Things that Hinder

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

The Panamanian boy had himself a trade; one huge pineapple for one small C-ration can of meat. I certainly thought I got the better end of the deal. The platoon was resuming its slither through the thick jungle and I tied the giant prickly fruit to the top of my ruck. As I trudged through the suffocating vegetation with my heavy load, each step brought the bounce and thump of the pineapple. The first miles seemed tolerable but by the end of the day, my bargain had become a curse. The pineapple had turned out to be an annoying hindrance to the march. Now, what are the pineapples in our spiritual lives? Could it be spending too much time at a good job or maybe recreation has become a slave driver? Do we own our house or does our house own us? What are the “good” things that slow us down in our march for God? It would be wise to consider our load plan and drop some of that excess weight. Marching On! SP232

C-ration – Army field rations before MREs (Meal Ready to Eat) and after K-rations
Ruck – Military Backpack

Red Lenses

…Though seeing, they do not see… Mathew 13:13

I was under my poncho trying to keep the glow of my red lens flashlight from sneaking out. I didn’t want the light to give away our position and I needed to cut some 550 to repair my gear. As I worked with my razor sharp K-Bar, I noticed my hands were getting wet and sticky. I tried to wipe the substance off but it just kept getting worse. Wanting a better look at what was going on, I braved taking the red lens off my flashlight. To my surprise, the white light revealed hands covered with blood, my blood. Without knowing it, the sharp knife had cut a pretty good gash in my thumb but the red light had concealed the Class III leak. Likewise, the lenses of life can impair our vision. We are so used to looking at life a certain way that our weaknesses, character flaws, or even sin can go undetected. I have two white lights for my life: God and true friends. They shed light on the problems and help me see areas that I need to change. SP231

The Next Generation

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. Psalms 71:18

The Colonel and I were talking to some brand new Lieutenants and they were thanking us for the investments we had made in the Army. It was quite clear that we looked look ancient to these guys. I felt like a cowboy riding off into the sunset before the sun had really set. We were very honored that they would say such a thing, but I also realized my time is almost up. Even in the twilight of my career, I wanted to invest in young soldiers. Now comes the more important questions; Am I investing in the next generation of Christianity. Am I mentoring a younger man or woman in Christ. Am I taking the riches of God’s blessings and passing them on to another. I believe this is exactly what Jesus commands us to do in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). What a treasure! One day when we are “old and gray” the next generation will thank us for helping them become like Jesus. SP230

They Should Forfeit

[Jesus said,] I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

What would you think if the enemy never even showed up? You had the troops and equipment ready to go and then your opponent didn't bother coming to the fight. I was watching my son wrestle the one day at a high school meet. He pinned his first rival after a good struggle. But there was no opponent in his second match and it was forfeited. The match was won before it even started. But, what about the spiritual conflict? Well, the battle between God and His enemies has already been decided. They have no chance of winning because of their inability to stand in the presence of the Almighty. God has already defeated our enemy in a predetermined victory through Jesus Christ. They might as well forfeit. This realization should give us great confidence and help us to live the Christian life boldly. Victory is Ours! SP229

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…Army Navs Live…

(Wednesday, 26 March 08 at 2100 EST)

Go to the Website at: www.ustream.tv/channel/army-navigators

Joseph Peer from the Hunter Army Airfield / Ft. Stewart Ministry will be sharing - The 3 Responsibilities of the Disciplemaker

He'll be taking your questions and comments via chat, phone, or OOVOO (free video conferencing program from oovoo.com). Bring your Bible, pen, paper (napkin) and your questions.

