Tag: christianity

God is Good

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

God is Good

This seems like such an easy message, but so few truly understand just how impactful it can be, God is good, and God is good all the time. I have been down and from the deepest pits of despair I have know that God is still there. I may not have always been on speaking terms with God for my own selfish, lost reasons, but God as Abba (Father), has never turned His Holy back on me. When we are upset and angry with God it’s us that walks away. We are children who storm off and slam the door to our rooms. I was an angry person for so long I ran from God. We would fight constantly. I felt like I was being taken out to the whipping shed so often I couldn’t sit down anymore. What I couldn’t understand was it wasn’t God, God wasn’t the source of my pain, the Devil was.

It’s easy to feel like you’re alone, but the truth is we are never alone. Romans 8:28 ESV“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” We know that no matter what we are going through God is there. Psalm 31:19 ESV“Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!”

Living life with depression isn’t easy. Living life with severe depression can be debilitating. Knowing God is there is sometimes the only hope people have that suffer from depression is trusting God is still there. I’ve spent time laid up in my bed and the only thought that’s gotten me up is knowing that I need to post a blog entry, or homework, or to go to church. Knowing these things are to bring glory to God is often the only thing that gets me moving. I can’t imagine how people who believe in nothing find anything hopeful when things in life don’t go very well. Worse, when people suffer traumas and if not one, or three, or even five traumas later if they believe in nothing, how they manage to keep moving forward is something I will never understand. Psalm 145:9 ESV“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” Knowing everything the light touches, and everything it doesn’t is all under the mercy of God is such a warm thought. Knowing that everything in my heart is touched by God, and every sorrow I feel Jesus Christ felt and took it for me. Knowing that the love of Jesus Christ is what lights up the darkness. The darkness that covers those with true horrors in their life is lit up by the grace of God.

Sometimes in life when you need to fix something, you have to make a mess before you build it back up and make it pretty. The human heart, and the psyche are sometimes the same way. In trauma therapy you often need to talk about the worst things in your life you you’ve ever experienced, and you talk about it some more, and then some more, and each time it feels like the wounds are fresh, just as painful as the first day it happened. Going over the events, and talking about them, and talking about the emotions in a particular way is how we slowly start to clean up the mess. Knowing that God is there keeping you safe, keeping me safe, has been a comfort. Knowing I am broken to pieces right now, is only a temporary thing because I know that one day God will use me to help others and bring precious glory to His holy name. Trusting in the Lord and that He has plans for me keeps me fighting and moving forward. Even when I don’t think much of myself, I know that the Lord loves me. Jesus Christ died for me, and I know that one day I will leave this broken life behind, and I will go home to where I truly belong, and why, is because God is good all the time. God is Love, God is Grace, God is Joy, and God uses broken things just like me. If God can use a broken man like myself to spread the Gospel, God can use anyone to show others hope and joy, and faith that tomorrow will be better because this life is only temporary. We have work to do in this world, and we can’t let the Devil win. We must hold strong, and never give up. If God never gives up on us, we can’t give up on ourselves either, and we certainly can’t give up on God. We are never alone.

Drive

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Drive

Sometimes in life when the dogs are hyper, and the stress is mounting, all you can do is go for a relaxing drive. Yesterday, I was sitting on the couch and my oldest dog Riley was restless. After playing with her, and trying to figure out what she wanted, I asked if she wanted to go for a car ride. She went straight for her Service vest and I said okay. Cooper my youngest dog, who doesn’t usually want anything to do with the car decided he also wanted to go, so we got in the car and started to drive. Before too long I decided to drive to the North Carolina, Virginia border, and then decided to go further. In total the ride was about an hour and fifteen minutes. While I was out driving it occurred to me, as long as there wasn’t much traffic it was nice to be out on the road. By time I got back home it turned out to be a nice time out with the dogs.

How often in life do we forget to take a moment for ourselves? I know for me, I need to schedule fun into my life because if I don’t I forget, and the mundane of life creeps along until my weeks or months have finally gotten to me. It’s important for all of us to remember that doing things we enjoy, and taking to recharge is essential. Christ often took time to retreat away from his friends to have quiet meditation, time to rest and spend with God. Luke 5:16(NKJV) 16 “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.”

