There isn't a day that goes by that I am not engrossed in the Bible, and it truly confounds me that others aren't! Especially fellow Christians. I mean, here is the Instruction Manual for life, God's Love Letter to us, and yet as Christians, not many of us know the Living Word even remotely as well as we should. Joshua 1:8 even tells us that we need to know the Word. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Too many times, we as Christians worry and wonder how to handle the things that life throws at us, meanwhile if we would only study God's message to us, we can find the answers we need. More over, we as Christians could present a more serving living sacrifice in ourselves to God. We can be equipped for what life puts before us and also be armed against our enemies. Hebrews 4:12 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Romans 15:4 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. I get that peoples lives are busy; work, family, responsibilities and commitments... But what about our responsibility as Christians to God? All too often I hear "I just don't have time" or "I'm just far too busy", meanwhile I see the 1000+ posts that the person making excuses posts on social media. All that time wasted watching "reality TV" or mindlessly scrolling through Facebook that could be spent learning Gods Word. I ran from God for so long, not worshipping and serving Him. Not learning His Word. So much time wasted,... Now as a Seminary student, yes I kind of HAVE to study the Bible, but more importantly, I WANT TO. I eagerly wake up in the morning and crack open my Bible, excited to discover new meanings and foundations of my faith. It hurts my heart that there are Christians that don't feel the same way, meanwhile they are the first to complain that God isn't helping them. Have you opened your Bible? Jesus commanded us to do 3 things. To love God with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength. TO love our neighbor as we love ourselves. And to go into the world and make disciples of all men baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. To do this correctly, we need to study the Word. So why aren't we studying the Word? 2 Timothy 3:14-15 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
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There are times in life when the pressure is almost too much to bare. Trust me, I know! The pressures of life, of family and work, it all keeps piling up and starts to become overwhelming. Even though we know as Christians that God is always looking out for us, sometimes that little bit of doubt, that piece of humanity creeps in and causes us to not keep our eyes on Jesus. Especially when serving God, it is easy to become discouraged. It's a lot like what Peter must have felt like when he saw Jesus walking on the water. He wanted to trust, he wanted to believe, and when Peter saw Jesus he knew that it was his Lord. He knew that this miraculous feat was being performed by his mentor, teacher and savior. Matthew 14:22-33 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Too many times, we let the things in life get inside our heads and cause doubt and fear. This is one of the main ways that Satan attacks us. He plays off of our human nature, trying to prevent and keep us from doing God's work. I know this all too well as a Seminary student and future Pastor. The more and more I try to do God's work, the more the enemy keeps messing with me and my loved ones. It used to get me down, but now that I know what these attacks are, it only motivates me more to accomplish what God wants me to do. As Christians, we can't sit there and constantly pray for God to handle everything. We have to get off of our butts and do some of the work. Fight through the stress. Fight through the attacks of Satan. If you are constantly under barrage from the enemy, it means you must REALLY be doing something that is truly for the glory of God. Keep your eyes on Jesus and do not falter. Rest assured that He has you. There are going to be times when, like Peter, you are going to notice the seas raging around you and you may very well begin to sink. Call upon the Lord and be saved. Romans 10:13 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Keep on serving Him and Loving one another! In Christ's Love, CYH As always, please enjoy the music video below. (Photo Credit: Artist unknown. If you know who made it, please let us know so we can give them full credit.) A speech from an Old Army Grunt to a Church Congregation resurfaces 30 years later. And it couldn't be more applicable to today's problems in the United States. There is no denying it, our Country is in a time of turmoil and moral dilemma.
