Thundering Legion Podcast: Armed Forces Members Serving For Christ

Latest Episodes:

19. Is Pornography Killing Your Soul, Relationships, and Military Unit? (with Sam Logan) Apr 13, 2023

Show notes

Today Sam Logan, Royal Marines Veteran and Training Coach joins us to wrestle with the Big Question: "Is Pornography Killing Your Soul, Relationships, and Military Unit?"

Episode Notes. Specific questions we wrestle with in this episode:

What is pornography?
What does pornography do to the soul?
What does pornography do to relationships and family?
What does pornography do to military culture?
What does the Bible say about pornography?
How can Christians fight against pornography?

REFLECT:

What does this episode reveal about God's character?
How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?
How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ for this day!

✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬
‭✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

Next steps:

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18. Interview with Stu Grazier: Retired Navy Pilot, Family Leader, Entrepreneur Apr 06, 2023

Show notes

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

Today we dig into the story of Stu Grazier, a retired Naval Officer who is passionate about helping men become the best husbands, dads, friends, and leaders they can be. Stu partners with David Gutierrez on Storehouse 310 ventures, Storehouse Mastermind, and Kinetic Men Mastermind.

Resources:

Episode Notes:

Stu's Testimony: Texas friend went to Naval Academy, hooked by football game and Top Gun. Turned off by "nominal" Christians in Texas. Ended up going to Naval Academy. Joined small group during Iraq deployment (2008) and and started his faith walk.
How have you seen God working through your successes and failures in your military career? God allows us to go to dark places to get us to change and grow. Experienceed death, suicide, spiritual darkness while on deployment.
What are the biggest struggles you've experienced while serving as a Christian? Balance: how do I know what to give over, and what to take action. Ambiguity of exiting the military: Put most important things to the side unintentionally.
How do we balance faith, trust, listening with planning, goal setting, action? Mimic Jesus. Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: 1) Slow 2) Simplify 3) Silence and Solitude 4) Sabbath
What are your thoughts on identity? Men tend to place identity in career, wealth. Ask what's going to last the longest, into eternity? Leave a legacy with our children of loving God (their eternal destiny)
How do you shepherd your children especially with technology? Family discipleship: daily rhythms (morning routine, sabbath, get outside). Modeling responsible technology use to children. Be intentional.
How do you make spiritual growth a daily priority? Used to get up and go straight to work. New routine: Daily appointment with God (read/study/journal)
What book of the Bible do you go to in times of difficulty? James: Straight up, calls you out, action taker.
How do you apply your faith in the work you're currently doing? Military members need to be ready to stand and sacrifice for our faith, speak out, disciple, maybe build a business. Aha moment: refocus on what's most important in our lives. Weekly focus on community and accountability. Passion to help men realize there's more in life than our careers and work. Refine men of God. Kinetic Men: Take action
Where do you think God is leading you next? Future goals/ambitions? Continue investing in Storehouse small groups, mastermind, and retreats.
What advice would you give to other believers in the military who are struggling? Stay strong. Find a community of people who you can surround yourself with who are fighting the same fight
How can listeners get in contact with you? www.storehouse310.com

REFLECT:

What does this episode reveal about God's character?
How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?
How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ for this day!

✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬
‭✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

Next steps:

SHARE with another armed forces member
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https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

17. Interview with Major Aaron Roshiem: Army National Guard Blackhawk Pilot Mar 30, 2023

Show notes

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

Today's interview is with Major Aaron Rosheim. Major Rosheim is a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in the Iowa Army National Guard. He supervises aircraft maintenance and also serves on a headquarters staff. During his 19 years of service, he has commanded two companies (an assault helicopter company and an aviation maintenance company) and has served in various leadership and staff roles. He has deployed three times. When not serving in uniform, Aaron enjoys sports (both coaching and playing), home projects, and serving in his local church. He is married with five children.

