to say what’s on their heart or mind?  The immediate goal must be to help them feel as safe as possible.  One strategy that may … Continue reading

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Example Continuity Files – a Chapel Congregation Chaplain

Should the senior Chaplain over a chapel congregation pass the baton, too?  I’m not talking about merely stepping aside as they leave and introducing their replacement, but rather planning intentional continuity of the vision and strategies of ministry.  I think so. In my experience, such transition … Continue reading

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Example Continuity Files – a Chaplain Resource Manager

Passing the baton successfully is especially critical if you’re running the race as a Chaplain Resource Manager (CRM). Most CRMs don’t have a Finance degree – just a two-week Army school on big picture policies and some software stuff. So … Continue reading

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