***Have some ideas about responsibilities in disciplemaking? Send me your top 5 tips (short and to the point, scripture is good too). Send them to charleswood1@gmail.com

To talk on oovoo, you'll need to have the free software down loaded from http://www.oovoo.com/ (make sure you get the free stuff). And add his contact info by searching for me by using my contact name in the search: haafnavs

If you miss the live show you can catch the recording at: www.ustream.tv/channel/army-navigators

The Act of War

When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory. Deuteronomy 20:2-4


As men and women of faith, we pray and plead for peace. But, I’m afraid there are times when peace can only be achieved through the brutality of war. As we continue to fight this war on terror, I realize many of you, my friends, have deployed or will deploy soon. With that understood, I want you to hear the words of the Scriptures and receive it’s blessing. If you are called, go and fight with all the might the Lord of Heaven has given you and may compassion rise from the ashes of this necessary violence. Make sure your Bible is packed in your ruck and make prayer as essential as eating. Know that we who are in the support role here in the States are faithfully behind you in our thoughts and prayers. May God be with you. SP228

The Advanced Party

In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:2-3

I prayed for them before they left for Kuwait three weeks prior to our departure. They were the advanced party and their job was to get things started on our new home away from home. They set up tents, shower facilities, and the wonderful outhouses we were so fond of. They made coordination for food services so we could have a semi-hot meal twice a day. They did a lot of things to make life better in a barren wasteland. But, despite all their hard work it was a step down in the ol’ standard of living (a big step). There will be no such plummeting in residential standards when we pass from this life to the next. It will be like going from those hot sweltering tents in the desert to a plush 5 star hotel where the air conditioning never stops. The food will be gourmet and we will be seated with the King of kings. Be encouraged. Christ is our advanced party and He is preparing a place for us. SP227

THE GREATEST LOVE

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

As we celebrate Easter this weekend, let's consider the love that was poured out on us by the Creator. He gave His only Son. A blameless and perfect Son, Jesus. He died a brutal death on the cross. And He voluntarily gave His life as a payment for our sins. But history doesn't end there. He has risen from the dead and He is Lord. He has authenticated His saving work on the cross by conquering sin and death. Celebrate the risen Savior this weekend by telling someone else, He has Risen! SP37

Show Me the Way

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8


“for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.” (John 16:27)
““He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.””
(John 14.21)


The way to love the Father is to love the Son. And the way you love the Son is by doing His will. We need to be Jesus' disciple and follow Him.

Are you a disciple of Jesus? I'm not asking if you prayed a prayer to invite Him into your life. I'm asking "Are you actively following Him, Obeying Him, Becoming like Him?" That's what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. When Jesus ascended to the Father, He left this command with His disciples;
“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:18–20)

My Story in 1 Minute from Chuck Wood on Vimeo.

The Two Kingdoms Gospel Presentation from Chuck Wood on Vimeo.

If you need help being His disciple, contact me at charleswood1@gmail.com

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For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com

LIVE on Ustream Wednesday 19 March 08 at 2100

Tonight on ArmyNavsLive (Wednesday, 19 March 08 at 2100 EST)

The Pipeline Illustration - Some Love it, Some Hate it, Lets talk about it.

I’ll be taking your questions and comments via chat, email, and Skype. Bring your Bible, pen, paper (napkin) and your questions.

Website: www.ustream.tv/channel/army-navigators

And for those of you who use the Pipeline, I need your top 5 tips for sharing this Illustration - send them to charleswood1@gmail.com

To talk on Skype, you’ll need to have the free software down loaded from http://www.skype.com/ (make sure you get the free stuff). And add my contact info by searching for me by using my contact name in the search: benningnavs

Ranger Buddy

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

In Ranger school, the word ‘quit’ never came out of my mouth but it sure went through my mind several times. When things got down right unbearable (and sometimes ridiculous), I could always count on my ranger buddy to make some kind of morbid sense of the torment we were going through. And I think I did the same for him on more than a few occasions. This is the powerful influence of having a buddy. We need that same source of encouragement in the Christian life. Because, to be honest, sometimes living for Jesus gets ‘stinken’ tough. We need a good Christian brother or sister to help us keep driving on when we just feel like quitting. Who’s your ranger buddy? SP225

