Tag: Changes

Plenty of Blame

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Plenty of Blame

I recently saw a report where New York Gov. Cuomo attempted to place blame of Covid-19 deaths on former President Trump. It occurred to me that this is nothing new, but rampant right now. IF we spent less time pointing fingers, and instead acknowledge that first we all share blame, down to the individual household, and also less time pointing fingers, and more time sitting at the table to work on the problem, we would be able to find reasonable solutions. Problems such as these are often much bigger, far larger, than one person. Every single human is currently responsible for the outcome we face. From not wearing masks, to not staying home, to hosting parties, to unnecessary travel, etc. We all place blame, but largely, if you want to be more specific, how much can we really do to fight a pandemic? While this isn’t the first time, it is the first time that a virus could travel so easily around the world, so quickly. I would say, preparedness is largely problematic. Were we ready? No, of course not. This problem goes back a long way. Pointing out all the failures could easily be an entire blog on its own, but right now I don’t feel that’s what we need. Suffice to say, we are ALL responsible for the current conditions we find ourselves in. 

God has allowed this virus to take hold of the earth. We may not know if this was caused, or allowed to happy, but either way, God is still in control of all things. God’s love is sufficient, and in these troubled times, we need to remember where we can go with our broken and lost hearts. 

Hebrews 4:16 ESV “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

WE must remember that no matter what we are facing we are accepted into the arms of the Abba Father. We must take this time and turn to the Lord. We must trust in the Lord that He is sovereign over all, and we must trust in His will. 

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

WE have all lost something in this pandemic. We voted and a new President took office. We may not like, we may love it, but regardless, for the next four years, we are here. We are one nation under God, and unless we want to see this great nation face judgment, we must turn from our ways and find it in our hearts to repent. God has been more than gracious with giving us time to do so, but now’s the time to stand firm on our beliefs. Are we to allow our country to go down a dark path? Perhaps, we will. We must all face ourselves and check our hearts. We must start with the man/woman, in the mirror. We must turn to the Father and ask for the forgiveness, and the courage to stand where we must. We cannot continue to pass blame and point fingers. 

Start Right Here By: Casting Crowns

We want our coffee in the lobby

We watch our worship on a screen

We got a Rockstar preacher

Who won’t wake us from our dreams

We want out blessings in our pocket

We keep our missions overseas

But for the hurting in our cities

Would we even cross the street?

Huh but we wanna see the heart set free and the tyrants kneel

The walls fall down and our land be healed

But church if we want to see a change in the world out there

It’s got to start right here

We cannot continue to expect the light to shine if we ourselves are hypocrites. Do we stand against abortion? Sure, if you’re a Christian you should, but at the same time, are you supporting low income families? Are you helping that single mother hurting? Are you supporting foster parents, and adoptions? It’s not an easy ask, but if Christians would truly support those ventures and not just in prayer, but in time, money, and support, those supporting abortions wouldn’t have a solid argument. Make no mistake, abortion is a sin, but no more of a sin than the over consumption of alcohol, the adultery, the lying, the gossiping going on all around us. IF we want a change we have to start right here, right now, in each of our hearts. 

Christians, I call to you, I implore you to seek a Biblical worldview, instead of following along the secular one. I beg you to see the light of Christ. WE must come together, and we must stop the infighting, stop the complaining, stop the hate. We must not judge others by their skin, their clothes, their social status, or the country they hail from. We must find balance. We must find love in our hearts, and find a way to uphold the law of the land, uphold the law of scripture, and love our neighbors. Are we really taking care of the church as we were asked to do so? Are we managing the talents we were given, or burring it in the sand letting it go to waist? Church, let us do better. Let us live in love. Let us shine the light of Christ in the tumultuous times. Go in peace, go in prayer, and go in love. 

Where Were You?

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Where were you?

Where were you my God when I was all-alone, and scared? Where were you when I was being bullied at school every day? Where were you when I needed you? Where were you when my ex-wife was having an affair while my grandfather was dying? Where were you when my second wife was sleeping with another man while I was at home waiting? Where were you all those years I prayed for you feeling alone? I spent so many years crying in my bed for you, and as much as I wanted to feel you, I wouldn’t feel for years and years. Where were you God when I needed you the most in my life, did you sit back and watch unwilling to intervene in my life? I didn’t understand back then and even struggle now to see what the purpose was. I feel like there’s a monster within me screaming to get out. I feel dark, and I’m afraid of what lives inside me. I sometimes struggle with my faith, and when the night comes and the loneliness creeps in I just hope to make it through another night when I’m in dark times. My faith is sometimes hard to find when I can’t see your purpose, or feel your presence.

