The Six Critical Factors of a Navigator Ministry

A ministry team (Lk 10.1) begins laying foundations (1 Cor 3.10-11, Eph 2.20-21) in individuals lives by simultaneously going to the lost (Mt 18.11, Lk 15.4) discipling the present generation (Mt 28.18-20), building community (Heb 10.24-25), and equipping laborers and leaders (Eph 4.11-12). The end-state is the gospel of Jesus Christ is secured in the next generation and generations to follow (2 Tim 2.2, Ps 33.11).

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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry (5/5) - Sling 'em in the Breach

"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16)


It’s said over and over again, “This Bible study is too milky.” My response? “Great! Next week you’re leading!” This is my philosophy of training laborers and leaders. I call it “sling ‘em in the breach.” This concept may seem a little scary (both to you and them) but I have found the rewards are huge. Can you imagine how the disciples must have felt when Jesus tells them, “I’m sending you out as sheep among wolves.” Do you think everyone involved saw there was a little risk in this venture?

There are always risks associated with any kind of ministry. In my thinking, the greater risk would be to lose potential leaders because they weren’t allowed to labor. Men and women will come into your ministry with a natural desire to teach and lead. If you take the approach of “don’t try this at home kids, I’m a trained professional,” they will move on to another ministry that will let them labor.

You may be thinking, “What if I let this guy lead the Bible study, I’ll get burned. Doesn’t the Bible say not to put young people into leadership?” (1 Tim 3.1-16, Titus 1.5-9) First off, you will get burned. This is the heavy mantle of leadership, absorbing the failures of your fledgling leaders. Failure is not an option, it is inevitable. But I also never said I sling them in the breach alone. I’m always right there with them to guide, coach, and correct (Mk 3.14). I see some ministries making the mistake of training their leaders like a chemistry professor who sends his students in to the lab unsupervised. When something blows up, no one has a clue what went wrong.

Secondly, the Bible does warn us not to install young believers into leadership. But most of the people who come into our ministries are not young in the faith. Generally speaking they are long in knowledge and very short in application. This is precisely why we need to get them involved in ministry. I’m not talking about unsupervised leadership but about leading under a caring and instructive mentor.

Jesus took risks on young leaders, so I have been taking risks with young leaders. Last night at our leadership Bible study we had 25 laborers (not attendees, but real laborers). All the glory goes to the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry

(1/5) - First, Be a Disciple
(2/5) - Find One Other Disciple
(3/5) - Yoked Together in Ministry
(4/5) - Send Me in Coach
(5/5) - Sling 'em in the Breach

Please leave me your feedback by clicking on "comments" below.

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Testimony 14: An Apostle to the Soldier

Chapter 14


For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (Romans 11:29)

During a road march on a Ranger training exercise, I felt a strong impression that I should stay in the Army beyond my 3 year enlistment. I thought I must be losing my mind. There were only 47 days left until I would be a free man. I wanted to go to college and make something of my life. I had no desire to continue my short career in the Army. But by the time I finished the road march, I was convinced that God was calling me to stay in the Army to tell my fellow soldiers about Him. I never heard an audible voice but the impression was a strong, clear calling from the Lord. I set aside all my personal desire and plans and submitted myself under His Lordship. I re-enlisted and headed for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. I have been ministering to soldiers in the Army and the National Guard ever since that day I heard His call. As Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles, I am an apostle to the soldier (Gal 2.8).



Testimony 1: In the Beginning
Testimony 2: Jesus is Watching You
Testimony 3: Paratrooper Religion
Testimony 4: Afraid of being Left Behind
Testimony 5: The Geographical Solution
Testimony 6: The Geographical Solution Fails
Testimony 7: The Seed is Planted
Testimony 8: Spiritual Melee
Testimony 9: Seeing the Light
Testimony 10: Receiving God's Plan for My Life
Testimony 11: A New Creature
Testimony 12: What about You?
Testimony 13: A Little Miracle
Testimony 14: An Apostle to the Soldier
Testimony 15: First Steps toward Growth
Testimony 16: Being Discipled


Please leave me your feedback by clicking on "comments" below.

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Verses from the Promises of God Survey

Thanks to all of you who participated in the survey!

