tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56407354277185348692024-03-16T14:52:20.366-04:00 Reaching For The FringeEncouraging Christ's followers who want to live Biblically without self righteous hypocrisy through observations, commentary and cultural review. Focus on prophecy, current events and popular culture. Helping others serve God according to their design.The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.comBlogger313125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-62734516080349335462022-04-12T07:37:00.005-04:002022-04-13T06:47:40.710-04:00BATMAN AND THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY OF JESUS?<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglCTbidN5RrG39ojue0ubdeCcQ68VKOHp9RVBFF56dZUwdIpITVzMZcMdb15kZ75Cqa_EpmWARSSTI6n0ZJD67NJ8603HMhE5wOmz_2soOfWUi6GnM5ODQVDRj5urnXkEu_bzSYC0_4lFM3BPnq0kQZvtcgSVC2B-cjcL6asoi4OOiHVf_pir6qVauNA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="289" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglCTbidN5RrG39ojue0ubdeCcQ68VKOHp9RVBFF56dZUwdIpITVzMZcMdb15kZ75Cqa_EpmWARSSTI6n0ZJD67NJ8603HMhE5wOmz_2soOfWUi6GnM5ODQVDRj5urnXkEu_bzSYC0_4lFM3BPnq0kQZvtcgSVC2B-cjcL6asoi4OOiHVf_pir6qVauNA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: large;">Everyone loves a good adventure story. When we hear a good story or read about an account of an interesting or exciting event, we often imagine ourselves the main character. For instance, if you are watching a superhero film or reading a good bool or comic, do you not, generally, identify with the main character? Do you not, generally, imagine what you would have done differently or how cool it would have been to do what the hero has done? Every good hero has a side kick and every good hero has ancillary characters assisting him or her to various degrees. Do you ever identify with those characters?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> When I think of Batman, and I am referring to the 1966 iteration, because I'm old and that is the Batman I grew up with, I notice four important characters: Batman, Robin, Batgirl and Commissioner Gordon. Batman is the main character, obviously, and Robin is clearly Batman's sidekick. Let's not forget, Batgirl and Commissioner Gordon play important roles as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Batgirl pretty much has her own thing going on, but shows up and teams up when appropriate. In the 1966 version, we really do not get a story arc for Batgirl. In Batman's story, Batgirl an important side character who gets to, occasionally, share in Batman's missions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Commissioner Gordon, in the 1966 version, seems only to exist to facilitate Batman's work. Gordon does not participate in the work but often alerts Batman of a situation with an arch-criminal and then, shows up after all the real fighting so Batman can explain how he unraveled the latest caper. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> So, by now, you may be asking yourself, what in the world does Batman have to do with the Passion Week of Christ?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> This past weekend, I got to hear a great message from Pastor T.J. Earl of Knoxville Community Church, as he spoke on the Triumphal Entry of Christ. A major element of the account of Christ's arrival on, what would become known forevermore as Palm Sunday, is the acquisition of the donkey ridden by Jesus. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> I have always been intrigued by the donkey part of the story. <b>Mark 11:1-6 - </b></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus1 sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’ ” 4 And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. 5 And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Clearly, in this event, Jesus is Batman and the two disciples are Robin. What can we make of the owners of the Donkey? In my Batman 1966 analogy, I see the donkey owners as Commissioner Gordon. Please stay with me here, I promise there is a spiritual application coming...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Imagine, for a moment, you are the owner of a donkey and it's colt. Maybe you have a dream, or a vision, or maybe you clearly hear the voice of God tell you some random guys are going to show up and start to untie your donkeys. God further tells you, "If they tell you the Lord needs the donkey, let them have it." Now imagine for a moment it's not a donkey, but your car. Do you get the idea? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> The donkey owners seem to have no idea what is about to take place and nowhere do we see them participating. The donkey owners are only aware God gave them some pretty bizarre instructions and they were obedient to those instructions. There is no back story, no story arc, just an appearance in the story to facilitate Jesus' mission. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> The point of this post is to remind you, when it comes to obedience to Christ, sometimes we can be something other than the lead role and still be very important to the story. There may be times God calls you to be Batman, the main character of a specific mission. Other times you may be the sidekick for someone else's calling. That's pretty cool too because you still get to participate in the action and see the results. What happens though when God presses upon your heart to do a random act of kindness, or to give assistance to someone you will probably never see again. What happens when you are guided, by God's Spirit, to do something that seems senseless or even futile? You may very well be acting as someone's Commissioner Gordon. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> We can't always be the main character or the sidekick, sometimes our role in a move of God is unknown, yet our obedience is crucial to someone else fulfilling their calling. You have no idea how a small act of obedience to something, which seems insignificant to you, can facilitate a major work of the Spirit through someone else.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Just as Commissioner Gordon's diligent attentiveness to his work allowed Batman to be successful in his many missions, your obedience to God in small mundane tasks is important to someone. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Or, you may be Batgirl, busy with your own ministry or mission but, willing to assist someone else's ministry or calling as God leads. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Because the church is a body, every part needs every part sometimes. It is imperative we are open to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit indwelling us, it is imperative we are listening for that still small voice of God, giving us direction. Be careful you do not miss out on an opportunity to be a blessing to someone because you are too caught up in yourself or your calling. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> It's cool to be the Batman of your own story, it's cool to be Robin and still right there in the action, and it's cool to be Batgirl doing your own thing and participating in other's activities. Maybe Commissioner Gordon seems less cool, less important or less crucial to the mission of the Church. I think those donkey owners were pretty cool. They were obedient to God without knowing any of the details and may not have ever known their role until they read about it in one of the Gospel accounts. That's true cool!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> Jesus told His disciple Thomas, "you believe because you see, but blessed are those who believe who do not see." That takes faith. The donkey owners had to exercise faith when strangers showed up to take their donkey. "Hey! what are you guys doing?" "The Lord needs this." "Oh, ok, go ahead and take him." Being the Commissioner Gordon of someone else's mission is not always easy and certainly not glamorous, but it is essential. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> Your seemingly small acts of obedience, your unheralded acts of kindness and your diligent pursuit of holiness is not unnoticed by </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> God. Be willing and open to whatever role God calls you. Look for opportunities to be Batman but don't miss out on the opportunity to be Commissioner Gordon as well.</span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p> <span style="font-size: large;">As we contemplate what is referred to as the Passion Week of Christ, one of the elements of the account of Christ's </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-44361573675738060852022-03-08T07:16:00.004-05:002022-03-10T07:13:49.052-05:00Gospel of John Part 1<span><span id="docs-internal-guid-0190af2e-7fff-7627-0eed-47011f9db58a"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVeurjptYOrT2EoBPvV1abbpscBuguPoTpXKXkOq_NLNC57AfdbJSG8R25uVctrshcosNvT6PGbPc9UC8hDvYrah95bTyoiKXOy9N5SEKsANgXbJN89PUG-07_bIKxawDhBUCtlQmcATdgjnTJx-rxxGfUC-8XQeq4vWY8Y-VqC834SbGWY74dEhgVtg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVeurjptYOrT2EoBPvV1abbpscBuguPoTpXKXkOq_NLNC57AfdbJSG8R25uVctrshcosNvT6PGbPc9UC8hDvYrah95bTyoiKXOy9N5SEKsANgXbJN89PUG-07_bIKxawDhBUCtlQmcATdgjnTJx-rxxGfUC-8XQeq4vWY8Y-VqC834SbGWY74dEhgVtg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><br /></span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A couple of years ago, the Fringe church was launched. Covid pretty much shut down our public gathering and outreach, so we adapted as an online ministry. My first series was a study through the Gospel of John. It was quite and endeavor and lasted over 40 weeks!</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All our messages are available on Facebook and YouTube, in addition, I have decided to adapt the message notes into blog posts. I will be adding the full scripture passages and filling in gaps where my notes say (elaborate) so posts may not arrive weekly. I only hope these messages encourage, convict and/or help someone along the way. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope you get as much out of this study as I did! <span style="color: red;">Feel free to leave comments or ask a question, I love to hear from my readers.</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> A STUDY IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN</span></p><div style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THERE ARE 4 GOSPEL ACCOUNTS OF THE LIFE AND WORK OF JESUS CHRIST. 4 ACCOUNTS WRITTEN BY 4 MEN TO 4 DIFFERENT AUDIENCES, PRESENTING 4 DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF CHRIST’S MINISTRY AND PURPOSE. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BEFORE WE LOOK AT JOHN, I WOULD LIKE FOR US TO TURN IN OUR BIBLES TO THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL FIRST. EZEKIEL 1:4-10 -<b> 4 As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming metal.[a] 5 And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness, 6 but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings. 7 Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the sole of a calf's foot. And they sparkled like burnished bronze. 8 Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. And the four had their faces and their wings thus: 9 their wings touched one another. Each one of them went straight forward, without turning as they went. 10 As for the likeness of their faces, each had a human face. The four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle.</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p></span></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">EZEKIEL SEES HERE WHAT FEW MEN EVER SEE - HEAVENLY CREATURES - ANGELIC BEINGS. NOTICE THE DESCRIPTIONS, PARTICULARLY THE FACES OF THESE CREATURES. THE FACES ARE VERY IMPORTANT AS WE WILL SOON SEE.