Riots and protests. The American flag being burned every time I turn on the news. Division and hatred among the masses at every turn. So when a dear friend reached out to me saying that she found a speech her Grandfather delivered many years ago to a church congregation, I had to take a look. His very well written address is entitled "Old Glory" and is very poignant to today's plight. Sgt. Bob Ray never published the speech, even though it probably should have. Well, today it is being published online via us here at The Fisherman Soldier Ministries. Here are his words: "...I am Old Glory the symbol of a once God Fearing Nation made up of Men, Women and Children from all Nations of the world that came to these shores seeking freedom from all types of oppression. What am I now? I am no longer flying proudly with honor and respect from all who see me. I am left out in all types of weather and treated like a dishrag that a housewife hangs out on the line to dry and fade. I remember that when I went by, hats came off and hands were lifted to hearts in Honor and Respect. You heard parents telling their children to stand up straight and tall because the flag was passing by. Now I am practically ignored except for some oldster that recalls, with a tear in the corner of their eye, what honor was accorded me in days gone by. Why there was a time when men looked to see if I was still there during the rockets red glare to be given encouragement to see that I was still flying on high. Ah! There were many times in years gone by that men and women were strengthened to keep fighting because I was flying overhead. Now I am spat on and burned by people of this great nation. I recall the many times as I flew over the Armed Forces of this Nation, how I was raised in the morning and lowered in the evening with tender loving care. I flew as a symbol over many war machines to remind all that saw me that we were Americans and mighty proud that I was there. What has happened? There was a time that men and women were proud of me as their symbol of freedom. All over the world are the graves of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen that fought hard and died for this God given Freedom of ours. What has happened? Why the changes that have taken place, and are still taking place? Would I dare say that it is because this nation no longer gives God the credit and honor for the blessings of living in this land? Oh" Yes. But I do dare because this is exactly what has and still is happening, as we have lost respect for our Creator and so we have lost respect for each other. What is happening in our courts, law enforcement and every branch of government is a result of not giving God the glory. It is no wonder that I am burned and desecrated! I wonder what all those men that have died so bravely in wars, or whatever man pleases to cal them, would say if they could rise up and see all that has taken place and is taking place? Would they join the crowd that burns me or would they take action against the flag burners? I can only speculate but God almighty knows the hearts of men and knows for certain why men act as they do in all matters. This nation, under God (does that sound familiar to anyone?) should go back and read what our founding fathers had to say. It's no wonder I am dragged through the dirt, left out in all weather and burned; because this nation I once flew over so proudly is doing the same thing to the principles of it's founding fathers." Master Sergeant Bob Ray served in the U.S. Army during both World War II and Korea. He passed away in October of 2015. He is survived by his bride Marie Drennen-Gillespie-Ray, who says she looks forward to reuniting with him in Heaven when God calls her home. So last night I attended an outstanding concert! It was the Toby Mac "Hits Deep" Tour here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It has been a long time since I attended a Christian concert, and I had forgotten how powerful the Holy Spirit can move in a place like that. Catholic, Protestant, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Non-Denominational; it didn't matter. Together we were the Church of Christ,was very moving to see the masses of people worshiping, and praising God in fellowship together. Hands raised in the air, all ages, all walks of life. The Holy Spirit was dominant in that arena. Some were very apparently there to be entertained, but all in all; I saw the majority of Pittsburgh residents in attendance were hungry for God. They are craving a revival! Which got me thinking. Naturally. As a member of my worship team at church, I have a very different view when it comes to church service. I'm looking at the congregation head on. I can see who is singing, who is sitting, who is praising the Lord with every ounce of their heart and who has no clue how the songs go and are just standing out of respect/habit. It might be my musical upbringing, or my own personal view of how detrimental Worship is, but I feel there most definitely needs to be a revival of Worship in our Nation. All too often, no matter what your denomination is; Worship is just "...that thing you have to do at Church..." To me, it's more than that. God gave me a gift of music, and I choose to use that to glorify his name. He breathed life into me. I'm going to use that breath to praise his name. Now I know some people are sitting here reading this saying to themselves that they sound like 4 pounds of lug nuts in a dishwasher. There are other ways to Praise