What are We Building

The Wise Master Builder (Part 22)

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

There are so many ingredients that go into making disciples that sometimes we forget what we are making. The supreme objective of discipleship is to glorify the Father (Isa 47.3, 1 Cor 10.31) by becoming like His Son, Jesus Christ (Gal 4.19, Col 1.28, Rom 8.29, 1 Jn 2.6). Our job as Master Builders is to point the way, provide support and instruction and even admonish and rebuke those who desire to follow Jesus (Heb 10.24-25, 1 Thes 5.14). We must be absolutely convinced the only way to glorify God is by helping people conform their lives to the life and words of Jesus (Jn 14.6, 15.5, 1 Cor 3.18). Anything less is simply a waste of time (Phil 2.16, 3.18). Our objective as Master Builders is not to get someone to read their Bible, pray, witness, or any other religious activity. Although these are essential aspects of know Christ, we could miss the forest for the trees if we focus on means rather than the end.

Click Here to Recieve Chuck's Devotional by Email

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

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

What Motivates a Master Builder?

The Wise Master Builder (Part 20)

… "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” … (Matthew 28:18-20)

If you have read this far, you must be motivated to become a Master Builder. But the question must be asked, “What motivates us to build spiritual principles into another person’s life?” There are several answers that come to mind, some good and some bad. But a primary reason we pursue this quest is because, quite simply, Jesus commands it. A person with God’s heartbeat is ready and willing to do what their Master bids (Ac 13.22, 1 Jn 5.3). Not grudgingly or merely out of duty (although we must acknowledge we find ourselves in this state of mind at times), but we are thrilled at the prospect that the Creator of all things has allowed us the privilege to participate in His great venture-- the nurturing of souls. What an incredible mission we have been given (Mt 4.19, Ac 1.8).

Click Here to Recieve Chuck's Devotional by Email

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

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

A Personal Tragedy Averted

The Wise Master Builder (Part 19)

'But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. (Revelation 2:4)

After 25 years of being a “Christian” I was jolted into a stark reality. I was sharing some monumental theological concept with my lifetime mentor when he turned to me and asked, “Chuck, what does that have to do with Jesus?” I angrily thought, “Connect the dots man! We are talking about spiritual things aren’t we?” But as I began to reflect, I realized it didn’t have anything to do with the Master, in fact much of my ministry had very little to do with Jesus. I had drifted from my intentional relationship with Christ into the plastic concerns of theology and ministry techniques. Don’t get me wrong, theology and ministry are essential to disciple making. But when Christ is conspicuously missing from our religious ramblings, they’ve become nothing more than manure (Phil 3.8). That day I quit following ideas and methods and began to follow Jesus with a refocused zeal to be like Him (Lk 6.40, 1 Jn 2.6).

Click Here to Recieve Chuck's Devotional by Email

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

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

Examining Your Foundation

The Wise Master Builder (Part 18)

For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

How can I tell if Jesus is the foundation I’m building on in other people’s lives? This is a great question that should be asked often. The answer can be found in a few more simple questions.

- What is the focus of my ministry? Phil 3.8
- Am I helping people to do something or become like someone (Jesus)? 1 Jn 2.6
- What do I talk about most often? Luke 6.45
- Are Jesus’ priorities my priorities? Mt 6.33, Mt 22.37-39


Do a quick study of the Letter to the Philippians. In the first chapter alone Paul refers to Jesus over 20 times. If you were to read this chapter aloud, it would take you a little over 3 minutes. Question: If I were to state your name over 20 times in 3 minutes, what would you think? Do you think the Apostle Paul could answer the questions above in an affirmative manner?


Click Here to Recieve Chuck's Devotional by Email

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

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

What Other Foundation is There?

The Wise Master Builder (Part 17)

For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)

Unfortunately, many “Christians” fail to recognize the disasters that come with building life on foundations other than Jesus Christ. Worldly foundations: materialism, self-gratification, egotism, etc. fly in the face of God (1 Jn 2.15-16). But, even the most committed can be subtly duped into adopting faulty foundations if they are not careful. Bible reading, prayer and other disciplines can become the central focus in the place of Christ for spirituality (Jn 5.39). Doctrinal concepts like grace, morality, predestination, dispensationalism, or any other theological dogmas can be mistakenly set up as a faulty foundation (Col 2.8). Techniques for ministry and ministry itself can ascend to the throne of our hearts and become our “end all and be all” (Mt 7.21-23, 23.15). It’s essential that we constantly examine our own lives and the emphases we are imparting to others to insure they rest squarely on the foundation of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 13.5).

Click Here to Recieve Chuck's Devotional by Email

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

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

No Other Foundation

The Wise Master Builder (Part 16)

…like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
(1 Corinthians 3:10-11)

There is nothing to build on besides Jesus Christ. This is the most important element of being a wise master builder, a proficient discipler for Christ. If we miss this, all our labors will be in vain. For Jesus is the who, the what, the how, and the why for whole of ministry. There is no other name by which men can be saved or grow in their relationship with God (Ac 4.10-12, Jn 14.6), He is the “who.” We have no other objective in ministry than to help men and women become like Him (Lk 6.40, 1 Jn 2.6). He is the “what we do.” We use His life and words as the supreme model for “the how” we disciple others (Jn 13.15). And we are compelled by His sacrifice and commands to give our lives for others (Rev 1.5, Mt 28.18-20). This is “why” we do ministry. Every part of our existence and activity is focused squarely on the person of Jesus Christ and His authority. Anything less is simply a waste of time (Phil 3.8).

Click Here to Recieve Chuck's Devotional by Email

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

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

Driving Jesus to His Knees

The Wise Master Builder (Part 15)

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. (Luke 5:16)

If the arduous work of transforming the inner man to be conformed to the likeness of Christ does not drive us to our knees, perhaps the example of Jesus Himself will. Ponder this for a moment: the Son of God, God Himself was compelled to pray for His followers and the Kingdom work (Mk 1.35, Lk 6.12, Lk 10.2, Jn 17). He is the Master Builder. No one is more proficient or knowledgeable in the matter of discipling men and women than He. And yet He took pains to bring the whole of His ministry to the Father in prayer. His example alone should be ample motivation for us to exercise a consistent life of prayer for those we are helping and training.

A final note on prayer. If our objective as disciples and makers of disciples is to become like Jesus, wouldn’t it stand to reason that we would study and emulate His tenacious prayer life as well? Follow the Master.

Click Here to Recieve Chuck's Devotional by Email

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

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

Driving Us to Our Knees

The Wise Master Builder (Part 14)

For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. (1 Corinthians 3:9)

There’s a big difference between being told prayer is important and being placed in circumstances where we are compelled to pray. As master builders, disciplers, we quickly realize we are out of our league. The complexities of ministry and brokenness people become overwhelming. This realization drives us to our knees and we become utterly dependant on the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.

Prayer is not a requirement for ministry, it is a desperate need! If you feel like you’re doing well without prayer ask yourself these questions: “Are men and women being radically transformed in heart and mind or am I just getting them to do stuff or regurgitate a particular doctrine? If I stop propping them up spiritually, would they continue to walk with Jesus?” The answers to these questions can be quite revealing. It takes the supernatural work of the Spirit to develop others beyond mere conformity. Are you driven to prayer yet?

Click Here to Recieve Chuck's Devotional by Email

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

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