</span></span></p><span><span><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NOW, TURN WITH ME TO THE THRONE ROOM OF GOD IN REVELATION 4:5-7</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">AGAIN, WE SEE THE 4 REPRESENTATIONS: LION, OX, MAN AND EAGLE</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LION= KING</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">OX = SERVANT</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MAN = MAN</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">EAGLE = GOD</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE FOUR GOSPEL ACCOUNTS, MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE AND JOHN. ARE FOUR REPRESENTATIONS OF CHRIST AND HIS MINISTRY</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. MATTHEW PRESENTS JESUS AS A KING - THE LION </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. MARK PRESENTS JESUS AS A SERVANT - THE OX</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. LUKE PRESENTS JESUS IN HIS HUMANITY - MAN</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. JOHN PRESENTS JESUS AS GOD - THE EAGLE </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THROUGHOUT THE ANCIENT WORLD, EAGLES ARE RECOGNIZED AS A REPRESENTATION OF DEITY</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WE ARE GOING TO BE STUDYING THROUGH THE BOOK OF JOHN AND SEEING THE EAGLE. JESUS REPRESENTED AS GOD. </span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SO WITH THAT, LET’S BEGIN!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">JOHN 1:1-5 - THIS IS THE FOUNDATION OF THE GOSPEL. JESUS IS GOD, FULLY GOD. HE WAS NOT A MAN WHO ATTAINED SOME LEVEL OF ENLIGHTENMENT, HE WAS NOT THE AVATAR FOR THE PISCEAN AGE ONLY WAITING TO BE REPLACED BY THE NEXT GREAT FIGURE WHO WILL USHER IN THE AGE OF AQUARIUS</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">JESUS IS GOD - GOD THE CREATOR - EVERYTHING IN THE CREATION ACCOUNT, JESUS WAS DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THIS IS THE MOST ATTACKED ASPECT OF THE GOSPEL MESSAGE. BECAUSE IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE MUST UNDERSTAND ABOUT WHAT THE CROSS WAS ALL ABOUT - GOD BECAME MAN IN ORDER TO PAY THE PENALTY MAN INCURRED BY REBELLING AGAINST GOD</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A MOMENT - WE REBELLED AGAINST GOD AND RUINED THE PERFECT WORLD HE MADE FOR US AND RATHER WATCH US SUFFER THE DESERVED PENALTY, HE BECAME ONE OF US AND TOOK OUR PENALTY.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">JOHN FELT IT SO IMPORTANT TO EMPHASIZE THE DEITY OF CHRIST HE STARTS OFF HIS ACCOUNT DECLARING IT. </span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HOW CAN JESUS BE GOD AND A MAN? WELL, WE GET A VERY BIG CLUE IN THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TURN WITH ME TO<b> PHILIPPIANS 2:5-8 - 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,1 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,2 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a tservant,3 being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHAT WE HAVE HERE IS THE APOSTLE PAUL EXPLAINING THE UNION OF DEITY AND HUMANITY</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">JESUS, THOUGH HE WAS FULLY GOD AS HE WALKED THE EARTH, HE MADE HIMSELF NOTHING, THE GREEK WORD KENOO (KEN-O-O) OR EMPTIED HIMSELF OF ALL THE POWER OF GOD AND RESTRICTED HIMSELF TO ALL THE LIMITATIONS OF MAN. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHEN JESUS HAD TO GO SOMEWHERE, HE HAD TO WALK, WHEN HE DIDN’T EAT, HE GOT HUNGRY, AS HE HUNG ON THE CROSS HE THIRSTED, WHEN HIS FRIEND DIED HE WEPT. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ALL THE MIRACLES JESUS PERFORMED WERE AT THE DISCRETION OF GOD THE FATHER. JESUS PRAYED TO MULTIPLY THE FOOD, AND WHEN THE WOMAN WITH AN ISSUE OF BLOOD REACHED OUT AND GRABBED HIS GARMENT, HE FELT THE POWER GO OUT FROM HIM BUT DID NOT KNOW WHO IT WAS WHO HAD GRABBED HIM. ALSO WE ARE TOLD HE DID NOT EVEN KNOW THE TIME OF HIS RETURN.</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ALL OF THIS IS, WE ARE TOLD IN HEBREWS, IS SO WE WOULD KNOW THAT JESUS KNOWS WHAT WE GO THROUGH <b>Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. </b></span><b style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.</b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THINK ABOUT THAT, NOT ONLY DOES GOD KNOW US, HE KNOWS WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE US. HE SUFFERED LOSS OF LOVED ONES, HE SUFFERED BETRAYAL AND ABANDONMENT, HE EXPERIENCED LOVE AND JOY AND ANTICIPATION AND FEAR AND ANGER AND ALL MANNER OF TEMPTATION. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ALL THIS SO WE CAN CONFIDENTLY APPROACH GOD’S THRONE EXPECTING MERCY AND GRACE BECAUSE HE UNDERSTANDS OUR EMOTIONS, MOTIVATIONS AND FRAILTIES.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GOD THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE HUMBLED HIMSELF TO BECOME US IN ORDER TO SAVE US</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SO GREAT, GOD GETS US, BUT DO WE GET GOD? CAN WE GET GOD?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MAYBE YOU HAVE HEARD OF THE SINGER RICH MULLINS. HE WAS A SINGER SONGWRITER WHO IS PROBABLY BEST KNOWN FOR THE SONG AWESOME GOD.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MULLINS STRUGGLED THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE, HE STRUGGLED WITH ALCOHOL, HE STRUGGLED WITH HOW THE CHURCH HANDLED MANY SOCIAL ISSUES AND SOMETIMES HE STRUGGLED WITH HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YET, HE PRODUCED SOME INCREDIBLE MUSIC WITH VERY THOUGHT PROVOKING LYRICS.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">JUST BEFORE HE DIED TRAGICALLY IN A CAR ACCIDENT, MULLINS FOUND AN OLD ABANDONED CHURCH WITH A PIANO AND WENT IN AND RECORDED DEMOS ON A CASSETTE PLAYER. AFTER HE DIED THE SONGS WERE MADE INTO AN ALBUM,…</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ONE OF THE LAST SONGS HE WROTE WAS CALLED HARD TO GET</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>YOU WHO LIVE IN HEAVEN</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>HEAR THE PRAYERS OF THOSE WHO LIVE ON EARTH</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>WHO ARE AFRAID OF BEING LEFT BY THOSE WE LOVE</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>AND WHO GET HARDENED BY THE HURT</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I’M SO SCARED AND I’M HOLDING MY BREATH</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>WHILE YOU’RE UP THERE JUST PLAYING HARD TO GET</i></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MAYBE YOU HAVE FELT THIS WAY, YOU FELT NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU PRAYED, NO MATTER HOW AFRAID OR HURTING YOU WERE, GOD WAS JUST NOT LISTENING OR INTERESTED?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HE WENT ON TO WRITE:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I’M REELING FROM THOSE VOICES THAT KEEP SCREAMING IN MY EARS,</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>ALL THE WORDS OF SHAME AND DOUBT AND BLAME AND REGRET</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I CAN’T SEE HOW YOU’RE LEADING ME UNLESS YOU’VE LED ME HERE</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>WHERE I’M LOST ENOUGH TO LET MYSELF BE LED</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>AND SO YOU’VE BEEN HERE ALL ALONG I GUESS</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>IT’S JUST YOUR WAYS AND YOU ARE JUST PLAIN HARD TO GET</i></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THESE ARE THE WORDS OF A MAN WHO WAS STRUGGLING. WE’VE ALL BEEN THERE AND GOD UNDERSTANDS OUR LIMITATIONS.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SO THE QUESTION IS, CAN WE REALLY KNOW GOD? I MEAN ON A PERSONAL LEVEL?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">OR IS GOD JUST PLAIN HARD TO GET?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">JOHN WROTE THIS IN HIS FIRST EPISTLE:<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1JOHN 2:13-14</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. </span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THAT IS WHAT THIS CHRISTIAN LIFE IS ALL ABOUT, A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. THROUGH PRAYER, WORSHIP, STUDYING THE WORD, WE CAN KNOW GOD, NOT JUST KNOW ABOUT HIM, BUT TRULY KNOW HIM. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">IT IS OK TO ASK QUESTIONS, IN FACT THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT SHOULD GO UNASKED. IF WHAT WE BELIEVE IS TRUE, WE SHOULDN’T FEAR ANY QUESTION</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING WITH SOMETHING OR EVEN IF YOU ARE ANGRY, TAKE IT TO GOD, HE ALREADY KNOWS. DON’T HARBOR BITTERNESS OR RESENTMENT, TALK TO YOUR FATHER, HE LOVES YOU.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">IF YOU ARE HERE TODAY AND YOU FEEL ESTRANGED FROM GOD OR FEEL HE IS UNAPPROACHABLE OR IMPERSONAL, YOU ARE MISSING OUT.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">IF THERE HAS BEEN A BARRIER ERECTED BETWEEN YOU AND GOD BECAUSE OF SIN OR HURT, RECONCILE TO HIM TODAY. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LET THE SPIRIT MOVE YOU AND GUIDE YOU. IF YOU HAVE BUSINESS WITH GOD, NOW'S THE TIME TO DO THAT. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DON’T FEAR THE SILENCE LET GOD SPEAK TO YOUR HEART. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: x-large; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GOD DOESN’T SHOUT, HE IS THAT STILL SMALL VOICE, LISTEN TO WHAT HE HAS TO SAY TO YOU TODAY, HE KNOWS YOU AND HE WANTS YOU TO KNOW HIM AS WELL</span></p></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-10649251855496918362021-11-26T20:35:00.000-05:002021-11-26T20:35:32.093-05:00Devil's Moon - Writers 750 Contest Entries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASr_qVyqBk4/YaGKiwaBPSI/AAAAAAAASFE/BCZRiAPBYaUBHYn2KnMmhsCBFDmxS7WqACPcBGAsYHg/s4000/IMG_20211110_195947302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASr_qVyqBk4/YaGKiwaBPSI/AAAAAAAASFE/BCZRiAPBYaUBHYn2KnMmhsCBFDmxS7WqACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_20211110_195947302.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have rekindled my love of writing thanks to the Writers 750 contest. Each month has a theme and key elements which must be included in the story, and, most difficult for me, especially, is the 1,500 word limit. I had fun idea for October's entry, however, it was impossible to tell the whole story within the word limitation, so I asked permission to write the story in two parts. </span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;"> Devil's Moon is a story about the supernatural and two opposing factions. Part one, subtitled The Pack, tells the story of a young lycanthrope coming of age, as it were. Part two, The Hunters, tells the tale of the human family tasked with eradicating the Pack. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;">Together the stories tell a strange tale of redemption.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you enjoy Devil's Moon:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Devil's Moon Pt 1</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Pack</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Benny sauntered up to a group of Freshmen and threw down his challenge. “Hey losers, I bet none of you can beat me in a softest punch contest.” Benny, a Junior, was known for being a trickster and a bit of a bully around campus, but the newest group of Freshmen had not been around long enough to know of Benny’s antics. Sean, the smallest of the group, asked, “What is that?” Benny said, with a leer, “We see who can throw the softest punch, shoot, I’ll even let you go first.” Sean, looking excited to connect with an upperclassman in his new school said, “Sure, why not?” as he walked up to Benny, who probably outweighed him by at least a hundred pounds. With the gentlest of jabs, Sean’s fist barely made contact with Benny’s arm. Benny reared back and punched Sean in his arm with everything he had. Sean landed on his side about a foot and a half away, clutching his arm and using all of his will power to not start crying. Benny laughed, “Congratulations kid, you won!” and headed off to his next class.