Author: Chuck & Deb

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Luke 21:33

It was over. I was no longer part of the team. The Meritorious Service Medal dangled from my chest like a small insignificant period at the end of the final sentence of a long book. 29 years had gone by so fast. I knew retirement would come one day. That’s why I decided a long time ago not to wrap my whole identity around my Army career. I could have sacrificed my wife, my kids, my dog, my cat, and yes even my very soul and what would I have in the end? Don’t get me wrong, I loved being in the Army and I took my duties very seriously. But, I put things in perspective. Everything fades away except the few that are eternal: God and His Word, the souls of people, and my reward in heaven. These investments will not disappoint. SP 185

But Jesus looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written:
‘THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED,
THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER STONE’?
Luke 20:17

I was moving from squad to squad on the rifle range visiting the soldiers that would soon be attached to us for our deployment to Kuwait. As I approached, I noticed a crusty old Platoon Sergeant sneaking away as I walked up to each group. It was obvious by the scowl on his face that he was not happy to see the chaplain. I immediately started praying, “Lord, give me a great friendship with this man.” During the deployment we managed to have several good conversations about Jesus Christ. Now, when he would see me, it wasn’t the cold shoulder, it was a warm greeting. Finally, we were back home in the States and I saw him across the parking lot. He yelled, “Hey Chaplain, look what I got!” holding up his brand new baby in the air. I thought to myself, “Mission Accomplished.” Men rejected Christ and yet He still died for them, shouldn’t we do the same?

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52

Two of our greatest challenges; not knowing what to do and not doing what we know. One deals with experience and the other with choice. But, both have to do with maturity. The mature soldier is both growing in knowledge and the ability to take action with the information he has. When the two are put together, it’s called wisdom. It’s important that we never stop growing and maturing whether we are fresh out of Basic Training or we’ve been around since the water tower was a listerbag. SP 183

The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Mark 1:22

As I’ve moved up the ranks, I’ve certainly noticed an increase in authority. It was especially noticeable when I was promoted to Master Sergeant and Captain. But, I also know that true authority in people’s lives only comes when we are making an impact through trustworthiness and concern for others. I call that, “Authority” with a capital “A”. Jesus is our model for true Authority, Credibility and Compassion. Question: If we were stripped of our rank, would the people we are leading today still follow tomorrow? SP 182

Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people, that they would become accursed and laid waste, and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD. 2 Kings 22:19

I’ve seen a lot of young soldiers in my office who are in trouble. They’ve done something wrong and they are worried about their punishment. They try to explain all the extenuating circumstances and why they shouldn’t get the max punishment. I listen patiently and then help them take responsibility for their actions. Leaders really don’t like to hear excuses and justification. But they are moved by a soldier who simply says, “I blew it and I deserve whatever you give me, I will not let that happen again.” That is called repentance and in the same way, God forgives us when we “own up to it.”

Living and Discipling Among the Lost – Evangelism in our Culture

Restoring the Image – Becoming all God intended you to be

Chuck’s Testimony – The conversion, transformation, and ministry of Chaplain Chuck Wood

Illustrations and Short Devo’s – Biblical concepts that are packaged to communicate easily

SwordPoint – Spiritual applications illustrated by military experiences

Gospel Studies – A walk through the gospels looking at the life and ministry of Jesus

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Every soldier is very familiar with doing push-ups until the arms become like wet noodles and no longer offer the “up” part of the exercise. It’s at that point in the exercise where I can’t do any more and I start to shake uncontrollably and finally I see the turf up-close and personal. It’s hard to believe but that’s the time when we are being strengthened the most, in our weakness. In this life we face so many trials and temptations and as we go through them we feel weak. It seems as though we can’t take another step or face another day. God is standing by to rescue us, but only after He has allowed the circumstance to have its full results in our lives. He allows our weakness to be turned into strength. Hang in there! SP180

Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth…2 Timothy 2:25

Often times military discipline resorts to the hammer. Young leadership especially. But, although a hammer may be needed in some circumstances, we need to have a few more tools in our kitbag. Sometimes we need pliers to put a little pressure where it’s needed. Sometimes we need a saw to cut away the unwanted pieces. Sometimes we need a screwdriver just to tighten things up a little. A mature leader knows the right tool for the right job. SP179

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed. Mark 5:18-20

Some of us reading this devotional today are struggling with the fact that our comrades are deployed and we are not. We are left with the mundane day-to-day chores of support and it’s not very glamorous. I know the feeling. I volunteered to deploy every month I was on active duty with a new scheme to get overseas. But, as much as we don’t like to hear it, our jobs are just as important to the effort right here at home. Now how does this relate to our walk with the Lord? We can get the same feelings of not being ‘where the action is’ as we serve Jesus. We might think, “If I were only a missionary or pastor or in some other place.” Well, the most important question is “am I serving Christ right where I am now?” Sometimes God calls us to stay. SP178

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:20

I have seen the changing of guards all over the world. From London, to the Vatican, to Germany, even doing it myself as a private at Fort Bragg. But, there is nothing so magnificent as the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. Every time I see the ceremony, it makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. However, there is a changing of the guard even more magnificent then that; the changing of the old covenant to the new. Jesus, through His blood shed on the cross, relieved the Old Covenant of its duties and brought in New. There is a new Guardian of Heaven. Jesus alone can let you pass. SP176