I’m sure many have felt this way before. I’m sure some of you feel that way right now. The truth is, I think a crisis in faith is something many go through. I think when you live through trials and troubles over and over it’s easy to become lost. The Lord tells us not to be afraid, do not be dismayed. Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)10 “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”I can’t say I am always comforted by scripture, but often then not, I read to remind myself of the truth. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV) 6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Our emotions aren’t always accurate to the truth of a situation. It’s easy to forget that we aren’t ever alone because Satan wants us to feel cut off from God. It’s easy to fall into despair because the world tells us it’s “fend for yourself”. While this isn’t necessarily wrong, and this world will not help you in times of trouble most of the time, Christian brothers and sisters will. We are told to live in the world, but not be conformed to it. God has been with us every day so far, and will continue to be with us every day going forward.

If you start to look into your life and question where God’s been, I ask, are you truly willing to open the door to let God in? How willing have you been to help yourself? God will never send you into the lions den to fend for yourself without giving you the tools needed to face the challenge. There are forces at work all around us, forces of evil trying to destroy you, and forces of good that are trying to protect you. The world would have you believe it’s just a cruel place, and that there is no good reason bad things happen to good people. The world wants you to think that if God was good bad things wouldn’t happen. The world would have you blame God for being in an abusive relationship. I’ve heard it before, “if God were good why would he let my husband abuse me physically and emotionally.” While this is certainly sad, one might make the argument that it’s choice to stay. I’m not talking about divorce, but I am talking about removing yourself from harm. We want to blame God for being subjected to things, but how often do we remain by choice? How often do we tell those around us that we have no choice? I say this; there is always a choice. We don’t like to make choices we can’t see how everything will work out. We want to avoid the unknown, and we are willing to brave the fire in spite of the open ocean. We cannot ask where God is when we elect to stay in a place God isn’t welcomed. I have seen this meme over and over again after a school shooting, “Where was God?” and under God’s reply “I’m not allowed in school.” Do we do the same thing in our own homes? Do we ask where God is during the year in between Easter and Christmas when you haven’t been to a service once? Are we doing any Bible study at home, or is our Bible dusty from Sunday through Sunday? We must understand that though God is always with us, he doesn’t force his will upon us. We have to choose to want him in our lives, and it doesn’t work if we only want God around when we need a miracle or because we need a ‘Get out of jail free” card.

Instead of asking where was God, I ask where are you? Are you walk with God every day or just when it’s convenient? Are you looking like a Christian every day of the week or just the few hours on Sunday at church? If you want to know where God is, or has been, it’s time to ask yourself where you’ve been walking. If you you’re walking along the path and you aren’t sure where God is, check the bottom of your shoes. You may have very well been walking in the poo and wonder why your life stinks. It’s a hard truth, but one we must all face at some point. Being a Christian doesn’t mean it’s all sunshine and roses, on the contrary we are told we will face trials, troubles, and persecution under the name of Christ. It’s in these trials however we are pushed and tested, and often we can either draw closer to God, or allow the world to win the battle? When things are going bad, and things seem hopeless, your place should be in prayer with God, and in church. It’s time to open the doors, and let God in, not just when things go bad, but all the time.

 

 

When Your Heart Hurts

thearrowpreacher5 Comments

When Your Heart Hurts

Today’s blog post will be dedicated to a very lovely lady I have had the pleasure to get to know. She’s the most empathetic, and loving woman I’ve ever be blessed to know. No matter the hardships that befall you, turn to the Father and place your trust in Him. He gives us gifts and sometimes it’s in the most unusual circumstances, but God always works in mysterious ways. It’s not our place to question, it’s just our place to smile, say thank you, and Love Jesus for everything we have. God Bless Alice, you’re never ever alone.

 

We’ve all be there, broken hearted, torn, crying, lost and not sure where to turn. After my ex left I was broken, and I felt as if I’d never be whole again. There are days even now two years later when I wonder what more my heart can take, what more hurt can I  endure. I have watched a great many tragedies, and have seen the revolving door of new people in and out of my life. What I have learned is to be sure my foundation is solid. I have wanted nothing more then to find myself someone special, but as I have moved forward I have now realized there’s a reason I hadn’t found the right person. It wasn’t so much as the right person for me, it was the right person for the path I am now on. It’s funny how just a year ago I never imagined the path I’d be on now. I still find myself surprised at each new path God places me on. It’s funny, after my near death experience back in 2016 for a while I was at ease with everything that was going on in my life. I was calm, and I was sure that I was so unsure of the future, but it was completely okay because no matter where I was, God would be in control. As time passed I slowly began to feel the doubts creep in, and I began to feel the pull of regret, doubts, and despair flood my heart, and I found myself being crushed by the weight I couldn’t carry alone.