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sean’s humiliation was almost Benny’s undoing. By lunch time, word of Benny’s little gag had gotten to the Dean of boys, Jack Carlton, who was waiting for Benny outside the school cafeteria. Mr. Carlton placed a hand on Benny’s shoulder and with a painfully firm grip directed him to the administration offices. Benny did not scare easily, but at the moment a sheen of sweat appeared over his brow. “What’s the problem Mr. Carlton?” Benny asked, attempting to sound innocent of any possible wrongdoing. The fact of the matter was this little visit may have been prompted by any one of a half dozen pranks and misdemeanors Benny had orchestrated, or at least participated in, the past several days. Mr. Carlton remained silent until he escorted Benny into his office, where two police officers stood waiting. “Have a seat Benny”, Mr. Carlton said as he walked behind his desk and took a seat. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span> “I understand you assaulted a student this morning.” Benny’s mouth dropped open as he attempted to wrap his mind around the accusation. “No sir, I never assaulted anybody, there must be some misunderstanding!” Benny knew there were plenty of things he deserved to answer for, but being accused of assault took him completely by surprise. Mr. Carlton leaned forward and looked Benny in the eye, “Well, Benny, there was a hallway full of witnesses, who will happily testify in court, that they saw you punch Sean Prescott so hard you almost broke his arm.” “I was just fooling around with the kid, I swear, I don’t even know him!” Benny protested. At that, one of the police officers stepped forward and told Benny, “Stand up, turn around and place your hands behind your back.” Benny complied and felt the cold steel on his wrists as the police officer handcuffed him.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Now sobbing, Benny asked Mr. Carlton if he could call his mom. “We’ll get to that, Benny, I want to explain something to you first.” Mr. Carlton stepped to the front of his desk, crossed his arms and asked Benny, “How old are you?” “I’m seventeen, sir”, he mumbled. “When do you turn eighteen, son?” Not for another eight months, Sir.” Mr. Carlton looked hard at Benny and asked him, “You like how those handcuffs feel?” “No sir, I don’t like it one bit.” “Good, you got eight months to get yourself together and figure out what you want life to look like for you. Once you turn eighteen, if you so much as lay a finger on another kid in this school, I will have you arrested and believe me, I don’t care how tough you think you are, an eighteen year old kid in jail will not fare very well, you understand me?” Benny could only nod his head as snot and tears covered his face.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Mr. Carlton nodded his head to the officer who cuffed Benny and the policeman removed the cuffs. The two officers nodded to the Dean as they took their leave. Benny’s mom, Wanda, who had been in another room listening, entered the office, staring daggers at her wayward son. Dean Carlton stood up and walked next to Wanda. “You will be suspended for one week and you will be expected to keep up with all your school assignments during that time. I will be keeping my eye on you Benny. We can be the best of friends or bitter enemies, that is completely up to you.” </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>“Go wait in the car Benny,” Wanda directed as she turned to face Mr. Carlton. Carlton rubbed his face displaying his weariness, “Of all the kids in this school he could have picked on he had to go after a Prescott.” Wanda’s eyes grew large, “When did a Prescott start coming to this school?” “He’s a first year freshman, just got here at the beginning of the year. I guess I should have warned the Pack.” “Ya think?” Wanda spat out. “It’s because of a Prescott I have been raising that kid by myself for the last ten years, so, how good did he give it to him, anyway?” “Well, he gave him a pretty good shot, actually, kid’s stronger than he realizes. It’s odd he is such a late bloomer.” Wanda looked toward the window, “Oh I don’t think it will be too long now, he’s been growling in his sleep, so I’d say he’s probably only a moon cycle or two away.” </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>“I hope you understand why I took such drastic measures with Benny, we have to maintain the truce and I wanted to make sure the Prescotts understood this was an unfortunate coincidence. I have no doubt we could eliminate the Prescotts once and for all, but it would surely expose us and we’d be hunted to the ends of the earth. The truce is the only thing that keeps us alive” Wanda sighed, “I understand Jack, I just wish that superstition didn’t keep us in the shadows.” “Well,”’ Carton said as he walked Wanda to the door, “it looks like the Prescotts are keeping up their end of the truce because I don't think that kid has any idea about any of this, and hopefully he never will.” </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Two weeks later, on the afternoon before the night of the full moon, Benny heard the sound of a bell, faintly ringing from the direction of the mountains outside town. Inexplicably, the sound called to him, drawing him like a siren song. Benny stepped outside and began walking toward the sound of the bell, slowly at first but soon, he was running. A car pulled alongside him as he ran. “Hey Benny, where are you off to in such a hurry?” It was the cop who had handcuffed him in Dean Carlton’s office, but he was not in uniform. “Uh, I’m not really sure, uh, I guess I am just out for a run.” Benny was confused and couldn’t explain to himself what was happening, never mind trying to explain it to a cop. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You hearing the bell Benny?” the off duty policeman asked. “Um, yeah, do you hear it too?” the boy responded. “Yep, every month, since I was about your age, come on, get in, I’ll drive you up there, your mom will be up there too.” Bewildered, Benny got in and within fifteen minutes the car pulled into a clearing at the end of a steep mountain road and drove through an open gate.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Wanda’s face lit up with delight as she saw her son get out of the car. She ran to him and threw her arms around him sobbing with joy, “Welcome to the Pack son! I thought this day would never come!” Bewildered, Benny just stood there hugging his mom wondering what in the world was going on. Mr. Carlton walked over and put his arm around Benny, “Since your dad isn’t here to share this special moment, I would be honored if you ran with me tonight, Benny.” “Sure, I guess, Mr. Carlton, but I really have no idea what’s going on.” Mr. Carlton and Wanda both looked up at the rising moon as the final wisps of daylight faded, fur sprouting from their faces, “You will soon,” they both said simultaneously.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Devil's Moon Pt 2 </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Hunters</b></span></p><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Dale Prescott sat in his living room watching the full moon rise. The monthly guilt reached out to him with icy fingers, as he held his Bible, praying for peace and for deliverance of those whom he knew were cavorting with evil, this night. Every month, for the past ten years, Dale battled his conscience. No one outside his family knew the dark secrets he carried and most in the family did not understand the weight he shouldered as chief of The Hunters. He gained a new identity in his faith, but not everyone shared his faith nor did they agree with calling off The Hunt. The Hunt, just as deadly to the hunters as the hunted, after centuries of war failed to tip the balance one way or another. Dale believed there had to be a better way to eradicate the evil his family battled for generations. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The verse the senior Prescott meditated on most came back to him:<i> For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places</i>. For generations the Prescott family hunted an abominable perversion of nature, a pervasive and dangerous evil. The Prescott family, alone, knew lycanthropes were real and, for reasons lost to history, were tasked with their eradication. Ten years earlier Dale was installed as clan chief after the passing of his father. To prove his worthiness, he had to make a kill, which in modern times, was far more difficult than it had been for his medieval relatives.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hunting the Pack was more dangerous than any other prey in the world. Members of the Pack presented only one night per month, possessing supernatural abilities to ward off attack. Making a successful kill was equal parts luck and skill. Sometimes decades would pass before a successful kill and each kill usually incurred retaliation to the hunters. Violence always begets violence. Dale, in his first month as chief, made the kill, cementing his place at the head of the table. Wayne Morris was his victim. Wayne left behind a wife and a seven year old son named Benny. After the kill, Dale watched as the abomination transformed back into human form, a man like him, a man with a family and a life. Furthermore, the Pack had not hunted human flesh for over two hundred years, so there really was no justification for killing them. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After the kill, Dale decided to numb his conflicted conscience by visiting the local liquor store. On the way, he passed a brightly lit church from which he could faintly hear lively music. Seeing the giant cross atop the church steeple was more than Dale’s soul could bear, he pulled into the parking lot, sat in his car and cried. After he cried himself dry, he noticed the music had stopped and felt compelled to enter the church. Taking a seat in the back, Dale heard a message of God’s love for sinners, even a murderer like himself. More importantly, he heard a message of redemption through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Dale’s life was never the same. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Realizing the Hunt was futile and ineffective, after much prayer, Dale was able to convince the Hunters to call a truce. For the first time in human memory, a Prescott revealed himself to the Pack and both sides realized mutually assured destruction was a pretty good enticement for peace. The truce held firm for ten years, until two weeks earlier when Wayne Morris’ kid almost broke Dale’s nephew’s arm at school. A parlay between Dale and the high school Dean of Boys smoothed over any potential problems but he knew something had to change, so tonight, while the Pack ran, Dale prayed more earnestly than ever.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>The following weekend, Dale had dinner at his brother’s house and over dessert, asked his nephew Sean how school was going. “It's Ok, I guess, the biggest trick is staying away from the bullies. Some of the bigger kids like to pick on the new freshmen.” Since becoming a follower of Christ, Dale had a knack for naturally turning any conversation into an opportunity to share spiritual truth, and was able to impart some Biblical wisdom to his nephew. Intrigued, Sean asked questions allowing Dale to share the Gospel clearly and concisely. By the end of the night, Sean prayed with his uncle, placing his faith in Jesus Christ. Sean didn’t feel anything physically take place, but mentally and spiritually he felt as if a tremendous weight lifted from his soul. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Monday morning, at school, Sean saw Benny Morris, the older boy who had nearly broken his arm a few weeks earlier. Sean made a point to avoid Benny and his buddies but today, Sean felt an urge to, not only talk to Benny, but to try to smooth things over. “Hey Benny,” Sean said, tentatively. “Huh? Oh hey kid, listen, I’m sorry for, ah, you know, well, I was just messing around, I didn’t mean to really hurt you.” Sean stuck out his hand and Benny shook it, and for the first time ever a Lycanthrope and a Prescott took steps over the threshold of friendship. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> Days</span> earlier, Benny experienced his first transformation and was feeling excited, scared and a bit isolated from his friends. Changing into a ravenous beast and running with the Pack had been the most exhilarating experience of Benny’s life, but it also meant a life of secrets and isolation. Being seventeen was tough enough, realizing he was truly different from most people added a whole other layer of uncertainty. Sean’s unexpected overture of friendship could not have come at a better time.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>The Dean, a leader within the Pack, kept a close eye on the friendship forming between Sean and Benny, wondering if it was a good or bad thing. He wanted to believe it was a good thing, but, gnawing at the fringes of his consciousness was an inexplicable alarm. The Dean decided to monitor the situation, ready to take action if necessary.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Both Benny and Sean experienced life altering events in the last week, however, Benny was unable to share his experience. Sean, on the other hand, was very excited to share his newfound faith and began asking Benny what he thought about God. It seemed Sean had the same natural ability to share his faith as his uncle, just not the knowledge his uncle possessed after a decade of study. Benny was aware, now more than ever, of his misdeeds, and the idea of being right with God appealed to him like never before. As the conversation progressed, Benny had many questions, unfortunately, Sean had few answers. Finally, Sean suggested they visit his uncle Dale, a man who had answers. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span><span> </span>Dale Prescott could not have been more surprised when he opened his door to Sean and Benny. Dale was always cognizant of the fact he was responsible for the death of Benny’s father and now the child he had left fatherless stood on his doorstep. Swallowing his fear and confusion, Dale asked, “what can I do for you fellas?” Sean excitedly stepped in past his uncle and explained how he and Benny had been discussing Jesus but he had run out of answers so they were there to fill in the gaps. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> <span> </span>Dale began to lay out the basics of the Gospel message, as Benny listened intently. Dale noticed the air in his home had become almost electric, much like when a thunderstorm was about to strike. A chill filled the air and the odor of rotting garbage wafted across the room. Dale, the only one who seemed to notice, realized something spiritual was happening, something malevolent was stirring.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Finally, Dale asked Benny if he was ready to pray and ask for forgiveness, accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Benny seemed eager, even as the room began to smell acrid. Benny prayed out loud while his body went rigid and shook. As he continued to pray, a low moan began to emanate, from behind his own voice. The moan grew louder, growing to a horrific shriek as Benny’s body convulsed violently and then, a sudden release, as an ancient evil entity was expelled from his body. The windows in the living room shattered, the air returned to normal and the odors of burnt and rotting garbage dissipated. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>Dale now knew what his family had been fighting for centuries. As all three sat in shock, staring at the shattered windows, Dale realized the war was back on. This would not be war against flesh and blood but war fought on a spiritual level. As Benny and Sean attempted to process what they had just experienced, Dale accepted his mission and was grateful for the two young men sitting in his living room, knowing they would be his first recruits in a battle for trapped souls.</span></div></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">To learn more about Writers 750 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>you can check it out here:</b> </span><a href="https://writers750program.com/" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://writers750program.com/</a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The writing contest is open to everyone and happens every month. Also, if you are interested in becoming a better writer, I encourage you to check your my friend H.M. Shuldt's book. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SxzHtQ0s-5Y/YJXSNvetmlI/AAAAAAAAO_0/YJbucFGeQVQC6QyzrQ7NJDZwykUmqE-vACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="370" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SxzHtQ0s-5Y/YJXSNvetmlI/AAAAAAAAO_0/YJbucFGeQVQC6QyzrQ7NJDZwykUmqE-vACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="154" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whatever you do, do it unto the Lord!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-2552092371013698502021-08-04T21:00:00.001-04:002021-08-04T21:00:21.640-04:00FONDEST WISH - WRITERS 750 CONTEST 4<p><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">I have been having a blast writing for the Writers 750 contests! If you love writing, be sure to read all the way to the end for information on entering yourself! </span><span style="font-size: large;">Hope you enjoy my <b>award winning story:</b></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"> <i>Fondest Wish</i> </span><span style="font-size: xx-large;"> </span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> FONDEST WISH</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MYKDvw2Pt8/YQp3KnWZ07I/AAAAAAAAQ5k/F9wY71jJ9joBAKpHgZ5NsZaSKfKLh5r0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s275/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MYKDvw2Pt8/YQp3KnWZ07I/AAAAAAAAQ5k/F9wY71jJ9joBAKpHgZ5NsZaSKfKLh5r0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/download.jpg" width="275" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Jim, carrying Linda on his shoulders, walked under the brightly lit archway as happy childhood memories flooded his heart, the smell of fried food, the screams of thrill riders and thundering rock music blaring from high mounted speakers. The Carnival, a timeless place of wonder and excitement, a place to leave the real world behind, if even for only a few hours. Jim’s heart swelled, as his giddy little girl giggled with anticipation, pointing at the illuminated chaos. “Daddy, I want cotton candy, please!” </span></span></div><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-30a01cda-7fff-9449-e4ad-1e3a4a2072e6"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jim made a beeline to the truck emblazoned with happy cartoon children, purchased a large plume of sugary joy on a stick and handed it up to his very excited daughter. “What do you want to do first, princess?” Jim asked. Linda’s eyes widened as she saw a pretty teenage girl walking alongside her jock boyfriend, carrying a giant stuffed bear. “I want you to win me a giant stuffed bear, daddy!”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jim took a deep breath and said, “Ok honey, one giant stuffed bear, coming up!” He was pretty sure all these games were rigged, but, he reassured himself thinking, if Jock Boy could win one.... His anxiety rose, however, as he saw the various games of skill, each costing a minimum of two dollars per play. He found himself longing for the days when all you had to do was lay your quarter down on a number and take a chance on a spin of the wheel.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Forty dollars and an hour of frustration later, Jim realized he was not good at popping balloons with darts, throwing rings over bottle necks, or knocking down milk cans with a softball. Shamefully, he attempted to bribe his daughter away from the obviously fixed games with a ride on the Carousel. Linda, normally a happy compliant child, caught Jim off guard when she, in a very uncharacteristic manner, stomped her little foot, placed her tiny hands on her hips and defiantly stated, “I want a bear, you promised!” “Sorry sweetie, Daddy’s just not lucky tonight.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“C’mon, Pops, you don’t want to let down the little lady, do ya?” the sly carnival worker said with a smile, winking at Linda. “Tell ya what I’m gonna do buddy, take a free shot on the house, if ya win, ya get the bear.” “Thanks,” Jim said as he reached into the bucket of balls, “I really appreciate this.” “Think nothing of it,” the attendant smiled, as he leaned over and touched the tip of Linda’s nose with his finger, “I hate to see such a sweet young lady go home empty handed.” </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jim pitched as if it was the bottom of the ninth in game seven of the World Series with two outs, two strikes and bases loaded. Unfortunately, Jim was not going to lead his team to victory this night, he watched as five milk cans fell and the sixth one tottered only to remain upright. Linda’s anticipation quickly turned to disappointment as the man in the booth raised his hands and shrugged his shoulders.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> “Almost Pops, ya almost nailed it.” “Come on honey,” Jim said, reaching for his daughter’s hand, but Linda refused to budge. The man in the booth leaned in towards Jim and, in a quiet voice, said, “I don’t do this for everyone, but I got a good feeling about you two, tell ya what, there’s a game booth reserved for VIPs and everyone wins, if you’re interested, go back around the Monster Fun House and head down the passageway, there’s a tent set up, go inside and ask for Lu, tell him Johnny Legion sent ya, he’ll take good care of ya both.”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jim and Linda headed behind the Monster Funhouse, as Legion instructed, and found a poorly lit passageway, one most would not have noticed. Just as Legion promised, at the end of the path stood a tent. Jim hesitated, but Linda grabbed his hand and began pulling him toward the flaps, “C’mon daddy!” Jim took a deep breath, ignored the ominous feel of the place and allowed his little daughter to lead him inside. </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All trepidation fled as they entered the brightly lit interior and were met by a jovial man in top hat and tails, “Welcome my friends! How can I help you?” “Uh, Johnny Legion sent us, he said this was a VIP game.. I was trying to win my little girl a bear.” Jim felt a little foolish until he heard Linda’s sharp intake of breath as she pointed to the giant plush bear hanging next to a numbered wheel. “Look Daddy, it’s perfect!” Jim had to admit, it was probably the most amazing stuffed bear he had ever seen. The fact the bear was the only prize in the tent did not register in his mind.