Buddy Up

And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits (Mark 6:7)

It was a pitch black night, perfect cover for our parachute drop. But, once we hit the ground it was hard to see anything let alone where our rally point was. Our best bet was to pair up and find the assembly area together.

Jesus recognized the human need for partnership when He sends His disciples out by twos. He knows our strong need for accountability and mutual encouragement. I’ve always found when I bring one of my ministry leaders with me, I always do a better job mentoring the guy we are concentrating on. I also discover that my co-laborer has some great ideas for the person I’m mentoring as well. Plus you have the added advantage of modeling an effective discipleship session. Together is better.

Get a free copy of the newly published SWORDPOINT (Book I) by going to the orderform at:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=cDBBdXRQbVNjVEx2YmwtU181bnQ1V1E6MA..

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

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

Advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ

I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. (3 John 1:4)

“This is Rob. He just came to Christ two weeks ago.” Charlie, whom I just baptized in chapel service an hour before, introduced him with a big smile. “Really Rob, that’s great! So what has Jesus been doing in your life since then?” I asked. “Oh, I’m going to start reading my Bible to learn more about Him. They told me to start reading the Gospel of Mark.” Charlie and Rob sat down for lunch and I watched them discuss the Wheel Illustration from a couple of tables away. Now that’s pretty cool, but what’s even more exciting is the fact I had been gone from the ministry for 60 days. And Rob’s coming to Christ was a result of 3 generations of men who were in a chain of disciples teaching one another about Jesus. I had become a spiritual great grandpa again. I wholeheartedly agree with the Apostle John, “There is no greater joy!"

Our Calling: To advance the gospel of Jesus and His Kingdom into the nations through spiritual generations of laborers living and discipling among the lost

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

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

The Spirit of Discipleship

For I will pour out water on the thirsty land And streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring And My blessing on your descendants (Isaiah 44:3)

I have been discipling men for 30 years. They are literally all over the planet. But it doesn’t matter how many, what I taught, how hard I worked, unless God pours out His Spirit and blesses them, they are dead in the water. It’s amazing how much credit we take in the helping men become like Christ. If the truth be told, we are the ones being discipled. Oh, the mistakes I’ve made. Some of the boneheaded things I’ve said and done in the name of God would make you cringe. And yet, by His grace and His Spirit, these men and women become stalwart apprentices of Jesus. They are willing to forsake family, jobs, property, and even their very lives for Him. I’m a good discipler but not that good.

Even Jesus recognized the Father was the Provider of spiritual transformation through the Holy Spirit. This should underscore our need as disciplers to pray. If we are not praying for the people we disciple on a daily basis, we are in danger of the sin of presumption.

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

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

The Burden of Leadership

Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. (2 Corinthians 11:28)

I have known no greater burden than to have the responsibility for the welfare of a group of men. Suddenly I had become the designated steward of all that happens in them, to them, and for them. This is an especially heavy burden when I consistently placing their lives in harm’s way to accomplish the mission.

Leading a ministry is no less burdensome. In fact the stakes are much higher. The care for these sheep of God runs deeper. The consequences for failure are far greater. But the rewards for shepherding the flock of Jesus are immeasurable. Ministry is not a hobby. As my good Bible College prof use to say, “A brain surgeon messes with men’s brains. But you men are messing with men’s souls. Be careful how you mess.” (1 Pet 5.1-4)

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

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

Can You Spare a Little Change?

Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-19)

“We’ve always done it that way” or “We’ve never done it like that before” are usually statements of death. Nay sayers would have you think change or creativity is a bad thing. And generally, it’s the 'old folks' throwing a wet blanket on new ideas. There certainly are principles that should never be violated, but I’ve found it’s our methods or techniques that we hang onto as though they are gospel. Young leaders need elbow room to develop. They need to experience their own successes and failures. It may get a little messy (Prov 14.4) but that’s when the lessons really stick.

Jesus never changes in His character (Heb 13.8), but He orchestrates change all around Him. He changes us into His likeness as we commit ourselves to following Him (Rom 8.29). He changes the seasons of our lives and the circumstance that surround us. We are in a constant state of change. Change is good, embrace it.

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

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

Grenade Like Faith

And Jesus seeing their faith *said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5)

If I brought a live grenade to the dinner table and pulled the pin, what would you do? If you believed it was real you would take some kind of action (like getting out of the room as quickly as possible!).