John 15:15-17
Isa 43:1-13
Isa 58:7-14
Mt 4.19
Isa 55:3-5:10-11
Mt 6:33
Gen 12:1-3
Isa 37:30-32
Isa 54:1-3
Mt 11.28- 30
Mt 28.18-20
Eze 36:9,10,12
Isa 49:6
Isa 60:22
Isa 61:1-4
Jer 29:11-13
Jer 33:3
Mt 9:35-38
Phil 1:6
2 Peter 1:3-8
2 Timothy 2:2
Eze 36:8-12
Isa 41:10
Isa 42:5-9
Jer 15.19
Jer 17:7-8
Jer 32:27
John 10:26-28
John 15.7
Mark 11:24
Phil 4:13, 19
Ps 107.35-38
Ps 37:3-6
Ps 4:1-8
Ps 67
1 Cor 10:13
1 Cor 15:58
1 Cor 3:11-15
1 John 1:3
1 John 5:11-13
1 John 5:4-5, 4:4
1 Joh. 5:14-15
1 John 1:9
1 John 5:11-12
1 Kings 8:56-61
1 Peter 5:1-4
1 Th 5:24
1 Tim 1:16
1 Tim 2:15
1 Tim 3.1
2 Chron 15:2
2 Cor 1:20
2 Cor 12:9
2 Cor 13:8
2 Cor 5:17-19
2 Cor. 2:14
2 Cor. 4:7
2 Ki 19.29-31
2 Ki 2.2-4
2 Pet 1:3-4
2 Tim 1:7
2 Tim 2:2
Ac 1.8
Col 1:25
Col 2:6
Deut 30.19
Eph 3:21-22
Eph. 2:10; 3:20
Eze 36:33-35
Eze 36:8-12
Gal 3.29-4.2
Gal 3:16
Gal 3:29
Gal 6:9-10
Gen 15:5
Gen 17:7
Gen 28:15
Hab. 2:14
Hag 2.22-23
Heb 10:19-25
Heb 6:12-13
Heb 8:6
Heb. 12:3-13
Isa 22.22
Isa 26:3
Isa 40:31
Isa 43:19
Isa 44:3
Isa 44:5
Isa 49:8-13
Isa 50:7
Isa 52.11-12
Isa 55.3
Isa 57:18
Isa 64:4
Jm 1:5
Jm 4.7-8
Jer 1:4-9, 11
Jer 33:22
Jer 45:5
Joel 3:9-10
John 1:16
John 14:16,21,26
John 15.1-8
John 15:4-5
John 17
John 2:5
John 3:16
John 3:3-6
John 5:24
John 6:27
John 7:17
Jos 1.3, 5
Jos 1.8
Jude 1:24
Lam 3.22-23
Lev 20:24
Lev 26:3-9
Lk 10.2
Lk 14:23-24
Lk 18:29-30
Mal 3.10
Mal. 3:2,3
Mark 13:13
Mark 4:23-25
Mt 16:18
Mt 18:20
Mt 21:22
Mt 26:41
Num 14.8-9
Phil 4:6-7
Prov 16:3
Prov 27.24
Ps 1:1-3
Ps 105:42
Ps 119:92
Ps 12:92-14
Ps 138:7,8
Ps 2:8
Ps 25:12-14
Ps 32:8
Ps 37.34
Ps 46:1-11
Ps 72:18
Ps 84:11
Ps 75:7
Ps 91
Rev 3.7-8;
Rom 15:1-6
Rom 15:18-21
Rom 8:1-39
Rom 8:28
Titus 2:3-5
Zec 1:17
Zec 4.6
Zec 8:11-12


Please leave me your feedback by clicking on "comments" below.

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry (4/5) - Send Me in Coach

And He was saying to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Luke 10:2)


As a brand new Christian, I sat in the front pew drooling as the chaplain preached. I was so hungry I hung on every word he spoke. And yet in the six months I attended, not one person spoke to me. I don’t think it was because the congregation wasn’t friendly or didn’t care. I think they were simply satisfied that I was attending.


What a tragic set of expectations. Is this our highest aspiration for ourselves and our fellow disciples that we just “show up?” No need to be involved, to teach, to comfort, to challenge, or to encourage. Nothing is expected but to fill the pews every Sunday and if they are full then there is success. Was that Jesus’ expected end-state for His ministry, to simply “pack ‘em in?”
We know from Jesus’ example and commands that He had far greater plans for His disciples than attendance. He recruited men and women to join in the work (Mt 4.19). He intentionally trained them to reproduce His ministry (Mk 3.14). And then He deployed them as the mighty army of Theophilus, God Lovers (Lk 10.1-3, Mt 28.18-20, Ac 1.8). And His goal was nothing short of spreading the love and glory of God to the entire planet. He is so intent on this goal that He commands His disciple to pray for more laborers on two separate occasions (Mt 9.37-38, Lk 10.2).


If you want to have a disciplemaking ministry, you must align your prayers and actions with Jesus. When you help people in the faith, you must see each person as a key player on the team who will make significant contributions to winning the game. They may sit the bench for a little while to learn and see the example you set. But your aim is to get them in the game! No football team has ever tried to win the Super Bowl by seeing how many people they could pack on the bench. They train the players hard and send them on the field. Are you praying for and training those who are eager to get into the game? The team is only as strong as those who are on the field, not those who are observing from the bench.

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry

(1/5) - First, Be a Disciple
(2/5) - Find One Other Disciple
(3/5) - Yoked Together in Ministry
(4/5) - Send Me in Coach
(5/5) - Sling 'em in the Breach

Please leave me your feedback by clicking on "comments" below.

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry (3/5) - Yoked Together in Ministry

And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs… (Mark 6:7)

He packed up his family, all their belongings, and moved half way across the country to join me in the ministry at Fort Benning. What ignited such commitment? It was the thrill of laboring in the Kingdom together several years earlier and we had forged the bond of brotherhood for the sake of advancing the gospel. Now Rusty and Eleanor Bean have their own fruitful ministry at Fort Bliss, Texas.

