Craig Duck

Choose Good, Live Strong: Level Up in the Firehouse Picture this: You roll back from a tough structure fire, adrenaline still pumping. The bay fills with the usual dark jokes and rough talk as everyone tries to blow off steam. It is easy to join in when everyone is doing it. But deep down you know there’s a better way. That’s exactly where the prophet Amos found himself. He wasn’t a professional preacher—he was a regular shepherd pulled straight out of his fields into a wealthy but broken Northern Kingdom full of injustice and sin. God gave him one clear command: Stop chasing what drags people down. Seek good instead—real justice, real righteousness, lifting up the hurting. Do that, and you won’t just survive—you’ll live. And the Lord God of hosts Himself will stand with you. Young firefighter, that same challenge is your invitation today. Seeking good in the department God has called you to: • Showing genuine compassion to everyone —that’s justice in action. • Choosing words that build your crew up instead of tearing them down. • Holding the line on integrity, and respect even when others do not. • Being the one who quietly encourages the rookie or checks on those struggling. When you choose good, you do not just get through the shift—you level up. You live with purpose, a stronger mental game, and a tighter brotherhood. And the best part? The Lord God of hosts—the ultimate Incident Commander—has your back, He will never leave you or forsake you. His presence is the backup that never leaves the rig. Encouragement for the day – “Seek good and not evil, so that you may live: so the Lord God of hosts will be with you, as you have spoken.” Amos 5:14 NKJV For further study read Amos 5:4-15 Lord, give me the courage and strength to seek good over easy today. Help me live strong in this calling, knowing You’re with me on every call and in every station moment. Encouraging first responders with the truth of God’s Word!! #firefighter #faith

The trials and tribulations of life can be overwhelming and downright exhausting but take heart God has a plan. When we get to the other side by God's grace we will find that He has been working in us to produce a person of Godly character who can better shine His light and encourage others.

Self-Control: Disciplined for the Mission As I have served in the fire service, I have noticed that there are times that I struggle with self-control. On Saturdays, when I worked in a busy engine company in Washington, DC, we would eat more than our allotted caloric intake. We would start it all off by going to the farmers market and consume a big cinnamon roll, and I mean big, before breakfast. Saturdays meant a big breakfast, gorging on fatty foods and carbs. Then there was our snack in between runs followed by fish sandwiches from the “Fishman.” We ate a big lunch, and then dinner before capping it all off with cheesecake and milk before going to bed. “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” I Corinthians 9:27 ESV My lack of self-control at the firehouse is not a good character trait to have as a Christian firefighter or first responder. Paul encouraged believers to exercise self-control when it comes to their faith and their bodies. He was constantly under attack when it came to his ministry, and without self-control it would have been easy for him to stray or become ineffective. This battle we have in the flesh is real. Those who bear the name of Christ can lose focus and begin to disobey biblical truth. Paul used the image of a competitor running a prestigious race. They must live a disciplined life to compete for the top prize. Likewise, we need to subject our minds and bodies to the will of God—by the power of the Spirit—so that we will be pleasing to Him in everything we say and do, not becoming disqualified in our witness or ministry. This takes time and effort if we want to succeed, but pleasing God is worth all the struggles. This week, identify one area where your self-control is weakest—whether food, temper, rest, or speech—and deliberately bring it under the Lord’s control through prayer and one practical step. For further study read I Corinthians 9:16-27 Lord, teach me how to have self-control in this crazy mixed-up world. Help me to focus on obeying the truth and to rely on Your Spirit as I discipline my body and mind. Encouragement is an action word, so let’s get busy!! #firefighter #FCFInternational #Christ

Have you checked out the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters Back to Basics Bible study? Check it out on the APP Christian Firefighter Hub. It comes with video and lesson. fellowshipofchristianfirefig…

