Category: Uncategorized

Maintaining the Image

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

I was taught from day one that when I put on the uniform I represent my branch of service and more importantly, my Nation. Many before me have worn this uniform and paid the great price for freedom. I wear it with pride and dignity. There is a certain image to maintain. As God’s creation, we also have a image to maintain, a reflection of the Divine. We represent Him to a lost and dying world. Unfortunately, the image is tarnished by sin. But by following Jesus, we begin the repairing and polishing process that is available to us in His righteousness. Ultimately, He makes us magnificently presentable for our final inspection. SP168

Centurions

Acts 10:1-2 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

I’ve seen the difference when the company level leadership has a Christian influence. I’m not talking about a preachy leader who runs around beating everyone up with the Bible. But, on the other hand, they are not afraid to talk about the scriptures or pray either. There’s a difference in the command climate that’s injected with the love and truth of Christ. I think there are two reasons for the unique atmosphere of that company. 1. They are living out biblical principles of leadership. 2. They love people the way Jesus loved them. I’m thinking of a dozen of you who are in such a position right now, way to go! And if you have such a 1SG or Company Commander, tell them you appreciate their godly leadership. Pray for our leaders at all levels. SP167

TOO BIG TO FIT

‘But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!’ 1 Kings 8:27

One of the infantrymen’s expedient shelters is a poncho hooch. Basically, it’s a 5’x 6’ poncho strung up like a picnic umbrella about four feet off the ground. It’s great way to stay out of the rain but I was just a little too big for the shelter. Inevitably, I would wake up in the morning to discover that some part of my body was sticking out of the hooch and got soak and wet. God’s like that. No matter how hard we try to press God into a temple, church, chapel, and yes, even our own human concepts, He just doesn’t fit. He is bigger than we could ever imagine. Don’t put God in a box. SP166

The Desert

Psalm 107:35 He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs

We were parched and almost dizzy from the heat of the Kuwaiti sun. A desert like none other I’d been in. Sand stuck to the lips and the only evidence of perspiration was the salt stains on our DCUs. That was one dry hot place. The first sermon preached in Kuwait drew the contrast between the dryness of the desert and the springs of spiritual water God has to offer us in Christ. I promised all those who would seek God in that desolate place would find His blessing in their lives like pools of water. And indeed God is faithful to His Word. My time in the desert was one of the most spiritually rewarding times of my life. Are you going through a spiritual desert right now? Continue to seek Him and you will be led to streams of living water. SP165

No Trophy

Malachi 2:16 ‘I hate divorce,’ says the LORD God of Israel…’

 

I overheard two soldiers boasting about their divorces as though they were trophies of honor.  They bragged about how much they had given up for their careers and how their wives just couldn’t hang.  I’m almost certain that underneath all that bravado was a lot of pain.  We do have demanding jobs in the military but that is no excuse for neglecting our wife and kids when we are home.  Take care of your family.  Perform your family maintenance plan with as much discipline as your profession.  I’ve never heard an old retired soldier say, “I wish I would have spent more time at work.” But I have heard them say they wished they’d taken better care of their families.  It is no trophy to sacrifice our families on the altar of career. SP164

 

 

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?’

Twice standing in the line at Burger King on two different posts, men have asked, “Are you Chuck Wood? I heard you disciple men and I’m looking for a mentor.” Coincidence? I don’t think so. What else is going on behind spiritual curtains that we can’t see. I believe that God has us in the right place at the right time and now it’s up to us to do the right thing. Keep your spiritual eyes open. SP163

Ministry of Presence

He appointed twelve–designating them apostles–that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach (Mark 3:14)

One of the great things about being a chaplain is that you enjoy the privilege of going to work with your congregation. Sometimes the work environment is less than desirable (dirty, smelly, far away places where you can be shot at) but being with the troops is always pleasure. I really think that’s the kind of ministry Jesus modeled for us. You should note that He didn’t just hang out in His office waiting for folks to come to Him. He went to the people. In fact He chose 12 guys to hang out with Him so He could give them more intense training. The focus of ministry is not buildings, institutions, or programs. The focus of ministry is people. Meet them on their turf.

Dead Sacrifices

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6)

‘But I’m making sacrifices for my country. At least I signed up. I’m doing my part…’ This was the ‘patriot’ card being played by one of my privates as I was counseling him on his poor performance. I had to remind him that the true sacrifice was in performing his duties not in sponging off American’s tax dollars and wearing BDUs. Sometimes we play the ‘patriot’ card with Jesus. ‘But I go to church, give when the offering plate comes by, I pray before meals.’ Jesus is looking for our true allegiance in two areas; Do we really love Him and do we love people. The answer is not in our lifeless traditions; it’s in our sincere day to day relationship with Him and others.