The paralytic had four friends with the kind of faith that leads to action. They dug a hole in someone’s roof for crying out loud! (Mk 2.1-12) And when Jesus saw their faith in action He responds by forgiving and healing the paralytic. When Jesus looks at our lives, what is He seeing? Does He see us taking active steps to conform our lives to His? Does He see people living on the edge, patiently waiting on God’s provision? Does He see men and women of faith taking bold steps to advance His Kingdom even in the face of danger and ridicule? Or does He see us as ones who simply have our faith neatly tucked away in our heads, safe from any danger of being exposed to real life? (Jm 2.17)

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

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

He has Risen: What to Do with Such Good News

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)

In our culture it’s the bad news that travels fastest. Our consumer based entertainment is more than ample proof of that. When you think about it, CNN, FOXNEWS and others would have to leave the air if it weren’t for our appetite for bad news. Is it any wonder that we have a tough time proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ? Is it any wonder that the cross is readily seen around people’s neck but the resurrection life is conspicuously missing? Received or not, the gospel is still to be proclaimed in the nations. And as much as this world enjoys hearing bad news, the good news still has its wonderful impact on many.

Have a Blessed Easter and tell others about His love for the world.




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

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

Covered in Blood

And all the people said, "His blood shall be on us and on our children!" (Matthew 27:25)

I had his blood all over me. A young Kuwaiti shepherd boy had picked up a dud grenade and mangled his hand. The medics and I were working feverously to stop the bleeding. In retrospect, I should have been more concerned about the effects of being exposed to another’s blood but we were trying to save him.

The blood of another man is upon me. Ironically, I wasn’t trying to save Him; He was trying to save me. He didn’t want to be rescued or cured of His bleeding. His blood would satisfy the wrath that was meant for me. The Lord Jesus Christ bled and died for mankind. He covers us with His blood in order to protect us from ourselves and the just punishment of God for our sins. And now I praise Him and pray, "His blood shall be on us and on our children!" (Mt 26.28, Rom 5.9, Eph 1.7, Heb 9-10)

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

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

With Liberty and Justice for All

… I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations. (Isaiah 42:1)

When I was a young boy I found myself in the principal’s office on several occasions. I never wanted truth. I just wanted grace. But my shenanigans were usually rewarded with both. The principal was able to administer justice.

God’s goal is to bring justice to the entire world. His Son came as an ambassador full of grace and truth (Jn 1.14, 17). These are the two main ingredients for justice. He imparted His grace and truth to His disciples and justice spread to the nations one person at a time. Now we have become His vehicle of justice. This frees people from the tyranny of sin and liberates them from the spiritual chains of Satan and His world view. Are you bringing justice to others through the person of Jesus Christ? (2 Cor 5.20)

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

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

No Middle Man

“… I, the LORD, will answer them Myself, As the God of Israel I will not forsake them.
(Isaiah 41:17)

“You know, never mind. I’ll go talk to them myself.” It's a phrase I’ve used many times as a leader who needs to make the point, good or bad. There are occasions where a messenger just won’t do and communications straight from the leader is the need of the hour.

God felt compelled to tell the children of Israel that He was going to speak directly to them. Prophets, priests, and kings were just not a perfect medium to present His thoughts and words. They just could not express His heart adequately. So how did God speak to us directly? He came in the flesh. He lived and died in our midst. Jesus spoke directly to mankind. It doesn’t get any clearer than Jesus, the Word of God (Jn 1.1-2, 14). Do you want to hear straight from God? Study Jesus by saturating your life with the gospels.

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

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

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

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

The Duplicity of Man

Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, "Surely not I, Lord?" (Matthew 26:22)

“What a great come back,” you think to yourself. The insulting retort finds it's mark and you wish you had said it first. Your admiration turns to guilt as you realize the Lord Jesus would not have had such a thought. You have proven your double-mindedness. Ever experienced this?

The disciples were well aware of this double-mindedness in themselves. They make somewhat of a confession when Jesus points out that a traitor is among them. They all suspect themselves; “is it I Lord?” Dallas Willard, in his book, “Renovation of the Heart” calls this the duplicity of man. It is the propensity within a man to think both good and evil at the same time. Some may be satisfied with a little good. But evil is a polluting agent that ruins the whole. This realization would be too much to bear apart from the love of Christ. Thank God He sanctifies our minds as well (1 Thes 5.23).

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

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

Extravagant Assumptions

"Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her." (Matthew 26:13)

I was reminded the other day by a good friend of a prayer that I pray occasionally. My prayer is simple and yet extravagant. I pray that God would use me to reach a million men for Christ. And I assume that God will answer my prayer. Is this absurd or arrogant?

The disciples thought the woman’s anointing of Jesus with the expensive perfume was an excessive waist. (Mt 26.6-13) But there is something in this story even more noteworthy. Jesus states that His gospel will be preached throughout the world! Is this an extravagant assumption? No, God does not assume anything. He knows all things. Nor were the woman’s actions improper because she knew Him as Lord. And praying for a million men is not extravagant either because He desires all men to be saved. Pray big to a big God.

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

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

The Door the Changes Eternity

For a wide door for effective service has opened to me… (1 Corinthians 16:9)

It was an ordinary glass storefront door. The simple kind that you might find opening to a convenience store or a barber shop. But passing through that door would irrevocably change my life. It would mean almost 30 years of effective service to my country. It was the door to a US Army recruiter.