Self-Control: Disciplined for the Mission As I have served in the fire service, I have noticed that there are times that I struggle with self-control. On Saturdays, when I worked in a busy engine company in Washington, DC, we would eat more than our allotted caloric intake. We would start it all off by going to the farmers market and consume a big cinnamon roll, and I mean big, before breakfast. Saturdays meant a big breakfast, gorging on fatty foods and carbs. Then there was our snack in between runs followed by fish sandwiches from the “Fishman.” We ate a big lunch, and then dinner before capping it all off with cheesecake and milk before going to bed. “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” I Corinthians 9:27 ESV My lack of self-control at the firehouse is not a good character trait to have as a Christian firefighter or first responder. Paul encouraged believers to exercise self-control when it comes to their faith and their bodies. He was constantly under attack when it came to his ministry, and without self-control it would have been easy for him to stray or become ineffective. This battle we have in the flesh is real. Those who bear the name of Christ can lose focus and begin to disobey biblical truth. Paul used the image of a competitor running a prestigious race. They must live a disciplined life to compete for the top prize. Likewise, we need to subject our minds and bodies to the will of God—by the power of the Spirit—so that we will be pleasing to Him in everything we say and do, not becoming disqualified in our witness or ministry. This takes time and effort if we want to succeed, but pleasing God is worth all the struggles. This week, identify one area where your self-control is weakest—whether food, temper, rest, or speech—and deliberately bring it under the Lord’s control through prayer and one practical step. For further study read I Corinthians 9:16-27 Lord, teach me how to have self-control in this crazy mixed-up world. Help me to focus on obeying the truth and to rely on Your Spirit as I discipline my body and mind. Encouragement is an action word, so let’s get busy!!

The Bible encourages us to share the Good News with those in our circle of friends and family - Do you believe?

Deconning Our Gear Decontaminating our gear has become an important task that firefighters must do after a fire. When I became a firefighter for the District of Columbia Fire Department, we only had one set of gear and back in the early 90s our department had a lot of fires. It was not uncommon for the company I was assigned with to respond to multiple fires in a shift, and we rarely washed our gear back then. Some firefighters are paying the price for it now. Fire after fire our gear would collect contaminants. These impurities could then be easily absorbed into our bodies and taken home. Today, fire departments all over the country have strict policies on decontaminating their members after a fire, a second set of gear to be utilized while the first set is being washed, and a better understanding of cancer-related illnesses. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9 ESV We live in a fallen world. Sin abounds in the fire service, and it is easy for today’s firefighters and first responders to violate God’s word. Pride after a good stop, anger on a tough call, coarse language in the station, or neglected relationships under the strain of the job can all collect like contaminants if left unaddressed. These things do not stay on the surface; they are absorbed into our hearts and can be carried home. Fortunately, God has provided a way to decontaminate our lives. Sin is anything we think, say, or do that is displeasing to God. He has given us a way to have all our transgressions forgiven and our fellowship with Him restored. John reminds us of the simple process we need to utilize: walk in the light, and when we sin, confess those sins to God. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves; but when a Christian firefighter or first responder slips, forgiveness is still possible. Confessing our sins cleanses us from all unrighteousness and restores our relationship with God. We don’t need to go to anyone but God to confess our iniquities. Simply take a moment right now and be cleansed. For further study read I John 1:1-10 Lord, thank you for this powerful reminder to confess my sins to you. I desire to be pleasing to you in everything I say and do. Search my heart and wash me clean. Encouragement is the art of pulling someone out of the pit of despair!! #firefighter #FCFInternational #dailyinspiration

What a good, good God to provide purpose in pain and comfort us when we need it the most.