The key to Rusty and my success in starting a fruitful ministry was two ingredients: a focus on Jesus and banding together under His Great Commission. We set our hearts to labor together and learn from each another. We prayed together, studied the Word together, and raised our spiritual kids together. We practiced the “with Him” principle (Mk 3.14) and the results are clearly seen today in not just one but two ministries at Fort Benning and Fort Bliss.
Jesus underscores the principle of two laboring together when He sent the disciples out on their mission trips. He sent them out in pairs. It would make sense that if Jesus found it important to start a ministry in this manner, we ought to pay attention and follow His model.

The Book of Ecclesiastes expresses that it can be disastrous if we try to go it alone (Ec 4.9-10). On the other hand, it also suggests there is a multiplication of our efforts when we yoke ourselves with a like-minded laborer. I’ve heard that the pulling power of two oxen does not equal two; it actually equals the multiplied power of 7 1/2.

Disciplemaking is hard work and we need mutual encouragement and support. Pray that God will give you a single minded, like- hearted man to co-labor with in the Kingdom of God (Amos 3.3, Phil 2.2). You will be amazed at the difference this principle will make in your ministry.

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry

(1/5) - First, Be a Disciple
(2/5) - Find One Other Disciple
(3/5) - Yoked Together in Ministry
(4/5) - Send Me in Coach
(5/5) - Sling 'em in the Breach

Please leave me your feedback by clicking on "comments" below.

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry (2/5) - Find One Other Disciple

And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came about that for an entire year they met with the church, and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. (Acts 11:25-26)

There were four of us at my first Ft. Benning Bible study: me, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This didn't surprise or distress me a bit because I had started previous Bible studies in the same way (and besides, it gave me a little time to pray). A couple of weeks later, it was me and just one other man: Jim McKnight. Jim will admit to you that he thought I was going to cancel the study because only one person showed up. Instead of seeing this as a defeat, I saw it as a great victory and focused all my energy on this one hungry soul. Six years have passed and we have grown to 5 Bible studies with a cumulative attendance of over 120 soldiers and about 20 laborers to lead those studies. It all starts with just one man. But, it's got to be the right man who wants to know and be like Jesus.

How do you find such a man? First, know what you are looking for. I help many men who just want to be helped. I have no problem with this, my Master did the same. I help people freely because I'm commanded to love them. But I'm also looking for one man who is sold out for Jesus and wants to help others (Lk 9.23). You can certainly spend the rest of your life helping people but multiplication of your efforts start when the people you are helping begin to obey the Great Commission and invest their lives in others (Mt 28.18-20). Look for a man who is not just playing defensive but offensive Christianity.

There are many places you can find such a man. Church, chapel, Bible studies, work, school, or even on the street (you'd be surprised how God provides these men). Begin to pray that the Father would just give you one person (Jn 6.44) to lock arms with in ministry to disciple (or disciple one another, a peer will work). Start reading the gospels together and practice ministry the way Jesus did (Jn 13.15). As a two man team, pray and invite others to join you. Help those God puts in your path. But always be committed to this one man. Do not despise small beginnings (Zech 4.10).

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry

(1/5) - First, Be a Disciple
(2/5) - Find One Other Disciple
(3/5) - Yoked Together in Ministry
(4/5) - Send Me in Coach
(5/5) - Sling 'em in the Breach


Please leave me your feedback by clicking on "comments" below.

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry (1/5) - First, Be a Disciple

"A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. (Luke 6:40)

She exclaimed, “You look just like your dad!” The young barista at Starbucks where my son worked was admiring the striking similarities between Wes and me. And although he has bigger muscles and less wrinkles, yes, he looks a lot like me. He’s my son.

These are the marks of a follower of Jesus. They look a lot like Him. They are His disciples (Act 4.13). It is obvious that this has nothing to do with physical appearance. But a disciple has a distinct way about him. It is the way of his Master. And I firmly believe before you can make a disciple you must be a disciple.

Jesus started His ministry as we might start. He grew and matured in His relationship with God and man (Lk 2.52). He was obedient to His Heavenly Father’s wishes. And He demonstrated His stanch loyalties to the Father when tempted (Heb 4.15). Jesus was a disciple of the Father. Then Jesus turns to us and bids us to follow Him as He followed the Father (Mt 4.19, 1 Jn 2.6).

Jesus’ discipleship under the Father was marked by a commitment to know Him in prayer and the Word (Mk 1.35, Mt 4.4). He also practiced selfless love everywhere He went (Mt 14.14). To be His follower means a similar level of commitment to these spiritual disciplines. They are not obligatory habits of religion; they are the life’s blood of communications in the relationship.

Before you can even consider starting a disciplemaking ministry we must begin the process of being a follower of Christ ourselves. We cannot create what we are not. And to the degree and energy that we follow Him, we can expect to reproduce the same zeal (or lack thereof). You don’t need to be an expert or perfect. But you do need to be on the path and committed to Him in order to receive His blessings and see fruit in your ministry (Jn 15.5). Look to the gospels and imitate Jesus in life and ministry. He is the ultimate example for all things including starting a disciplemaking ministry.

