Tag: god

The Passage of Time

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The Passage of Time

It’s amazing isn’t it how some days seem to fly by, but some days drag on? When you’re alone in isolation the clicking of that clock can seem slow, barely moving at all it seems. The perception concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” It’s hard for us puny humans to except that time is both linear and perceptive.

When time is so finite how do we manage it? When life is going great and wonderful what are we doing with the time we are given? When life is terrible and full of sorrow, how are we managing it? I myself sit at home and often feel low and down about my situation. Spending much of my time in non-voluntary solitude, I find that as long as I am using my time wisely, as long as I’m still doing God’s work, I can emotionally manage the struggle. Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” We are always so worried about getting stuff done, so worried about not having enough time to do everything in a day.

Have you ever thought about what happens when time runs out? Have you ever thought about when our time is up on this Earth, have we completed everything we wanted, have we live like we wanted too, have we seen the world, or did we squander the most precious gift we have, life/time. There have been many times in my life when I saw time slip by me, as the day should have turned into a forever sleep, but by the grace of God, time didn’t catch up to me on those days.

Some people are afraid of time. Some people are afraid to get older, but it’s been my experience that most of the time people who age also grow in wisdom. In many cultures to live to old age is to become a village elder. We should understand that time can be a friend. We often want time to go by more slowly, or more quickly, but what if we actually got to the point in our lives that we embraced exactly what time was for us because it’s God’s plan. 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.” We cannot worry about tomorrow for time is fleeting. Time is not always a friend to us when we are alone, and scared. Rejoice in the great times we have. Proverbs 27:1 “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

 When we have companionship it seems time goes by so quick. The joy we have not being alone, being with someone we love, being loved in return. When that time has passed however, the time alone seems so long indeed. Being with someone for 10 years, then that time is gone, 7 months feels and seems like an eternity. The Lord teaches us patience, but it’s difficult. The nights feel like ages, reaching for someone that doesn’t exist anymore. The time it takes to recover from heartbreak is different for everyone, but how that time is spent is distinctive to each person. As for me in the past I’ve had friends to get me out of the house, take me out, introduce me to new people. This time however has not gone smoothly. 7 months I’m told is not a long time. How do they come up with that? How does someone assume to know what is or is not a long time for you? The perception of the passage of time largely depends on how we feel about the moment. There’s a difference between being okay alone, and wanting to be. There’s also a big difference in being single, and being alone. Most people have a vast number of friends there for them to get them out of the house, to help them heal. What if you don’t have that? What is 48 hours in isolation verses 48 hours of parties? When someone tells you their weekends went by too fast, do you judge them on their passage of time? When someone spends 48 hours in a cell for 48 hours do you tell him or her it’s not that long? Who are we to judge how someone should feel? Who are we to tell someone how much time should pass for them to be okay? Before you judge someone, before you pass advice, perhaps you should take the time and ask how they feel, get to know their perception, and try to walk a mile in their shoes. Maybe that mile might seem longer when you try to understand. It’s best to have compassion. Have a little companion for the suffering of others. Understand that sometimes the hurt goes deeper then you may know. Pain is a tricky thing, and the amount of time it takes for that pain to go away even the shortest of times to ‘you’ could be an eternity for someone else. Don’t judge what you don’t fully understand.

We may sit in isolation, or sit in a group of friends. No matter the situation and how uncomfortable or enjoyable it may be, know that God is in control and we are precisely where we need to be. Have faith always.

Emergency Preparedness Kit

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Emergency Preparedness Kit

 I enjoy hiking and camping. I love going out into the woods and seeing what nature has to offer. To be surrounded by all of Gods glory what does it mean to you? Some people hate the idea of being in the woods. The bugs, the heat, the humidity, some people just hate it. Me, I thrive on walking in the woods, going on hikes, long and short. It’s not the hike itself we’re going to talk about today; it’s being prepared for it.