Firefighters Know How to Eat I recently visited a friend of mine in the FDNY Marine Division. Jerry Sillcocks is a Captain in that division, and he invited me to visit him during one of his tours. They were able to give my wife and me a ride on the fireboat and of course fed us dinner afterwards. One thing about firefighters, they sure can cook. We ate so much food that our stomachs hurt afterward. The smothered pork chops were cooked to perfection. I don’t think that there is a firehouse in America that doesn’t have at least one cook who could easily cook for a five-star restaurant. Firefighters know how to fuel up for the work ahead. "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:34 NIV Today’s passage is very interesting. We find ourselves in the middle of a story where Jesus teaches a valuable lesson. While in the Samaria region, and after a lengthy discourse with the woman at the well, Jesus is interrupted by His disciples. They are concerned that He has not had enough to eat and they want to make sure that He stays well fed. Jesus reminded them that His ultimate goal in life was to please His Father, and He received spiritual nourishment when He did. Just as we fuel our bodies so we can run calls and finish the job, Jesus fueled Himself by doing the will of the One who sent Him. He also reminded His disciples that there is still plenty of work to be done in sharing the Gospel with those who are lost. Today, we see many firefighters and first responders who have never heard of Jesus Christ in a positive manner. Christian firefighters need to follow the example Christ gave us and be willing to share God’s plan of eternal security through faith in Jesus Christ. Are you willing to finish the mission? Today, look for one natural opening with a firefighter on your shift and simply tell them one reason Jesus matters to you. For further study read John 4:31-38 Lord, give me courage today to share the good news with at least one firefighter in my department. Encouragement goes a long way when shared with a friend!! The APP – Christian Firefighter Hub #firefighter #FCFInternational #faith

Who said technology isn't fun?

Great advice for every Christian firefighter - Let's work on our walk in the fire service for Christ today.

Listen Up: On the Fireground and in Your Faith It is important for firefighters and first responders to listen. As a lieutenant, when we had a new person assigned to the company, I would go over the apparatus with them. As they learned how to pump the apparatus I would have them listen to the different sounds, paying attention to each one. I wanted them to know what it sounded like when the pump went in gear or when something wasn’t right. As an officer, I would have to carefully listen to what was going on at the fireground, and what my superiors were telling me. Today, officers are required to repeat back orders from the incident commander so that they may be reassured that you heard them correctly. If you don’t learn to listen, you will never learn to be a great firefighter. Missing a pump sound or a radio order can cost lives; listening carefully is not optional. “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Matthew 11:16 NIV We are in another fascinating section of Scripture. John the Baptist was in prison for his faith and wanted some reassurance from Jesus. John sent several of his disciples to meet up with Jesus and ask Him if He indeed was the Messiah. Jesus replies and then tells the crowd that John the Baptist is the “Elijah who is to come” (verse 14). Because this revelation needs our utmost attention, Jesus says, “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Take time and effort to fully comprehend what was just said. It is mission critical in our faith that we listen to God. Since God speaks to us through His completed Word, the Bible, we must daily engage in reading it with the same focused attention we give the pump panel or the radio. Those who choose not to read and truly listen will miss what God has for them. Do you have ears? Listen up to what God is telling you today. Today, set aside ten quiet minutes, read Matthew 11:10-15, and ask God one clear question: “What do You want me to hear and obey right now?” Lord, help me organize my life today so that I might set aside enough time to read and study the Bible with the same care I give the fireground. Encouragement comes in all shapes and sizes, choose one and begin!!

How is your walk with Christ today - Jesus said, "If you love me you will keep my commandments" John 14:15

Order of Dispatch Recently, the volunteer department that I am serving in purchased a new piece of apparatus. After preparing it for service the officers got together in order to figure out the order of dispatch for the emergencies we are called to. Our department has a first, second and third due area that we are responsible for and the order that our apparatus responds in is critical. The officers agreed upon the order for almost every situation and made a sheet for members to reference until it is memorized. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” I Thessalonians 4:16-17 KJV The death of a loved one can be a difficult time for anyone who is going through it. The Christian firefighter can draw comfort and hope from the fact that those who have died “in Christ” we will one day see again. Jesus assured us that He will come back again one day. On that Day the Bible explains the order of dispatch. Jesus will descend from heaven, the dead in Christ will rise first, and then the rest of us that are still alive will meet Jesus in the air. This is referred to as the rapture or the second coming of Christ. For those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ I urge you to learn what the Bible says about having your sins forgiven. For those of us that are saved, pray about other firefighters and family members who need to hear the good news about salvation and share it with them. For further study read I Thessalonians 4:13-18 Lord, thank You for Your great salvation which is so rich and so free. Encouraging first responders with the truth of God’s Word!! #firefighter #FCFInternational #dailyinsiration

Are the burdens you are carrying too heavy carry and don't know how to approach God? Run to Jesus and allow the Spirit to guide you.

Decentralized Command In a decentralized command system, the chief doesn’t make every nozzle choice or every search decision. Company officers are trained, trusted, and authorized to act inside the SOGs. That freedom produces speed and better outcomes on the fireground. Micromanagement slows everything down. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NKJV Jesus operates the same way with His people. He remains the Chief—He has all authority—but He has deliberately placed the Holy Spirit inside every believer and given clear guidelines in His Word. The result is not chaos; it is Spirit-empowered action. Acts 1:8 is the commission: you will receive power, and you will be My witnesses, starting right where you are (your station, your shift, your crew) and moving outward from there. Too many Christian firefighters treat the Great Commission like it’s someone else’s assignment. They assume the chaplain, the pastor, or the guy who talks more will handle it. Meanwhile the Spirit who lives in them is ready to give wisdom, courage, and the right words for the next conversation in the kitchen or on the apparatus floor. The world—and your department—still needs the gospel. God has not called you to sit on the sideline waiting for a better moment or a less skeptical audience. He has already authorized you. Today, before you leave the station or before you leave after responding to a call, ask the Holy Spirit for one specific opportunity to speak or act as a witness to someone on your crew—and then take it. For further study read Acts 1:6-11 Lord, give me wisdom today to understand my role in your kingdom. May everything I say and do be pleasing to you. Encouragement should be a standard operating guideline!! The APP – Christian Firefighter Hub #firefighter #faith

Evacuation Procedures Firegrounds can be dangerous and conditions can rapidly change, endangering everyone inside the structure. Firefighters must clearly understand their department’s policy on evacuations and be capable of following instructions. Some departments will use an audible sound such as sounding the airhorns on the apparatus at the scene. While this works well on smaller structures, larger buildings may prove difficult or impossible to hear the horns. With the advent of portable radios in the hands of every firefighter, Incident Commanders can order the communications section to sound an alert tone and order an evacuation. Some departments will also use specific words for the type of evacuation – Abandon the building to quickly exit the structure, withdraw which means to take all your equipment and exit the building and evacuation for a company that is exiting the building with a civilian. A personal accountability report must be done to ensure that everyone has left the building and is safe. “With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.” Genesis 19:15 NIV Genesis 19 is a true Biblical account of the time God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. God dispatched two angels to evacuate Lot, Abraham’s nephew, and his family from Sodom. This was a real, rapidly changing life-threatening situation that could have easily destroyed this family. Like a fire department evacuation, this family was alerted to the danger by the angels and had to listen to specific instructions for survival. Firefighters must understand their evacuation policy and follow that policy without delay. Any delay on Lot’s part would mean certain death – the angel had to grab Lot’s arm to hurry him out of the city (verse 16). Like abandoning the building, lot had to abandon everything in Sodom and go to a safe location. It is mission-critical that today’s firefighters and first responders obey Biblical truth. Before the end of this shift evaluate your life and identify one Biblical principle you need to obey and pray for God’s wisdom to change. For further study read Genesis 19:1-29 Lord thank you for loving your people and providing a way to escape the trials of life (I Corinthians 10:13). Encouragement – Should be a standard operating guideline!!

God's wisdom far exceeds any human wisdom - don't be fooled by the world's wisdom. Fear God!