How to Start a Disciplemaking Ministry

(1/5) - First, Be a Disciple
(2/5) - Find One Other Disciple
(3/5) - Yoked Together in Ministry
(4/5) - Send Me in Coach
(5/5) - Sling 'em in the Breach

Please leave me your feedback by clicking on "comments" below.

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Index for Restoring the Image Series

(Part 1) - The Glory of His Image
(Part 2) – Too Much of a Good Thing
(Part 3) – We Need a Savior
(Part 4) – The Restoration Process: The Father
(Part 5) – The Restoration Process: The Son
(Part 6) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship
(Part 7) – The Restoration Process: Discipleship Continued
(Part 8) – The Restoration Process: One-on-One Discipleship
(Part 9) – The Restoration Process: Tools and Techniques
(Part 10) – The Restoration Process: Dangers
(Part 11) - The Holy Spirit: The Breath of Life
(Part 12) - The Holy Spirit: Indwelling
(Part 13) - The Holy Spirit: His Work
(Part 14) - The Word of God: Essential
(Part 15) - The Word of God: Essential but Neglected
(Part 16) - The Word of God: Setting the Heart
(Part 17) - The Word of God: Intake
(Part 18) - The Word of God: Application
(Part 19) - The Word of God: Passing it On
(Part 20) - Interaction with Others: The Image is not and Island
(Part 21) - Interaction with Others: Intentional Co-Restoration
(Part 22) - Interaction with Others: An Invitation to Restoration
(Part 23) - Interaction with Others: Restoration begins with Explanation
(Part 24) - An Evangelistic Obstacle to Following Jesus
(Part 25) - The Transforming Power of Prayer
(Part 26) - It's Me, O Lord Standing in the Need of Prayer
(Part 27) - Reproduction: Creative like the Creator
(Part 28) - Reproduction: Helping Others Changes Us
(Part 29) - Reproduction: Changing the World
(Part 30) - Pressing On Toward the Finish Line
(Part 31) - Crossing the Finish Line
(Conclusion) - To Be Like Jesus


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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Testimony 13: A Little Miracle

Chapter 13

'Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' (Jeremiah 33:3)

My last six months in the Ranger battalion proved my mettle as a baby disciple. I found out who was a real friend and who was not. I don't think I tried to convert all my buddies to my new found faith but I drew my share of fire nevertheless. As my fellow Rangers were wondering if this religious phase would pass, we were firing on the rifle range. It was raining so hard that the water would splash into the rear site aperture of my M16A1. It was impossible to continue shooting. As we hung out in the bleachers under the corrugated steel covering, the noise of the rain was deafening. Then one of the guys started to yell over the roar "Hey, why don't we get Wood to pray that the rain would stop since he's all religious now..." Before he could finish his sentence, the rain suddenly and completely stopped. It was like someone snapped their fingers and the clouds obeyed the command immediately. It happened so quickly there was silence in the bleachers (and a little fear). My status as a the Jesus Freak changed to a status of one who had genuinely met God. This little miracle bolstered my faith in Christ and I continued to grow.

Testimony 1: In the Beginning
Testimony 2: Jesus is Watching You
Testimony 3: Paratrooper Religion
Testimony 4: Afraid of being Left Behind
Testimony 5: The Geographical Solution
Testimony 6: The Geographical Solution Fails
Testimony 7: The Seed is Planted
Testimony 8: Spiritual Melee
Testimony 9: Seeing the Light
Testimony 10: Receiving God's Plan for My Life
Testimony 11: A New Creature
Testimony 12: What about You?
Testimony 13: A Little Miracle
Testimony 14: An Apostle to the Soldier
Testimony 15: First Steps toward Growth
Testimony 16: Being Discipled

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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Restoring the Image (Conclusion) - To Be Like Jesus

"A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. (Luke 6:40)

As I was having my quiet time this morning, I was reminded once again how we are to live our lives. We are to be connected to the Vine and apart from it we can do nothing (Jn 15.4-5). And, if we are connected to the Vine, we will bear much fruit and glorify the Father (Jn 15.8). We will accomplish our original design: we return to the image of God. Jesus is the only way to accomplish such a monumental and magnificent undertaking (Jn 14.6).

My objective in this series has been to illuminate three basic biblical concepts: first, we are created in His image for His glory, second, we are trying to restore that broken image ravaged by our rebellion, and third, the only way to do so is by embracing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior through discipleship; becoming like Him (Lk 6.40). There are so many good things that distract us from the one great pursuit. My prayer for you and I is that we will “fix our eyes on Jesus” (Heb 12.2). And in doing so, we will become the people we were meant to be and bring God the glory He is due.

Follow Jesus!

