Message – The Arrow Preacher

501

In the year 2017 I set out on a mission. That mission was to explore my faith, and to explore myself in my hardships, trials, and the joys I would experience in my life. While along the way I have struggled, and I have felt pain deeply, I have continued to put one foot in front of the other and I’ve continued to grow. It’s not been an easy journey and I can say, there have been times when I would have rather walked away from writing, but I have kept the course. Yesterday, I was so focused on work and other aspects of life I completely missed what number I was at. I’m happy to announce however this is my 501^stblog post. I have often wondered how long I would keep this up, and keep pushing forward, but I can honestly say, I haven’t a clue. What I do know, as long as messages continue to be laid upon my heart by God I will continue to do God’s work on this venue.

Since 2018 started I have had 119 posts, I have had 100 total likes, and I’m still going. Since I’ve started so long ago now, I have had 11,504 views, and I have had over 6000 visitors. I have had the pleasure of reaching as of today 114 different countries. I am distinctly honored to have spread the word of the Lord so far from home and to so many far away lands. I have a national, and an international ministry. In my time however, my blog has not grown or spread how I would have expected, nor how I’ve wanted. It’s been a struggle for me because I have wanted more.

I have wanted to watch my blog grow, and to reach more and more people, but sadly that hasn’t happened. So this is my 501 plea, if you’ve read my posts and you have enjoyed them, please share it. Please help me grow this ministry, and spread it further into the world. If you have read my posts and it’s touched your heart, please leave me a comment for feedback, or please email me on the address provided in my contacts page. I would like for this ministry to grow, and to continue to grow. I would like to see this have upward momentum, and to bring light to the darkest parts of the world. Jesus Christ has done so much for me, and I’m so proud to call myself a Christian and I know where my salvation comes from. I hope and pray that as this ministry does continue to grow, that others may grow in their excitement for the Lord as I have. This has been an incredible journey for me, and it’s allowed me to study more then I ever thought I would. I have grown beyond just the words on this page, and now I am ministering to friends, to families, and even strangers. I am no pastor by any means, but I do take pride in some of my friends calling me preacher. I hope I am making my Lord proud as I continue to study and grow in my faith and in my walk. I look forward to tomorrow and seeing where this road will take me. Thank you all for your support. Thanks to my best friend Pastor Glen for being my biggest fan, my mentor, and my guide to keep me on track.

To 501 and God willing many more. I pray for all my followers who have continued to stick with me this long. I pray for your well-being, your lives, and your health. I pray for your spiritual walk with Christ and that you find comfort and guidance along the way. God bless my friends, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Be well, and be courageous in your faith.

Breaks my Heart

Going into this holiday season it breaks my heart to think about all those people out there who are suffering, who’ve lost everything, who feel hopeless. It breaks my heart to think about all those people who are without homes, without family, and have so much less then I do. I was just in Hawaii and the number of homeless is staggering. I’ve been all over the world and I’ve seen what poverty looks like up close. I’ve seen homes made of mud and no floors. I’ve seen houses made of scrap metal and tin, and we in America take for granted many of the gifts we have. It breaks my heart those who suffer from heartbreak this time of year. How many people suffer through divorce, or death, or loss of jobs this time of year? This time of year is hardest on people, and also the most joyful, but we can’t forget what it’s all about.

It’s hard being alone not having someone to share this time of year with. I miss going Christmas shopping, and cuddling by the fire watching Christmas movies. I miss sharing a glass of eggnog, and awaiting the look on my love’s face when they open the perfect gift. It’s a hard time for me this year, and even as hard as it is for me, I know others, many, many others, have it so much then myself. I feel more connected to the suffering of others this year then I have in the past.

This time of year we remember the goodness in our lives. We remember that the Son of the Lord was born and we celebrate the birth of our Savior. We celebrate the birth of a Child that would grow to take our sins upon himself and pay for our sins in innocent blood. The Lord blesses us every day and we often take those blessings for granted. When I look at all the suffering in this world I feel so small, what can I possibly do?

When I was in Hawaii recently I looked around and realized how blessed I was. I was in a wonderful place, with beautiful caring people, and I thought about those who where far worse off then me. All we can do is believe that God’s in charge and have faith that it’s working out. We have the ability to change the lives of those around us, if we just have the eyes and the heart to fight for change. We can’t always change or save everyone, but we can try.

Remember this time of year isn’t about the shiny baubles, the gifts, the shiny lights and colors, it’s about the good will towards your fellow neighbors. It’s about celebrating the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. We need to take a step back from the commercials, the drive to shop till you drop, and all the other things that draws your attention from the true beauty of our holiday. Of course enjoy the holiday and all that goes will, just make sure you don’t loose that focus. Take a little thought and pray for those who are less fortunate. It’s cold this time a year and there are families without food, without heat, and many without a home. Pray for them, and do something nice. Good will towards your fellow humans. Be kind, and be generous.