God. Raising your hands, dancing in the aisle, through your daily deeds. Yes, I said through your daily deeds. The things you do on a day to day basis, can be used to Worship and Glorify God. Through your actions and works, you can give God the Glory. Taking the few minutes to help a stranded motorist push their car to the side of the road, helping the single mom in line at the checkout with the few dollars she is short, helping your elderly neighbor with her yard work; ALL of these good deeds can be a form of Worship to God. Levi Lusko says, "Praise is powerful. Worship is a weapon. We must approach every battle with arms raised and swords drawn. We are to do everything we can do but we must trust God for what only He can do. When we stop worshiping, we stop winning." The enemy wants us to be un-Christ like to each other. He depends on it, thrives on it. Just as much as the Gospel is your main weapon against the enemy, Worship can be a valuable weapon too. Your actions, your dance, your song; all are weapons against the enemy, and a sign of devotion to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. John 4:23 says: "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." In this section of John, Jesus is telling a Samaritan woman that they worship what they don't know but that the Followers of the Way (Christians) follow what they do know, and in verse 24 that "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” We know that God is the Truth, the Way, and the Light. When your Worship is weak, your enemy is strong against you. Strengthen your Worship, as you would strengthen your sword. It was one of those nights again last night. The dreams are so intense it's like they have surround sound! The dream was horrific. I was back in the military and in the middle of a fire fight. For some reason my son was there too. He's 7. Everything I tried to do to get to him in my dream failed. No matter how much ammo I spent taking down insurgents, I couldn't get to him as I get shot trying in vain. Seeing his hand outstretched trying to get to me as well. I awoke in a cold sweat. Trying to catch my breath i quickly realize it was a nightmare. But it got me thinking. What if I wasn't here? What if I knew God was calling me home? If I had a chance to tell him some last truths about being a man, about being a Christian; what would I say? It's a depressing topic I know, but one that I think needs addressed. At least for me personally. Maybe my writing this article, as I self reflect will allow others to examine themselves as well. Mortality is something that I think is very REAL to me. As a retired Paramedic and former Hospital Corpsman, I have seen the best and worst that humanity has to offer. I truly know how fleeting and quick life is. So, I am writing this letter to my son. I'm okay. I don't need a "Buddy Check". I just feel like being honest with myself and all of you as well. Especially with my Son. Tristan, There are so many things to tell you about life. About the world. I will try to keep it simple Son. Life is filled with excitement, disappointment, adventure, sadness and joy. To remain strong through it all you need only a few things. The rest will fall into place. Love. You need to Love your family, friends and fellow man. The compassion for others is a trait that runs deep in our family, and thus far you have been a shining example of this. Don't ever lose that. You are going to love multiple times in your life. You will have your heart broken, and may even break some hearts yourself along the way. Try to be the better person and treat others as you want to be treated. People are imperfect creatures. It is in our nature to be selfish. Try to overcome that and love. Remember the Navy Motto: "Honor, Courage, Commitment!" Forgive. Don't hold on to hate and grudges. It will only eat you up inside. Hate is toxic to your soul and who you are as a person. People are going to make you angry. That's part of life. Let it go and give it to God. Forgive them. Love the sinner and hate the sin. Faith. Have Faith in yourself, and Faith in the Lord. God has his hand on you, and I truly feel that you will do great things and be an amazing servant of the Lord. Remember, you are never alone. The Lord will always be there for you. Even in your darkest hour, he is there. Believe. Be strong in the Lord! Don't be like me. Don't run from him like I did for so long. When in doubt, give it to God. He's got your back! Just like I do! Live. There is so much Joy in the world. Life is a magnificent thing and there is a ton of fun to be had. Live, explore, laugh. Don't be afraid to try new things, or see new places. So many people never truly live because they are afraid. Don't be. Be fearless and LIVE! I have now and always will Love you Son. I believe in you. -Dad JER 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Did you wake up this morning? Was there breath in your lungs? Good. That's a start. God has seen fit to give you another day. Another chance to face the world. As a Veteran, I can personally attest to how rough some days can be. Some mornings it feels like the whole world is against you and that even just the simple task of getting out of bed isn't even worth it. PSALM 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." Have you been through hell and back? More than likely. So now you're a civilian. Be thankful and rejoice! Go out there and kick some butt! God has granted you a second chance in life, a chance to live your life in peace. Don't