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Ah, yes! Please, please come on in!” Addressing Linda, Lu said, “I see you have your eye on Reginald, my finest bear!” “Uh huh,” Linda replied as she nodded. “Is this what you want more than anything else in the world?” Lu asked her. “Yessss,” she almost whispered, entranced by the prospect of walking out of the tent with such an amazing prize. “Well,” said Lu, smiling broadly, “I just happen to be in the business of granting your fondest wish!” Lu gestured to the counter as he stepped inside the booth, “All you need to do, Dad, is lay a quarter down on one of the numbers and see if you can match the wheel.” Jim immediately pulled a quarter from his pocket and laid it on number seven. Lu spun the wheel with a flourish as little Linda held her breath. As the wheel came to a stop, the indicator landed dead center on number seven. Linda squealed with delight while Jim gratefully thanked Lu. As Linda stood hugging the bear, which was almost as big as her, Lu winked at Jim and said, “It’s that easy, my friend! Now, son of Adam, what is your fondest wish, hmmm? Don’t be shy, everyone wants something.” Lu’s conspiratorial smile was hard to resist.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Well,” Jim reluctantly replied, “the thing I wish for most in the world is to have Cali back, my wife, Linda’s mom. She passed away last year.” Lu, rubbed his chin as he contemplated Jim’s request. “Actually, I’m not in the raising the dead business,” he muttered, as he averted his eyes upward, “That’s someone else’s department. But, if I understand you correctly, you really wish little Linda here could have a normal life with a mommy and daddy to love her, right?” Jim looked down, “yeah, I do, he mumbled.” Excellent request my friend! Do you happen to have another quarter?”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jim reached into his pocket and pulled out another quarter, without too much thought, he placed it down on number twelve, the day of the month in May he married his beloved wife. As Jim placed the quarter down, he did not notice the tiny pin sticking up on the counter until it jabbed his finger. As a drop of Jim’s blood landed onto number twelve, next to the quarter, Lu said, “Nevermind that, son of Adam, it will only increase your luck!” </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Ready?” Lu asked as he reached out to spin the wheel. Jim merely nodded. Lu gave the wheel a good spin and just as before, the wheel stopped dead center on the number Jim had chosen. Lu clapped his hands, “Look at that! Another winner!” Suddenly, Jim clutched his chest and fell to the ground dead. Linda, mesmerized by her new bear, did not even notice. Within seconds, a timid couple entered from the rear of the tent, clutching each other’s arms, each with a tiny pin prick on their fingers. Lu gestured magnanimously towards the little girl and told them, with the tenderness of a loving father, “And here, children of Adam, here is your fondest wish, a daughter to call your own”</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the man and woman joyfully, if not a tad bit guiltily, directed Linda from the tent, anxious to get on with the business of being a family, they passed two non descript men, dragging Johnny Legion between them, into the tent. “We swear, Lu, we didn’t tell them anything!” Legion whined, as the two men stood before Lu. The man on the left said, “Lu, huh? Cute, but this game's over Baalzebub, the boss wants to see you.” A fly landed on Johnny Legion’s head as he asked, “what about us?” The second man said, “Oh, I’m sure there might be some pigs around here somewhere.” “Oh, no! Not that again,” said Legion, “we’ll just leave” </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Suddenly, the two men, Lu and the tent swirled up into the sky in a pillar of fire, disappearing from sight. Where a brightly lit tent once stood were only one dead body and a very bewildered carnival worker named Johnny who seemed to have lost track of the last few months of his life.</span></span></p><br /></span><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">To learn more about Writers 750 </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">you can check it out here: </span><a href="https://writers750program.com/" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://writers750program.com/</a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The writing contest is open to everyone and happens every month. Also, if you are interested in becoming a better writer, I encourage you to check your my friend H.M. Shuldt's book. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SxzHtQ0s-5Y/YJXSNvetmlI/AAAAAAAAO_0/YJbucFGeQVQC6QyzrQ7NJDZwykUmqE-vACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="370" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SxzHtQ0s-5Y/YJXSNvetmlI/AAAAAAAAO_0/YJbucFGeQVQC6QyzrQ7NJDZwykUmqE-vACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="154" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whatever you do, do it unto the Lord!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></div></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-43613325225244699832021-07-03T11:26:00.015-04:002021-07-03T11:32:00.001-04:00RUNNING FROM VERONICA - WRITERS 750 CONTEST 3<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Well it took me three times at the plate, but I finally got a hit! Hope you enjoy my award winning story <i>Running From Veronica</i>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> RUNNING FROM VERONICA</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNpBUnvq_HY/YOCA7gPjYhI/AAAAAAAAQY0/FL_-Mg0qATkkiMJqqQ8CFnS_9ACZRIm_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s720/5b9845b9200000040734c7f8.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNpBUnvq_HY/YOCA7gPjYhI/AAAAAAAAQY0/FL_-Mg0qATkkiMJqqQ8CFnS_9ACZRIm_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/5b9845b9200000040734c7f8.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b id="docs-internal-guid-eaf92938-7fff-345a-0de5-18a56a5f03c9" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></b><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><br /><br /> “Well, It’s Hurricane season again, and this time, I am not going to watch my life blow away!” Arthur was busy packing up what little he had left and what little he managed to replace from his loss the previous year. He was happy he had beaten the calendar and was getting away before the first hurricane of the season formed. Templeton, his Pit-Shepherd mix, looked up at him curiously as he spoke. Templeton had a very expressive face and a knack for appearing as if he understood everything Arthur said. Arthur only wished Templeton could speak back. <br /><br /><br /> It was almost a full year ago when Hurricane Veronica blasted through. Arthur knew it would be a life changing storm as soon as he heard the name on the news. Veronica had been the name of his ex-wife who, six years earlier, had inexplicably, burned all his clothes, packed up her stuff and left without so much as a note of goodbye. A month after Veronica left, divorce papers arrived in the mail with a return envelope and a note requesting his signature. When Arthur sealed the envelope, he sealed a chapter of his life and never heard from Veronica again. <br /><br />Well, he never heard from that Veronica again, the next Veronica to enter his life had been equally devastating. When Hurricane Veronica (the storm, not his ex) approached his small island home, Arthur knew it would be bad, like you know a root canal is going to be bad. Only imagine five root canals and no pain medicine before or after. He prepared the best he could, the best anyone could, having never experienced a Category Five hurricane, but, he soon realized his preparations were far less than adequate! <br /><br /><br />Arthur’s first clue he was ill prepared was when the dead limbs from the tree in his front yard broke free and slammed against his house, one coming right through his window. He managed to drag the mattress from his bed over to the window and prop it up with a table. <br /><br /><br />Templeton whined and watched from the corner so Arthur moved him to the bedroom closet for safekeeping. No sooner than hearing the click of the closet door, Arthur heard a great crash in his kitchen. Running in to investigate, he discovered a bathtub, who knows from where, had crashed through the back door into his kitchen, smashing into and destroying his refrigerator. His mind spinning as chaotically as the storm outside, Arthur randomly considered finding the owner of the bathtub and working out an arrangement, the stranger could use his bathtub and he could store things in the tub owner’s refrigerator. <br /><br /><br />His thoughts were interrupted when he heard the great crunching sound of wood being torn loose from his living room. Arthur ran through the kitchen doorway in time to watch as a large section of the roof over his living room was wrenched off and disappeared into the angry black clouds devilishly churning in the sky above his now compromised home. Wind and rain poured into his living room creating what looked like a mini vortex. The little tornado swirled around his living room and Arthur watched helplessly as his compact disc collection was sucked up and spun around the room. Over five hundred CDs swirled like dervishes breaking and being broken as they clacked and smacked against furniture and glass. As the CDs wreaked havoc and destruction, wind howled through the broken kitchen door, causing the kitchen cabinets to open and close slamming out of sync with one another creating a terrible cacophony to join the horrific roaring wind and sound of breaking plastic and glass in the living room.<br /><br /><br />Feeling as if he were in some crazed funhouse designed by maniacs and paralyzed by fear, Arthur crouched low in the doorway between the kitchen and the living room holding his ears thinking his life was about to end when he heard a great whoosh and watched his entire CD collection shoot up through his roof as the indoor tornado retracted back into the sky. Rain continued to pour in through his broken roof, but at least the wind began to subside and the maddening racket in the kitchen stopped as well. <br /><br /><br />Torrential rain continued to pour through the hole in his roof and Arthur realized his house was becoming flooded, very quickly. His red velvet couch, lifted by the flood water, floated across the room and slammed into the front door, splintering the door from its hinges. The flood water inside the house coursed through the broken doorway joining the floodwaters outside sweeping the couch out the door, down the driveway and into the street which flowed like a small river. The last Arthur ever saw his couch was when it floated to the end of the street and around the bend. <br /><br /><br />Then, just as if someone had thrown a switch, the wind and rain stopped, the sky was clear and the sun shined down into the demolished living room like a spotlight. Amid all the destruction and chaos, a very curious thing happened. Arthur watched, bewildered, as a single compact disc jewel case fell through the hole where his roof used to be and clattered to the wet floor. Retrieving the CD, he saw it was Crystavox, an 80’s hair metal band who only released two albums. Over five hundred CDs flew up into the sky and only one came back down. Arthur was happy to get it back. <br /><br /><br />Feeling shell shocked, Arthur walked, almost zombie-like, to his bedroom to check on Templeton. Opening the closet door, Arthur discovered his best friend had passed the time chewing up every pair of shoes he owned. Only two shoes remained uneaten, unfortunately the shoes were not a matched pair. The only consolation was one uneaten shoe was a left shoe and the other a right. Arthur was a pitiful sight when he arrived at the emergency shelter, disheveled, soaked and wearing one brown loafer and one white tennis shoe. <br /><br /><br />Now, about a year later, after having battled with the insurance company, overseeing repairs and putting the house on the market, Arthur and Templeton were packing up the last of his modest possessions ready to close on the sale of the house. The furniture and larger items had been boxed up and shipped to the mainland and Arthur stuffed the last of his clothes and personal items into a shoulder duffel, the last item to go in, the Crystavox CD. <br /><br /><br />Arthur made his way to the charter plane, looking forward to a new chapter of life when he heard his name. “Arthur, how are you?” He turned and saw Pastor Mike from the shelter he stayed at the previous year while his house affairs were sorted out. “Pastor Mike, how are you? Long time no see”, Arthur exclaimed as he reached out to shake the minister’s hand. Pastor Mike had been a source of great comfort and wisdom during the dark days after Veronica (the hurricane, not his ex). “Looks like we will be sharing the flight,” Pastor Mike said happily. Mike looked down at Arthur’s shoes and remarked, “nice to see you have matching shoes on today, I trust everything has worked out for you then?” Arthur recounted his plans for the future to which Pastor Mike said, “You know, Arthur, there will always be Veronica’s in your life, whether they be horrible ex-wives, devastating hurricanes or any variety of calamity that befalls us. The main thing is knowing you are not facing the Veronicas of life alone.” Arthur remembered how much he had enjoyed late night conversations with Pastor Mike at the shelter and actually looked forward to the two hour plane ride and the opportunity to share in the man’s wisdom at least one more time.