Christ was leading by example, and the example started in Genesis as we see God resting on that seventh day. It’s important to take time to rest, or even just go for a relaxing drive with the animals. For me, going for a drive with the Dogs was going for a drive with friends. While I was out driving I had time to turn to God. I listened to K-Love, which always plays good Christian music. I was reminded of the scripture in Matthew 11:28-30(NKJV) 28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [a]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

In this verse you find a simple thought, come to Christ with everything you have, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, you shall be renewed. Christ took the burden of sin for us, so everything else in comparison is easy. Not saying we don’t suffer in this life, but it’s certainly better then fiery pits of Hell. Take time to recharge your battery once in a while. Take time every day to turn to God with praise, worship, and unloading your burdens. Have that relationship with God because there’s no other relationship that’s more important. We should all remember to find a little rest each and every day.

 

 

 

Are You Just Hanging Around?

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Are You Just Hanging Around?

It’s not an understatement to say there are a lot of people who will complain, and feel down about themselves and their lives, but how many truly put forth the effort to change their circumstances? People want God to fix everything for them, and they expect God to deliver the answer to their prayers and never have to put their boots on the ground to make anything better. Scripture talks about laziness and the need to work hard for what you want in your life.

I have seen so many people in relationships where financial hardships seem to rule the day. How many men today refuse to work to take care of their families? How many single mothers are there because the father of their child has decided not to work to take care of their responsibilities? I have listened to a great many people tell me all kinds of stories and I have seen some who work incredibly hard to try and better their situations, and some who only complain about it but offer no real sustenance of change. Scripture is clear about the importance of taking care of and providing for ones family. 1 Timothy 5:8 (NKJV) 8 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

 Another point I’d like to make is those who live in financial hardships. While I understand sometimes it’s just the way life goes, but others I have to say it seems largely someone’s own fault. Americans love the overspending lifestyle. Americans love to spend and rack up credit card debt. Americans also love to get degrees that are not likely to make a return on their college investment. With so many people building debt at an alarming rate we as Americans have failed to understand scripture. Proverbs 10:4 (NKJV) 4 “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.” We must learn to work hard and in our work not waist time being lazy. We as Christians must learn that hard work will reap big rewards. We must take pride in what we do.

In all we say and do work to bring glory to God. If instead of us being upset about how bad our boss is, we look at what we do is for the Lord, working should bring us more joy. In the event we don’t like our work, or where we live, or our situation in general, we may not be able to change our situation right away, but we need to always work to better our circumstances. Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

 When I think of motivation I think of Batman. There’s a difference between being patient and being lazy. Batman often skulks around on rooftops waiting to crack a fist on some thug’s head. Batman is always calculating in his actions. Nothing is done without purpose. I think we can all take a few notes from Batman’s pages. We must learn to train our lives to be with purpose. We must always work to better ourselves and never become stagnant or lazy in life. Batman is always training to be better then he was, and is always learning and growing. We must remember that for the Lord we too must always learn and grow. We must always be willing to go the extra mile, and when we sew well in good soil, we too will reap the benefits of our many works. If you want change, you must be the change. If you don’t like where you are, work to make it better. This doesn’t mean it’s easy, but nothing in this life ever is. The thing with living life in bad situations is how unwilling we are to do what is necessary to improve our lives. We truly have become lazy and expect God to drop all the answers into our laps like a cosmic Santa Claus. This isn’t at all what scripture teaches us. Work for what you want, and bring glory to God in everything we do.

 

 

 

img_0128

 

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://hangout.paid2save.com/

http://vacation.p2stravel.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.

Nick of Time

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Nick of Time

How often do we sit in the middle of our trials and we don’t know what God’s waiting for. I know I have sat here and I have begged God to deliver me from the evil. When things don’t go according to my plan I get frustrated. When the storm lasts forever and we just want out we begin to doubt God, and we begin to think negatively of our relationship with god. James 4:14“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” I have watched so many suffer from depression after the loss of a girlfriend, a job, a friend, and think that they will never feel better again. In my life, I have faced days where I have felt like tomorrow wouldn’t come. When we don’t know what tomorrow will bring it can often bring emotions of anxiety, fear, confusion, sadness, and hopelessness.

When I am in the most despair I often find that right when I need it the most God sends exactly what I need, when I need it. We want things done in our time, but we don’t understand the nature of God and God’s timing. 2 Peter 3:8 “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” In the movie Lord of the Rings, Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo is waiting under a tree for the gray old wizard Gandalf to show up. When Gandalf finally shows up, Frodo says,“You’re late!” and Gandalf responds with “A wizard is never late Frodo Baggans, he arrives precisely when he means to!”  God is the same way, and when God decides when it’s time we need to be on the look out.

2 Peter 3:9“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” God has made us a promise of the return of Christ, and when that day comes we are told to be ready. But God has also made us another promise, to never leave, nor forsake us. We need to remember that when we are going through hard times the Lord is right there with us. When we need help the Lord will always send it. It may not be in the way we expect, but if we go through life with our own expectations we may miss the blessings God sends to us in our time of need.

If you were Batman and you were fighting a dragon, things may seem dire but just when you need it the most Superman comes to help. Psalm 31:15“My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!” When David was being pursued and hunted, and he prayed for deliverance, he still knew that it would come at God’s appointed time. Faith in the Lord is the first and last place we must turn. There will be a lot of troubles along the way, but God will always give us what we need, when we need it.

Silent Prayer

thearrowpreacher2 Comments

Silent Prayer

I sit here in the dark, on my bed, with just the dim lights from my new Lego set and the computer. The sounds of classical music come from the speakers of my laptop. I realized I haven’t really spent much time with God lately. I’ve been so busy worrying about school, and worrying about my other stressors in my life, that I have forgotten to pray. I have been thinking lately of all the trials I’ve gone through, and I realized I cannot do this on my own. I have been hearing the voices telling me I’m not worthy of God’s grace. The voice tells me I’m a failure, and I’ll never amount to anything. I hear the storm is too strong, and I’ll never make it. While I know this is all lies, it’s hard for me to continue being rejected, to continue failing, falling flat on my face, and not feel those negative feelings. So, when you find yourself low, and you don’t know what else to do, prayer is the first place you should go. Prayer is something we need to be doing every day, and according to scripture it’s something we need to do without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-1816 “Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” The first thing we are told is to rejoice, and while sometimes this may seem difficult it’s important to remember that even in our hardships we have an opportunity to praise Jesus because it gives us a chance to show others how Christians ought to behave in times of trouble. We can witness to others even in our own trials and tribulations, if we remember to turn to Christ in even the darkest of days.

One thing we forget to do is pray even when things are going great. We forget to rejoice when the world is peachy keen and everything is going right. We forget to thank God for the blessings we have, and even when it seems like we have so very little, we fail to put some perspective on what we do have. I have been to 3rdworld countries where I have seen poverty that we can’t fathom here in our country. While we do have homeless, even our homeless eat better then those in other countries. I’ve seen people who don’t eat at all if they don’t work, and many don’t get the chance to work simply because of where they live. I have watched as children have begged for food simply because it may have been days since the last time they had a meal. Even when we feel we have little, to other parts of the world, we are rich.

So in my time here in the dark, I find myself struggling between the flesh and the spirit. Romans 7:21-25 21 “I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.” As Paul explains there is a war going on inside him. The war of the laws of Sin, and his desire to do good battle with one another. As I struggle with the feelings I have, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient for me, it’s hard to stay positive. Even knowing what Jesus has done for me, the struggle is still strong. Sometimes, I feel like I’m not a ‘good’ Christian because I have such negative feelings about myself. Sometimes when I feel low, I feel like I’ve done something wrong, and I’m not where I should be in my faith. But then, once again I realize that those are all the lies from Lucifer himself trying to bring me down, to raise doubts, and to do harm in my relationship with God.

David himself struggled a great deal with doubts, with depression, with hardships, and even in the very end he was considered a man after God’s own heart. This is a man who faltered a great deal, and by all mortal accounts was an awful man. While we would deem his actions and behavior deplorable and knowing those types of things would not happen today and have anyone get away with them, he repented of his sins. He did however suffer the consequences of his actions. We must remember to pray and in our prayers follow the standard Christ gave to us.

Matthew 6:9-13

9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

10 Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

13 And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

[a]For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

 

Many people believe that these are the words to pray, but that’s not what Christ said, He said “IN THIS MANNER” so he was merely citing an example of how to pray. Addressing who you are praying to. Then he brings glory to the one whom you pray to. He’s then saying, whatever your will is, I will accept because you are great, and I am not. He offers thanks for the needs we have that are met by the Lord. Then he asks for forgiveness for the wrongs we’ve done, and in turn offers forgiveness to those whom we have wronged. He asks for the strength to avoid the temptations of the flesh, of sin, and to rise above the powers of Satan in this fallen world. He ends with acknowledging the power of God, in Heaven, on Earth, and the glory of God. Within that template you can ask God for the desire of your soul. You can bring your prayer requests for those you feel the need to pray for. God wants to have a conversation with you, and hopes you will come to the Father with all the troubles, and desires of your heart. So when we sit in the dark, in our quite place away from the world, away from technology, and when we can actually hear ourselves think, we need to remember what’s important, and what is right with our relationship with the Lord. Don’t give up and don’t despair in the dark days, today, or tomorrow.

 

 

img_0128

 

Junk

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Junk

I was going through my emails recently, and frustrations as always, as my inbox was filled with loads of junk mail, sadly the junk box missed. I was thinking about what someone told me about my blogs being helpful to others. While I appreciated the compliment of course, I found myself concerned about the millions around the world who are seeking truth, seeking knowledge in their salvation through Christ, and the wolves circle. I think about all those so called preachers out there who pervert the gospel in order to gain power, to gain wealth, all under the disguise of the Word of God. It’s a scary thought when you think of how many people have been led astray by such junk.

Recently in the news there was an article about one of the top ‘prosperity’ preachers out there, and he was saying his congregation needed to buy him a new jet because Jesus would want him to have more then one. When I think about the kind of cost of that airplane, and then those who are in desperate need of food, medicine, shelter, and who’ve never heard the name Jesus Christ, I am ashamed to consider those types of pastors Christians. They have preyed on people’s fears, their desires for hope, and instead of finding truth, they are met with lies. Sadly thousands have fallen victim to that kind of prosperity gospel and undoing that kind of damage is extremely difficult.

I wish I could say prosperity gospel is the only enemy out there disguised as truth, but it’s not. Churches like the Westboro Baptist church that have perverted the word even more then prosperity seem to have no shortage of followers. While that’s an extreme example of the lies being spread from a pulpit, there are churches all around the world telling lies and leading people down the wrong path. There are a growing number of churches teaching false doctrine and largely a Jesus plus one ideology. It’s being taught that you need Jesus, but you also need this ‘other’ thing. I’ve heard so many different examples ranging from women having to wear dresses to church to men always having to wear a collard shirt to church. I’ve heard churches talk about how you need to do so many works to be ‘right’ with God, and the list goes on and on in churches all over the world. Lastly the claim that the only true Bible is the King James Version. This is beyond far from true. First of all, the KJV has been revised several times. Second the KJV isn’t written in other languages. If we were to try to read the original KJV we would be unable to because that form of English isn’t spoken any longer. There are translations out there that aren’t very good, but to say there is only one Bible you should read from is simply not true. On that note no matter what Bible you choose to read from you should ALWAYS do your own homework as to the language the bible was written in, Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek. This can be done on websites such as Blueletterbible.com

Here’s the message in a nutshell, there is no amount of works that will save you, or make you right before the eyes of the Lord. There is no way for you to beg, borrow, steal, or barter your way into Heaven. The only way is Jesus Christ. John 14:6 6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Our works are but dirty rags before the Lord. When you are following Christ you will want to do more, you will want to volunteer, and help others, and your heart will turn to a giving heart, and the ways of the world might affect you differently after you submit to Christ. We will be rewarded in heaven for what we do, but that’s not the way into Heaven. Put your faith in Christ and be sure to verify what you read, and what you hear that sounds like it’s the Word of God. Do not be sheep led to the slaughter. You are the master of your own ship; led by Christ, so don’t let someone else lead you off course. Always check your heading with the Lord and make sure you continue to shoot that azimuth often.

 

img_0128

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://hangout.paid2save.com/

http://vacation.p2stravel.com/

http://compensation.paid2save.com/

https://zoom.us/recording/play/guvtqpnxT02lJVLfgKRjUnZ7Z1vMDZ15eEl-Smju1fpuOw31wg56gyvYHYiO2LvB

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.

The Power of Friendship

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

The Power of Friendship

In my life I’ve not always been blessed with lasting friendships. I have met people that I once believed were friends that would eventually leave. I have been constantly in need of making new friends, new relationships. When I left my first high school I knew I’d have to start over, and with that fresh start hope to reinvent myself. I made friends over time, and I thought after four years the relationships I had made would last. Sadly as with all things, they rusted and began to fade away to the power of time. Now as an adult, years after my military service I have been left in search of those relationships yet again. While I have made some very strong relationships I have found few my age, and even fewer that I’m able to have a legitimate social circle. As I have grown older and with maturity have begun to realize even though my heart desires fellowship, and a closeness that seems elusive, I know that the one relationship that matters the most, is one that I have. The love and closeness of God is what’s gotten me through the dark times I’ve faced over the last two years.

I never would have dreamt two later I would be where I am. As I am not truly any further along then I was two years ago, I am on a new path. As I have had trials a plenty in that time, I haven’t felt as alone as I once had. I am able to maintain a sense of peace and joy because I know where my true joy comes from.  Psalm 3:3“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.” I have been attacked over and over as my heart longs for better circumstances. I have tried to keep up my fortress and protect my heart and mind from the attacks of the great deceiver, but in my fleshy, sinful self, I have failed on numerous occasions. It’s in this failure I realize I am not strong enough alone. I would never be able to manage by myself so it’s that realization I seek answers in scripture. Psalm 46:1“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” I know where to pray, and how, and I appreciate the complexity of the relationship between God the one and only God, to a seemingly insignificant speck in the universe such as myself. That’s the biggest catch of all though isn’t it? We aren’t insignificant. We are important to God; we are loved by God, every single last one of us. We are created by God for a purpose and that purpose is to have a relationship with God. Every person alive has gifts given to us by God. Though we struggle at times, we are commanded to help one another. God however is the ultimate fortress. Psalm 71:3“Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.” Don’t doubt the love Jesus Christ has for you. Don’t doubt your importance. This life is ever changing, and when we assume we have no other options, that’s when we limit the power of God.

God is grace, and love, and hope. Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”The New Testament is full of the message of hope and love. The law had already been laid. The foundation was already set. The setting on earth was right, and ready for the most important message of scripture, Jesus Christ. Christ was the savior the OT spoke of so often. Jesus was blood scripture look forward to, and the blood we now look back to. Jesus came and gave us hope so we might not die. The promise of death made by God after eating the fruit from the forbidden tree set us on a path of hell, and yet God saw that wasn’t good, so He made the plan and promised a covenant for salvation. We find that promise fulfilled in history. Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Galatians 5:22“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” In life we can feel down, and we can feel crushed under the weight of our sorrow, and disappointment, and despair, but if we truly know Christ, and we can truly stand and say we know for a fact where we are going when we die, then there is no sense of letting this world crush your joy. Sure we may face situations that don’t try our patience, our resolve, but in all things we must grow closer to God. Proverbs 17:22“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

 (Harry Potter : Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 Spoilers)

I was watching the movie Harry Potter recently and when I was thinking about it, it was love that saved Harry’s life. It was love that his parents showed to him. It was love that brought Harry, Ron, and Hermione together.

Love is why Christ chose to stay on the cross and shed his blood for us. Love is the greatest of all the commandments, and we must remember that in our day to day lives. It may not come down to how many friends you have, how big or small your family is, it’s the quality of those relationships. I am blessed with the friends I have now. While a part of my desire is not fulfilled, I know that if I were to ever need anything the friends I have would be there for me in a moments notice.

I have found it difficult to meet people who are mature and desire real friendships, real substance in those relationships, but thankfully, I have a few that I can trust and know that they aren’t going anywhere. It’s hard for me to comprehend someone who isn’t going to leave me. Most of my life I have faced friends leaving, or as I often thought of it, abandoning me. I have seen death in my life, and it has taught me to value what I have because I, or we, never know when we could loose it all. Life is about the relationships you have, the differences you make, and the love you share. Don’t let friendships pass you by, and don’t get sucked into the busy world. Make time for those in your life that are important because we never know how much time we have. When you look back on your life, what are you going to focus on? Will it be how much money you have in the bank, or that you didn’t spend enough time working? It’s relationships people think about in the end, and if that’s a universal truth, why not learn from that, and focus on relationships now? Don’t let time slip by you without taking action today.

 

 

 

img_0128

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. The links below will show you how the business works, and show you what it has to offer. God Bless.

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://hangout.paid2save.com/

http://vacation.p2stravel.com/

http://compensation.paid2save.com/

https://zoom.us/recording/play/guvtqpnxT02lJVLfgKRjUnZ7Z1vMDZ15eEl-Smju1fpuOw31wg56gyvYHYiO2LvB

I Am Not Innocent

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

I Am Not Innocent

I am not deserving of this life. I am guilty of a great many sins, and I am guilty of failing and falling every single day. I cannot help but realize how lost I am in this life. I am a ship blown by the wind tossed upon the sea with no hope to make it to the sunrise. I am no better then a murderer on death row. I am no better then a man 2000 years ago that was set free. One simple act, an easy idea to understand, and yet the depth of the subject, the depth of the meaning surrounding that single most compassionate act in the history of mankind, JESUS CHRIST took my place. When the crowd gathered in front of Pilate and called for the savior of mankind to be crucified, Pilate offered an alternative, a man known to be a rebel, known to be a murderer, known to be a thief, and when the choice came, the crowed double downed and called for Barabbas to be released instead of Christ. How can we stand by and think to ourselves how much injustice there is in this act. The sovereign of the universe made a choice to do something that was beautiful and scandalous at the same time. In this life we’d never want to watch an innocent man be put to death in the place of a known criminal. The thing with this verse however, is we are always Barabbas. We are always the sinner and we don’t deserve salvation. We cannot work enough, do enough, be good enough to ever earn our way into Heaven. Jesus sat in front of Pilate silent, and through actions alone, sent the message that He would willingly take the place of all known sinners. Barabbas is a symbol for every single one of us. All sin is created equal at the foot of the cross. We look through our human, earthly eyes and we see ourselves better then someone else because of our own sense of morality. The thing is though, coveting what you cannot have is just as sinful as murder.

Matthew 27:17-2117 “Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. 19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”

 We are never going to be better then Barabbas. We will always have sin in our life, but we have hope knowing that in that moment Jesus said not just to Barabbas by his actions, but to the world that He would willingly take our place to allow his blood to trickle down the cross touching the earth as a sacrifice to break the chains of sin, to break the bondage that held us in a hopeless world. I know I will never be able to do enough, work hard enough, and love enough, to earn a place before the Father. I know that there is only one way, Jesus Christ, the truth the way, the life. Jesus had the power to walk away, to let a guilty man go to the cross for his action, but in the greatest symbol to show us the mercy and grace of God, Jesus knowingly, willfully, and would always do it again, give his on life, give his own blood for all of our sins. No, I am not an innocent man, and knowing how guilty I am, I can love deeper in the knowledge that God loves each and every one of us.

 

 

In A World Not Of Your Own

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

In A World Not Of Your Own

I wake up in my bed, and I realize I’m still here in this world. I take a breath and in a moment of thought, thank God for another day here on this earth. We know from scripture that those who follow Christ are called to live in this world, but not to be conformed to it. We are called to be here to spread the love and truth that is Jesus Christ, but this is not where we are to call home. To be an ambassador means to be in a place that is not your own. This world is far from home for Christians. Think about where you call home, and the feeling you get when you’re away on vacation for a while. While the vacation is nice, there comes a time when you start to long for home. There comes a point when you think to yourself you miss the comforts of your own 4 walls, your own bed, your own stuff, and you desire to go home. This is the same thing for Christians who know what truly awaits us when we die. God so loved the world that he gave his ONLY son, that who ever comes to know him shall not die, but have eternal life.

2 Corinthians 5:2020 “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” We must understand that we have work to do in this life. We must talk about the love and grace of Jesus Christ. We must talk about the gift of salvation given to all. We must talk about the ransom that was paid for each and every soul that ever lived, has lived, or will live. We have been given this gift freely, but like all gifts, yet we have to choose to accept it. When we walk outside our door we don’t know who we will encounter, or what will happen to us. We represent our home, our father, Jesus Christ everywhere we go. We should be recognizable as different because if we stand apart from the world, we shouldn’t blend in to the world around us.

In the film the Matrix during the agent training program there was one goal to the program to teach about the agents and what they are, who they are, and their mission. The woman in the red dress stood out as different but upon closer look, she was just another agent. When people look at us do we stand out to be the woman in the red dress, or upon closer examination are we just agents of the world hiding like wolves in sheep’s clothing. If Batman were to be transported to the wizarding world of Harry Potter he would stand out. We too have a choice to stand out and truly be different in all we say and do. It’s important to stand up and be proud of being different. We cannot expect things in this world to be different if we are not willing to be different. We cannot expect the world to change if we are not willing to be that change.

I have often felt like I didn’t belong and an outsider, and as I’ve gotten older, I have realized that’s not far from true. While I do have a more rare personality type, I have found that it’s in the mutual love of Jesus Christ I have found a place more fitting for me. I have searched the world over for a place to call ‘home’ even as a temporary home, and while I can’t say I love the weather, I can say I love my church. Antioch Baptist Church in Timberlake North Carolina is the most loving, most giving, most welcoming place I’ve ever been. From finding my best friend Glen, to a pastor whom I have grown quite close to ‘David Chambers’ I have found myself unable to leave. I am anchored here because the church is anchored in Jesus Christ. This church is different in the way it conducts business, in the way it holds itself accountable to the word of God, and the people in it truly do love the Lord. I have been to many different churches across the world, and I have not once found a place in any denomination that loves the Lord as much as they do at Antioch. No place is ever going to be perfect, and while there is sin everywhere, Antioch is truly a place apart. Antioch stand apart as much as Batman going to Hogwarts. John 15:19 19“If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” We may not be popular, or even liked, and sometimes we may even be hated, but it’s not the acceptance of the world we need to be worried about, it’s the acceptance of God and knowing all we do is bringing glory to His name.

The Days Are Numbered

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

The Days Are Numbered

The days come and for the first time in a while the sun was shining with low humidity, and a nice cool breeze felt amazing. With no storms in sight it was finally a day that wasn’t horrible just stepping outside. Not a bad day at all to be out running errands. It’s days like this that even when there’s so much to do with appointments all day, I feel at peace. Even with my new sessions of EMDR trauma therapy, and finding out one of my doctors is leaving their position, I have still found a sense of joy in this day. How often do we make it through the day, the weeks, the months without feeling that sense of joy? When we get caught up in the world, we forget that every day we wake is a blessing and a gift of God. How often do we forget to take a moment in our day to appreciate the little things? Psalm 118:24“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” David often found himself dealing with struggles, life changes, depression, and even amidst all of these things, he always remember where the little gifts came from. God, of course is the giver of all things, and we are commanded not to be conformed of this world, and we are told to live within our day, not worried about what tomorrow will bring. This doesn’t mean not to make life plans, but certainly not to become overwhelmed when something knocks the train off the track. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow for it will worry about itself. Matthew 6:25“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one [aa]cubit to his [ab]stature?” We will not add one day, not one hour to our life by allowing ourselves to be overworked, overwhelmed, overtaxed. We cannot always change our circumstances in the moment, and yet we allow ourselves to be worked up, stressed often to the point of crying or shaking, which there’s nothing with crying, but we should not allow ourselves to worry so much. This is of course easier said then done, but in our struggles every single day, we should make a good effort towards trusting in our Father, and allowing our worries to be passed to God and trust that in all things the details will be worked out.

While I often wish my life held less stress, more play, more love, less obligations, and way more fun, I realize that we must take time to be adults and face each and every day with one question, ‘no matter what today brings me Lord, how can I glorify you?’ Matthew 6:31-3431 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” It’s hard enough worrying about all the big stuff in our lives, yet we drive ourselves to worry also of all the small insignificant stuff. We must learn to resist the worry. Think about why we worry so much, we worry because we don’t’ know what we are going to do about a problem, or a situation. We have doubts it can be taken care of and handled, but if we truly say we have faith in the Lord, it’s in that that we should be able to let go and let God. We cannot beat blood from a stone, and we cannot move a mountain all on our own.

Life is so short, and we spend so much time being angry, we are resentful, and we hold onto that for months, years, or even our entire life. There’s no reason to allow that to remain in our bodies. We would never want to allow poison to stay inside our bodies, so why do we allow ourselves to carry so much negative energy? Why do we allow ourselves to fuel our heart with so much hatred, and pain? We never know how much time we have, and one thing we must remember is the true nature of forgiveness. Matthew 6:15“15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” We do not want to hold onto that cancer that festers the longer it’s in our bodies. We may encounter things in our life where we don’t feel like justice has been served, but it’s not our place to find justice, or revenge. Justice is paid by God, and we must trust in God that no one gets away with anything in this life. Everything we do good and bad is cataloged and categorized. We must believe that if we cannot let go of that anger and hatred and forgive those of the wrongs they’ve committed against us, we also will not be forgiven.

It’s hard when you feel cheated, when you feel let down by someone so close to you, but as we are all sinners in a fallen world, we must understand that we learn from every situation, good and bad. For every bad situation we can learn what not to do on someone else’s actions, or learn what not to do again from our own. We can learn, and we can grow, and we must always grow closer to God with every breath we take. One day this life will end and we will get to go home, if we love and accept our savior Jesus Christ. This life is just a short time, but our real home awaits us, don’t sacrifice that home by holding out in this one.