Restoring the Image (Part 1) - The Glory of His Image

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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Restoring the Image (Part 31) - Crossing the Finish Line

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.
(Philippians 3:20-21)

Discipleship is everything and everything is discipleship. This was my motto as one of the young pastors in a large church. Some of my fellow pastors were squeamish with the statement thinking it too narrow and leaving out other essential ministries. One day one of the more senior pastors had enough of my rants and challenged me. “So, if discipleship is everything, how about a funeral, what do you think about that?!” I replied without hesitation, “That’s graduation day baby! And I certainly hope you preach the gospel to those who attend.”
And indeed it is. It is the end of the restoration process where all that is lacking is made full and we become all that God intended us to be. We call it glorification. We are perfected and will live with God for all eternity. All the years of following the example of Jesus and becoming like Him are brought to a crescendo and in the twinkling of an eye, we are made perfect. (Rom 8:17,30, 1 Cor 15:52-53, 2 Cor 5:2-4, Job 19:25-26, Jn 6:39-40)

My fellow pastor’s misconception that discipleship was merely a program or appendage of Christian living caused him to compartmentalize discipleship into just another ministry. Ministry is helping people come to and follow Jesus. He did not see the big picture. If following Jesus is the restoration process and this is the definition of discipleship, then discipleship is everything and everything is discipleship (or, following Jesus is everything and everything is following Jesus). This is true for us from beginning to end, from birth to death, from conversion to glorification.

So in the end the image will be completely restored through the person and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is our future finish line and we persevere patiently for that glorious day.

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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Testimony 12: What about You?

Chapter 12

For "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" (Romans 10:13-15)

Before I continue with my life, let me ask about yours. Have you come to the point where you are sick or tired or sick and tired? Are you ready to acknowledge to God, "OK, I've made a big mess of this thing." Maybe life is going grand and you just recognize you are missing something; and in your heart, you know that something is someone: God. You need Christ. Perhaps this has never made sense and now it does. Or you didn't have enough data to make a sound decision to follow Christ and now you do.

Well, here it is in a nutshell: God loves you. But, we have stiff-armed God with our acts of wrongdoing. We have pushed Him away. Those acts of rebellion have caused us to die spiritually and ultimately we will be judged for them. There is a high price for our rebellion: judgment and death! But, God wants to bring us back into His love by offering to pay the price of rebellion for us. He did that by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our stead (on a cross). Then to prove that the price was fully paid, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. Jesus is God's gift to us to make things right between Him and us. We only need to trust in this gift by following Him and receiving His love and forgiveness. We turn from our way of life and embrace Jesus' way of life. As a result of receiving God's gift we have eternal life with Christ and abundant life here on earth.

In your heart, you know this is right! If you have never received Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, let me encourage you to start following Jesus today. You can express this to God by praying a prayer like this…

God, I know I've messed up and I'm separated from you. I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, died for me to pay the price for my sins. Forgive me for the things I've done wrong and help me to change my life for Your glory. I want You to change my life. I want to follow Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I accept the free gift of both eternal and abundant life through Your Son. In Christ's name I pray, AMEN.

Let me recommend the best way to get to know Jesus. Get a Bible and begin reading a chapter daily in the Gospel of Mark. Read for the purpose of getting to know Him as both your Savior and your Lord. Pray as you read for God to open your spiritual eyes and ears to what He wants you to know and do. When you finish Mark go to another Gospel and continue reading all the way through all 4 Gospels until you finish. Then drop me a line and I’ll guide you into an effective reading program to meet your needs in getting to know the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Testimony 1: In the Beginning

Testimony 2: Jesus is Watching You

Testimony 3: Paratrooper Religion

Testimony 4: Afraid of being Left Behind

Testimony 5: The Geographical Solution

Testimony 6: The Geographical Solution Fails

Testimony 7: The Seed is Planted

Testimony 8: Spiritual Melee

Testimony 9: Seeing the Light

Testimony 10: Receiving God's Plan for My Life

Testimony 11: A New Creature

Testimony 12: What about You?

Testimony 13: A Little Miracle

Testimony 14: An Apostle to the Soldier

Testimony 15: First Steps toward Growth

Testimony 16: Being Discipled

Testimony 17: Life Time Mentor

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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Illustration - Moses / Joshua Principle

The life of Moses demonstrates how to be a powerful influence in another man's life. Moses had a man name Joshua. He spent time with him and eventually Joshua became a man of God like Moses. Moses’ relationship with Joshua produced an incredible leader for a nation. But the questions remains, who was Joshua’s man and what happened to the nation after Joshua?

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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Restoring the Image (Part 30) - Pressing On Toward the Finish Line

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)

Ever run a race? You know the feeling of seeing finish line in the distance and everything in your body is telling you stop but your brain is saying, “Ju can duit!” I use to run triathlons and what an excruciating experience. Swim, bike, run, collapse. But oh, what a feeling when I finally crossed the finish line! It was worth it all.

The finish line is quite evident in the Christian life: being with Christ. We talk about it all the time. It’s that point where we will finally be completely restored. But sometimes there are so many distractions that we lose sight of the end and wonder why we are even running. It is certain that this life takes endurance and perseverance (Heb 10.36, Jm 1.12). So how do we keep our “eye on the prize?”

