Reflections for America’s Soldiers and Heroes
From the Dedication page of He Shall Direct Thy Paths:
Dedicated to the resilient and unassailable Soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment who forbore me that I might love them…
…and, especially, in memory of our fallen comrades, fellow Soldiers who gave their all during Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08:
Elias Elias
Allen Jaynes
Mike Balsley
Alex Fuller
Brian Botello
Alex Funcheon
Jay Martin
Eric Snell
Mike Miller
Fr. Daniel Sparks, author of He Shall Direct Thy Paths, is offering a free copy of the book to any current or former member of the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment (3-61 CAV) from Fort Carson, Colorado. The book will be mailed at no cost to the Soldier or personally delivered by Fr. Sparks.
Soldiers or former Soldiers of 3-61 CAV may request a copy of the book by email, phone, postal mail, or by speaking directly with Fr. Sparks. Requests should include a valid mailing address.
This short book is offered to Soldiers as an introduction to Christian values when making personal decisions. It is based on the Ten Commandments, but is focused on helping Soldiers embrace the exhortation of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
I have given a brief overview of the background of the Ten Commandments, the text, the meaning of the text, and the implications of the text in contemporary society. I have also given practical examples of how the Commandments may guide Soldiers in their military experiences. Applications are offered for relating God’s commandments with personal experiences and choices as Soldiers.
It is my intent, and hope, that this book will encourage Soldiers to fully trust in the Lord. The goal is not to intimidate readers with my preferred set of harsh rules; instead, the goal is to spur Soldiers to trust in the Lord with all their hearts, acknowledging him in everything, and letting him guide them. In writing this material, my approach is that of a pastor who hopes the best for his flock. I pray that each Soldier who reads this book will be inspired to give his full devotion to God, resisting temptation, and honoring the One who created him. By doing so, he will be strengthened and comforted by the only eternal Source of true satisfaction.
“I hope that you’ll let [God] direct your steps because if you do, you can’t go wrong.”
Chuck Norris
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I. I am the LORD thy God. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
III. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain.
IV. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
V. Honour thy father and thy mother.
VI. Thou shalt not kill.
VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
VIII. Thou shalt not steal.
IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
X. Thou shalt not covet.