When I was in Iraq I was known for one thing and that was being prepared for as many contingencies as possible. I would consider as many outcomes of a mission as possible and I would pack my bag with as many things I could carry that I thought would be needed. When I go hiking I do the same. My boots, my belt, my emergency kit in my bag, my hand held GPS, my binoculars, fire starters, mirrors, even as much as my Phoenix strobes (night vision strobes). I try to plan for as much as possible. What happens if I fall and break or sprain something? What happens if I get turned around and lost in the woods? What happens if something bites me? What do I do if the worst-case scenario happens? Will I be prepared for it? How do you go about preparing yourself for the worst-case scenario?

When I am getting ready for my hike I think about where I’m going. I think about the weather for the next 24 hours. I think about the amount of water I would need, how long could I go without food? I consider what kind of terrain I’m walking and what I can do for shelter or long term water. I have everything in a pack I can carry. I always have a little extra water, I always have a few extra protein bars, and I always tell someone where I’m going. Not everyone plans ahead as I do.

It’s always a good idea to plan ahead because Private Murphy is always lurking around the corner. What can go wrong, will go wrong. And sadly it usually does. As many times as I’ve gone hiking, or out playing around in the wilderness so far I’ve never needed the emergency kit, but for the same reason I take it day in and day out on my travels, why do we keep insurance on homes or cars? It’s not a matter of if it’ll happen, but what if it does and you aren’t prepared for it. I would rather have it and never use it, then need it and not have it. I have insurance on my home, but pray to God I never have to use it.

What does all this have to do with God? Matthew 24:44 “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Will you be ready when the wolf growls at your door? Will you be ready when Satin decides it’s your time? The Devil will find you when you least expect it, and that’s when the enemy will attack you. 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” The day may come when the fight comes to you, are you faithful in the Lord to withstand the attacks? The power of the Word Of God, is how we prepare. God is my Emergency preparedness Kit. Through God I can withstand the attacks by the wicked one. It’s not about wishing the fight will never come it’s about being able to fireproof, to guard and withstand the flaming arrows. The fight will come one day, the battles will happen whether you like it or not. Matthew 25:13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Police officers wear body armor knowing that have it but pray they never need it. As such we have the tools to do so also. Ephesians 6:11 “11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

When the day comes I hope your emergency kit is solid and ready to go. As for mine, I have my kit for hiking, and for life, I have my God. God is my emergency preparedness kit.

Success Ratio

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Success Ratio

 How do we rate our success in life? I used to think my success was in my career, my relationship, my GPA in college, but really I was only hurting myself in the long run. When those things are taken away what does that do to our psyche? For me when my world fell apart I fell apart. I put my faith in all the wrong places. Even as a good Christian boy I didn’t do what I was supposed to.

As I’ve gotten older my priorities have changed. Sadly, as I’ve gotten older the stakes have gotten higher. It’s hard to watch a life fall apart and have faith that tomorrow will be better. As many before me have struggled through life’s difficulties and challenges, I know that I too will not fail to make a new life for myself. I don’t pretend to know or understand the direction my life is going, but I do know no matter where it is my faith in God will be my guiding light.

No matter what hardship you’re having there are some scripture verses that help the wary heart.

Psalm 34:17 “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.”

 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.”

2 Corinthians 1:10 “He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.”

 No matter the troubles, no matter your peril, your shortcomings, the Lord will be with you every step of the way. If depression and anxiety are flooding your ship don’t go into battle alone. Reach out to others and find help. There is always aid; it just takes a little effort to find it. It isn’t a sign of weakness to ask for help, it’s a sign of strength. James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

We measure our success by 1 Kings 2:3 “3 and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go” No matter how far we must travel, to Hell and back, remain steadfast in our faithful service to the Lord. Isaiah 41:10 “10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Never give up. Sometimes we may loose, but it’s how we carry ourselves. Sometimes we may give up everything for the ones we care about, and that, is a measure of success worth fighting for.