Resources:

Episode Notes:

Background and testimony: Raised in Christian home and developed superficial and external faith. Wanted to play and coach football forever but parents' divorce and football career ending in college shattered his identity. Aaron took a year off from God then came back to God all in… And God led him to join Iowa State ROTC to become Army aviator
What specifically drew you to the military and how did God nudge you in that direction? 2004: War in Iraq. Felt like he should join and serve. Dream guided him.
How have you seen God working through your successes and failures in your military career? Early on: survival mode. Then started Bible study group with friends. Airborne: Met Navigators ministry and learned how to share faith and disciple others. Military discipleship: Live life together (Navigators Bible Study/"Ft Rucker Seminary"), apply and do scripture - James, apply Bible to leadership roles.
Military is an unreached people group: Diverse socioeconomic ranks → Cross-cultural ministry. Dark spiritual place at timess so believers feel isolated. Started Bible study 19 years ago in Iowa State ROTC that still meets today. Started out watching Band of Brothers and discussing. Bible Study continued with Aaron left for flight school then Aaron came back to Iowa State Guard and continued to invest in ministry. Bible study partnered with Navigators and CRU (Valor ROTC ministry). Goal: Disciple and connect people.
Everyone must go through wilderness journey: Maybe called by job requirements or self-induced by personal sin. Elijah calling down fire then hid in cave. Ask God why he has planted you here? Find someone to disciple you. Find someone to disciple (build community). Can't just wallow and wait!
How do we start a Bible study? Start with just one other person (pray!). Or find an existing community and plug in. That one person may grow into a small group. Read Scripture then discuss: Head, heart, hands
What are the biggest struggles or failures you've experienced while serving as a Christian? Failure to take spiritual opportunities. Relational failures (fear or busyness) prevent pride from growing. Passed up for promotion, job, assignment, deployment
Crossfit WOD enthusiasts suggested Aaron start VODgrams: Share daily verse and connect cadets.
Where do you think God is leading you next? Approaching retirement full time with Guard Spiritual inertia concept but open to redirection
What book of the Bible do you go to in times of difficulty? Romans 8. Galatians 2:20 = life verse
What advice would you give to other believers in the military who are struggling? Keep asking, searching, knocking. John 14:21. Love is based on obedience. Reset and repent of sin. Relationship over religion!
How can listeners get in contact with you? DM VODgrams on instagram

REFLECT:

What does this episode reveal about God's character?
How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?
How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ for this day!

✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬

✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

Next steps:

SHARE with another armed forces member
FOLLOW Instagram, Facebook, Podcast

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

16. Current Events: 20 March 2023 Mar 22, 2023

Show notes

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

A short review of news and current events affecting Christians in the military for 1 February 2023.

REFLECT:

What does this episode reveal about God's character?
How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?
How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ for this day!

✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬
‭✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

Next steps:

SHARE with another armed forces member
FOLLOW Instagram, Facebook, Podcast

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

15. Interview with Peter Martin: Marine Combat Veteran and Biblical Counselor Mar 15, 2023

Show notes

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

Today we interview of Peter Martin, a Marine combat veteran who currently serves as a Biblical counselor at Calvary Christian Fellowship in Tucson Arizona. Using his own unique experiences, Peter has a heart to show people healing and growth through broken past and present difficulties through relationship with Christ and the church.

Resources:

Episode Notes:

Peter's testimony and background: Parents were strong Christians but Peter fell away from God due to sexual sin. Enlisted in Marines at 18. Disconnected from world on combat deployment and started reading Bible. Faced challenges from military alcohol and sexual culture during 2 combat deployments to Afghanistan and at back at home. Peter struggled with sexual sin: legalistic foundation, feeling of failure, desire to earn worth, envy of friends' hedonisic lifestyle. Started Running Light ministry and Setting Captives Free to break struggles with lust and pornography. Realized God wants to give us better pleasure, not deprive us. But higher pleasures require discipline and sacrifice
What are the biggest struggles you've experienced while serving as a Christian? Military alcohol culture, sexual sin culture, life and death situations in combat. Struggled with suicidal thoughts and concepts of death since he was 3 years old and while deployed in combat zones. Recognition of PTSD behavior helped Peter feel responsible, not like a victim.
How have you seen God working through your successes and failures in your military career? Met wife while recovering from PTSD and she exhibited PTSD behavior from toxic family environment. Wife encouraged Peter to write his first book the "Fellowship of Suffering." Contrary to what American culture teaches, we can grow in relationship with someone through trauma. Although we understand neurology and psychology behind trauma, cultural factors impact recovery. Tribal cultures tend to have lower PTSD rate: Israel ~1% whereas America ~20%.
How do you apply your faith as a pastor and family man? Make time for veterans because of PTSD experiences. Seek long term relationships. Opening counseling facility. Writing books: "Rooted in Sin Rescued by Love" and "Fellowship of Suffering." Using Christianity and the Arts to express inner person.
What book of the Bible do you go to in times of difficulty? Jeremiah and Lamentations: how to express honest emotions to God and see beyond life circumstances.
How do you make spiritual growth a daily priority? Get in God's word every day and surround yourself with positivee community.
What advice would you give to other believers in the military who are struggling? Get and stay involved in a church community, and invest in positive long-term relationships that will hold you accountable.
Contact Peter