In the months and now years of recovery of the worst heartbreak I’ve ever had, I have found clarity of faith that I have never had. I have become a pawn moving my way up the board, and one day hope to become a knight. The road to becoming a knight is a perilous one, and not to be undertaken lightly. The closer you get to God, and as you become one of his strongest tools, so shall you be subjected to more attacks, more scrutiny, and a bigger target on your chest. When you are broken hearted, do not fear the pain, instead accept it, and grow from it. When you are lost, turn to God to be your compass. When you are hurting turn to God to wipe your tears away. When you are sad and depressed turn to God for healing and trust that the gray skies will part. We are all down on our knees at some point, but always remember that our trials are for many purposes. We often think that when we go through a trial it’s because of us, something we are to learn, and while that’s quite possibly true, it’s also possible that it’s our witness that’s on trial. How we respond to depression, and anger, and heartbreak is just as important as any other day. We have the opportunity to show others the love of Jesus Christ in our lives. While this may not change our fear, or the hurt we feel, we should always hold onto the hope for tomorrow. God has made each and ever one of us important and it’s in scripture we find a hope that washes away all tears, washes away all doubts, and builds us stronger tomorrow then we are today. Luke 12:7“7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” We don’t often think about Christ’s love for us as an individual love, but the truth is Jesus would have sacrificed himself for even just one soul, but as God planned we are each, every single one of us, worthy in God’s eyes of saving. We are God’s people and our Father loves us unconditionally. We have a father that wants us to join Him in Heaven, and that wants us to know him. We have a father we can call Abba, and we know that no matter how much we hurt, how much we cry, how lost we feel, our Abba is never not with us.

It doesn’t matter if you suffer from depression, anxiety, heartbreak, or addiction, there’s always hope on the horizon. The first thing to know is God never leaves us. Second, is God will always provide a solution to the problem. God loves us, and God wants us to succeed even if there’s a hard lesson to be learned. God often gives us the tools we need to make it through our hardships. God also gives us help along the way. We may not expect the help to come from where it does, but we must verify by testing the apparent gifts, but if they are truly gifts from God, we must always appreciate them, and treasure them. I haven’t always been the best at doing this, and I feel if perhaps I would have done something differently I wouldn’t have ended up divorced, but regardless where the blame is to be placed, if any, I am on this path now because of that event putting this timeline in motion. Trust in God that even when we screw things up, or when the Devil intervenes, God is still working things out. All things in our life will be used to glorify God, the good, bad, even the ugly. Don’t fear tomorrow, instead focus on God today and ask how you can glorify God with whatever your going through. Never doubt yourself for you’re a child of the King. We all have limitations, physical, emotional, mental, but in our weaknesses, God grows our faith and we must turn to God and give all the glory. Embrace the gifts God has placed in your life to include and most importantly Jesus Christ. Be strong, be courageous, and be willing to take a chance by trusting in God the Father.

It’s Not The End, Just Different 

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

It’s Not The End, Just Different: 

Nothing lasts forever. This life is a fleeting moment in the totality of the universe. Sometimes in life we have a hard time with change. We can have a difficult time letting go of the past. I know for me, I have struggled in the past with relationships when they end. I have a hard time understanding why it ended. I don’t understand the human emotion that causes people to walk away from something that seemed good. I have a hard time understanding how someone’s feelings can change without negative interaction. I have a hard time understanding how the heart can change and people who were once beautiful, kind, and caring, can turn so cruel. The change comes when sin takes hold, and the fight against it goes south. The attacks of the Devil can over time wear you down and if you’re not careful you can succumb to the enemy.

When the river changes are you going to be prepared to face those changes? Are you prepared to deal with the storms when they come? My whole life I thought I could handle anything that came my way, and one afternoon I was caught of guard and when I wasn’t looking I stepped into the fist of Satan and fell to the mat. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get back up. After more then two weeks in the hospital, I emerged with a new drive, a new direction, and rebuilding the foundation that cracked beneath my feet. God was changing my direction, and I felt like my world was ending. The thing about life is sometimes it’s truly about perspective. Had I looked at my life and saw it from a different point of view, it’s likely I would not have been in a worse situation from the one I started out on.