A New Beginning

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

It was my first sermon at Camp Darby, Italy and everyone was wondering what kind of chaplain they just inherited. What’s his flavor, what will he preach, will he be boring? I introduced myself, “I am a sinner saved by the grace of God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.” I was out of the starting block and there was no doubt where I was headed. New beginnings are important. They set the tone for the future. Our beginnings can usher in hope, direction, and strength providing we start with Christ. When we make the Lord the center of our lives, we can anticipate good things to come. SP224

Exodus

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2

As a chaplain in an AIT battalion it gets a lot easier to counsel soldiers the closer we get to Christmas. As I listen to their troubles and discouragement, I knew one word that would help them find hope almost immediately; Exodus. As soon as I reminded them they will be going on Christmas leave in just a few weeks, it melt away their problems like the ice on my windshield in the morning. I’d see them begin to relax and the light returns to their eye because now they had hope. I didn’t leave them there though. I also explained the hope we have in heaven, that ultimately we will leave this troubled world behind and enjoy permanent residence with the King of kings through Christ. Now that’s an Exodus we can look forward too. SP221

The Cache

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3

One of the ways we re-supplied ourselves in the Ranger Battalion was through secret pre-positioned caches of water, food, and ammo. When supplies ran low and the mission permitted, we would navigate to a clandestine supply point and refit. As we started digging into hidden containers, we were like kids opening presents on Christmas (especially if we had gone without chow for a while). There is another kind of cache, a spiritual cache. Christ is a hidden wealth of all truth and grace. He invites us to seek Him out, to refit and replenish all the things we need for successful living. Struggling with tough decisions? I’ll meet you at the Cache. SP220

Where Credit is Due

Jesus said, “apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

If I told you I just finished dropping a transmission and changed a clutch on a dump truck, you might be impressed. That is, until you found out all I really did was hand tools to my dad while he did most of the work. You see, he knew what he was doing and I was clueless. He chose the proper tools and I just handed them to him. He did most of the heavy lifting and I just got my hands little greasy. Really, he was the mechanic who changed the clutch and I was, well, allowed to help in the process. Oh, I could have tried to impress you, but the credit really belongs to my dad. Now that’s interesting as I reflect on my life and my relationship with God. I tend to take an awful lot of recognition when the fact is, God does most of the work. He’s the one who knows what to do. He’s the one doing the heavy lifting. I simply get to participate in His plan. The credit for the work really belongs to our Dad. Give Him all glory and honor! SP219

Right on Time

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6

The PZ was set with all troops and vehicles in place. The only thing left was to watch the clock. I knew the Blackhawk helicopters wouldn’t touch down until it was time. Helicopter pilots have a strict standard for arriving at plus or minus 30 seconds. I knew they wouldn’t be early or late. Nothing to do but relax. Now, why can’t we do that with God? I mean the life-giving work of the cross, the most significant event in history, happened right on time. And yet, we wonder if Jesus can handle the timing of our next assignment, the birth of a child, or even simple things like the weather. Our aviators are good, God is perfect. Relax and trust Him, His timing is perfect. SP218

PZ - Pickup Zone; Clear, open area suitable for landing aircraft and loading troops and equipment.

Dreams

May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

I was walking down the street and some soldiers caught my eye. They were Ranger students and in their midst was a Ranger Instructor looking like he just stepped out of a recruiting poster. I stopped and watch the instructor for a few minutes from a distance and thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to be a Ranger Instructor.” Nine months later I was an RI in the mountain phase of Ranger School. Wow, I never put in a request with the assignment folks, I didn’t even really pray about it, I just thought it would be “cool.” What are your dreams, the desires of your heart? Do you realize God knows them before you even pray about them? Today, as you live your life for Christ, I pray that He will give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed. SP217

He’s Got You Covered

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Psalm 22:1

As we maneuvered during the live fire, the sound of ricocheting bullets at the top of the hill sent chills down my spine. It wasn’t combat but as close as it gets. As part of our drill, we all dropped to the ground in the waist high grass. Suddenly, I lost all contact with my squad. There was this unique sensation of being totally alone in a very dangerous situation. The loneliness and the paralyzing effects of fear and stress begin to take over. But in reality, my ranger buddy was no more than a few feet away. Then I heard those reassuring words, “Wood, move forward, I got you covered!” I’m sure you could multiply that by 100 times in real combat, but what about the battles of life. The bullets of reality start flying, we duck for cover and suddenly we feel completely alone. Sometimes we may even feel abandoned by God. But in reality, He is always right there with us. Trust Him; move forward, He’s got you covered. SP216