 

 

 

 

 

Through a Lens

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You see the world through a lens. A particular viewpoint of perspective says what’s good for me, but it may not be good for you. No matter what happens we must have faith in God. No matter what you think, or what you feel remember Romans 13:1-2“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.” Today’s world is a volatile and sometimes unforgiving place, but in all today’s world we must have the faith that everything is according to the plan. Never give up on moving forward. Never give up on the next day.

Draw Back Your Bow

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Draw Back Your Bow

Are you ready for war? Are you ready to take aim and take the shot? Isaiah 49:2 “2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.” Like the days of old an archer must keep his skills. Shoot your bow, fire your arrows, and practice often. Much like anything that takes skill you must surround yourself with it to maintain your skills. The Bible is no different. In order for us to be good and solid in our faith, we must first understand it. As an archer we must understand how the arrows work. We must understand how the wind, the geometry, the strings, the aerodynamics, all of it works together in harmony.

The world tries to tell us faith is an old custom, outdated, and no longer needed to explain the world. I believe it is that faith that explains the world. The never-ending battle of good verses evil keeps us questioning the order of things. For those who follow without faith they simply believe that people are the route of all problems. Though Sin is the route of most problems in this world, the pull, the chaos the Devil brings in his wake is the rest. The Devil pulls at ones heart to force sin into being. The true nature of love is the stay at Gods hand of judgment. God could easy strike down sinners but offers sinners every opportunity to repent ones sins. Psalm 7:12-13 “12 If a man[a] does not repent, God[b] will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow;13 he has prepared for him his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts.” God uses us to witness to the lost. God prepares us for the everyday war against Satin. As each side has their minions, their soldiers, how do we prepare?

Psalm 16:8 “I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Though it may be difficult at times we must stand fast and ready ourselves. Wear the armor proudly, and house the quiver with the arrows of God. Psalm 18:39 “For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.” Ready yourself and prepare your bow for the fight. The fight against good and evil is waged in the shadows, but don’t be disillusioned, you and I will be caught up in it. Our fate is in our hands. Do we want to spend eternal damnation in Hell, or do we want to spend eternal salvation in Heaven? You have to pick a side.

As for me, when the time comes, and make no mistake, it will come, Draw Back Your Bow, and let the arrows of truth held in the Quiver of Righteousness fly and with the guiding light of God, find each of it’s targets. Preach and Teach, Study so when the day comes you too can shoot with accuracy. Draw Back Your Bow and take aim right into the black heart of Satin.

Forrest

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War comes to those who least expect it sometimes. War is hard, war is evil, war is devastating, war comes in many ways. The blind do not see the trees in the Forrest. Do not doubt we are at war. We didn’t start it, we didn’t wish it, and some deny it. The failure to see the evil as it grows, festers, and begins to creep out of the shadows and into the light of day is the way we fall. The truth is incontrovertible and I pray we see the writing on the wall. This is just the beginning. Be ready, vigilant, and for Gods sake don’t worry about being politically correct, safety is more important. God bless.

When you can’t see the Forest through the Trees

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When you can’t see the Forest through the Trees

What does it mean ‘can’t see the forest through the trees?’ It means that sometimes you’re so caught up, so close to a situation you are incapable of seeing the big picture. When we are in the middle of our own life’s situations, when we are in the battles deep in the trenches, often times all we can see is the step right in front of us. So if that’s the case, how do we learn to take a step back and see the big picture? How do we wrestle with our own desire to remain in control? What are the simple rules of survival when lost in the woods? Today we’ll explore that together.

1 Corinthians 13:12 “12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” We grow and as we grow we change. The forest grows with no help from us. It doesn’t worry about the trees next to it or the birds that use it to perch their nests, no it simply exists. When we look at our lives as a whole we often are consumed with the ‘Fog of War’, unable to see the big picture due to the biased nature of our lives. We must learn to take a step back, climb the tree to see over the tree tops, find anyway we can to understand that in order to make a Godly decision we must first look at any situation that we may face, and try to look objectively, look reasonably, and try to understand the path God wants for us. Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” When we listen to Gods will our path will be a blessed one. It won’t be without hardships, but we need to be tested, our faith must be made strong. Ecclesiastes 3:6 “A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;” No matter what season we find ourselves we must understand that worrying about what we don’t have control over will never help us figure out our path.