Realizing the end was there I panicked and my life spun out of control. When it seems like everything is upside down, and the hurricane is all around you, you have to remain calm, and focus on God. Had I taken some time I could have seen it wasn’t the end, but the beginning of a new chance to fix what I didn’t like about my life, and push forward. That’s not what happened for me, but now going on two years later, I can look back and realize everything I went through was growing pains. We can either choose to be destroyed by life, or we can rise above. We can choose to be hit by the lemons, or we can make lemonade. We can allow Satan to destroy us, or we can command Satan to flee before the name of Christ. We have the opportunity to learn, and to grow each and every minute we’re in this life. Yes, there will be horrible things, and things will often be painful, but consider how much you’ll be able to grow and change. No one likes pain, and no one wants to endure hardships, and while some will go through more, understand that in every situation both good and bad God is still in control and working things out. Our part in the matter is so small, yet we have the power to do great things, or screw up our lives royally. I’ve seen people destroy everything they had worked for and was forced to start from scratch in their lives.

Don’t look at life as what you’ve lost, instead look at it as what you have the potential to gain. Instead of me looking at what I was loosing, I could have instead taken the position that it wasn’t my doing, or my choice. I could have looked upon my life as a season of change, and taken that to move forward in my life in a healthy positive direction. I could have thought I am stronger, and I am capable of finding someone who better suits my personality. Sadly, I did none of these things, and I didn’t turn to God in my hour of need.

Scripture tells us to do two things in times of struggles. First, we must turn to God and pray for guidance and peace, and direction. Second we must turn to our brothers and sisters so we may seek Godly counsel for wisdom and guidance. Both of these things are important, and needed to ensure the compass continues to point North. It’s so easy for the Devil to get into our heads and pull us just a degree off course ever so slightly. Eventually we will find ourselves headed for a waterfall, our engines are broken, and we can’t steer. The Devil will laugh as we tumble over the edge and he’ll watch as we smash into the rocks at the bottom. The Devil delights in watching others suffer and if I had to describe the Devil in human form, he’s the guy sitting in a Corinthian leather lazy boy, sipping on a Martini, smoking a cigar, watching lives being destroyed on a thousand TV’s at once. Don’t give the Devil the satisfaction of good entertainment. Stand firm in your Christian convictions, and repel the attacks coming your way.

We change as we grow, and change is either good or bad, but one thing is certain, we have a say in how we change. Trauma’s and tragedy will come, but those who’s faith is cemented in Christ will withstand the storms far better then those with no hope. No one’s perfect and we’re all going to fall and fail, but making the choice to get up, change course, and keep pushing forward is all we can really do. God will guide us if we let Him. If we give up our selves, and trust God the journey will go much smoother. We will still hit the storms, but they won’t seem so scary anymore. While I was scared to change the way my Blog is posted, going from everyday to part time, I have found it difficult to take my fingers off the keyboard and make that change permanent. I know one day the time will be right for me to skip a day, or take time off, but as for right now, that’s not today. We can’t worry to much about tomorrow, instead focus on the here and now, focus on today, and focus on how you can glorify God in this moment.

 

It’s a wonderful thing to be able to share the blessings and teachings of Christ with all of you. For those who read my works in Christ, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Recently I came across an amazing home business based in Travel and Entertainment that’s the real deal. The savings found through this business are amazing. If you shop online, like to go to movies, or travel, this gift card for you can save you up to 50%. Please enjoy your gift as a symbol of my appreciation and gratitude. God Bless.

img_0128

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://hangout.paid2save.com/

Seasons of Love

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Seasons of Love:

I’ve been thinking about the past and how I’ve gotten through the storm to sit where I do now. I feel like I’ve been climbing a mountain through storm after storm. I have watched those on the mountain with me have fallen away. I have watched as people with me have tried to cut my ropes. I’ve climbed with people that would climb off without me. In this climb I have found strength I didn’t know I had. I have shed tears of heartbreak, loss, and some in victory. I have watched as close friends have stabbed me in the back. I have watched as close friends have abandoned me with no word. In all the bad, there’s been good too. I have grown in my faith with Jesus Christ. I have found a path that has been laid in front of me by God. A path I have to hold onto and try to remain focused on is my service to God.

In the last 24 hours I was hit with something pretty big and it’s had a sizeable impact on my life. I have climbed this mountain for a long time now, and once in a while I’ve been hit with someone so hard it felt like a punch from the hulk. In times of struggle all we can do is turn to the one who can make a difference Jesus Christ. This message was supposed to be one of hope, and of change, and one of positive direction. Instead I want to talk about the seasons of love we all enter.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4we a couple words that stand out above the rest. “4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,”Charity is the word Agape which is the purest form of Love in ancient Greek. There was no love greater. The next and last word I want to discuss is suffering. To endure completely, to love and not keep track of the transgressions, but to continue in the ways of love because it’s about the spirit of Love, not the benefits of what’s in it for ourselves.

