Authority

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Mark 1:22

As I’ve moved up the ranks, I’ve certainly noticed an increase in authority. It was especially noticeable when I was promoted to Master Sergeant and Captain. But, I also know that true authority in people’s lives only comes when we are making an impact through trustworthiness and concern for others. I call that, “Authority” with a capital “A”. Jesus is our model for true Authority, Credibility and Compassion. Question: If we were stripped of our rank, would the people we are leading today still follow tomorrow? SP 182

Own up to It

Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people, that they would become accursed and laid waste, and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD. 2 Kings 22:19

I’ve seen a lot of young soldiers in my office who are in trouble. They’ve done something wrong and they are worried about their punishment. They try to explain all the extenuating circumstances and why they shouldn’t get the max punishment. I listen patiently and then help them take responsibility for their actions. Leaders really don’t like to hear excuses and justification. But they are moved by a soldier who simply says, “I blew it and I deserve whatever you give me, I will not let that happen again.” That is called repentance and in the same way, God forgives us when we “own up to it.”

Series: Table of Contents

Living and Discipling Among the Lost - Evangelism in our Culture

Restoring the Image - Becoming all God intended you to be

Chuck's Testimony - The conversion, transformation, and ministry of Chaplain Chuck Wood

Illustrations and Short Devo's - Biblical concepts that are packaged to communicate easily

SwordPoint - Spiritual applications illustrated by military experiences

Gospel Studies - A walk through the gospels looking at the life and ministry of Jesus

Muscle Failure

And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Every soldier is very familiar with doing push-ups until the arms become like wet noodles and no longer offer the “up” part of the exercise. It’s at that point in the exercise where I can’t do any more and I start to shake uncontrollably and finally I see the turf up-close and personal. It’s hard to believe but that’s the time when we are being strengthened the most, in our weakness. In this life we face so many trials and temptations and as we go through them we feel weak. It seems as though we can’t take another step or face another day. God is standing by to rescue us, but only after He has allowed the circumstance to have its full results in our lives. He allows our weakness to be turned into strength. Hang in there! SP180

Tools

Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth…2 Timothy 2:25

Often times military discipline resorts to the hammer. Young leadership especially. But, although a hammer may be needed in some circumstances, we need to have a few more tools in our kitbag. Sometimes we need pliers to put a little pressure where it’s needed. Sometimes we need a saw to cut away the unwanted pieces. Sometimes we need a screwdriver just to tighten things up a little. A mature leader knows the right tool for the right job. SP179

Where the Action Is?

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Mark 5:18-20

Some of us reading this devotional today are struggling with the fact that our comrades are deployed and we are not. We are left with the mundane day-to-day chores of support and it’s not very glamorous. I know the feeling. I volunteered to deploy every month I was on active duty with a new scheme to get overseas. But, as much as we don’t like to hear it, our jobs are just as important to the effort right here at home. Now how does this relate to our walk with the Lord? We can get the same feelings of not being ‘where the action is’ as we serve Jesus. We might think, “If I were only a missionary or pastor or in some other place.” Well, the most important question is “am I serving Christ right where I am now?” Sometimes God calls us to stay. SP178

The Changing of the Guard

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:20

I have seen the changing of guards all over the world. From London, to the Vatican, to Germany, even doing it myself as a private at Fort Bragg. But, there is nothing so magnificent as the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. Every time I see the ceremony, it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. However, there is a changing of the guard even more magnificent then that; the changing of the old covenant to the new. Jesus, through His blood shed on the cross, relieved the Old Covenant of its duties and brought in New. There is a new Guardian of Heaven. Jesus alone can let you pass. SP176

Excel Still More

Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. 1 Thessalonians 4:1

I must admit that going through the Captain’s Career Course at 43 and after 25 years of service was quite the challenge. I don’t mean physically or mentally, I mean Psychologically. When you’ve been around since the rock was a secret weapon, it’s hard to change. Someone once told me, “the older you get, the less teachable you are.” Boy, do I believe that can happen! But, I think the Apostle Paul gives us the standard. We can’t quit growing and learning. We have to keep stretching ourselves. Don’t stiffen your neck, stay pliable to the Lord Jesus and His teachings. SP175

Who Says?

The old prophet answered, "I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the LORD: `Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.' " But he was lying to him. 1 Kings 13:18

General Colin Powell states in one of his leadership principles, “Don't be buffaloed by experts and elites. Experts often possess more data than judgment.” This is why it is essential for us to develop our own personal walk with Christ through a strong devotional life and commitment to seeking God’s will above all others. It doesn’t mean being a loner and doing your own thing. But it does mean double-checking to ensure the orders are from the top. Read the OPLAN for yourself. (Acts 17:11) SP174

Pray for us this weekend as many of us will be attending an All Army Navigator Conference in Albany, NY.

Good Enough for Government Work

At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Daniel 6:4

My dad (now a retired Colonel) and I were playing a game and I got the ball pretty close to the hole. I remarked, “Good enough for government work.” My dad tapped me on the back of my head and said “Hey, I’m in the United States Army, part of the government, and ‘good enough’ isn’t good enough.” You know, I haven’t use that phrase since. My guess is that Daniel took his job so seriously that he didn’t use the phrase either. SP173

Say What?

They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. Nehemiah 8:8

CIB, DIFAC, EFMB, SQT, SIT, LAW, EIB, FAS, ORP, PB, CCP, PX, FOB and the list goes on. I listened to a sweet civilian lady in our Bible study describe how she first felt when listening to soldiers. She said, ‘They were all speaking in alphabet.’ We can make the same mistake with the Bible. Sometimes we can fall into a trap of explaining the scriptures with big religious words and it actually defeats the purpose. Try to avoid christianise (language only churched folk know) when talking to your non-christian friends. We need to use terms that even a Ranger can understand. Put the cookies on the lowest shelf. So the next time you’re tempted to say ‘Hermeneutics,’ just say Bible study. SP172

Learn, Practice, Teach

For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:10

No job or school in the Army has done more to develop me as a soldier than being a Ranger Instructor. We studied, we constantly implemented what we learned, and then we taught. I think this process is key to living a healthy Christian life as well. You study, go and practice what you’ve learned, and then you pass it on to someone else. It’s the passing it on that may be our weakest link in the process. But, I have found that teaching someone else fixes the principle firmly in our own life. When we package, practice, and pass it on, we anchor the lesson in our own soul. Teachers always learn more than the students. SP171

What Unit?

For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 1 Samuel 12:22

The 82nd, 101st, Rangers, 3rd ID, 369th, all units that I have proudly served in and units with a distinct history and honors. I think almost every unit affords a soldier a sense of esprit-de-corps and belonging. They may not admit it while they are there, but one day they’ll run into a fellow comrade and share their common heritage with pride. In Christ we belong to a special assembly. We have our camaraderie with God. Together, brothers and sisters, we are members of His command and we proudly bear His name. The greatest unit ever formed with Jesus as our Commander! SP170

Did You Forget?

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. (Deuteronomy 4:9)

I taught Aircraft Familiarization at the Air Assault School. The students had to memorize the cruising speeds, lift capabilities, load capacities, etc... Lots of aircraft and lots of numbers. But you know, it’s been 25 years and I can’t remember doodly about the aircraft I had so meticulously memorized. It’s very perishable information. If we are not careful we may forget what God has done for us in the past as well. We might start living our lives as though He doesn’t care, hasn’t helped, and won’t guide us in the future. Take a trip down spiritual memory lane. Review the goodness of God often and remember that He is more than able to rescue, provide, heal, guide, and protect. Remember the Good things the Lord has done. SP169

Maintaining the Image

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

I was taught from day one that when I put on the uniform I represent my branch of service and more importantly, my Nation. Many before me have worn this uniform and paid the great price for freedom. I wear it with pride and dignity. There is a certain image to maintain. As God’s creation, we also have a image to maintain, a reflection of the Divine. We represent Him to a lost and dying world. Unfortunately, the image is tarnished by sin. But by following Jesus, we begin the repairing and polishing process that is available to us in His righteousness. Ultimately, He makes us magnificently presentable for our final inspection. SP168

Centurions

Acts 10:1-2 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

I’ve seen the difference when the company level leadership has a Christian influence. I’m not talking about a preachy leader who runs around beating everyone up with the Bible. But, on the other hand, they are not afraid to talk about the scriptures or pray either. There’s a difference in the command climate that’s injected with the love and truth of Christ. I think there are two reasons for the unique atmosphere of that company. 1. They are living out biblical principles of leadership. 2. They love people the way Jesus loved them. I’m thinking of a dozen of you who are in such a position right now, way to go! And if you have such a 1SG or Company Commander, tell them you appreciate their godly leadership. Pray for our leaders at all levels. SP167

My Newsletter

Here’s links to our latest newsletter from the Wood’s at Fort Benning. Thanks for all your prayers and support.

http://www.rangerxian.com/Newsletter%20Jan%2008.doc

http://www.rangerxian.com/Newsletter%20Jan%2008.pdf

TOO BIG TO FIT

‘But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!’ 1 Kings 8:27

One of the infantrymen’s expedient shelters is a poncho hooch. Basically, it’s a 5’x 6’ poncho strung up like a picnic umbrella about four feet off the ground. It’s great way to stay out of the rain but I was just a little too big for the shelter. Inevitably, I would wake up in the morning to discover that some part of my body was sticking out of the hooch and got soak and wet. God’s like that. No matter how hard we try to press God into a temple, church, chapel, and yes, even our own human concepts, He just doesn’t fit. He is bigger than we could ever imagine. Don’t put God in a box. SP166

The Desert

Psalm 107:35 He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs

We were parched and almost dizzy from the heat of the Kuwaiti sun. A desert like none other I’d been in. Sand stuck to the lips and the only evidence of perspiration was the salt stains on our DCUs. That was one dry hot place. The first sermon preached in Kuwait drew the contrast between the dryness of the desert and the springs of spiritual water God has to offer us in Christ. I promised all those who would seek God in that desolate place would find His blessing in their lives like pools of water. And indeed God is faithful to His Word. My time in the desert was one of the most spiritually rewarding times of my life. Are you going through a spiritual desert right now? Continue to seek Him and you will be led to streams of living water. SP165

No Trophy

Malachi 2:16 ‘I hate divorce,’ says the LORD God of Israel…’

 

I overheard two soldiers boasting about their divorces as though they were trophies of honor.  They bragged about how much they had given up for their careers and how their wives just couldn’t hang.  I’m almost certain that underneath all that bravado was a lot of pain.  We do have demanding jobs in the military but that is no excuse for neglecting our wife and kids when we are home.  Take care of your family.  Perform your family maintenance plan with as much discipline as your profession.  I’ve never heard an old retired soldier say, “I wish I would have spent more time at work.” But I have heard them say they wished they’d taken better care of their families.  It is no trophy to sacrifice our families on the altar of career. SP164

 

 

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?’

Twice standing in the line at Burger King on two different posts, men have asked, “Are you Chuck Wood? I heard you disciple men and I’m looking for a mentor.” Coincidence? I don’t think so. What else is going on behind spiritual curtains that we can’t see. I believe that God has us in the right place at the right time and now it’s up to us to do the right thing. Keep your spiritual eyes open. SP163