squander it. LIVE! LOVE! LAUGH! You can be miserable, if you choose. However that's not fun. It's not helpful to anyone either. Not your family, friends, co-workers and especially yourself. Now, I am not saying go out there and be an annoying ray of sunshine that drives everyone bonkers. I'm saying, try and face the world with a motivated and positive attitude. That you're going to accomplish as much as possible each and everyday. As Veterans, we know how precious life is, and that every second counts. Don't waste them. Are there going to be days that are just horrific and volatile? Of course. But those days will pass. The Bible tells us how to handle these things; John 16:33 I have said these things to you, thatin me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” AND Psalm 50:15 " and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” So strap on your boots, grab your pack and move out! Oscar Mike! (thats military lingo for ' On the Move' for you Civi's out there) God Bless and CYH It's not a story that many people know. As matter of fact, I think only my immediate family and a handful of others know the story of "Joe the Cloud Maker". I will do my best to tell it to you from memory, however I am sure that I will be corrected by my Father when he reads this. You see, "Joe the Cloud Maker" was a real person. And a dear friend of my parents. The story, as I remember it, goes something like this. Many years ago, my parents were part of a Christian organization called "Marriage Encounter". It was a Christian group focusing on developing stronger relationships in Marriage through God. How to grow as a couple and as Christians together. Through this group my parents became dear friends with Joe and his wife and family. The years went on and friendships grew. Joe, as I remember, was a fun guy. Charismatic and joyful. Just a genuine guy, that everybody loved. Joe always loved clouds and made a point to point out interesting clouds to whomever he was with. Feet firmly on the ground, but his head was always in the clouds. Somehow a conversation between Joe and my folks came up and Joe had said that when he died he, "...would like to be put in charge of making the clouds when he gets to Heaven." A noble task to be sure. Sometime later Joe died. The pain was felt by family and friends alike. The day after Joe was called home though, the clouds grew more and more unique and beautiful with each passing day. So from that day on in my family, every time we saw clouds that were amazing and breath taking we would always say, "Good Job Joe!" And that my friends, is the tale of "Joe the Cloud Maker" I have been told that I have anger issues. I won't deny it. When it comes to burning bridges, let's just say I'm a demolitions expert. One of the greatest challenges I have had since being out of the service, is adapting to civilian life. Going from a life that was structured and oriented, to a life where not many people have a clue how to tie their own shoes let alone function as a society has been truly challenging. I have been out of the service for almost 12 years now, and it is still a challenge. I have had so many different vocations since, that I have pretty much lost count. Minimum wage mediocrity, high paying trade professions, unemployed; I have done it all. Many jobs I have quit simply because my anger was going to lead to a manager or customer going to the hospital after a severe beating. I think one of the things I have a difficult time dealing with is the lack of honor and selfish mentality that festers in civilian life. The hate is a big factor too. There is so much hate everywhere I turn. Political views, Race, etc... it seems like everyone is at each others throats. In the service, it didn't matter who you were, where you came from, your sexual orientation, your race or religion. We all had a job to do. We got it done, and then partied our butts off. I don't understand how the rest of the world can't function like this. As such, I have burned so many bridges just trying to fit into society that I can't even remember who all I kicked to the way side. I have made friends and lost friends along the way, as well as made many enemies. My anger is one of the greatest adversaries I have in my faith and walk with Christ. To be honest, there is a part of me that wants to burn that bridge too. I am tired of setting fires. I have to struggle and fight. Remind myself of why and how I followed God's calling back to the Church. I ran from him for so long, and tried just about everything else to survive with little success. Much like the "prodigal son" parable that Jesus talks about in the book of Luke, I came back. And He came running with arms open. Luke 15: 20-22 “...But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. These are just some of my demons that I have to face on a daily basis as a Christian and Veteran. I can't attest to my fellow Veterans, but I am sure many of my Brothers and Sisters can relate. Remember the Bible says that "...a fool is quick to anger..." -Proverbs 29:11 I refuse to be a fool. God Bless and CYH Headaches, Panic Attacks, Nightmares, and worse...I have asked myself many times if it will ever stop? If it will ever go away? I met another Veteran once who had the answer. The story goes like this; I was working as a Paramedic in one of the many ghettos in the Allegheny County area. We responded to a house for an elderly gentleman with chest pain. I assess him and determine he needs transport to the hospital right down the