Let me suggest 3 things:
· Remember that restoration is a process and we will be working on becoming like Jesus for the rest of our lives. This is a marathon not a sprint (Heb 12.1-2).
· Remember that our restoration is secure in the person of Christ not our own efforts. Our faith and hope is in Jesus. If it is based on our performance, we are sunk (Eph 2.8-9, Titus 3.5).
· And finally, remember there is nothing to compare to our eternal future with Christ. This life is but a vapor (Jm 4.14) and in Yogi Berra style, “Eternity is a very long time.”

Keep your eyes on the finish line and press on to the high calling of Christ.Please leave me your feedback by clicking on "comments" below.

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Illustrations and Short Devo Index

Illustration - The Discipleship Pipeline
Illustration - The Tree
Illustration - Living Up to Our God Given Potential
Illustration - Phases for becoming a Man of the Word
The Parable of a US Army Aviator
Illustration - My Plan, His Plan, God's Plan
Illustration - The Components of Suffering
Lordship Changes
What does it mean to follow Jesus (Lordship)
Jesus and the Lordship of the Father
Motivation for the Word
The Five I's of Our Ministry
Illustration - 6 Obstacles to Truth
The Orbit Illustration (My Relationship with the World)
Time Management
Application of Truth and Grace
Key Passages for Family and Marriage
Balance for the Family and Lordship
Faith Illustration
The Prayer Hand
Jesus, Man of Prayer
Quiet Time Illustration
The Temple Illustration
Illustration - Moses / Joshua Principle

Please leave a comment by clicking on "comment" below.

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Restoring the Image (Part 29) - Reproduction: Changing the World

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)

The whole is a sum of its parts. Jesus commands us in His great commission to take the good news of restoration in Him to the whole world. God’s restoration plan goes beyond nationality, gender, culture, religion, and political persuasion. His desires have always been to bring mankind as a whole back to the original design and fellowship with Him (Mk 16.15, Lk 24.46-47, Jn 17.18-21, Ac 1.8, 2 Pet 3.9).

His objective to restore men is implemented by entrusting the ones being restored with the great privilege to participate in another’s restoration. He gives ordinary men and women with the frailties of a fallen state, but with the power of His Holy Spirit, the mission to make disciples (ones being conformed to Christ’s image). When we reflect on how unfathomable that act of kindness is, to labor with God in His rescue mission, we should be overwhelmed with gratefulness and moved to action (1 Jn 3.1).

God could have chosen other methods, which to us may have seemed more efficient. Instead, He chooses to allow our natural relationships to be the vehicle on which the gospel is carried. As one person is being restored to the original image of God, he begins to help another do the same. And as they both help others the multiplication process begins. But it is important to remember it is not enough to simply change one’s behavior or practice religion. Restoring the image to its true original state can only be accomplished in and through Jesus Christ (Jn 14.6). Anything less becomes a blasphemous pyramid scheme.

His goal is to restore mankind one person at a time. His plan is to accomplish this through us. This is the great Kingdom work. Laboring with the Father in His vineyard, harvesting the fruit of eternal life (Jn 4.35-36, Mt 9.35-38). Jesus’ great commission is about reaching the world by restoring one man at a time through those who are being restored.

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Testimony 11: A New Creature

“If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. The old things pass away, behold new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Chapter 11

I was a new creature and I knew it the moment I got up off the floor. About the same time my buddies came through the door and I made my proclamation of faith. “Guys, I want to be your friend but I just can’t keep living my life like this anymore.” I walked out into the morning light and jumped into my car to head back to Ft. Lewis. As I hit the ignition switch to start my car, the radio came on full blast (the normal volume I was accustomed to) and a song about adultery was playing. I remember being so angry I almost ripped the knob out of the radio to turn it off. I would not turn back. I was determined to live my life for Christ and since then, I have never looked back. Oh, sure I have stumbled along the way. But I have never gone back to the old Chuck Wood. I had been changed by the Holy Spirit of God and continued to be renewed everyday. But it doesn’t stop there…

Testimony 1: In the Beginning
Testimony 2: Jesus is Watching You
Testimony 3: Paratrooper Religion
Testimony 4: Afraid of being Left Behind
Testimony 5: The Geographical Solution
Testimony 6: The Geographical Solution Fails
Testimony 7: The Seed is Planted
Testimony 8: Spiritual Melee
Testimony 9: Seeing the Light
Testimony 10: Receiving God's Plan for My Life
Testimony 11: A New Creature
Testimony 12: What about You?
Testimony 13: A Little Miracle
Testimony 14: An Apostle to the Soldier
Testimony 15: First Steps toward Growth
Testimony 16: Being Discipled


For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Fellowship: From the Great Theologian, Saint Arnold of Austria (Part 2/2)

Continued from yesterday...
Fellowship: From the Great Theologian, Saint Arnold of Austria (Part 1/2)

“Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger once told [Joe Weider] that anybody who hangs out with guys who miss workouts, lack enthusiasm for their training and don't want to push themselves will never be successful. He said that to spend time with those sorts of individuals would be devastating to his goals.”