But, there is another door that is eternally more significant. It opens to the opportunities graciously afforded by a King. The task, should one accept it, transcends defending the constitution of one country and embarks on a mission which provides liberty to all mankind. To pass through this door will mean servitude and dedication to only One, the creator of all things and the Lover of men’s souls. The dangers and hardships are many, but the rewards are the pursuit of truth, love of fellowman, and knowing God Himself. This door of effective service is open to every man, woman, and child. The door is the Lord Jesus Christ and the service is in the eternal Kingdom of God. Will you enter? (Lk 13.24, Mt 6.33, Jn 10.7, Rev 3.20)

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

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

Super-abundant Ministry

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Have you ever tried to give something away but it was just way too much? When I was a Chaplain in Italy, a store donated unsold Valentine’s candy to the Chapel. We had boxes of goodies I anticipated would go in a flash. But, it proved to be overwhelming even for the kids. We were still eating Valentine candy at Christmas.

The word abounding in the Greek is perisseuo, which means to super-abound (in quantity and quality), to be in excess, to excel. That is how our ministry should look. We should have good deeds coming out of our ears. Our love for people should overwhelm them to the point of uncontrollable worship of Jesus. Let’s have the kind of ministry where people are still feeling the love of Valentine’s Day on Christmas Day.

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

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

Update from Chuck and Deb

Update from the Woods

Many have been praying and keeping track of our spiritual journey of seeking God’s guidance for the future. We have driven half way across the States and are now in Colorado Springs, CO for a Leadership conference that starts Saturday. These last 36 days have been an excellent concentrated time with the Lord Jesus. I’ve had plenty of time in the Word and Prayer and I feel like the Holy Spirit has spoken to me in some very strong ways. Here’s my summary.

· Repent and enjoy His forgiveness (Ps 32.1-2, Isa 12.1-2, Mat 18.11, 1 Cor 13.8) – I’m so glad I know the grace of God through Christ. The closer to the mirror I get the more blemishes I see. The light would completely destroy me if it weren’t for the knowledge of His work on the cross and Him giving me the desire to place my destiny completely and wholly in His merciful hands.

· I am to die to myself (Ps 37.4-5, Isa 28.23-29, Mat 16.24, 1 Cor 15.36) – The seed must shed its husk, endure decay and finally die to bear its fruit. As counter-intuitive as this may seem, it is the truth. Jesus led by His example. I am His disciple, I will follow His lead.

· I am to trust God by entrusting my future to those who lead me (Ps 32.8, Isa 14.24,27, Mat 14.16-18, 1 Cor 10.33) – I know a major change is coming in my life and ministry. God has asked me to take a leap of faith and trust Him with the future. He has directed me to unreservedly place my future in the hands of Navigator leadership to do with me whatever they see fit. This is His vehicle to develop my faith and direct me to His place for me in the Kingdom. Am I scared? It feels like standing in the door of a C-130 ready to make a parachute drop. Terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.

· I am to be a peacemaker everywhere I go (Ps 32.13-14, Isa 27.5, Mat 5.9, 1 Cor 14.33) – I am a diplomat by design. God wired me to lead by bringing others together under one banner. The banner of Christ Jesus and His Kingdom. I have no other message, no other passion.

· I am to be a noble, wise, faithful, sensible, and prudent planner (Ps 44.3, Isa 30.20-21; 32.8, Mat 25.45-47; Mat 25.1-13, 1 Cor 3.10-11) – I am a tactical and strategic thinker by His design. Victory is the end-state not the fight. But the way we fight the good fight has everything to do with participating in the Kings victory. Good results come from good planning, and good planning comes from good character.

· I cannot return or trust Egypt for my fulfillment, identity, or protection (Ps 55.1-8,Isa 30.1-2, Mat 21.22, 1 Cor 6.19, 7.23) – I cannot rest in those things that are familiar and comfortable to me. I could use my MS as an excuse to retreat into a pathetic state of “morphine” until I die, but I will not. I could rest on the minimal finances of my retirement and not trust God for the expenses associated with a traveling/leading ministry, but I will not. I could rest on my laurels and tell old war and ministry stories, but I will not. I will trust Jesus and march on into the land of Canaan to press the fight.

· I will see His glory as I wait patiently on Him (Ps 29.4, Isa 35.2, Mat 24.30, 1 Cor 15.42-43) – I can see His glory now but I will soon see it even more and ultimately I will see His glory in full. I press on toward the high calling of God. I will do everything for His glory and cast my crown at His feet.

I can’t say that I understand completely what these things mean, but it is encouraging and gives me hope and faith for the future.

On that note I will be in some pretty significant meetings this week that will determine what my ministry will look like in the future. To be honest, I have no clue how the Navigators are going to lead me. But one thing is clear, I am to die to self and trust God by entrusting myself to their leadership. So pray that God’s will be done. Thanks for being with me during this journey and praying. I am a blessed man to have so many faithful friends. Deb and I should return to Ft Benning by Easter.

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

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