road. I was having one of those days, I was going through the motions and trying just to complete a 24 hour shift so I could go home. I must have had that thousand yard stare on my face, because the patient asked me this. "How long where you in the service?" I look up and notice that he has a WWII Veterans ball cap on. 82nd Airborne to be precise. A "D-Day" Vet, I guess if anyone could spot a fellow Veteran it would be this man. We get to talking, and we have many similar experiences. I ask him, "Do the headaches and bad dreams ever go away?" His response was gut wrenching. "No." he says DEVASTATION But what he said next changed my entire perspective on how things were progressing in my life, he said "...you just learn to live with it. You wake up, you put on your shoes and go into the world and get the job done. And it helps to have the love of a good woman. A support structure that is always there for you like family and friends is the key. And don't forget God. Theres no better support than Jesus son..." Most will never know what it is like. The headaches. The cold sweats after waking up from a horrific nightmare. The panic attacks that swarm ones thoughts and heart at the drop of a hat. Like so many of my Brother and Sister Veterans, the afflictions of PTSD can be overwhelming and at times lead you to find a "cure" on your own. With little to know help from the Veterans Affairs hospitals, many of us are left to try and fix this on our own. The VA throws pills at the Veterans like tic-tacs. Too many pills. Some of us turn to alcohol. Drinking ourselves into an early grave. Others turn to drugs and prescription meds. Why not? The VA has half of us hooked on pain killers anyway. And sadly, some of my Brothers and Sisters turn to a, more permanent solution. The fear of everything just becomes overwhelming and it is just "...simpler if the world didn't have me in it...". How do I know this? Because I have had these thoughts. I have had these fears. I have sat there with a gun in my hand and thought long and hard about the consequences of just ending it all. I never did realize until I was so close to pulling the trigger, that I have a phenomenal support structure. A wife that is truly God Sent. Friends that I can turn to at a moments notice, and Brother and Sister Veterans that are always there to help me through the worst of it. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255 This verse has saved me more times than I can count. JEREMIAH 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. According to studies done a few years back, 22 Veterans commit suicide everyday. What's even worse is that that number is probably even WAY higher now. We can't be certain, because the studies just stopped. This insanity has to stop. We need to look out for each other. There are a few groups out there like GallantFew.org , Battle Buddy, Guitars for Vets and even us here at The Fisherman Soldier; that are doing what we can to help. But it is up to individuals to get involved, to stand up and say they will be their Brothers Keeper. To fight the fear together. ISAIAH 41:10 says: "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." You don't have to be afraid. Alone. Lost. You can rely on Brother and Sister Veterans to help you "Soldier On". Don't forget, God can be an amazing Battle Buddy too, if you let him. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255 Hands down, one of the hardest times to be a Christian for me is when I'm driving. It doesn't even have to be Rush Hour. Other drivers can infuriate me so immensely that it's like I'm back in the military again and I'm the poster child for the old adage "Swears like a Sailor". People running stop signs, not stopping for a school bus when it's warning placards are out, not using a turn signal, ignoring the rules of "Right of way", not pulling over for Emergency Vehicles (that's a huge one for me); so many people just being reckless!! AAAARRRGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! We've all been there. Right? Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger do not sin..." Which is a REALLY difficult thing for me to do. Just about every curse word comes into my head when I experience the folly of other drivers. But it is this trial I am beginning to realize, that gives me the opportunity to become a stronger Christian. I have to remind myself that the rage and hate and anger I feel is not what God wants from me. James 1:20 says "because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." I have to remind myself of this, because more than anything I long to be righteous and good in my life and walk with Christ. There is always going to be stupid drivers on the road. I am sure that something that I have done while driving has caused another to swear and curse at me. I'm not perfect. None of us are. It is crucial to remind ourselves that a fool angers quickly. The Bible says so, Proverbs 29:11 "Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end." To anger and sin is to give the devil a foothold on your life. Ephesians 4:27. So stay safe out there everyone, and remember to remain calm, we are not perfect and we all fail. The important part is to get back up and stay on the path that God has set before you. God Bless and CYH. |
AuthorSpike Bowan is the Pittsburgh, PA born Writer and Fiction Author. He is a Veteran of the US Navy, retired Paramedic, Husband, Father and Christian. BECOME A PATRON. CLICK BELOW!
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