April 2009 – Page 2 – ToBeLikeJesus

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).

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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