3. Don’t want to push themselves – There is a sense in modern American Christianity that if it doesn’t make you feel good, it must not be from God. We obviously have not read the second half of the Hall of Faith in Hebrews chapter 11. I’m not advocating that we should take up rituals of self-abasement, but I know that Scriptures are full of exhortation for pressing on and enduring when things get tough (2 Cor 13.16, Heb 10.36, Jm 1.12). We need to see that some things that enter our lives that don’t necessarily feel good are actually going to bear good fruit in our lives. And let’s face it, following Jesus can actually complicate one’s life rather than make it more comfortable (Just ask a Muslim convert who has been shunned by their family). If we hang out with men and women who are being stretched in their faith, we gain encouragement to endure when our faith is stretched.

I don’t know where Arnold stands with Jesus, but I think he’s nailed down a bit of truth here. We become like the people we hang out with. Notice I never mentioned non-Christians. I assume you understand that believers don’t take their cues for living from those of the world (1 Jn 2.15-16). I also assume you are developing loving relationships with unbelievers for the sake of winning them to Christ. But, it is evident that if a Christian is fellowshipping with passionate followers of Jesus, they tend to follow suit. The goal is to find believers that will help us love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mt 22.37-39).

Shout Out to:

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Annapolis, Maryland
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Fort Huachuca, Arizona
Owosso, Michigan
Stafford, Virginia
Victor, New York

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Fellowship: From the Great Theologian, Saint Arnold of Austria (Part 1/2)

“Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger once told [Joe Weider] that anybody who hangs out with guys who miss workouts, lack enthusiasm for their training and don't want to push themselves will never be successful. He said that to spend time with those sorts of individuals would be devastating to his goals.”

Mike Owens has developed a little devotional that I thought was well worth passing on. It is centered on a quote from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. There are three aspects of this quote that certainly rings true not only in body building but in Kingdom building as well. Arnold describes the kind of people you don’t want to hang out with and who will eventually derail you from your goals.

1. Guys who miss workouts – Christians who steer clear of assembling together are not only robbing themselves of vital input for growth but are grossly unbiblical. The writer of Hebrews exhorts us, “not to forsake our assembly together…” (Heb 10.24-25). You want to hang out with people who actually like being together. Not those who see it as a chore or dry obligation. Duty takes the life out of fellowship. It would do us well to assemble and assemble often. I find that believers who fellowship with others at least four times a week are usually living victorious lives for Jesus Christ.

2. Lacks enthusiasm for their training – Believers who see practicing the disciplines as legalism and something to be avoided do not understand the ways of Jesus. Jesus Himself practices basic spiritual disciplines in order to keep His fellowship with the Father in tune. He is a man of the Scriptures (Mt 4.4), prayer (Mk 1.35), fasting (Mt 4.2), solitude (Lk 5.16), and fellowship (Mk3.14). He didn’t practice these out of duty or obligation. He wasn’t trying to impress people. He was “enthusiastic” about His relationship with God and this passion drove Him in these areas of discipline. When you hang out with people who embrace spiritual disciplines with passion (like Jesus) for the sake of growing closer to Christ, you become enthusiastic about them yourself.

Part 2 - Fellowship: From the Great Theologian, Saint Arnold of Austria (Part 2/2)

Here’s a Shout Out to:

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Madras, Tamil Nadu, India
Lagos, Nigeria
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Annapolis, Maryland
Arnold, Maryland
Atlanta, Georgia
Daleville, Alabama
Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Holland, Michigan
Kalkaska, Michigan
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Laramie, Wyoming
Mesa, Arizona
Nashville, Tennessee
New York, United States
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Riva, Maryland
Ukiah, California
Washington, District Of Columbia
Wasilla, Alaska

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Restoring the Image (Part 28) - Reproduction: Helping Others Changes Us

Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them in pairs ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come…The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." (Luke 10:1, 17)

One of the greatest joys of discipling men is watching how quickly they transform when they begin to help others grow in Christ. Time and time again, a man has come to me in a stagnate spiritual state and with an exhortation to invest in another, the flames of passion for Jesus are reignited. It would stand to reason, if we are created to reproduce both physically and spiritually, that we would feel fulfilled when we are helping others restore their image.

I use an illustration on how spiritual stagnation can occur. The Sea of Galilee is a healthy, thriving body of water. This is the lake where Jesus' disciples made their living and twice caught miraculous quantities of fish. On the other hand, the Dead Sea, 67 miles south, has very little living in it. Its salt content is so high, it is literally dead. What's the difference? Input and output. The Jordan River flows in and out of the Sea of Galilee, keeping the waters fresh. However, the Jordan only flows into the Dead Sea; there is no out flow. Similarly, like hundreds of Christians who are merely concerned with feeding themselves, the result is stagnation. The love of God is like the Jordan River. It must flow through us onto others to have it fullest transforming effects. And, to the extent we invest in others, we see greater transformation occurring in our own lives.

Jesus demonstrates how our spiritual health is dependent on investing in others. That's why from beginning to end Jesus trains the disciples to reach out to others by sharing the good news of salvation and helping them grow in their faith (Mt 4.19, 28.18-20, Ac 1.8). The Apostle Paul recognized everyone has a role to play in helping others in the faith (1 Cor 12-14, Eph 4.11-12).

You are designed to help others grow in their relationship with God. It is essential for your own personal transformation. Reach out to others and see the difference it makes in restoring your image.