<br /><br /><br />Pastor Mike said a little silent prayer asking for just the right words to share with Arthur, knowing this would probably be his last opportunity to share the Gospel with him. The men climbed the airstair together, with Templeton leading the way, catching up on the last eight months or so when they reached the top of the steps and both men stopped suddenly. Much to the bewilderment of the pilot standing just inside the plane greeting her few passengers, both men burst out laughing as they noticed the name tag on the pretty pilot’s uniform - it read “Veronica”. </p><p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">To learn more about Writers 750 </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">you can check it out here: </span><a href="https://writers750program.com/" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://writers750program.com/</a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The writing contest is open to everyone and happens every month. Also, if you are interested in becoming a better writer, I encourage you to check your my friend H.M. Shuldt's book. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SxzHtQ0s-5Y/YJXSNvetmlI/AAAAAAAAO_0/YJbucFGeQVQC6QyzrQ7NJDZwykUmqE-vACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="370" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SxzHtQ0s-5Y/YJXSNvetmlI/AAAAAAAAO_0/YJbucFGeQVQC6QyzrQ7NJDZwykUmqE-vACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="154" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whatever you do, do it unto the Lord!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-23599574214753055112021-06-08T07:17:00.004-04:002021-06-08T08:17:15.246-04:00INTRODUCING: SONS OF THUNDER - SIMPLE MAN <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tTji3FpJoG8/YL6Bi_jl68I/AAAAAAAAPyA/X3kdxHrHEqw9kyfutCiz3miL6F04Gl9-QCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tTji3FpJoG8/YL6Bi_jl68I/AAAAAAAAPyA/X3kdxHrHEqw9kyfutCiz3miL6F04Gl9-QCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> Sons of Thunder is an exciting collaboration from guitar wunderkinds, Kevin Musicman and Pastor Wildman. A passion for classic metal, rivaled only by a passion for serving God according to their calling, Musicman and Wildman have captured the essence of 1980s metal.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> SOT's first release is Simple Man. An ambitious original composition reflecting the taste and style of two seasoned musicians who play for the love of the craft. Simple Man is a preview of great things to come</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> From the opening guitar licks, the listener knows they are in for something special from accomplished axe-masters. If you are looking for the </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">blues infused, guitar driven music style of yesteryear, you will not want to miss out on Sons of Thunder!</span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"> In addition to great musical composition, lyrically, Simple Man will inspire and encourage believers, in any phase of their spiritual walk, to live a life committed to God and serving others. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> Powerful, meaningful and fun, Simple Man captures the sound of classic metal while inspiring the listener to strive ahead, spiritually speaking. </span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> Sons of Thunder will be a force to be reckoned with, look forward to an EP release sometime in the summer of 2021!</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> Be sure to play it loud!</span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cz10LKK_bZw" width="320" youtube-src-id="cz10LKK_bZw"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-42978032563576114412021-06-02T06:53:00.003-04:002021-07-03T10:59:39.807-04:00BLOOD ON THE WATER - WRITERS 750 CONTEST 2<p> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Once again,</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I had the opportunity to participate in the writing contest for Writers 750. No, I did not win, but, it was fun! Below is the story I submitted -</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <i>Blood on the Water</i></span><i style="font-size: x-large;">. </i></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-e4eafc0d-7fff-b84f-6097-d6b26b4791ec"><span id="docs-internal-guid-645340c7-7fff-a2b8-c062-59c1f6b82566"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> BLOOD ON THE WATER</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcReDNTRzwE9uAlY4HltI3Vr-QxhDzG-1Q71ig&usqp=CAU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcReDNTRzwE9uAlY4HltI3Vr-QxhDzG-1Q71ig&usqp=CAU" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Dude, the mosquitoes are brutal tonight”, Chaz complained, for about the hundredth time in the past hour. “Yeah, you're in the swamp, man, and you asked to come out here so just deal.” Chaz and Andy sat in a jon boat in the Florida Everglades doing some night fishing and drinking more than a few beers. Andy spent most of his spare time in the everglades fishing and generally hiding from the mess of a life he created for himself. Chaz couldn’t even remember why he wanted to go fishing. “At least the beers are cold,” he thought as he swatted yet another annoying mosquito buzzing around his ears.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Up until now, the conversation had been light and inconsequential, just two lifelong friends who hadn’t had much time to hang out together catching up with one another. Andy cast out, lit up a cigar and with a serious look in his eye turned to Chaz and said, “Hey man, you know, Lenny’s back in town.” Chaz, mid sip, spit beer all over Andy’s tackle box. “Nice,” Andy said with a smirk and an eye roll. Chaz, wiped his mouth and with wide eyes replied. “Do you think he’s still holding a grudge?” “I don’t know, bro, but if I were you, I’d be watching over my shoulder.” Andy punctuated his last statement with a large plume of smoke from his cigar. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A loud splash to the right of the boat caught the two men’s attention and they turned in time to see a twelve foot alligator glide by in search of a late night snack. “You know dude, we shoulda fed that guy to a gator that night, it would have saved everybody a whole lotta hassle,” Andy reflected. “Yeah,” Chaz agreed as he chugged his beer with one hand and reached for another with the other, suddenly having an overwhelming desire to go from pleasantly buzzed to solidly drunk. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Twenty-three years and a handful of months earlier, Chaz, Andy, Lenny and Lenny’s soon to be ex-best girl Marina were hanging out at a party in Everglades Holiday Park, blowing off steam, drinking and getting high after senior year finals. Imbued with liquid courage, Chaz called over to Marina, “Hey baby, when you get tired of babysitting Lenny, I know a real man who will love you like you deserve.” What neither Chaz nor Lenny knew was Marina had been getting tired of Lenny and Chaz’s offer was exactly what she had been waiting for. Just high enough to cast caution to the wind, Marina sauntered over to Chaz, positioned herself so she could stare Lenny in the eye and planted a wet kiss on Chaz’s mouth. Many of the party goers erupted into cat calls, adding to Lenny’s humiliation. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a blind rage, Lenny hopped in the pick up truck his parents bought him for his eighteenth birthday, only two months earlier, and sped out of the park onto U S 27. Through angry tears and, drunk well beyond the legal limit, Lenny never even noticed the minivan traveling in the opposite direction as he crossed the center white line. Convicted on three counts of vehicular manslaughter, Lenny was sentenced to three consecutive ten year stints in the state pen. Now, a little over twenty-three years later, due to time off for good behavior, Lenny was out on parole. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lenny’s first few years in prison were exactly what one would expect for a scared, scrawny, eighteen year old, a living hell. Tall, but thin, Lenny hit the weights and before too long filled in his six foot two frame with impressive bulk. Lenny transformed from bullied to respected when he brutally beat one of his worst tormentors. Gone was the shoulder length blond hair, replaced with a shaved head accentuated with tattoos readily identified as the homemade jailhouse variety. No one who knew Lenny from high school would have recognized him now. Fueled by hate, he became one of the most feared residents of his cell block. For the next eight years, Lenny enjoyed the fear he instilled in others and enjoyed the pain he inflicted on those he perceived as disrespectful. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One fateful, rainy, Saturday afternoon, unable to lift in the Yard, Lenny wandered past the lunch room where some fellow inmates had gathered to listen to Chaplain Jack. Chaplain Jack had once been an inmate in this very prison, but after turning his life around through the power of faith in Jesus Christ, he dedicated his life to serving the Lord. Chaplain Jack looked like he still belonged on the inside, and caught Lenny off guard when he waved over to him and said, “Hi, I’m Chaplain Jack, come on in friend, and have a seat.” Lenny skeptically went in but decided to listen to what the man of God had to say. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Weekly, Chaplain Jack came and ministered and Lenny found himself, on more Saturdays than not, sitting in the lunchroom listening, and eventually, not just listening, but asking questions and interacting. Within a few months, Lenny prayed with the chaplain to receive Christ and entered into a discipleship program. Lenny soon became a model prisoner and began ministering to other inmates.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The day Lenny was released he reached out to some contacts given him by Chaplain Jack and soon found himself in a welcoming community of believers who loved him for who he was and helped him get re-acclimated to society. Encouraged to make peace with his past, Lenny decided to reach out to the one person he would have happily killed with his bare hands twenty-three years ago, Chaz Lewis.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The day Lenny contacted Chaz, Chaz contacted Andy and together they hatched a plan similar to what they had discussed on fishing night. “I’m not really sure if this is cool, man” Chaz told Andy as they discussed killing Lenny and dumping him in the swamp for gator food. “Course it’s cool, bro, the dude wiped out a whole family and now he’s coming for you.” “Yeah, I guess it’s either me or him, then, right?” “Exactly!” Andy said with a wink.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chaz and Andy found out where Lenny lived and staked out his apartment. When Lenny returned home from a church meeting, Andy was waiting for him with an aluminum baseball bat. After knocking Lenny out, the two smaller men wrestled his unconscious body into the bed of Andy’s pick up truck and headed out to a secluded boat ramp on U S 27. What neither man noticed was the surveillance camera attached to the apartment building, placed there due to the high crime rate in the immediate area.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The men, with great effort, transported Lenny from the pick up truck to the fishing boat and headed out to back channels where they would not be disturbed. Neither man was expecting Lenny to wake up so soon. Only halfway to the pre planned killing spot, Lenny woke up and lunged for Andy. Before Chaz could grab the nine millimeter handgun from the tackle box, Andy was being lifted from the boat seat by his throat. Eyes wide with terror, Andy gurgled, “shoot him man!” Chaz aimed and fired, but at such close range, he managed to kill two men with one bullet. Terrified, Chaz did the only thing he could think of, he dumped both bodies overboard and hoped the alligators would do the rest. Not knowing what else to do, Chaz drove back to Andy’s place, where he had left his car earlier in the evening. Chaz didn’t think anyone could connect him to the night’s events and decided to leave Andy’s boat and trailer in his driveway and head home and try to forget about what happened. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meanwhile, the night manager at Lenny’s apartment building, having watched the attack take place on his CCTV, notified the police. Able to identify Andy by the license plate on his boat trailer, the police sent a car to stake out Andy’s house. Chaz never even noticed the police car parked at the end of the street as he pulled into Andy’s driveway. Before he could get into his own car and speed home, the police were on him. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Three years later</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chaz Lewis was walking past the prison cafeteria when he noticed a small crowd gathering. Standing in the front of the room was a rough looking guy in civilian clothes who looked like he was no stranger to a prison jumpsuit. The man waved over to Chaz, “Hi, I’m Chaplain Jack, come on in friend and have a seat.” </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">To learn more about Writers 750 </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">you can check it out here: </span><a href="https://writers750program.com/" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-large; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">https://writers750program.com/</a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The writing contest is open to everyone and happens every month. Also, if you are interested in becoming a better writer, I encourage you to check your my friend H.M. Shuldt's book. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SxzHtQ0s-5Y/YJXSNvetmlI/AAAAAAAAO_0/YJbucFGeQVQC6QyzrQ7NJDZwykUmqE-vACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="370" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SxzHtQ0s-5Y/YJXSNvetmlI/AAAAAAAAO_0/YJbucFGeQVQC6QyzrQ7NJDZwykUmqE-vACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="154" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whatever you do, do it unto the Lord!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-81961157858005747482021-05-10T19:37:00.000-04:002021-05-10T19:37:57.852-04:00$4.00 PER DAY! GET OUTTTA MY WAY!!<p><span style="font-size: large;"> <span>W</span><span>hat would you do for $4.00 per day? How much effort would you put forth for $4.00 per day? Imagine seeing this want ad: </span><b><i>BACK BREAKING WORK - $4.00 PER DAY - UNLESS IT RAINS, HURRY, POSITIONS WON'T LAST!!</i></b></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sV8IrJPwrrg/YJaFxY7WEjI/AAAAAAAAPBA/ilqX921FersRr5L0-2fmdkQHQOpBe5QSgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sV8IrJPwrrg/YJaFxY7WEjI/AAAAAAAAPBA/ilqX921FersRr5L0-2fmdkQHQOpBe5QSgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="236" height="270" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sV8IrJPwrrg/YJaFxY7WEjI/AAAAAAAAPBA/ilqX921FersRr5L0-2fmdkQHQOpBe5QSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w186-h270/image.png" width="186" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KLoZ54Ifr0I/YJaGHZHQflI/AAAAAAAAPBI/Rrj1mjt9W2UQcqmLLsqF1C2pKOq01854gCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="236" height="241" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KLoZ54Ifr0I/YJaGHZHQflI/AAAAAAAAPBI/Rrj1mjt9W2UQcqmLLsqF1C2pKOq01854gCLcBGAsYHQ/w183-h241/image.png" width="183" /></a></div><br /></i></b></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></b><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b>As ridiculous as such an idea may seem to anyone living in an industrialized nation, if you happen to be a Christian minority in a primarily Muslim country, $4.00 per day could very well be your reality. Many Christian families, in the nation of Pakistan, have been relegated to virtual slavery in brick factories scattered throughout the nation for a mere pittance of $4.00 per day. If it happens to rain on any given day and bricks cannot be made, no money is made either. </span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Before you say, "well the overall cost of living there is so much less," consider the Big Mac Index (yeah that's a real thing). The Big Mac Index is an economic tool designed to gauge purchasing power of a nation's currency. In Pakistan, the Big Mac is currently $3.58, about $1.46 less than an American Big Mac. So, imagine if your daily income was enough to buy a Big Mac and you could still manage to </span>squirrel<span style="font-family: inherit;"> away $.42. </span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span> "Yeah, but a Big Mac is not really a necessity," you may say. Ok, no one really needs a Big Mac, I'll concede this point. How about a pair of shoes? Shoes are not really a luxury item, shoes are pretty much a necessity. A decent pair of shoes costs about $26.00. So the average brick factory worker can skip food for a week and afford a nifty pair of shoes. </span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span> Pakistan is only one of many nations where Christians are marginalized, persecuted and/or repressed. The very least we should be doing, the bare minimum, is praying for our brothers and sisters around the world. Not everyone is called to international ministry. There are plenty of ministry opportunities right in our own neighborhoods. Everyone is not called to everything, but.. everyone is called to something. </span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span> I have, inadvertently, become an erstwhile WhatsApp missionary to Pakistan, and I really cannot explain how or why except it's a God thing. What started out as friendly conversations and occasional video chats over Twitter and WhatsApp has blossomed into a weekly class and sporadic preaching opportunities in various cities. Through the wonder of technology, I, a guy who does not even possess a passport, get to interact with believers on the other side of the world.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><span> The last thing I want to do is fall into the trap of thinking everyone should be doing whatever I happen to be doing at the moment. The Body of Christ is vast and diverse with each member equipped for a myriad of different acts of service. In fact, no one should ever feel inferior to anyone else, as long as you are serving according to your calling. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><span><span> However, if you are currently not serving, if you have been seeking God on what your calling may be, won't you consider international ministry. Again, through the wonder of technology, you do not even have to leave home! If you are frustrated in your walk and spiritual growth, ask God to help you think outside the box. You may be amazed where the Spirit leads you!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> A year ago, for me, Pakistan was just another country on a map. A country to which I gave little thought and the little thought I gave was not often good, given our current war on terror and the Pakistani government's role. Now, I love my friends in Christ, whom I have had the joy of meeting and interacting daily. I do not speak Urdu, the official language of Pakistan, and the attempts on my part to learn some words have not been very successful, even though I have a very patient teacher. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> God has amazing plans for you, if you are willing to submit to His will. As my friend Jason said recently in one of his daily devotional videos - "God did all the heavy lifting," (If your not subscribed to his videos, you are missing out!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ucxbf_Cxw-Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="Ucxbf_Cxw-Q"></iframe></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><br /><span> Jason works out of town and still finds time to record a quick devotional video every day. How, because he is following God's calling, which means he is enjoying God's empowerment to do his calling. The Lord's work is not work if you are doing the work you are called to. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> As I said, not everything is for everybody but everybody is called to something! What is God laying on your heart today? Is it time to get out of your comfort zone? <a href="https://ahnertthoughts.blogspot.com/2018/05/are-you-rotting-away-in-comfort-zone.html" target="_blank">Nothing grows in the comfort zone!</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Whatever you are called to, please say a prayer for my friends in Pakistan, especially our brothers and sisters laboring in over one hundred degree heat for $4.00 per day! </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><span><span><span style="color: red;"><span><span>Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-74431485899612696812021-05-07T20:05:00.001-04:002021-06-02T07:05:43.480-04:00GYPSY ROAD TO REDEMPTION<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Last month, I had the opportunity to participate in a writing contest for Writers 750. No, I did not win, but, it was fun! Below is the story I submitted - <i>Gypsy Road To Redemption. </i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-thwdiCXJokw/YJXVM8VdybI/AAAAAAAAPAE/U0qB0NljzrgAKzZOah6ahKqHJ3b5DzkUACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="285" height="199" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-thwdiCXJokw/YJXVM8VdybI/AAAAAAAAPAE/U0qB0NljzrgAKzZOah6ahKqHJ3b5DzkUACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gypsy Road to Redemption</span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-e4eafc0d-7fff-b84f-6097-d6b26b4791ec"><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Antoine lay in bed, listening to the drone of his alarm. Mondays were the hardest days to get out of bed for Antoine Levy, but this Monday, in particular, was more difficult than usual. A late Sunday afternoon message from someone he believed buried deep in the past ensured this Monday would be filled with more dread than any other Monday.