When lost in the woods the first thing most people do is panic. When we panic we expel more energy then if we remain calm and work it out rationally. When lost you must find shelter, find water, and find food. It’s never easy to accept we may be lost. When that moment hits you and you can’t breath, you can’t think straight, you can’t see your own thoughts clearly, that’s when we know we are in the middle of the woods. We can’t panic when the forest gets thick. We must learn to have faith in God. Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” We have to keep the faith. When we are lost, God will show us the way. Psalm 25:16-17 “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish.” Have faith in the Lord to guide you. When lost in the woods and you cannot see your way out, and allow God to help you see your path. Keep the faith and keep your compass.

It’s not for our own understanding as to why our suffering occurs but when it does don’t loose yourself to the anguish. You are not in control and that’s an important fact to realize. We are in control of our own actions and how we handle our choices. Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” God will, will be done. One way or another, we will deal with our situations. Stop and pray that God will help get out of the wilderness. Isaiah 40:3-5 “A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. “Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley; Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Survival is about preparing; it’s about planning for the worst and knowing how to do that. God has given us the compass to see our way out of the woods and back to open prairies. Don’t let yourself get caught in the forest without the map. Shoot your azimuth and follow your direction north.

Be God’s Lego’s

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Be God’s Lego’s

 When you get a set of Lego’s it comes with an instruction manual or sometimes more then one. As one piece after another is put together you finally start to see the creation of your works. As such as it’s stated in the Bible that we are to be molded like clay in Gods image, I turn clay into Lego’s. We have the instructions in front of us. The most printed book in all time the Bible is now the easiest to access it ever has been, from computer, to digital, to the multiple translations of it. If we are to be Gods instruments, allow God to build us. Jeremiah 18:5-6 “Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.” If God wishes to build us, we must not let the Evil one stand in our way. Much like Lego we can be built into skyscrapers that tower over all the land, we can be super hero’s, or just simple city workers. Whatever your imagination, it’s not nearly what God’s is. Whatever you think you should be, whatever job you believe you should have, you should allow the builder of all to build you.

Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” As for me, I enjoy a great deal to build up Lego sets. It gives me great peace to see my works turn into something wonderful. How then does God feel when we too are used to spread his good works throughout the land? What is our life to God? Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Be the good God wants you to be.

Look at the instructions and allow God to use you for great things. Be the Lego’s for God. Be a hero, a minister, a builder, a fisherman, or even a fisher of man, but be whatever God wants for you. Do not fear the future of what you could be built into. God’s got the instructions, and they are perfect.

 

 

 

 

Liberation

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Liberation

We are born into a life on bondage. This life is a temporary prison filled with sin, pain, heartbreak, love, happiness, and when our bodies break and wither back to the ash from whence it came, we know that we are not tied town in bondage any longer. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ washed away our sins, and cleaned the slate for us to have a new kind of relationship with the King of all Kings. Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Christ’s Blood was powerful and broke all the chains of bondage that held us to this earthly world.

Sin isn’t the only bondage we may find ourselves in. There are things in this worldly life that can take hold of us. Addictions to all kinds of things, substance abuse, and even bad relationships can hold us captive. Lamentations 3:7 “He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy.” I firmly believe that if we find ourselves in these kinds of environments it’s the Devil working against us.

