Author: Chuck & Deb

I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. Psalm 119:52

Motrin is a miracle drug for the US Army. When a young warrior goes to see the Doc, 9 times out of 10 he’s going to leave with a bottle of “Ranger Candy”. I always keep a basic load of 800 mg in my rucksack. It takes care of a lot of pain. But what about the kind of pain Motrin can’t touch? Sometimes we find ourselves with the pain of anxiety, loneliness, spiritual dryness, or a broken heart. God uses the Word to sooth and comfort these spiritual aches and pains. The next time your spirit is hurting, spend time in the Word of God and find comfort for your soul. Warning: Use Motrin only as directed; read the Scriptures as much as you want! SP212

Jesus said, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42

It was another blistering day in the desert. As my driver and I passed a platoon from the 82nd Airborne Division, I decided to stop and see if I knew anyone. It was then I discovered the predicament of these parched paratroopers. They had completely run out of water and the water point was miles away. I loaded my jeep with their canteens and headed off to the water point. When I returned, I became an instant hero. The appreciation for a little H2o was overwhelming. There was great reward in that simple act of giving water to the thirsty. Now consider this, if there is reward for giving physical water, imagine the reward for the act of giving spiritual water. There are people around us living in spiritual deserts and they need us to bring them living waters. Pass that canteen. SP211

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. PS 119:45

When I led recons, I always made sure I knew my maps and overlays down to the smallest details. I almost had them memorized. I knew the terrain, friendly positions, enemy locations and more. Because I had done my homework, we were able to freely move about in our sector. It allowed me to travel in enemy territory without much restriction and in our own AO (Area of Operation) without the worry of friendly fire. That same freedom comes when we know the Bible. We read about the great promises of God and He brings us into new territory without fear. The Bible points out areas to avoid, Satanic and worldly ambushes or restrictive behavior that can slow us down spiritually. The more we know the Scriptures the more we are liberated in this walk of faith. Walk in the freedom of God’s Word. (John 8.31-32) SP210

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:10

“Your rank is crooked and …Oh, your ribbons are off center,” those were the scrutinizing words of the First Sergeant. With his calibrated eyeball, he had quickly pointed out in one second what I had painstakingly measured, remeasured and measured again. This was not Private Wood standing inspection, it was CPT Wood, preparing a DA photo for the promotion board. Now why would a seasoned Captain (who had been a 1SG himself) seek out and even welcome the examination of 1SG Garcia? The answer is obvious. It would be foolish to think that my uniform was perfect and I didn’t need a second set of eyes. We need a second set of eyes on our spiritual lives as well. We can be a little off center or cockeyed in our faith. We can lose focus on spiritual priorities or have blind spots. We need others who have clear vision and insight to help us live for Jesus more effectively. Is someone looking out for you? SP209

I will be sharing “Dynamics of Recruiting Illustration” on Ustream on Wednesday, 5 March 08 at 2100 EST. This is an illustration you can show young laborers how Jesus invited others into His ministry.

The illustration will be followed by an interview with John Snyder from Ft Bragg. Fort Bragg has a highly developed ministry of recruiting, and John can give us great insights into implementing these ideas in our own ministries.

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 contact name in the search: benningnavs

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

As a young Staff Sergeant in Korea, the Lord was working hard at developing my faith. It sounds crazy, but He led me to give my entire paycheck to some local missionaries. I was left with thirty-six cents, just enough for a bus ride across town. I went to my neighbor in the barracks to swap my loose change for Korea money. He produced a large jar of coins and placed ten of them in my open palm. As I pleaded I only needed exact change, he placed another ten in my palm. Then another. The more I tried to clarify, the more the coins kept falling into my hand. Soon he had poured the entire contents into my hands and coins spilled over onto the floor. He had no clue that I needed the extra money, but God did. God provided in ways like that all month long. There are often deep lessons in faith we can learn by trusting God with our tithes and offerings.

“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