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Illustration - Devo on the Promise of Abraham

I use this devo to communicate vision to explain God's line of purpose and His desires to bless us. It was thoroughly developed by Cecil Bean my mentor.

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Restoring the Image (Part 27) - Reproduction: Creative like the Creator

God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth." (Genesis 1:28)

Dawson Trotman in his message, "Born to Reproduce" talks about the natural and healthy design of man to reproduce after his own kind. He makes the point that it is instinctive for men and women to procreate. But, he also argues that man was designed to procreate physically and spiritually. I agree wholeheartedly.

In the beginning God gives Adam and Eve their first command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Gen 1.28). Mankind got off to a good start physically during Noah's day but were spiritually bankrupt to the point God regretted creating man (Gen 6.1-6). It is clear the command was meant to have the spiritual component as well. Over 6 billion people later, we still struggle to obey God completely by reproducing in both the physical and spiritual aspects of the image of God.

It's important to notice that God starts over with one man, Noah. God continues to restart the spiritual reproduction chain with one man as the centuries pass: Abraham (Gen 12.1-2), Moses (Ex 3.10), David (2 Sa 7.7-16), Elijah (2 Ki 19.14-21), all the way to Jesus who was the ultimate man and model (Ro 5.14-15). Then, Jesus exhorts His followers to continue the process of spiritual reproduction from beginning (Mt 4.19) to end (Mt 28.18-20, Ac 1.8).

Although Jesus is the pinnacle of restoration and spiritual reproduction, God continues to use the "one man" principle to build and reform His Church (Mt 16.18, 2 Tim 2.2). It is the responsibility of that one man to reproduce himself in his likeness.

Here are some critical questions concerning spiritual reproduction: Who bears the image of Christ as a result of your investment in their life? Are you training someone else to reproduce? As Dawson Trotman use to ask, "Where is your man?"

You can listen to the message "Born to Reproduce" by Dawson Trotman at Discipleship Library by clicking on the link below:
Discipleship Library

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Restoring the Image (Part 26) - It's Me, O Lord Standing in the Need of Prayer

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. (Psalms 139:23-24)

I use to think that it was selfish to pray for myself so I made an effort to pray others at length and myself sparingly. I soon discovered through an African American Spiritual that my sense of humility was seriously misguided. The song's lyrics testify that God's intervention is more needed by the one praying than the ones who are being prayed for. "Not my brother, not my sister, but it's me O Lord, standing in the need of prayer." As I gave this a little more thought I wondered at my arrogance. I was praying for others as if they were in greater need spiritually than I. Now that was a humbling experience.

When you consider the undertaking of a discipler, it is even more imperative to pray for one's self. My Bible College Professor once said, "Men, a brain surgeon cracks open a man skull and messes with his brain. That is serious business. But you, my young theologs, are messing with men's souls." Now which of the two do you think needs more prayer?

Jesus, the epitome of humility, did not hesitate to pray for Himself. He asked the Father to glorify Him (Jn 17.1, 5), to help Him (Mt 26.39-42), to take care of His spirit (Lk 23.46). He even thanked the Father for hearing His prayers (Jn 11.41). In His instructions on prayer, He teaches His disciples to pray for themselves ("us" is used four times in the Lord's Prayer: Mt 6.9-13).

The Apostle Paul understood his personal need for prayer and asked the churches to pray for him. And right now, I ask that you pray the same prayer for me and yourselves. Pause for a moment and pray; "Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you" (2 Thes 3:1).

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Testimony 10: Receiving God's Plan for My Life

Chapter 10

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,
(John 1:12)

Having been confronted with lies and the truth, I also reflected on the things I heard and read at Ft. Bragg. How Jesus had died on a cross to forgive me and how, if I trusted him, He would change my life. I was ready. I had enough. I was sick of my life and the lies. I had all the data I needed. I believed Christ died and rose from the grave. I believed He could forgive me and give me eternal life. I just never embraced the facts by applying them to my own life by following Him. It was like receiving a gift and never opening it. But the scriptures promised that if I would receive Christ in faith He would change my life. So there on the floor, I prayed. My prayer didn’t sound very theological or pious as some would expect. It was simple and honest and it was basically, “O.K. God.” With sincerity of heart, expressed in a simple prayer, I surrendered my life to following Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior on 23 December 1979. Then everything changed.

Testimony 1: In the Beginning
Testimony 2: Jesus is Watching You
Testimony 3: Paratrooper Religion
Testimony 4: Afraid of being Left Behind
Testimony 5: The Geographical Solution
Testimony 6: The Geographical Solution Fails
Testimony 7: The Seed is Planted
Testimony 8: Spiritual Melee
Testimony 9: Seeing the Light
Testimony 10: Receiving God's Plan for My Life
Testimony 11: A New Creature
Testimony 12: What about You?
Testimony 13: A Little Miracle
Testimony 14: An Apostle to the Soldier
Testimony 15: First Steps toward Growth
Testimony 16: Being Discipled

For questions or comments drop me a line at charleswood1@gmail.com or click the envelope below to send this post to a friend...

© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved