Tag: family

You Wanna Know How I Got These Scars?

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

You Wanna Know How I Got These Scars?

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed the scars you have? I have scars I see every day when I look in the mirror. My body is covered with scars from years of unfortunate accidents, injuries, and just a result of a rough life. I don’t just see the physical scars in the mirror but the emotional ones also. I was told recently that the traumas and trials I’ve faced are enough for maybe 3 peoples lifetimes. I had never really thought about it like that before. All I think about is how horrible it’s been sometimes, if I think about them at all. One of the things I was very good at was not dealing with my emotional pain. I tried to bury it and run away forgetting where I put it. Sadly, when it comes to grief and pain, you can’t outrun it. What you bury will come back to haunt you, and it’s usually pretty angry when it does. I recently wrote a blog post talking about running from grief. https://thearrowpreacher.wordpress.com/2018/05/29/man-on-the-run/ I won’t be rehashing an old topic. Instead in this post, I’ll be discussing how to use those scars to your advantage.

In 34 ish years I’ve seen a lot of things, and I’ve been to a lot of places. I’ve seen the world from the 3rdworldview, and I’ve seen the world from a luxury hotel downtown Chicago. No matter where I’ve gone one thing has been certain, the Holy Spirit has been right there with me the whole time. From the age of a little kid I have felt the Holy Spirit with me. I have moved through life feeling the Holy Spirit, yet running from an obvious calling within my life. Most of my life I have felt as if something were missing. I have felt a sense of lacking and never quite feeling useful. I have lacked purpose in my life. I thought my purpose was to be a good friend, a good husband, but although in my biased opinion, I am a good friend, and I am a good husband, or more accurately was a good husband, I now realize something new. For each scar I have a story. Each story is a chance to reach out to someone in need. Purpose will always be, where God is sending you. Today, I sit here thinking about each one of my scars mental and physical, and I have slowly started to realize what the purpose after all these years may have been.

When I think back to a man with scars I am reminded of the Apostle Paul. He suffered a great deal of physical torment throughout his ministry. Through the book of Acts you see Paul’s struggles. You see him get beaten, shipwrecked, stoned, hunted, imprisoned, and yet as he talks about how far he’s come. Galatians 6:17“17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” I for one cannot imagine the pain he must have been in every day. In a time where most serious injuries would likely cripple or kill someone, he managed to keep going despite his injuries. It wasn’t as if they could go to the nearest CVS or Walmart and get Tylenol. Not being able to set broken bones, or take anti inflammatory, or even penicillin must have made healing very difficult. Here’s a man that literally took beatings and  torture for God, never once throwing up his hands and saying, ‘Nope, I made it all up, Jesus was a nobody.’ Even till Paul’s dying day, scars and all, he maintained his position that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, the truth the way the light. His scars were his testimony and what a testimony he had! I have spent a lifetime wondering why I’ve been through so much. I’ve often sat in the dark, yelling to God to answer my questions. After 34 years I may have finally gotten the answer I have been waiting for.

When you pick up your cross you will find persecution. In persecutions you will find both physical and emotional scars are part of the journey. Scars are sometimes badges of honor when we are a blessing to Jesus. Our scars are a reminder of where we’ve been, and a lesion learned no matter what caused the scar. Sometimes a scar is gained by playing with friends. Sometimes a scar is from someone doing unspeakable things to you. No matter where your scars are from, either good or bad, we can always take away some kind of lesson. I’ve seen many people after a trauma turn cold and bitter towards the people around them. I can’t say I’m innocent either. I have become angry when I’ve been hurt. I’ve seen people destroy lives, destroy families after suffering from loss. We will always have scars, but as a sword in the fire, we will either become brittle and break, or become strong and sharp. True courage is to face the pain, and face the troubled waters with honor and dignity and above all else, faith that God will use that pain for good, not for more suffering.

I have scars from surgeries, everything from knee, to hernia, to tonsillectomy, to cervical spine fusion, and more. I have emotional scars from death, from relationships, from war, and much more. When I look in the mirror I see a man who’s endured much, and yet I still stand. I face the world with hope, and with agape (love) in my heart for those around me. Even as I was going through a horrible divorce with my ex wife, and while there were things said and done that were beyond awful, I stood by her side and endured the pain and hardships. Now after all that time, we are talking, we spend time together, and we have a pretty amazing friendship. All the pain that was endured has allowed me to be there for her, now when she needs it. Living with Christ in your heart, loving deeply and not just what this world considers love anymore, is not an easy venture but God is watching and he will bless you for it. Pain is a hard thing to be stuck with, especially if you don’t know why, and you don’t know what to do with it. But I say to you, there is hope, and there is purpose. You will have to turn to God with love and prayer, and surrender in your heart. You will have to allow God to hold you up, and you will have to surrender over a piece of your self. Jesus Christ can heal your heart if you let Him. Jesus is always with you, and you just need to ask, and accept that without Christ we are nothing, but with Christ we are royalty to paradise. We are all soldiers, and with our scars of battle, we choose to surrender to the Devil, or fight for the throne in Heaven.

I was thinking back to an old post I wrote, and an old Sermon by Dr. David Chambers of my church. Why was our savior brought into this world as a baby? It was so that he would grow, and live among us, so we could relate to Him on a deep intimate level. His life had pain, and losses, and poverty, just like many of us. He survived the baby massacre, and then lost his Dad Joseph early in his life. He would grow to preach and teach God’s word, and when the time came he was tortured horribly, to just an inch of his life, and then he carried a heavy tree for a few miles, just to be placed on that tree and hung for all the world to see. Christ suffered horribly for each and every one of us, so we may one day live to live in eternal salvation. “Living is not for the weak.” (Arrow)It takes great courage to live with pain. It takes courage to find a path where you can use your pain for good rather then evil. How many stories have you seen or heard that started off with the villain saying ‘I was done wrong, so I’m going to make them pay.’ Or something along those lines anyway. Emotional pain is a strong motivator and it can cause good people to do awful things. Every one of us is capable of great things, or completely evil things. When we use our pain to heal from the truth written on those pages in scripture, then we are on the path to enlightenment.

Under the right situations your pain and suffering may be used to inspire and help others. I for one am starting to realize that all my life has been training. All the hardships I’ve faced and it being mostly traumatic incidences has given me the unique perspective to understand the nature of that kind of pain. I understand the pain of loosing a loved one to divorce. I’ve lost people in my life before, but my marriage this time was one of the hardest. The unfortunate event that occurred the day I found out my wife was leaving would forever be a day of great tragedy for me. That fateful day I succumbed to the pain and suffering that I spent so much effort running from. I’m ashamed of myself, and I still have a hard time believing it was me that day, but I have the scar to show for it. Today when I think back at my scars, I think now, how can I help others? How can I help prevent what happened to me, happen to anyone else? As I have been looking into my future since my security job imploded I have been led to believe ministry is my true calling. For years I looked at the ministry to be for someone much smarter, much braver, and much more people friendly. God uses the most unlikely of people sometimes to do His work. I have heard from many in ministry about running from their calling and how miserable their life was the whole time. Ministry is perhaps one of the hardest things to do, with some of the most stress in any job. Ministry comes with some of the most emotional drain out there, but people are genuinely happier, despite the level of stress that comes with.

I realized my traumas have been preparing me to help others get through theirs. Through most of my incidences I didn’t have a therapist, or a chaplain there to help me through. I was left to navigate the minefield, and as it became more and more dense with each passing trauma, I was bound to step on a landmine. When I finally stepped on one, and I ended up in the hospital, I was faced with a fundamental change in my life. It was the beginning of the end of a path I had been on for 7 years of a career, and 32 years of my life. Through it wasn’t easy for me to face facts, eventually, that closure would come from God as my job in security would end abruptly and with finality. I know many of you have endured great pain and suffering, and you can’t see any reason why you were made to suffer. First off let me say that there are a lot of reasons we are hurt. Sin is the most likely for most. Health is next in line. Then lastly personal choice to make bad decisions causes many of our struggles. No matter what flavor of pain you have, know that it is up to you to find a scriptural purpose for it. I have decided that my vast knowledge of all kinds of different pain and trauma makes Christian Crisis Counseling a perfect job for me. I can use my pain and suffering to inspire and guide others through their crucibles. I have chosen to embrace my pain instead of running from it. I have chosen to use my pain instead of burying it. If I can use my experience to help God’s people, it would be a sin not to.

I have run from God’s calling into ministry my whole life, and there’s always been something missing. I’ve always struggled with depression, and even though I’m not perfect and sometimes I still have my bad days, I am driven to continue my growth in the Lord. I pray to God to continue to show me my path, and to give me grace and mercy along the way. I fully expect the Devil to try and break me down during my journey, and any journey towards chaplaincy or pastoral ministry is going to fall under attack by the Devil. If we are going to follow in Christ we must live differently, so we can show others a different way to live. We must be productive in our faith, and not squander our experiences. I think of the things a father teaches a son. A father teaches their child how to treat others, how to be a responsible person, and how to love. They teach them how to do things around the house, how to hunt, and fish, and throw a baseball. But more importantly a Christian father will teach their kids, rather train their kids to be in Christ. I didn’t have a father growing up and I missed out on a lot of important lesions and experiences, but now I look to my Heavenly father for guidance and love, and approval. I have hidden behind my scars for so long, now I have to learn to embrace them and use them to help others. It won’t be an easy road, and I suspect there will be days when I will feel the weight of my decisions, but as Paul said to Timothy, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. I too shall join that fight in ministry as I start my path to chaplaincy, and God willing maybe more.

There are days when my scars hurt, but I know God won’t ever leave me, He won’t ever forsake me, and I know now, my scars were not in vein. We must learn to see beyond our own pain, and trust that in all things we go through God is working it out so we may find peace, not sorrow. We live in a fallen world so pain and trials will come, but we don’t have to let it destroy us. I challenge each and every one of you to go out there and find your purpose in Gods plan. It’s likely your scars are for a purpose and that you can use them for good. Your scars can give you strength and understanding in areas perhaps others cannot. I challenge you to stop running from God and embrace your gifts and your life experiences. Pass on what you have learned, and remember failure is the greatest teacher you will ever have. Use your failures to help others see. Never give up on yourself because Christ wont’ ever give up on you.

 

 

img_0128

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://vacation.p2stravel.com/

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

Thank you all for taking time out of your day and reading this post. As a small token of my appreciation here is a gift card for travel, entertainment, or shopping. No gimmick just a real website where you can get huge savings on everyday items or travel. Don’t waist money on things at retail price when you can get them at wholesale price. Check it out.

Wild Plants

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Wild Plants

What do you get when you plant a berry bush? In life we must understand the cause and effect we will be faced with. Galatians 6:7-10“7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” We cannot expect to get apples if we plant strawberries. Conversely if we don’t put our hands in the dirt and work the soil we can’t expect the crop to take route and grow.

In all things we plant seeds for the Lord. Allow works for the Lord to be done through you. Do not grow weary for we may not tend the full season of harvest alone. God will honor your works in blessings seen and unseen. Nothing we do for the Lord goes in vein. Every single effort we make in the name of God is a blessing to come. Know though that works are not the path to salvation. Works with a wicked heart will bear rotten fruit.

Do not boast of your good works for you are nothing without God. Farmer’s crops show the hard work from the farmer and the farm hands, but without God’s blessing of sun, rain, temperature, the crop is nothing. Mother nature can destroy a crop fast. Blight can come and wipe everything out in an instant and because these things happen, we must remember that in all things the Lord gives, and takes away.

This works based glory can be seen in every facet of life. Sports stars boast how good they are, but without God’s gifts of talent they are nothing. Without God’s graces the bright coaches, the right support, the grace of good teams is all God’s work. We must work hard yes but in an instant God can change your path. It’s grace of Christ and we must remain humble before the Lord. One day you can be boasting about being the greatest, and the next day you blow your knee. This isn’t just for sports players, this is for anyone, and everyone needs to be careful of what planting rotten fruit will get you. Be careful that when you start to believe that your excellent is better then everyone else, you yourself have become the idol, the thing you worship most of all. Pride and vanity are sins, and when we believe we have become bigger then God, the storm is coming.

I’ve watched helpless as close friends of mine have gone down horrible paths. At the end of those paths is often a brick wall going 70 miles per hour. (figuratively speaking) One cannot be surprised when actions eventually lead you to the consequence which when rotten fruit is what you’ve got, the outcome will be unfavorable. It breaks my heart when I see people in bad situations that with different choices could have been avoided. I have watched as a few bad choices have destroyed a lifetime of work and effort. Sadly I think so much in today’s world we are disillusioned that we can sneak by without ever having to face our actions. A while back I worked security at a large mall. One day I got a call from one of the large department stores that had picked up 3 girls all under the ages of 18 for larceny. When I arrived where the girls were being kept, I entered to each one of them crying. See what probably started off as a good idea in their minds, quickly turned as the ramifications of their actions slowly started to sink in. The girls had concealed enough to be considered felony. Not even 18 years old and they were looking at felony charges. From my perspective I want to look deeper at the situation. Yes they attempted to steal a lot of items and got caught, but lets go back before that. While some crimes may be crimes of impulse or crimes of convenience, what’s more likely is this was not their first time doing something criminal. If we water our plants with vinegar we aren’t going to get a good crop. It may grow but it will most certainly be rotten.

We cannot expect to live with a rotten heart and not have push back sooner or later. Nothing in this life goes without consequence both good and bad. If we do sinful things, we will one day face the consequences. If we do Godly loving things, one day we will face those consequences also. Cause an effect without a judgment of good and bad, is just the effect that comes from a particular act. Make sure we aren’t the Grinch who stole Christmas. Don’t have a shrunken, moldy heart. A greasy black peal and arsenic sauce isn’t the best way to make friends. So, don’t try to pull an apple from a strawberry bush. Don’t be rotten fruit that is off-putting to everyone around it. Be pleasant fruit that everyone wants to have around to enjoy. Be a joy in others lives, fill your heart with love and warmth and color.

 

img_0128

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://vacation.p2stravel.com/

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

Thank you all for taking time out of your day and reading this post. As a small token of my appreciation here is a gift card for travel, entertainment, or shopping. No gimmick just a real website where you can get huge savings on everyday items or travel. Don’t waist money on things at retail price when you can get them at wholesale price. Check it out.

Accused and Apathy

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Accused and Apathy:

Recently I was accused of being a bad friend. I was accused of not being a good Christian man. If we’re honest about the good and bad in life I will say I am human and I will always fall short. Now, that being said I will always admit to my mistakes, but these recent accusations were completely and utterly unfounded. People often say things under the umbrella of emotions and when they do there’s really no telling what may come out.

Often when the truth is uttered those who hear and feel a conviction will lash out in anger. They are not slow to speak and they cause destruction left behind after the sound waves of their voice subsides. The wicked tongue is plentiful today. It’s all around us in the music we listen to on the radio, the movies and TV shows we watch, and even the voices heard in our very homes. Proverbs 21:23“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” No one seems to care anymore that communication is slowly dying. I’ve watched as excuse after excuse comes across my phone screen as to why a message was ignored for days, weeks, and sometimes longer. I’ve gotten every manner of excuses and while some are absolutely legitimate others are not. My biggest frustration is when I get the simple excuse I’ve just been busy. This verbiage, busy, doesn’t usually mean busy, it means ‘you weren’t a priority.’ Thus the excuse given really comes from a place of apathy. For those of you who don’t know what that means, I’ll give you the definition, Apathy: lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. There was no concern on how someone would feel being left hanging, dangling there for weeks before a response was finally given, and that response never actually held an apology. See, what most people fail to realize is just as dangerous as the tongue is, as it’s probably the most dangerous weapon on the planet, it has the power to build, or destroy. Matthew 15:11“It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”

I have a good friend who has a few kids. He has often told me about his policy with the kids, the punishment for wrong doing will be equal to the crime, but the punishment for a lie on top of the crime, much more severe. This makes sense because we as Christians know we will make mistakes. We know that it’s not about if we screw up but when. The thing with those mistakes is using the tongue along with actions to try and make amends for that mistake. So many people are afraid to stand up and speak the truth, but more are perfectly content living in a world where they never have to face the consequences of their actions. So many now lash out, out of anger and never fully see the ramifications of those words because now everything is done over non-verbal, or vocal communications. People now are so quick to anger, so quick to shoot off a ill thought out text that things are said without thought, and likewise in that anger it’s so easy to hit a couple buttons and poof, that persons gone from your life. People in droves make rash, hurtful remarks and then run away before any defense can be made, thus destroying the very foundation of friendships, and relationships. Proverbs 12:18“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Proverbs 18:21“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” When we consider the power of the tongue and what we say, how it affects people in our life, we hold such power just a few inches from our brains. Many have little concern now about who they hurt, what they say, or why. On top of a lack of caring how our words affect people, the effect goes far beyond just what we say. A general apathy has sprung up in people all over the world. Since we have gotten to the point now where we don’t care what we say, how we say it, the other side of that coin is we don’t truly care about others. I’ve been in the online dating world for quite some time now, and I have noted on multiple occasions in the last 24 months that people just stopped caring about anyone but themselves. There’s no thought to the curtsey given to how we treat people. We ignore messages, we lie about the excuses to cause long delays in communications, and that’s if communication doesn’t stop abruptly without warning. I’ve always prided myself as being a very understanding person. I’ve watched people do horrible things that affected me and it wasn’t the mistake that hurt the most, it was lying to me about it. If someone doesn’t have the desire to have fluid communication often, a simple text to inform me of that would go a long way. James 3:10“From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” When will we finally realize how our words and actions affect other people?

Something I’ve often wondered is when we are quick to anger and that anger leads to a wicked tongue, how then can that very same person say to the accused “You’re not a Christian man?” I have pondered this very thing for a little while now, and as I’ve gone back over conversations for a long while involving many people, I have come to a sad realization; the term Christian is perhaps the worst Apathy of all. How many Christians or self proclaimed Christians are there all over the world? How many of them would say, “I’m Christian, but it’s not important.”? How many would say they are Christian on Christmas, Easter, and maybe one or two sprinkled in the rest of the year? We see less then 19% of Christians now are involved Christians meaning, fewer then 19% open and read there Bibles more then 3 times a week, most far less if ever. How can someone stand there and pass judgment about doing nothing but stating facts, with no emotional bias, even if those facts don’t show someone in an appealing light? The answer is convictions. When we are confronted with our own shortcomings and we become angry we say and do things that are within its very nature, Sinful. We live in a world where truth is something convenient we don’t like to face.