Love won’t be an easy thing as it never has been, and of course it never will be. There will be days that you are fed up, you are tired, and you want to throw in the towel, but I say to you, in your heart is it love you feel? I have loved and lost, and many have asked me how I can say I love someone after all they did to me. My response is always the same, “Love suffers, and it does not keep score.” I usually give a half smile. “Love endures all things.” I always follow up with, “Forgiveness is not a suggestion, it’s a command, thus we must forgive not because they deserve it, or have earned it, but because it restores balance in our hearts with God.” Love takes effort, it takes work, and sadly if it is not cared for, the fire can go out.

As I have walked for many years up that steep mountainside I know one day I will reach the top. One day I will sit with Jesus on the edge of the summit and look out over the world below. I envision beautiful trails, and waterfalls, rainbows, and perfect animals all around for the nature lovers in Heaven. As I close my eyes and I’m taken to a place my heart has longed for, I’m reminded of the raw power I received a glimpse of for only a moment. How great it will be to enter unto Heaven and find myself exploring the perfect forests, the perfect land. I open my eyes and I’m back on the mountain clinging to the side of the rock with a long climb ahead of me. Today the storm came and all I can do is pitch the tent and ride out the storm.

Working in security I found myself doing a job I was good at, but never truly feeling fulfilled. The very rare occasions that came up for me to make a legitimate difference in someone’s life were so fleeting it never sustained the gap between them. Several weeks ago when God closed that door in my life, I realized the seasons were changing. When winter starts to dwindle and spring is coming there’s a time period when the environment is just rough. The snow has melted and the ground is soft and muddy, the clouds are still thick and gray, and nothing has started to bud with new life. Every season has a transition period and as I enter mine, I am reminded of the promise made by the Lord. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 3

1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

2 a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace.

In this time of change I am going back to school, and moving along this path I have set out on. While I don’t know where this path will lead me, I do know God has laid this in front of me, and I shall not wander away. Much like Dorothy on the yellow brick road I assume there will be dangers along the way. We must learn what things are priorities, and be willing to change those priorities as needed along the way. For over a year I have placed this blog as one of my top priorities in my walk with Christ. I have been faithful in writing and in my ministry and my worship of the Lord in this forum. It’s with a heavy heart I must realize that this season is starting to change. With school on the horizon I realize I won’t be able to put as much time and energy as it’s taken to maintain this blog 7 days a week. It’s with deep sadness I must take some time to reevaluate the frequency in which I am able to post new messages. This has been a major part of my life for over a year now, and walking away is certainly not an easy thing. But as I have learned, just because the winter ends doesn’t mean you get rid of your snow boots. I will keep the blog around, and when I am able I will post new messages. Sadly, this will be the last day of the every day messages.

I want to thank those who’ve read consistently. While the traffic to my blog never reached my desired goals, I cannot deny the impact my blog has had around the world. This post is number 553. I have reached over 100 countries and I have had over 15,000 views and more then 7000 visitors. There’s no doubt in my mind, while I didn’t receive much in the way of feedback, the messages that were published reaching that many people had to make a difference to at least one person. As I continue on with my education in the pursuit of my pastoral counseling degree, I will continue to take note, to stockpile ideas, and when time allows, I will write and post again. The page will remain up and active and the prayer request page will be available. Please feel free to comment at any time on there for prayers, or you can find my email on my contact page. Go forth my brothers and sisters and continue to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to those in your lives. Be hopeful in your walk because this life is just another season, and the next one is perfection. Right now I am hunkered down on the cliff waiting for the cold brutal storm to pass, but I know, I believe, I have faith that in due time the storm will pass, and I will climb once more. God Bless all of you, and I look forward to being able to share updates as my journey continues.

The Eye

thearrowpreacher5 Comments

The Eye:

I have spent the last few weeks ministering to those whom I meet and it’s no surprise to everyone else, but a total shock to me, that the moment I would devote my life to ministry the door cracked open, the flood of people I would be ministering/counseling would skyrocket. In these few weeks I have found myself finding lost sheep everywhere I turn. I have felt as it Sauron’s great eye were watching me. No I’m not comparing Sauron to God, but I have felt as if I were being watched. The fact is, I have been. Our God is an almighty sovereign of the universe and He can watch every single one of us at the same time. Proverbs 5:21-23“21 For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths. 22 The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. 23 He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.” We think we know the right way, we think we know the path, but if we but see through the eyes of the Lord, we would not be so easily led astray, let to ruin, led by the flesh.