Get a Grip

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9


When I was teaching mountaineering on Mount Yonah, I noticed two kinds of students. The first were constantly falling, losing their grip, and getting banged up on the rock. The second were naturals who climbed like geckos scurrying up a stucco wall. It was like they had grown “rock claws.” They had a serious grip on the cliff and these Ranger students could be expert climbers with a little training. I think we need to be like the latter when it comes to holding on to the good in our lives. We need to cling to good character, good morals, and good deeds with everything we’ve got. Jesus has given us this grip with His promises. Grab on to Christ and never let go!SP215

LIVE on Ustream Wednesday 12 March 08 at 2100

I will be doing an interview with Rusty Bean from Ft Bliss on Ustream on Wednesday, 12 March 08 at 2100 EST. Fort Bliss is a brand new ministry about 10 months old and is already seeing the fruit of a generational ministry. We’ll be asking Rusty to give us some insights into starting a new ministry.

The interview will be followed by the “Master Builder Illustration” from 1 Cor 3.10-11. This is an illustration you can use to help explain the BE, KNOW, DO of the Christian life.

And of course for those who want to talk shop, we’ll be taking your questions and comments via chat, email, and Skype. Bring you Bible, pen, paper (napkin) and your questions.Website: www.ustream.tv/channel/army-navigators

To talk on Skype, you’ll need to have the free software down loaded from http://www.skype.com (make sure you get the free stuff). And add my contact info by searching for me by using my contact name in the search: benningnavs

Get it in Writing

"You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed." Joshua 23:14

Everyone has their recruiting story. I first visited the Marine recruiter and announced I wanted to be Force Recon. The tactless warrior stood and said, “Boy, if you want promises, go see the Army recruiter next door.” So...I did. I came through the door and proclaimed, “I want to be an Airborne Ranger.” A smile lit across the face of the Army recruiter and he shot back, “We can do that! I’m going to put you in the 82nd Airborne Division.” [buzzer-EEEH, Not what I asked for, but, I’m a doofus] “Is that a Ranger unit?” I asked. “Son, there are lots of Rangers there.”[buzzer-EEEH, Half truth] I was descending down the slippery slope and I was about to learn lesson number one, Get it in Writing. The promises of man can be misleading and we’ve all been stung a time or two. But, when God promises something, He delivers. We’ve got that in writing. SP214

Navigational Assistance

Jesus said, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." Luke 19:10

The new LT had all five map-sheets spread out on the ground and he was looking in several different directions. He was lost and lost in a big way. As I walked up, I could tell he was a little embarrassed and didn't want to ask for help. But, he would certainly accept a little coaching if it were presented in the right way. That's how I often see folks around me as they try to figure out where they are spiritually. They have life all spread out in every direction. They are lost in a big way. Our job is to help them navigate their way to faith in Jesus without being condescending or judgmental. I have dedicated my life to helping people plot a course that leads to eternal life in Christ. Do you know the way? If so, show someone else. If not, let me suggest going to this website and then get back with me by filling in a comment on my blog. We’ll see if that doesn’t give you some direction. SP213

Click on the link below for going from lost to found: http://www.navigators.org/us/resources/illustrations/items/bridge

Spiritual Pain Killer

I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. Psalm 119:52

Motrin is a miracle drug for the US Army. When a young warrior goes to see the Doc, 9 times out of 10 he’s going to leave with a bottle of “Ranger Candy”. I always keep a basic load of 800 mg in my rucksack. It takes care of a lot of pain. But what about the kind of pain Motrin can’t touch? Sometimes we find ourselves with the pain of anxiety, loneliness, spiritual dryness, or a broken heart. God uses the Word to sooth and comfort these spiritual aches and pains. The next time your spirit is hurting, spend time in the Word of God and find comfort for your soul. Warning: Use Motrin only as directed; read the Scriptures as much as you want! SP212