We’ve become so consumed with self that we have such a deep apathy for other people. We don’t care how we hurt someone, or why. We don’t care to lead someone along only to drop them from the side of the cliff. Apathy my friends is a disease that is plaguing our society. The invention of texts, and online dating have created a gap in the human condition that now allows people to do what they wish and never having to see the fallout from their actions. Being accused recently of being a bad Christian, and treating my friends badly, is obviously coming from someone who is hurting badly themselves. Truth however, no matter how painful is always the best way to go. The truth is, people can be cruel, and manipulative and hold nothing but apathy for you. All we can do is love, pray, and continue to lean on God’s word the best we can. We are people and we will make mistakes. People always need to be forgiven for their trespasses, and thus we must always ask for forgiveness of our trespasses. Never loose sight of the hope that springs in the horizon every day. We may be accused but our accusers who flee before a defense do not seek answers or retribution. Those who spit venom and run away are nothing shy of cowards. Those who hide behind technology afraid to face their own fallout are cowards. Do not worry yourself with these types of people, no, I say to you my brothers and sisters, forever pray that God opens their eyes to see, warms their hearts to feel, and blesses their souls with empathy and love. Are you the sword or just a poor reflection? Don’t loose hope for, while God is still sovereign over all, there will always be hope.

 

 

img_0128

Thank you all for taking time out of your day and reading this post. As a small token of my appreciation here is a gift card for travel, entertainment, or shopping. No gimmick just a real website where you can get huge savings on everyday items or travel. Don’t waist money on things at retail price when you can get them at wholesale price. Check it out.

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://vacation.p2stravel.com/

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

 

The Great Commission Here, There, Everywhere

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

The Great Commission Here, There, Everywhere

A Savior comes to free us from the bondage of eternal damnation. Matthew 28:16-20“16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Recently I was told a story about a man who had a problem with sending money overseas to missions when there is people right here in the US that needs help. This obviously is something a lot of people feel in communities all over the world. In this post we will touch base on not my opinion, but what scripture says about both charity, and missions.

So we’ve discussed what the great commission is. We are called to go forth and make disciples not just in our local communities, but also across the world. We are called by each of our gifts to make a difference for the purpose and plan God has made us. Many may say they have no gifts, they have no special talents, but this is a lie from the Devil, and is fundamentally not possible, and not true. Everyone has gifts and as I’ve touched base on many times over the last year and a half. Not all gifts are those seen in the public eye, but some are the gifts of empathy, sympathy, kindness, giving, or physical labor. Gifts can be a vast number of things, and it’s in those gifts we see how we can make a difference. Not everyone is built the same and because of that we all have our purpose.

In the great commission we are called to go forth and we go where there is a need. We are called to follow God’s path wherever that path may lead you. While some may follow a path of missions far away from home, others may follow a path of local mission in your community large or small. For now, my path has been of reaching others through words. I have used my own gifts of writing to reach over a hundred different countries, and thousands of people all from my own home. While I do have other ministries I’m apart of, this is my primary way to get the word of God out to the people. I have a desire to join missions and as I am working on finding new missions to engage in, I am constantly in prayer about my path. I realize there are people in my community that do not know the Lord and that’s why when I am out in public I pray. I am kind to people I encounter. I give my business card for my Blog to people I meet. We all have the ability to make a difference in others lives. We all have the ability to affectively show others the truth and the light of Jesus Christ. We should never limit where we travel to share the Gospel. No people are any more or less deserving of salvation. No people should have to go through life without ever hearing the name of Jesus. Sadly all over this world in countries afar, and sadly even in our very nation there are countless souls that have never been graced by the words of hope and love found in our Bible. I would go so far to say that mission trips abroad may actually be slightly more needed because of how available church and the word of God is here in the United States. While the need is found all over the world, we must focus on ourselves to find the path God has laid for us. If in your heart you are led to make a difference in your own hometown, then that’s where you should focus. If you have a passion for mission trips overseas then that’s where you should follow the path God’s given you.

I want to make sure there is no mistake in my words. There is a HUGE difference in mission trips and charity. Deuteronomy 15:11“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.” We see in both Deut. and Matthew 26:11“11 The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.” Listen to this part very carefully, Jesus Christ is saying that there will always be poor people, and although it’s always important to give to the needy, the poor, the widows, nothing supersedes the need to talk about and share the Gospel of the Lord. The Commandments, Love your God, Love Your Neighbor, and go forth to all the nations and make disciples of the Lord. When we talk about giving money to missions to fund those, verses giving money to charity, there is no question that we are to give where the Lord lays on our hearts, but we should always keep in mind, both are vitally important. When we talk about giving to charities to help those in financial need we are talking about an Earthly problem, but when we talk about missions, we are talking about the very souls of those we are trying to reach. It’s simple when you consider it that way, the Great Commission will always be the biggest need and the priority.

I know my church has a benevolence fund to help those in legitimate need. We see people in poverty all over the world. We see poverty in our back yards, but we must also consider, not always, but sometimes those in poverty are there of their own making. We must be careful how we spend God’s money. We must be cautious with where we put God’s funds because we are told in scripture to be good stewards of it. Matthew 6:24“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Money is the Lords and we must learn to handle that money in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. Money is not the root of all evil, money when handled by the Holy Scripture can be used to do a lot of good. If you are led to give to local charities as part of your monthly given, that’s completely fine. If you are led to give to charities for children, or veterans, or churches, or medical research, that’s all fine, just remember that all money is God’s money and so long as we are giving where we are led to give we are in good standing (regarding money) with God. 1 Timothy 6:17-19“17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

It’s not our place to tell someone else what ministry is best suited for them. We all have our paths, our own purpose, and a decision like that is between that person and God. Remember though as importance goes telling people about Jesus Christ and opening their world to God is far more important then helping with financial burdens. Both are important, and both need to happen, but we cannot sacrifice one for the other. It’s our jobs as Christians to be there for those in need both home and abroad. As Christians its our duty to be there to share the gospel to everyone we can. Giving money to charity should always be about helping God’s people. It should always be about helping those in need and making sure it’s a true need. There will always be people who try to take advantage and try to steal and lie to obtain money. It’s important that we do our due diligence to insure the money we give is going into good hands. Never stop giving to charity because it’s always needed. Never stop giving to missions because there are a lot of dark places all over the world that need light brought into their lives.