I have often found when we start to stray away from God we fall to the flesh, the desires of our sin nature and thus, we fall to the ever watchful eye. We are children and when we need it we are punished and corrected so we may get back onto the path away from Sin. Of course we all sin, we will all always fall short of perfection, but in this life we are always working to be as Christ like as possible. Hebrews 4:13 “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”  God is so great, and so merciful and gracious, and yet we spit on our blessings, we turn our backs, we scoff at the Lord, it’s no wonder our society and our Nation have fallen so far.

We have allowed the great darkness to rise and spread through the land and like Mordor’s black army being raised, we are Gondor vastly outnumbered, and yet we stand at the ready to face the swarm of darkness. The evil eye of Satan watch and waits for our guard to be down before He strikes and tries to break our spirits, our resolve. If we are being watched by the enemy, why then are we not watching for Him? We are told in scripture to be mindful, to be watchful, and it’s no surprise. 1 Peter 5:8“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” If our enemy doesn’t sleep, what makes us think we can rest in this war? While there is a time for every season that doesn’t mean we become complacent.

When I was in the military and deployed to Iraq there was something I remember above all other signs. “Complacently Kills.” It was a Marine Motto. When you become relaxed on the battlefield that’s when the enemy is able to get the drop on you and kill you. We cannot expect the great deceiver to take a break so why should we? Don’t take your eye off the ball because when you do, we never know when, where, or how the attack will come, but rest assured it will. Remember to pray to the one who can actually do anything for us, the one which whom our strength comes from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Father God, I want to give thanks for the many blessings you have bestowed upon me, and the path you’ve placed me on. I know it’s not always been easy for me, and I know I have not always been the best of servants, and for that and my sins I ask your gracious forgiveness. I thank you for my readers, and that they be blessed as you’ve blessed me. I pray for the vast number of prayer requests that have been made to me this week. There so to many to count, and some potentially life threatening. You are Holy and I know that at any moment you could wave your hand and right the ship, change the course, and make smooth sailing, but to my own feeble understanding I am nothing compared to the picture of the universe within your hands. You have given us so much, and we give so little in comparison, I ask your mercy that I may better serve you, but more importantly I ask for your blessings of those whom I encounter. There are so many crying souls Lord, you hear them all, and I pray for them. Lord I have met so many lost sheep in the last few weeks, I feel overwhelmed with responsibility to spread the word, but to make a change. I realize I am just a link in the chain, so I ask patience and wisdom as to how to manage these emotions I feel.

 Father God I ask your continued blessings upon me, this blog, and my family which supports me so very much. I thank you for the animals you’ve placed in my life, Riley, Cooper, Roo. I want to thank you especially for Riley and her continued service to me. You know how much she aids me in my day to day life, and how much of a blessing she is, and I can never say it enough but thank you for everything she is for me. Father please watch over my church as we continue to preach your word, your truth, and please allow us to continue to repel the Devils attacks as he’s always trying to breach the defenses of the walls we’ve built. Please help us remain vigilant with your wisdom, your eyes, your patience. Please help us keep watch in the cold of the night, and in the longest of storms. We praise your name, and forever the glory to your son Jesus Christ. It’s all this I ask in yours Sons Holy and Precious name Jesus Christ,

Amen

 

 

img_0128

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://hangout.paid2save.com/

It’s a wonderful thing to be able to share the blessings and teachings of Christ with all of you. For those who read my works in Christ, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Recently I came across an amazing home business based in Travel and Entertainment that’s the real deal. The savings found through this business are amazing. If you shop online, like to go to movies, or travel, this gift card for you can save you up to 50%. Please enjoy your gift as a symbol of my appreciation and gratitude. God Bless.

Find Your Ministry

thearrowpreacher1 Comment

Find Your Ministry:

Have you felt like something’s missing in your life? Something you can’t quite describe but you feel it in the morning when you get out of bed and when you’re out with your friends. You feel it deep down into your heart and soul, and you crave answers, but you don’t even know the question. I felt this for many years of my life, and only when I struck the bottom of life’s horrors did I finally realize my heart has been calling to one thing, and that was Jesus Christ. The day I heard the voice of God I realized how long I had been living in the darkness. People think once you find your salvation or you have that one big event that changes everything in your life that you are all of a sudden going to be a perfect human being. This couldn’t be further from the truth. You can continue down a sinful path, but when you feel the love of Christ cover you like a warm blanket your body has revulsion to sinful behaviors. Things of your past will no longer be appealing, they will no longer give you the fake joy you once reveled in. You can continue to ignore those convictions, but you are only denying the truth. When you find Christ you are reborn, by fire your old self is burned away, and you are a new person. When that day comes, what’s your next step? Well, let me show you what your path will look like.

When you find that salvation in Christ you need to seek Godly counsel. You should go to your pastor, or a close friend in Christ. You need to meet with your pastor and talk about yourself, and start looking at ministries to get connected to. At first you should volunteer with as many as you can till you find the one you are most comfortable with. You will be searching for your spiritual gifts that you’ve been blessed with. I hear people tell me all the time there’s nothing they are good at. There’s nothing that makes them special. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Each and every person on this planet has been given gifts from the Holy Spirit and can use them in a ministry field. I think there are a lot of misconceptions as to what ministry is. Most people believe ministry is teaching, or preaching. This is not true, and when you look to the Hebrew of the word ministry it is, Shareth, “Ministry, religious ministry, service in the tabernacle.”  Ministry is service to the Body of Christ. Every job, every works in the service to the Lord as according to your gifts is ministry. This is everyone from those who cook, clean, sing, organize, administration, teach, or preach. Ministries cover every works in the church. Any way for you to service God is a ministry. It’s our job to evangelize but evangelizing is a job for everyone. While people may evangelize and specifically good at missions work, that would be one of their spiritual gifts. You will find a natural interest or desire to particular activities. In this you are being directed by the Holy Spirit to explore different things and you will find it. Not all gifts are found right away, and some require practice. We do not see basketball, football, or hockey players using only their God given talents without also practicing their gifts. We do not improve without putting forth the effort.

God knows us beyond our imagining. We see the true nature of the Blessed Lord especially in Psalm 139:1-13 New Living Translation (NLT)

1 O Lord, you have examined my heart

    and know everything about me.

2 You know when I sit down or stand up.

    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

3 You see me when I travel

    and when I rest at home.

    You know everything I do.

4 You know what I am going to say

    even before I say it, Lord.

5 You go before me and follow me.

    You place your hand of blessing on my head.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

    too great for me to understand!

7 I can never escape from your Spirit!

    I can never get away from your presence!

8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;

    if I go down to the grave,[a] you are there.

9 If I ride the wings of the morning,

    if I dwell by the farthest oceans,

10 even there your hand will guide me,

    and your strength will support me.

11 I could ask the darkness to hide me

    and the light around me to become night—

12     but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.

To you the night shines as bright as day.

    Darkness and light are the same to you.

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

 

If God knew us from before our birth and knows us in our death, knows our path, and what we will do, he designs each and every one of us with care and consideration to how we can serve in accordance with His desires for our service within the Body of Christ. In order to work on our selves, we must work with God by servicing God. Matthew 7:7-11“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” We must pray for our path to be made clear. Pray to Abba and ask how we may serve. We must allow God to mold us, to guide us, and in doing so, we submit to the spirit and let go of our own wants and desires. In doing so we will develop new joys, new dreams, and we will be blessed by God accordingly. Matthew 7:7-117 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! 11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.”  

Be sure to plug in when you find yourself a church. You will find yourself in need of prayer and thus you will pray, but you will also need to study. Joshua 1:8“8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”We must learn to take scripture into our hearts. The Devil will attack you day and night and he is testing your defenses to find a weakness to break through to poison your heart. Do not part from Christ, instead pray day and night, and study, and take scripture into your heart.

1 Corinthians 12

12 Now, dear brothers and sisters,[a] regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this. 2 You know that when you were still pagans, you were led astray and swept along in worshiping speechless idols. 3 So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice[b]; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.[c] 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages,[d] while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

One Body with Many Parts

12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles,[e] some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.[f] 14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? 18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” 22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:

 first are apostles,

second are prophets,

third are teachers,

then those who do miracles,

those who have the gift of healing,

those who can help others,

those who have the gift of leadership,

those who speak in unknown languages.

29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.

Everyone has his or her gifts as seen in scripture. God ensures that every single person has his or her gifts. Never stop praying to God how we can serve. 1 Thessalonians 5:17“17 Never stop praying.”

Affirmations: “emotional support or encouragement.” When you start getting plugged in people will naturally tell you, or thank you for doing a good job. Between passion, desire, interest and talents, you will find your place in the church body. Finding your ministry is like “going to a buffet, some stuff ‘s okay, some stuff is pretty good, some stuff you absolutely hate, stuff you’ll absolutely love and you’ll want more.” (Rev. Glen Newsome, Jr M.A.C.S)  Never stop growing, and learning about God. Your journey will never end, but as you grow your love and appreciation for the shear size and power of the Lord will begin to be revealed to you. It took me 34 years, nearly a dozen traumas, two divorces, loosing my job, and having major back surgery to find my gift in ministry. Never underestimate the lessons that will be used in each and every one of your hardships for the Glory Of God!