REFLECT:

What does this episode reveal about God's character?
How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?
How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ for this day!

✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬
✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

Next steps:

SHARE with another armed forces member
FOLLOW Instagram, Facebook, Podcast

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

14. Interview with Linwood "Fang" Steiner: Air Force Pilot, Church Elder, and Seminary Student Feb 27, 2023

Show notes

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

Today we will be digging into the story of Linwood "Fang" Steiner who is a husband, father, active duty Air Force pilot, elder at Trinity Baptist Church in Shrieveport, and seminary student.

Resources:

Southern Seminary Military Grant
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
2 Corinthians 5:21 "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Episode Notes:

Background: Basketball career un South Alabama let to United States Air Force Academy. Struggled academically and militarily before finding Christ.
Testimony: Nominal Christian. Saved 2 weeks prior to review boards. Believed in "God of my imagination." God revealed holiness in the quiet of the night → conviction of sin
How do you apply your faith in your work? Not trying to please men but also being excellent in the military. Romans 8:28: God is working in all things!
Biggest struggles while serving as a Christian: Assignments/outcomes we don't desire require us to submit and trust.
God working through successes and failures: Covid-10 vaccine mandate religous exemption. Recognition that Christ is King and we must obey God over man.
Journey through leading Bible Study at Church to attending seminary.
Biblical Encouragement: 1 Cor 5:21 Jesus became sin for us = Substitution
How do you make spiritual growth a daily priority? Wake up and make Christ our vision, not our phones. No growth apart from God's word
What advice would you give to other believers in the military who are struggling? Focus on God's identity, our identity, and our mediator. Then what we do.
Contact Fang

REFLECT:

What does this episode reveal about God's character?
How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?
How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ for this day!

✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬
‭✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

Next steps:

SHARE with another armed forces member
FOLLOW Instagram, Facebook, Podcast

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

13. Interview with Joshua K. McMillion: Army Ranger and Founder of McMillion Leadership Consulting Feb 16, 2023

Show notes

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

Today we interview Joshua K. Mcmillion, a father, servant leader, and combat veteran with over 16 years of leadership experience and still serving in the Army. Joshua received the 2008 George C. Marshall Leadership Award and the 2018 General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. Joshua is a certified Army Leadership and International Coaching Federation (ICF) leadership coach. Joshua's passion is to help leaders avoid drifting through life and to find fulfillment. He has led and helped thousands of men and women take inspired action and desires to guide you in unlocking your leadership potential and becoming a transformational leader

Resources:

Episode Notes:

Joshua's background and how he ended up joining the military:
- Coal miner
- Parents' divorce
- Seeking happiness in degree, joined ROTC for leadership
- Desire to bring light into peoples' lives
Joshua's testimony and how this played into military service:
- Loss taught gratitude and caused Joshua to question faith
- Lost 2 soldiers from West Virginia and caused big questions about purpose of life
How does Joshua define leadership? What is transitional vs. transformational leadership?
- Army vs Marine vs John Maxwell leadership
- "Inspire" to journey not destination
- PRO: Proficiency, Reputation, Output
- Transitional: Lead w/ fear. Transformational: lead with security, flexibility, and confidence
How Joshua is applying faith in the military and future vision:
- Mission: I will end transitional leadership practices by equipping leaders with transformational leadership skills.
- Vision: I have seen the true cost of toxic leadership in the military and civilian workforce. I refuse to allow transitional leadership practices to shape future leaders. I will impact 1 million lives in the next ten years by equipping leaders in the military and civilian realm with transformational leadership skills. Those leaders will multiply value into their workforce and families, ultimately creating more Purposeful Accountable Leaders (PALs).
Biggest struggles Joshua experienced while serving as a Christian. How do you transform pain and suffering and discipline into intensely focused meaning?
- - 3 P's: Perspective, Passion, Purpose
  - Why are you on this earth?
How Joshua has seen God working through your successes and failures in his military career
What book of the Bible Joshua goes to in times of difficulty
How Joshua makes spiritual growth a daily priority
- SAVERS
- Intentional prayer time
- Read Bible intentionally
Advice to other believers in the military who are struggling
- RAD: Routine, Accountability, Discipline
- Wilderness Journey Groups for healing
What hobbies do you engage in outside of the military and faith realm?
- Silence and solitude
- Garden
- Hunting
Joshua closes us in prayer