One final message I’d like to throw out there just fruit for thought. Since when have we become so self centered that we believe a particular people are more important then others? Since when do American lives matter more then anyone else? Yes it’s important to ensure your own household is provided for before trying to help others. Luke 3:11“And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Everyone will be called to give according to where the Holy Spirit has led. If we are a body of Christ actually gave as we are told to give and should be called to give, no charities or ministries would ever go unfunded. If we were to go out and give and teach and preach we would be able to get the Gospel to more places around the world in need. Always keep in mind that while there are people in our own communities that struggle to know the Lord, and struggle financially, they are no more or less important then anyone one else. When we look to the Lord and ask why He hasn’t done something I say this, look in the mirror. If you have the wonder, the question, the fire to see something changed, then it is you that God has created for that purpose.

Dream Small by Josh Wilson

 Dream small
Don’t bother like you’ve gotta do it all
Just let Jesus use you where you are
One day at a time
Live well
Loving God and others as yourself
Find little ways where only you can help
With His great love
A tiny rock can make a giant fall
Dream small

Not everyone’s purpose is to travel around spreading the Gospel, but that doesn’t mean the need isn’t right next door. There is suffering all over this world and God has created someone to tackle each calling. Follow your calling and use your gifts every day to glorify God and bring his word to those in need. The Great Commission will look a little different for everyone, but everyone has a place within that commission. Don’t stand by and wishing for change. Don’t stand by hoping for change. Ask God for the guidance and then be that change.

Do Something By:Matthew West

 I woke up this morning

Saw a world full of trouble now, thought

How’d we ever get so far down, and

How’s it ever gonna turn around

So I turned my eyes to Heaven

I thought, “God, why don’t You do something?”

Well, I just couldn’t bear the thought of

People living in poverty

Children sold into slavery

The thought disgusted me

So, I shook my fist at Heaven

Said, “God, why don’t You do something?”

He said, “I did, yeah, I created you” (now listen)

Stop sitting back and complaining about what needs to be done and get up and do something. We are God’s hands and feet and we need to stand up and do something. Don’t sit on the sidelines anymore. Don’t kick the can down the road expecting someone else to take care of it. God created each and every one of us for a purpose so find it, and live up to the potential that God gave you. Be the change, be the voice to get the word of God out there to those in need. Be the purse that helps ministries change lives. Be one, or be both, but don’t be neither. What we do will be what defines us.

 

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://vacation.p2stravel.com/

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

img_0128 IMG_0137 This is a comparison to the same glasses found on Amazon, that I personally got on the P2S shopping website. As you can see, it’s an amazing savings. Just watch the Videos in the links provided to see what kind of real savings you’re looking at. 

I would like to share something pretty wonderful with everyone. When you need to travel why not use the best travel website around. No longer are you subject to paying retail prices for travel. Not only is this good for amazing discounts on travel it’s good for every day items you might want to get for fun. Here is a $200 dollar shopping cash. No gimmicks, no obligation to keep it past the month, but if  you want to stay on after the first free 30 days, it’s $12.95 per month, and you get $100 to use every single month free. If you want to go out and travel the world as part of your missions trips, why not do it cheaper. Use this to allow yourself to save more and put more of God’s money, more of your hard earned money to greater use. 

Sinking Together

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Sinking Together:

I might need someone to be there for me tonight. I might need someone to tell me it’s all right. I might need someone to take the first step and come rescue me. Tonight I find it so hard to breath. What’s left for me to say, but I feel like I’m in a sinking ship of emotional stress and I am reaching for anyone to rescue me. I don’t want to be alone tonight. I feel as if I’m on a sinking ship and I wish sometimes I wasn’t alone in this boat. The thing is though, if I brought someone else into my boat, they would sink right along with me.

IMG_0922

2 Samuel 13 A man by the name of Jonadab offered advice to Amnon one of King David’s sons. Amnon was infatuated with his half sister. She was a virgin and he lusted after her so intently that it made him sick. Jonadab was a smooth talker and instead of throwing a line to Amnon, he got in the sinking boat with him. The advice given was to lure Tamar into Amnon’s bedchamber and try to persuade her that she needed to lay with him to make him better. Of course this horrible sinful advice for so many reasons, I don’t think I need to actually go into detail as to why.

The truth about hurting people hurt others are undeniable. The same goes with the saying, ‘misery loves company.’ While I don’t want to bring anyone down with me, I struggle to go day in and day out without once in a while letting my voice out. Usually a post like this would talk about the dangers of following someone down a troubled path. For example, if you are friends with someone who really wants to rob a bank, and when they talk you into being their accomplice, that’s the kind of thing where you’re getting into a sinking ship and just poking more holes in the bottom. Stay away from temptations and trouble. Stay in the bible and when or if someone comes to you, stop giving him or her opinionated advice. Go to the one place that truly tells you right and wrong, scripture.

I find myself wishing for someone to come with me not to join me in a sinking ship, but to help plug the holes. I have found myself avoiding the Jonadab’s in my life. I have gotten advice to do some pretty deep sinful things because ‘it’ll make me feel better.’ The thing I see with the advice is the aftermath. If I take advice like that I will only cause my boat so sink faster. If someone is willing to give you bad advice like that, they aren’t your friends. If you’re willing to take advice like that, you need to reevaluate your life choices. Some people just enjoy chaos, and you will need to remind yourself the kind of Christian you want to be. Do not conform to this world, but find your path in Christ and renew that path every day by staying in the word of God. It isn’t always easy, and some days you’ll nearly tip your boat, but you can always right your ship and keep sailing along this thing called life.

 

 

Thank you all for taking time out of your day and reading this post. As a small token of my appreciation here is a gift card for travel, entertainment, or shopping. No gimmick just a real website where you can get huge savings on everyday items or travel. Don’t waist money on things at retail price when you can get them at wholesale price. Check it out.

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://vacation.p2stravel.com/

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

img_0128

 

 

 

Are You Crazy?

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Are You Crazy?

