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

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