Month: February 2008

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow… Isaiah 1:18

We had flown all night loaded up with heavy rucks, snowshoes and artic gear. The flight was rough approaching the dropzone and as we hooked up, I stood half bent over under the tremendous weight. As I exited the door, the deafening roar of the C130 turned into silence and the strain of the heavy equipment was immediately relieved. I was floating under my parachute and I surveyed the dropzone. I noticed it was covered with three foot of new snow. A sudden wave of peace overwhelmed me . The stark winter landscape had been covered with a perfect blanket of pure white snow. It was the softest landing of any jump. That memory creates another picture in my mind, the mental image of forgiveness. When I consider how the blood of Jesus Christ has completely covered my sins, I realize that God’s view of me is a spectacular sight of forgiveness. The followers of Jesus have been cleansed as white as snow and we are at peace. A soft landing indeed. SP207

I will be sharing “The Temple” on Ustream on Wednesday, 27 Feb 08 at 2100 EST. This is an illustration you can show young believers who are struggling in the area of fellowship and influences in their lives. 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-navigatorsTo 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 email: charleswood1@gmail.com

Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. Matthew 22:29

I was standing in front of the First Sergeant’s desk at a rigid position of parade rest. He was having a very loud one-way discussion with me about the exploits of the night before. I was the demolition man in charge of blowing up all the OPFOR’s equipment. I did exactly that and more. During the ambush, I threw a grenade simulator in the back of a military pick-up truck. The explosion split the top of the camper shell wide open like a sardine can. I had sorely underestimated the power of the training explosive. You know, at times we can do the same with the power of God. God is the Almighty. His power exceeds our wildest expectations. When we recognize His power, we can press forward in obedience and faith no matter what the circumstances. SP204

I will be sharing “The Temple” on Ustream on Wednesday, 27 Feb 08 at 2100 EST. This is an illustration you can show young believers who are struggling in the area of fellowship and influences in their lives. 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 email: charleswood1@gmail.com

For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. 2 Corinthians 8:17

I think initiative is one of the toughest leadership qualities to teach. That ability to see what needs to be done and then doing it without being told. You can tell when a young leader turns the corner and begins to anticipate the instructions of a superior. They instinctively size up the situation and begin working on solutions or improvements. They operate from a broader understanding of their leader’s intent. I think Jesus wants us to develop this same trait in our walk with Him. As we learn the broader scope of His design and desires, we begin to carry out His will intuitively (instead of waiting to be struck by some holy telegram). Read the scriptures, learn the broader intent and will of God and then take the initiative. SP203

We have 89 subscribers to SWORDPOINT right now, my goal is 100 by the end of March. Can you help me put the word out to those who would be helped by this ministry? They can subscribe on the Blogsite www.charleswood1.blogspot.com Thanks!

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:42

One of my men had been “working” on the jeep for months and it was time for the change of command inspection. Although I’d never seen the vehicle myself, I was confident that the inspection would go well. As we approached the line of jeeps, one stood out from all the rest. It was so badly rusted, you couldn’t read the bumper number. It had bird droppings all over it and four flat tires. It was obvious, from the many missing parts; it had become the hanger queen. Surprise, surprise, the jeep belonged to me. My jeep was not even operational let alone ready for inspection. I had failed to supervise and keep a close eye on my equipment. If the Lord came today to inspect our lives, what would He see? Would He find us busy maintaining our lives in accordance with His desires or would He find something that looked like SGT Wood’s jeep? Keep watch, the inspector’s coming.

Jesus said, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.’ John 14:6

The static line snap hook is the most important connection made by a paratrooper. By hooking the snap hook to the anchor cable inside the aircraft, it becomes the vital link that pulls the parachute out of the deployment bag when the trooper exits the door. No snap hook, no open parachute. Our spiritual lives must also be securely connected to God the Father. God has provided the vital connection through His Son. By redirecting our lives toward God and placing our trust in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, our sins are forgiven and our relationship with Him is secure. There is no other way to hook up. Are you telling others how to “hook up.” SP201

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, `Show us the Father’? John 14:9

I walked up to a small huddle of Ranger Students in the middle of the night to find them complaining about their Ranger Instructor. Cloaked by the darkness, I eased into their little group and listened to their grievances and complaints. It was hilarious to listen to them criticize me so strongly and not know I was standing right there. In the humor of it all, I ease dropped for a few minutes. Then I interrupted the gripe session by asking, “Don’t you men have better things to do than snivel about me holding your feet to the fire?” The group quickly and sheepishly disbanded. In the darkness they failed to recognize that their RI was standing in their midst. Sometimes, in the darkness of our understanding, we may fail to recognize Jesus in our presence. He’s not just a great teacher or a great prophet, He is God. He hears every word and sees every act. Have we truly recognized Him in our midst? (John 1:1-2,14) SP200

The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Galatians 5:14-15

My team leader and I snuck through the darkness into the opposing force’s perimeter. They knew something was up and I could hear them frantically communicating with each other. Suddenly, my own team leader began to yell, “They’re in the perimeter, they’re in the perimeter!” The next thing I knew, all three machineguns and other small arms turned toward the middle of the perimeter and opened fire. We had set up a perfect self-destructive ambush. I think Satan is busy doing the same to the Church. Once he’s got us shooting one another, his battle is almost won. Remember, friendly fire isn’t so friendly. SP199

And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. Psalm 78:72

Before a road march out to the field, I stated to my platoon, “All right, this is a period of amnesty. If you have anything in your ruck you shouldn’t, bring it up front.” I could not believe the contraband that was being piled up at my feet (even a bottle of whiskey!). Just then, my commander walked by and noticed my little collection. He demanded to know the rightful owners of these prohibited items. I told him, “I’m sorry sir, but I told my men that this was a period of amnesty.” I knew I was in trouble at that point but I could not violate a promise made to my men. I took the heat that day, (and learned a better procedure for amnesty) but I gained the respect of my platoon by leading with integrity. SP198