Acts 14:19-20“19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.” Paul has been going from city to city proclaiming the word of Jesus Christ. He has been teaching and preaching in the synagogues but as usual the Pharisees didn’t take to kindly to being shown the error of their ways, so they decided to turn the crowd and attempt to commit murder. Can you imagine yourself in Paul’s shoes? Poor guy has been beaten, stoned, ship wrecked, tortured, imprisoned, and all the while probably had more aches and pains and illnesses then we could ever imagine. Even with all this he carried on, pushed through, and not only continued to preach the word of Jesus Christ, but returned to cities in which recently tried to kill him. The ability to stand up to your enemies in the face of tremendous dangers, and yet to have that kind of faith to overcome fear with glorious courage is the embodiment of a true hero.

Acts 14:22“strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” There is always a price to be paid and sometimes that price is higher then others. Look at all your favorite super heroes and see what they’ve had to give up to go out into the public and save lives, stop crime, and sometimes save the very world itself. It takes a special kind of person to run towards danger, and we see this in our emergency services personnel and in our military every day. How passionate are you about the Lord? How passionate are you about your eternal salvation? It’s so easy to say you know the Lord, and say you’re saved, and that you know you’re going to Heaven, but to not share the excitement is simply a travesty. A man bought and paid our salvation with His own blood and here we sit idly by as sin plagues our friends and families. We allow evil to rise up all around us and we do nothing.

When I was hearing the scripture here in Acts 14 I couldn’t help but imagine the image of Superman. The S on his chest meaning hope, and that Superman stands for Truth, Justice and The American Way. If Paul were to have a suit his would undoubtedly hold the cross. The cross is true light, the true symbol of hope. The cross that encompasses the trinity, the heart, and the blood spilt to earth so we might be free. What are you willing to do for your freedom? What would you be willing to give so you might embrace your destiny to walk with Christ in Heaven? Would you Risk your life for what you believed in? As a spiritual leader, persecution, revile, and hatred will come to you from every direction.

As a Christian it’s up to you to wear that cross proudly and visibly for the world to see. Do not hide behind the cross, and do not show offence to it. The cross is liberation, not enslavement. Do not hide behind fear. A hero will step into the light to shine brightly for all the people to see. I am reminded of an episode of the Flash (Spoilers Ahead)where Barry Allen goes to Oliver Queen the Arrow for advice on being a hero. To be a hero you’d have to be a little crazy to put yourself in harms way all the time for strangers. Knowing any minute you might not go home to your loved ones in the service of others. Knowing you can sacrifice everything you are in this world for a cause you believe for so deeply is a little nuts. I submit to you though, if you love Christ as much as I do, then you’d probably do some pretty crazy things too. I think we should all be crazy in love for Jesus. When we love Christ that much we take the command for the Great Commission seriously. Get out there and be a little crazy for Christ. If Paul would be willing to get stoned and in less then a year return to that very city to preach again, we should be willing to at the very least stand up and proclaim who our true hero is, Jesus Christ.

Barry Allen:“I’m just not sure I’m like you, Oliver. I don’t know if I can be some… vigilante.”

Oliver Queen:“You can be better, because you can inspire people in a way that I never could, watching over your city like a guardian angel… making a difference… saving people… in a flash. Take your own advice: Wear a mask.” (The Flash Pilot Episode)

See, Oliver Queen was doing what he felt his city needed to be saved. Sometimes Oliver’s methods were a little rough around the edges, and weren’t exactly the gold standard for being a hero, but the Flash, could be different. The Flash, much like Paul would stand out as more then the average hero. Even in the midst of tremendous adversity and danger, both would stand on the morals that guided them and would never relent. Both would stand tall and show the world a better way. When we look to our neighbors, our brothers and sisters, do we see anyone in our life that shows that level of integrity? We can’t even make our own right decisions, and yet we call ourselves Christians. We spit on the cross and we turn our backs on it regularly. We deny the cross when it’s convenient to save ourselves from standing apart in the crowd. We are no heroes, we are the villains. We are the mob that turned on Christ just days after greeting the savior with palms and cheers, and love and praises. We are the ones who love the free hand outs, and then when it’s time to listen we turn our backs. When it’s time to hear the truth we would prefer living in our world of free stuff, and never being held accountable for our actions.

Who are we going to be from this day going forward? Are we going to be the mob that caused the nails to go into our saviors hands, or are we going to be the man who took being stoned and beaten over and over again standing up for the name of Christ? We should stand up for Truth, Justice and Godly Light.

 

img_0128

 

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://vacation.p2stravel.com/

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

Thank you all for taking time out of your day and reading this post. As a small token of my appreciation here is a gift card for travel, entertainment, or shopping. No gimmick just a real website where you can get huge savings on everyday items or travel. Don’t waist money on things at retail price when you can get them at wholesale price. Check it out.

Find your Peloton

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Find your Peloton

In life one of the hardest things we may ever do is find where we belong. My whole life has been one train wreck after another in my search for my place. As tough as it can be to admit, there are some personality types that are more difficult then others to find that place. Romans 14:8 “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

The journey starts with prayers and focusing on your relationship with God. When we turn our focus to God we will eventually find our path. When we find our path from God the rest will eventually find a way. I have spent a lifetime trying to figure out my place, and some days I still feeling like I’m trapped under water unable to breathe. I’ve spent so much time wishing to be loved by someone in return. I’ve spent years searching for friends that would accept me for who I am. I’ve wanted to feel like I’ve belonged, to find a peloton where I belonged. In cycling I have learned the term peloton means a group of cyclers. While I still haven’t found where I belong in this life, I do know where I belong is with God.

For years I begged to give up something for God to put me where I belonged. I may have found my path by listening to the guidance from God, but I still haven’t found the love I’ve been seeking my whole life. Giving up isn’t something I’m accustomed to, but I will admit, after all this time I find myself beaten down and discouraged. Loving someone with all my heart and being forced to watch them leave without any true reason why is crushing. I haven’t recovered and even after all this time, I still wonder what’s next. I have prayed for my time to come and wondered if I’d find what I seek before the end. I have wondered if I would ever leave something to be missed when I’m gone. I pray and have hope that one day I will find my place. I have prayed to God that I would go the distance no matter how far I’d have to go. I’ve prayed to God to shape me and give me the tests so I could pass.

I’ve have given my blood, sweat and tears trying to get where I belong. I have felt like I’ve been stuck in a dream world unable to wake up from my nightmare. I have wandered in the dark for many years, and despite trying to wake up from my sleep, I still feel trapped. The darkness covers my world in sadness and despair with only small glimmers of hope sprinkled around me. As I try to grab on to a sparkle it’s snuffed out like grabbing onto a snowflake. While with enough snow the sun glistens brightest the day after a fresh snowfall, it does however take a good amount of snow. Before I have seen the sunrise on many snow days, the dirt and grime floods the snow and melts to slush quickly.

It takes time to find our place in this world, and a lot of pieces have to be moved before it’s our time to shine. Much like a marathon it takes time to move, position, and wait for the right moments to move to the front. When life is a marathon we must be patient and precise as we move around the bored. The future is always a question, but in the darkness we can find the light. The days that come are always a gift from God. God will always take care of us, and no matter the darkness covering our lives, God’s light will always make the darkness flee. The Devil wants you to feel alone, and he wants you to feel like you don’t have anyone in your life. While we may not have someone to fill our heart, there will be people we can turn to. Don’t let the silence keep you from joining a peloton. Don’t let the ride scare you. You need to get up and get out there, and you may accidently find what you seek if you just take a chance.

 

img_0128

Thank you all for taking time out of your day and reading this post. As a small token of my appreciation here is a gift card for travel, entertainment, or shopping. No gimmick just a real website where you can get huge savings on everyday items or travel. Don’t waist money on things at retail price when you can get them at wholesale price. Check it out.

 

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://vacation.p2stravel.com/

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

Life and Liberty

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Life and Liberty:

A road changes, merges in the lanes of traffic, and the symphony of people coming and going crescendos. We come and go, managing the chaos the best we know how. We merge left, then fight, and the traffic smoothes. The ebb and flow maintains serenity as a pattern courses through the very veins of our lives. Freedom is the umbrella we all live under, and yet, as we have the power to life and liberty, it’s the pursuit of happiness that eludes many. Why do we find in a country with overwhelming amounts of wealth, do so few actually obtain happiness? I think one key factor to happiness is we as Americans don’t truly appreciate what we have, and thus, we are always reaching for what we don’t have. If we are driving in traffic, and we have no set destination, how then are we able to set course? I for one have struggled for many years finding the road in which I was meant to take. Although I encountered traffic jams over and over in my life, and even a few 10-car pile-ups, I would not have finally found the correct expressway. Proverbs 3:5-6“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

The Lord will guide us, and smooth our path. We must trust in the process however, because we don’t always see or understand the why. We always have the ability to throw ourselves off the rails, and when we do, we cannot be surprised when the off road adventure ends in disaster. It’s in those moments when we fall flat on our face it’s in Psalms we find our shortcomings. Psalm 37:23-24“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” Have you ever considered your GPS when it redirects you because you made a wrong turn, which is kind of like God telling you, you’re off course? I have often considered myself a constitutionalist trusting and believing in our founding documents held no higher except by the Holy Bible. I spent years getting ready for military service, and then years in service of this country. During that time I swore an oath to uphold those documents and fight any enemy that sought to destroy them. During that service I had the distinct honor to fight along side heroes. Those heroes all came to the fight for different reasons, but we found something in common, something no one would ever be able to take from us, brotherhood/sisterhood. We found family and in one of the most dreadful places, I realized happiness was found in life itself.

We recently celebrated Memorial Day, and I have had mixed feelings for this particular holiday now for many years. On one hand I love being able to celebrate the beautiful lives that have loved this country so much that they fought for and died in the pursuit of keeping this blessed nation safe and free. It takes a lot of effort to keep a nation free after more then 200 years. We’ve always been lucky here in the United States by having natural boarders that limits the ability of an aggressive nation to wage war on our shores. Sadly the world is a lot smaller then it used to be and enemies no longer grow from afar, but live right here in our very neighborhoods, and have begun to attack our way of life. The constitution and our flag now mean very little to so many citizens who live here, and I’ve seen as homegrown terrorism has sprouted like weeds in the garden. I’ve seen schools become battle grounds instead of places of education, and as one person after another disrespects the flag, I am sickened as I think how many of my brothers and sisters have been under one, buried after serving this great nation. I have not only lost friends during time of war, I have given the eulogy for friends lost in combat. Memorial day is a special day for us in this country to stand in honor of the fallen men and women who’ve given their lives so that we may stand and have life, liberty, and pursue happiness.

Happiness is found within life itself. Happiness isn’t the next raise, the next beer, or the fancy car. It’s not the next girlfriend, or the bigger house, or whatever you can fill in the blank: “If I only had ______ I would be happy.” You see, if you didn’t put Jesus in that blank you’re never going to find happiness in stuff. Happiness is knowing Christ, and finding yourself content in whatever situation you find yourself in. Happiness is seeking and trusting in God and not wanting, that you may have peace in your life. Psalm 23:1 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” We know the Lord will always provide, and Paul knew also. Philippians 4:11“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” As I have watched in horror as people I cared for died in war, I found that happiness was found in life itself. I found happiness in relationships, in the people we have in our lives. I have found how important relationships are because they are short. I have found how important appreciating your blessings, because life can change in a moments notice. Where do you find your happiness? Are you still pursuing happiness, or have you figured out what true happiness is? Life is to short and we must embrace the time we have. Love, and live because the day may come when you look back and realized the importance of time itself and the people around you is what makes life special.

 

Thank you all for taking time out of your day and reading this post. As a small token of my appreciation here is a gift card for travel, entertainment, or shopping. No gimmick just a real website where you can get huge savings on everyday items or travel. Don’t waist money on things at retail price when you can get them at wholesale price. Check it out. 

http://www.travelrewardsus.com

http://vacation.p2stravel.com/

img_0128

 

Man On The Run

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

Man On The Run:

For many years as a child I felt as if I were running. I was running away from bullies. I was running away from my pain, and my fears. I ran from my gut instincts, and I felt as if I was made to run forever. When life would get bad I would run and push the deepest pain into the recesses of my heart, and I’d carry on running. There’s another type of running that I’ve done a lot in my life and that’s running from God’s calling of me.