 

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://hangout.paid2save.com/

It’s a wonderful thing to be able to share the blessings and teachings of Christ with all of you. For those who read my works in Christ, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Recently I came across an amazing home business based in Travel and Entertainment that’s the real deal. The savings found through this business are amazing. If you shop online, like to go to movies, or travel, this gift card for you can save you up to 50%. Please enjoy your gift as a symbol of my appreciation and gratitude. God Bless.

 

 

 

Medic

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Medic:

 The medic is a soul of compassion and much like a physician also has an oath.

THE MEDIC CREED

My task is to  provide to the utmost limits of my capability the best possible care to those in need of my aid and assistance. To this end I will aid all those who are needful, paying no heed to my own desires and wants; treating friend, foe and stranger alike, placing their needs above my own. To no man will I cause or permit harm to befall, nor will I refuse aid to any who seek it. I will willingly share my knowledge and skills with all those who seek it. I seek neither reward nor honor for my efforts for the satisfaction of accomplishment is sufficient. These obligations I willingly and freely take upon myself in the tradition of those that have come before me.…These things we do so that others may live.

When tragedy strikes 911 is called. EMS comes with their gurneys, their first aid bag and begins to provide aid. As a Christian we are to lift up and to never tear down. We are told in 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 “4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” I’m not saying loving like this is always easy, but easy or hard, it’s a command by Jesus Christ to love everyone. No, you do not see the command in this scripture, however, you do see it in Mark 12:30-31 “30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” I put this in red because in most bibles this passage is in red. It’s red because it’s from Christ himself. If we are to love God, and to love our neighbor’s, then we must do what love is, and if love is what’s found in Corinthians, then we need to be doing that for everyone we meet. That’s not a suggestion it’s a command. Part of loving is being there when the need arises. Everyone will stumble and fall in their daily walk, but when they do, it’s important to be there to help them back up. Carrying one another’s burdens is important as a Christian. While Jesus was walking to the Skull, he fell three times. He had help carrying his cross and thus showing us we all need help to bare the cross we carry. No one person can go through life and never accept help. As a body of Christ when someone suffers alone the body suffers. We are God’s hand and feet, and we must treat a suffering Christians as if they were apart of us.

In Spiritual Warfare the Devil is trying to destroy us. Are we willing to allow someone to succumb to the Devil? If we are to busy to talk to, or lift someone up, we need to remove something from our lives because we are NOT living in God’s will. God says bare the burdens, be the hands and feet of Christ. Galatians 5:14“14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In loving your neighbor as yourself, and knowing we all carry a cross to follow Christ, we see a second part to scripture. Galatians 6:2“2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” We are all medics for the Lord. We all have the tools, and the ability to make a difference in someone’s spiritual life. We don’t have to have money to help, or food, or connections, sometimes all the help needed is to be a warm hug, a loving word, and prayers. Scripture teaches us how, we only have to read it to learn.

Be looking for ways to lift up others. Be looking for ways to help. Be willing to take the time to talk, to listen, to laugh, and to cry. Being with whosoever needs and fulfilling the law of Scripture. We know trials and trouble will come, but we also have been taught how to navigate the storms.Matthew 4:4 4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” If you take care of yourself by studying scripture, keeping a healthy prayer life, and allow the words to fill your heart and mind, you are less likely to require a medic. You may only need a friend.

DO NOT SELF MEDICATE

If you do not have Jesus in your heart, or if you start to walk away, you may find yourself on a path of destructive pain. Often times when people turn to substances to make themselves feel better they are attempting to fill a void in their heart or life and that hole can usually be found as a Jesus shaped hole. The second possibility is if you are running from painful feelings that you don’t want to deal with. Either path to addiction is one that will only end in pain. People hide their pains in addictions of substances, alcohol, drugs, work, sex, gaming, and even now roll playing to escape reality. If you find yourself suffering from addictions I urge you to you seek help in dealing with this problem. Addictions don’t just affect you, addictions affect everyone around you. Self medication is never okay, but turning to Christ, and those who follow Christ, that will save your life.

There will always be help within the Church. To each person a divine gift is bestowed and together we can handle anything the Devil may send our way, because we have Christ with us always. Keep love in your heart as Christ so loved us, he Died for us. Love others, and be there for others in their time of need. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help for we all fall, we all sin, and we all have struggles. Do not be dismayed for there is hope as the Son rose, we shall always live with the light. Remember, we are God’s hands and feet, but we do nothing of ourselves. The one with the power the true one and only Medic is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the one who will save you, He is the one who can heal your heart, He is the one who will fill the void of emptiness you feel. You must ask Jesus into your heart, and call upon him to save you. He is the Medic, the cure for sin, the savior of all.