Pass that Canteen

Jesus said, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matthew 10:42

It was another blistering day in the desert. As my driver and I passed a platoon from the 82nd Airborne Division, I decided to stop and see if I knew anyone. It was then I discovered the predicament of these parched paratroopers. They had completely run out of water and the water point was miles away. I loaded my jeep with their canteens and headed off to the water point. When I returned, I became an instant hero. The appreciation for a little H2o was overwhelming. There was great reward in that simple act of giving water to the thirsty. Now consider this, if there is reward for giving physical water, imagine the reward for the act of giving spiritual water. There are people around us living in spiritual deserts and they need us to bring them living waters. Pass that canteen. SP211

Freedom of Movement

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. PS 119:45

When I led recons, I always made sure I knew my maps and overlays down to the smallest details. I almost had them memorized. I knew the terrain, friendly positions, enemy locations and more. Because I had done my homework, we were able to freely move about in our sector. It allowed me to travel in enemy territory without much restriction and in our own AO (Area of Operation) without the worry of friendly fire. That same freedom comes when we know the Bible. We read about the great promises of God and He brings us into new territory without fear. The Bible points out areas to avoid, Satanic and worldly ambushes or restrictive behavior that can slow us down spiritually. The more we know the Scriptures the more we are liberated in this walk of faith. Walk in the freedom of God’s Word. (John 8.31-32) SP210

A Second Set of Eyes

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:10

“Your rank is crooked and …Oh, your ribbons are off center,” those were the scrutinizing words of the First Sergeant. With his calibrated eyeball, he had quickly pointed out in one second what I had painstakingly measured, remeasured and measured again. This was not Private Wood standing inspection, it was CPT Wood, preparing a DA photo for the promotion board. Now why would a seasoned Captain (who had been a 1SG himself) seek out and even welcome the examination of 1SG Garcia? The answer is obvious. It would be foolish to think that my uniform was perfect and I didn’t need a second set of eyes. We need a second set of eyes on our spiritual lives as well. We can be a little off center or cockeyed in our faith. We can lose focus on spiritual priorities or have blind spots. We need others who have clear vision and insight to help us live for Jesus more effectively. Is someone looking out for you? SP209

LIVE on Ustream Wednesday 5 March 08 at 2100

I will be sharing “Dynamics of Recruiting Illustration” on Ustream on Wednesday, 5 March 08 at 2100 EST. This is an illustration you can show young laborers how Jesus invited others into His ministry.

The illustration will be followed by an interview with John Snyder from Ft Bragg. Fort Bragg has a highly developed ministry of recruiting, and John can give us great insights into implementing these ideas in our own ministries.

And of course for those who want to talk shop, we’ll be taking your questions and comments via chat, email, and Skype. Bring you Bible, pen, paper (napkin) and your questions.Website: www.ustream.tv/channel/army-navigators

To talk on Skype, you’ll need to have the free software down loaded from http://www.skype.com (make sure you get the free stuff). And add my contact info by searching for me by using my contact name in the search: benningnavs

Thirty-six Cents

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38

As a young Staff Sergeant in Korea, the Lord was working hard at developing my faith. It sounds crazy, but He led me to give my entire paycheck to some local missionaries. I was left with thirty-six cents, just enough for a bus ride across town. I went to my neighbor in the barracks to swap my loose change for Korea money. He produced a large jar of coins and placed ten of them in my open palm. As I pleaded I only needed exact change, he placed another ten in my palm. Then another. The more I tried to clarify, the more the coins kept falling into my hand. Soon he had poured the entire contents into my hands and coins spilled over onto the floor. He had no clue that I needed the extra money, but God did. God provided in ways like that all month long. There are often deep lessons in faith we can learn by trusting God with our tithes and offerings.