We are all made for a purpose, and what that may be isn’t going to be spelled out all the time, but if we are patient, and if we listen, God will tell us. Psalm 138:8“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” As a young boy I found comfort sitting in the pews of my church. I found comfort with the ear of my priest, and those few members who looked after me like one of their own kids. For as long as I can remember I’ve been in scripture, and I’ve asked tough questions. I have had a thirst of knowledge regarding God my whole life. When hard times hit I put my head down and punched through life unwilling to face more hardships. The thing I didn’t know back then, was all that running I would end up on the path God wanted me to regardless of my best efforts.

Where are you running to, or what are you running from? When our life is in the hands of the Lord can we truly be surprised when we eventually come full circle? I spent years saying I wasn’t cut out for ministry, and that it would me a mistake for me to tempt that journey. I spent years struggling with God as I’ve tried to come to grips with my hardships and my trials, searching for a reason for my pain. I searched for an absolution and even though the pain is still very real, the path now makes perfect sense.

My God has been making a masterpiece in me. I’ve been shaped and groomed for years for this path. God has laid the groundwork carefully, tirelessly, and has cried and hurt right along side of me. When babies teeth they hurt, and there isn’t a thing their parents can do but to be there and hold them while they cry. I am reminded of King David’s struggles in 2 Samuel 15:30-37 David’s eldest child has overthrown the kingdom forcing David to flee to avoid bloodshed. David could have gone anywhere, but he chose to go to the Mountain of Olives. A spiritual place so he could be close to God. When in need he ran to the one place he knew he could be closer to God. He went to the mountain peek, and prayed to God. He asked for forgiveness of his mistakes and sins, and he sought to repent for the errors of his ways.

Psalm 3“3 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. 5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. 7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.”

David prayed to the Lord on that Holy place and prayers were answered. While we may pray and not hear the answer right away, that doesn’t mean God doesn’t hear us, and it never means God is ignoring us. We may not always see the path God has laid out for us, and we may not always like the path laid in front of us, but we must always have faith in God. We may not like what we see but that doesn’t mean it’s not what is best for us. We must remember what faith is. Hebrews 11:1“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” When you’re on the run always remember where you can turn. Always remember that we can run away from our destiny, but if it’s God’s will, it’ll always catch up to us.

I still don’t always understand why things happen, but I am slowly getting to the point in my life where I trust God is working things out. This doesn’t mean we won’t have pain, and it doesn’t means we won’t be punished if we are the cause of our own struggles. We cannot expect to always be safe from trouble, but know if trouble comes we have the power of God on our side. Sin affects everyone and no one makes it through this life without being broken a time or two. We cannot expect to run forever but when you’re tired of running you can rest assured that Jesus is waiting for you with arms wide open. If you haven’t found God’s path for you don’t fret, just continue to pray, and get into the word. God will present the path to you when the time is right. Just keep the faith, and never stop living in Christ.

 

 

Thank you so much for your interest in my post today. As a token of my appreciation if you want to travel more for less at up to 50% off retail price please take a look at the following website. Risk free trial for 30 days on shopping, travel, and entertainment. For more information, take a look at this website: Please accept this $200 shopping dollars that you can use to buy items you’ve been wanting for less, or even your next vacation. 

img_0128

The Common Cold

thearrowpreacherLeave a comment

The Common Cold:

Something that has always bothered me was how far we’ve come in medicine and technology, and yet we still cannot cure the common cold. The cold is a common virus that infects more then a billion people every year. The most common viral infection is rhinoviruses. Though there is no cure for the common cold, we generally have to rest, drink lots of fluid, and help with the symptoms. Are we doomed to go through life one cold after another, or is there a secret cure out there someplace? A little secret about me, is that I don’t get sick very often. I’ve had less then 2 colds in 10 years. I have always considered myself to be more or less a mutant with my ability to stay healthy. Alas this week my immune system finally succumbed to darkness. I have been fighting off this cold for days now and it’s taken so much out of me I sleep every few hours. I have often wondered in times like these how people do this every year. The same goes for those who don’t know Jesus Christ, the one true cure for eternal death.

John 14:6“Jesus said to him,“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the cure to sin, the overcoming of eternal damnation, and yet with the cure right at people fingertips, people run away from it as if it were the plague. The gospel is for everyone, the cure is for everyone who can give up themselves for the truth. Our salvation was paid for by the ransom of a life, and our cure was bought by the blood of the one true Son of the Father. As much as people have searched for a cure for diseases that effects the human race, we turn our backs on the one cure that matters most and that’s for salvation. Billy Graham once said that sin is a disease. If sin is a disease then we allow it to spread unchecked throughout the world when we stand quiet, idly by while loved ones pass on without ever knowing the truth, which is Jesus Christ. “The cross is office because it confronts people.”(Billy Graham) We as a society don’t want to admit that we are sick. We don’t want to admit we’re sinners, and we don’t want to admit we need help. See, we’re in denial. The sad truth is if we don’t realize the truth soon enough, the fate of our illness could very well be sealed.

The thing with illness is if left unchecked without treatment it can grow out of control and by the time something could have been done, it’s too late. One thing the experts say about the flu is it’s better to get help early on. The flu if left unchecked much like cancer can be lethal. Sin is just as lethal, but it’s the eternal kind. If we aren’t careful sin infects us and like the common cold it spreads to everyone we come into contact with. It spreads like a wildfire uncontained, uncontrolled, and before we know it, everyone around us is sick or dealing with the ramifications of our actions. Unlike the common illness staying locked away in our rooms won’t prevent the spread of sin. Sinful actions send out ripples to our surroundings affecting everyone. The only cure for sin is for us to turn to the Lord and ask for the healing power of the Holy Spirit to cover us. When we turn to Christ it’s like having a limited vaccine. We have revulsion to sin, and even though we can fall off the rails, we can always get back on track. Following Christ will often cause us convictions to amplify in the presence of sinful actions. That doesn’t mean we don’t still sin. Find your cure in the Lord and step away from the plague that’s covering our land.

 

http://www.travelrewardsus.com 

http://vacation.p2stravel.com/

Thank you so much for your interest in my post today. As a token of my appreciation if you want to travel more for less at up to 50% off retail price please take a look at the following website. Risk free trial for 30 days on shopping, travel, and entertainment. For more information, take a look at this website: Please accept this $200 shopping dollars that you can use to buy items you’ve been wanting for less, or even your next vacation. 

 

img_0128