REFLECT:

What does this episode reveal about God's character?
How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?
How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ for this day!

✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬
‭✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

Next steps:

SHARE with another armed forces member
FOLLOW Instagram, Facebook, Podcast

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

12. Interview with Joshua Brown: Retired Marine and Praetorian Project Pastor Feb 02, 2023

Show notes

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

Today we have the pleasure of interviewing Joshua Brown, recently retired Marine and now Pastor to the military. He's a pastor with the ministry the Praetorian Project, a ministry which plants pillar churches near military bases. Joshua, welcome to the show.

Resources:

Episode Notes:

Joshua's background and how he ended up joining the military
Joshua's testimony and how this played into military service: Secular worldview implosion to faith
How Joshua is applying faith in the military and future vision: 20 years in Marine, now a Pastor at Pillar church with Praetorian Project. Pillar Churches are a military focused ministry effort that understands the military lifestyle and seeks to ease transition between duty locations and shorten/eliminate church search.
How Joshua applies faith to family, especially with raising multiple teenagers: Being a marine = better father, being a father = better marine, doing them a Christian refines us by absolute truth. Impossible to grow in the same direction as spouse unless growing towards Christ
Biggest struggles Joshua experienced while serving as a Christian: Temptation to cover things up while in the artillery career field.
How Joshua has seen God working through your successes and failures in his military career: Failures from not being in the word. Successes from working hard to follow Jesus
What book of the Bible Joshua goes to in times of difficulty: Psalms and Gospels
How Joshua makes spiritual growth a daily priority: Start with scripture
Advice to other believers in the military who are struggling
Joshua closes us in prayer

REFLECT:

What does this episode reveal about God's character?
How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?
How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ for this day!

✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬
‭✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

Next steps:

SHARE with another armed forces member
FOLLOW Instagram, Facebook, Podcast

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

11. Current Events: 1 February 2023 Feb 01, 2023

Show notes

A short review of news and current events affecting Christians in the military for 1 February 2023.

REFLECT:

What does this episode reveal about God's character?
How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?
How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ for this day!

✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬
‭✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

Next steps:

SHARE with another armed forces member
FOLLOW Instagram, Facebook, Podcast

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

10. Interview with Brian Samuel: Army West Point Cadet Jan 15, 2023

Show notes

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

At the age of 17, Brian Samuel enlisted into the Army National Guard out of patriotism and a desire to share the Gospel through military service. Growing up in a Christian family, he always felt the Lord calling him towards the Armed Forces, and he knew God would guide him no matter what hardships he faced. After spending time enlisted, Brian received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point where he currently is a Cadet, continuing to share the Gospel with those around him.

Resources:

Episode Notes:

Brian's background and how he ended up joining the military
Brian's testimony and how this played into military service
How Brian is applying faith in the military and future vision
Biggest struggles Brian experienced while serving as a Christian
How Brian has seen God working through your successes and failures in his military career
What book of the Bible Bible goes to in times of difficulty
How Brian makes spiritual growth a daily priority
Advice to other believers in the military who are struggling
Brian closes us in prayer

REFLECT:

What does this episode reveal about God's character?
How does this episode cause us to see our need for a Savior?
How can we apply lessons learned from this episode to our life?

Follow Christ for this day!

✝️ "Choose this day whom you will serve..." ‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭15‬
‭✝️ "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬

Next steps:

SHARE with another armed forces member
FOLLOW Instagram, Facebook, Podcast

https://linktr.ee/thunderinglegion

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