For I am liberated by truth. I am set free from the bondage you held me in. A life free of a mistake. For what seemed like a loss is now a blessing. An understanding of a true nature hidden for so long. A leopard cannot be free from its spots nor a zebra from its stripes. We are who we are, who we choose to be. A life I now choose freely, my own course, a course followed by the guiding life and love of Jesus Christ. I am set free of my chains, and now, I can finally say thank you. (With a hint of attitude as Spock would say, “Live Long And Prosper”)

As our forebear Moses took our brothers and sisters out of the bondage of Egypt. Christ freed us from the bondage of certain death. 2 Timothy 1:10 “but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” We all sin in this life but we should hold no shame to that. Letting go of the sin, letting people see you and your faults, seeking forgiveness of your transgressions, and most importantly forgiving others who trespass against you. 2 Timothy 1:16 “The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains;”

As we escape death because of the sacrifice by Christ 2 Timothy 1:10 “but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” What does that mean? Believing and following in Christ is the way, the only way to break free of death. Is it just death or anything else? Don’t live your life held in chains. Don’t live your life in bad relationships, don’t live in hurtful positions, don’t let fear guide you, don’t let addictions define you, or heartbreak.

Breaking the chains of bondage take courage and faith. Acts 2:27 “BECAUSE YOU WILL NOT ABANDON MY SOUL TO HADES, NOR ALLOW YOUR HOLY ONE TO UNDERGO DECAY.” Cut the bonds that hold you. Break them with the mighty sword and praise Jesus. Romans 6:9 “knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.” You were blind once, but now you can see. The world looks a bit different after you wake up from the long dream. Jesus has a hand out and a room just for you. Don’t let your weight keep you held down. Shed those chains, and break free. You know the key, only you can unlock your own bondage. Jesus will never force you to follow, but is sad when you don’t. Live to live, don’t let death be your final death. Find the truth in the light of the Lord, and cut that rope.

 

 

 

 

 

The Arrow

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The Arrow

Half of a whole weapon an archer uses. The projectile of a marksman, someone who knows the wild, knows the purity of the wilderness. Archery has grown into a commercialism sport, but the true nature, someone whose bow was an extension of him or her, a true skill that takes years to master. The arrow, a shafted projectile with a tip or a broad head, fletching or feathers, under many circumstances able to puncture leather armor or chainmail. Ancient Egyptians used bows, and even then the bow most likely predates 3500 BC. Archery is a skill of peace, peace with yourself. Being able to center yourself, control your breathing, your surroundings must be apart of you. You should be able to feel the air, feel the wind, feel the bowstring, feel the feather on the arrow, feel how tight the string is, and then release. Yes I discussed some of this in a recent blog. However, in this blog we’ll discuss the arrow itself.

A single arrow can be broken, but a bundle is stronger. An arrow fired can start a war, or end one. An arrow is only as good as the person shooting it. An arrow is sharp and when used properly it can be used to feed the masses, or for protection, but always to be fired straight and true. The word of the Lord can be used for both. Those who pervert the word who use it for their own personal gain. The wolves in sheep’s clothing, the false profits. The light and the dark.

Lets break down the whole concept, the archer is the master tool for the Lord. The bow is the Holy Spirit, that which gives us the power. The sights of the bow are the vision needed to walk the righteous path of Christ. The arrow is the purpose brought forth by God. An archer’s quiver represents the heart, a place where Gods purpose is kept. As an archer, we use the arrows to always hit our target. Pastors are often attuned to the needs of their flock. When sitting in the church during a sermon have you ever felt that a sermon was written just for you? That the pastor was talking directly to you? The Arrows of Truth that are shot directly to your heart.

God is not the only trainer of archers. Ephesians 6:16 “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” Make no mistake we are at war. Every day the Devil is trying to lie and deceive you. Every day the Devil shoots his arrows of half-truths, lies and temptations. Matthew 10:34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” God sent his Son to level the playing field. To uphold a promise to have his chosen people saved from eternal death, but with free will, the battle for souls still continues. Those of us who choose a life of ministry, pastors, evangelists, counselors, etc, must know how to use the full arsenal given to us in the Bible. Matthew 12:36 “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Stand firm with the Armor and hold fast with your bow. Every day you have a chance to fire the arrows into the hearts of those around you. Every day there is an arrow within your quiver that has a name on it, and it’s up to you as a Christian to use the weapons God as given to you. Speak the truth, do not lie or deceive. Honor yourself and fight for something larger then yourself. With all eternity at stake God will call you to be a soldier. I am an archer for Christ. Are you?