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In stark contrast, merely two days earlier, Antoine awoke with excited expectation. The little ring box sitting on his dresser that fateful Saturday morning promised to change everything. On Saturday night, he proposed to Sheila, the love of his life. And, as fate would have it, Antoine was not the only one waiting to spring a surprise. Sheila also carried exciting news, only Sheila’s surprise was not in a small box in her pocket, Sheila’s surprise grew in her womb.</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The message which sent Antoine’s happy life into a tailspin came the previous day, around 4:30 PM. An email from a relative he had not heard from, nor even thought about, for his entire adult life shook him to his foundation: “Now that you are about to be married and have an heir, it is time you learned the truth about what happened to your parents and time for you to do what they could not, it is imperative you do not fail as they did. Meet me tomorrow at the bus station at 10:00 AM. Come alone and do not be late. Uncle Val.” </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Uncle Val was actually Valentino Khmeleva. Antoine had cloudy memories of Uncle Val showing up at various family functions prior to his parent’s death. Uncle Val carried an ominous air about him and when he showed up for a family gathering, the older men would solemnly disappear into a back room with him for an hour or so. What was discussed was never disclosed. Antoine remembered something which, at the time, held no significance, but now nearly choked him with foreboding. The week before 8 year old Antoine’s parents died, under mysterious circumstances, Roman Levy, Antoine’s father, was for the first time, summoned to the meeting of Uncle Val and the family elders. Young orphaned Antoine was shipped off from his home in New York to Aunt Lyla in New Jersey and had no further contact with any of the family he had known his first 8 years, including mysterious Uncle Val.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Antoine arrived at the Greyhound station five minutes before Uncle Val’s Bus, not really knowing how to respond to a man of whom he had very little recollection. He deduced, if his father’s family had a patriarch, it was Uncle Val. An inexplicable darkness gripped Antoine’s spirit, along with anticipation of secrets revealed, as the unmistakable sound and smell of diesel filled his senses.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Uncle Val was the thirteenth passenger to exit the bus. Valentino Khmeleva was a man of not quite average height, yet, he cut a formidable image of dignified grace usually reserved for those reared among royalty, dressed in a black suit, complete with a black overcoat draped over his shoulders like a cape, accented by a blood red tie and pocket square. Though Khmeleva was undoubtedly well into his seventies, his jet black hair, salt and pepper beard and regal bearing gave him the appearance of a much younger man. The only accoutrement hinting to his advanced age was a black, highly polished cane with silver wolf head handle, although, upon further inspection, the walking stick seemed more accessory than necessity. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Somehow, Uncle Val knew exactly whom he had come to see as he walked directly to Antoine without a shred of hesitation. In a heavy Romanian accent, Khmeleva dispelled any notion this was a warm family reunion, “Come, quickly, we have much to discuss and you have much to do.” Antoine, flabbergasted by his Uncle’s direct approach, blurted out the one question, the only question which mattered, “What’s this all about?” “Not here” came the terse reply, “you have a car, I presume? Let us go to a place we cannot be disturbed nor overheard.” </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The drive home was much more like a family reunion than the initial meeting as Uncle Val asked what Antoine remembered from his childhood prior to going to live with his mother’s sister, Lyla. Antoine did remember the family gatherings being festive and he confessed to having a vague memory of the near stranger seated next to him. During the drive, Uncle Val, jovially, recounted his memories of young Antoine and his parents, although there seemed to be an underlying bitterness when Valentino spoke of the late Mrs. Levy.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Antoine lay in bed pondering the life altering meeting with Uncle Val, a meeting which ended abruptly when a black limousine pulled in front of the house and whisked his uncle away to parts unknown. His uncle’s last words, as he strolled out the door were, “Do not fail as your father failed, I do not have another 20 years left to recruit your son, yes, my boy, you will have a son, I have seen it.” Antoine Levy discovered his father’s true name was also Khmeleva, but was legally changed to Levy at the behest of Lillian, his mother. Lillian did not want her husband and son involved in the vile business of the Khmeleva family, even if they were descended from an ancient royal bloodline. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Antoine’s mission was to claim his rightful place as heir to the throne of a mysterious and ancient order ofGypsies in Romania. Roman Levy, Antoine’s father was recruited for this very task and failed because Lillian Levy insisted on traveling to Romania and provided enough of a distraction to prove fatal to both. Antoine could not even begin to wrap his mind around the things Uncle Val revealed, it was madness. His was to travel to the land of his ancestors, challenge the “usurper” as Uncle Val called him, and, if necessary, kill him. The fact the Usurper was responsible for his parents’ deaths was quite an enticement.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because Antoine had always been open and honest with Sheila, the next day, he shared everything with her. As insane as the tale Antoine weaved sounded, Sheila knew this was just the opportunity she had been praying for. While Antoine was busy learning about his past, Sheila had been busy dealing with hers and made a life changing decision. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sheila, days earlier, not really knowing what to do with the life growing inside her, found herself in a crisis pregnancy center, looking for options. This particular pregnancy center was run by folks from a local church and after a couple of hours of counseling and prayer, Sheila was not only committed to keeping the baby but made a commitment to give her life to Jesus Christ. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After sharing her exciting news with Antoine, Sheila saw the turmoil in her fiance’s eyes. She shared everything the counselor had spoken to her, and, as a result, Antoine was more conflicted than ever. On one hand, the things Sheila shared sparked a longing in his heart he had never experienced and on the other hand he was seriously considering the mission of vengeance and murder for which Uncle Val had recruited him. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That night, Antoine’s dreams were fraught with images of death and life. In his dream, his Uncle Val flew in like a giant bat, enticing him to give in to his anger and bitterness to claim what was rightfully his; while Sheila appeared as an angel calling him to a warm and glowing light promising forgiveness and freedom from the need for vengeance. He did not realize this was more than a mere decision, this was a spiritual battle for his very soul. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What Lillian Levy knew and Sheila suspected was Uncle Val was a master of dark arts and Antoine's birthright was to rule over a coven of witches. Sheila prayed all night as evil fought for the heart of the man she loved. Antoine awoke in a cold sweat, crying out to a God he barely believed in, asking for a sign. Dimly at first, a light entered his window and grew in intensity, lighting up the cherished photograph of his parents on the wall across from his bed. In the photo, his mother’s visage shone much like Sheila had in his dream. With an inexplicable urgency, Antoine jumped out of bed and for the first time in his life, knelt down and prayed. As he prayed for forgiveness and committed himself to Jesus, he felt all the heaviness and darkness Uncle Val cast over his soul evaporate. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A few hundred miles away, Valentino Khmeleva gripped at his evil shriveled heart as the dark spirit which sustained his life fled like a rat leaving a sinking ship. Khmeleva was no longer of any use to his dark master and was tossed aside like a bag of dung. His last thoughts were a powerless curse directed toward his still praying nephew.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are interested in learning more about Writers 750</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">you can check it out <a href="https://writers750program.com/" target="_blank">https://writers750program.com/</a></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The writing contest is open to everyone and happens every month. Also, if you are interested in becoming a better writer, I encourage you to check your my friend H.M. Shuldt's book. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SxzHtQ0s-5Y/YJXSNvetmlI/AAAAAAAAO_0/YJbucFGeQVQC6QyzrQ7NJDZwykUmqE-vACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="370" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SxzHtQ0s-5Y/YJXSNvetmlI/AAAAAAAAO_0/YJbucFGeQVQC6QyzrQ7NJDZwykUmqE-vACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="154" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 11pt; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whatever you do, do it unto the Lord!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></div><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /><br /></span></span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-85024507632929654632021-04-21T07:15:00.001-04:002021-04-21T07:15:19.511-04:00WAS THE ANGRY BANKER WORTH AN HOUR PER WEEK?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-50jJhFn34o0/YIAJMXDGjRI/AAAAAAAAOoI/i8e2QtL2-XY8aeI_2LYuUpUjzDyREKixgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="271" height="220" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-50jJhFn34o0/YIAJMXDGjRI/AAAAAAAAOoI/i8e2QtL2-XY8aeI_2LYuUpUjzDyREKixgCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Every once in awhile, I hear a story which not only blesses my heart but inspires my soul. When my friend shared this story with me, I knew I had to share it with whomever happened to stumble upon this blog.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Each week, I have the honor of teaching a team of evangelists in a predominantly Muslim country. There is a pretty sizable time zone difference, so the class takes place via WhatsApp video, very early on Sunday morning and the teaching is done through an interpreter. This is one of those outside of the box ministry opportunities I love being a part of. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> For the safety of the team, I will omit the name of the country and the name of my friend as the main focus of their ministry is in the Muslim community. </span><br /></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> A couple of years ago, my friend became aware of a man, a Muslim Banker, who was feared by everyone around him as he was a violent man with a mean temper. God laid a burden, for the Banker, on my friend's heart so, under the guise of wanting to open a bank account, my friend visited the Banker and began to ask questions about banking. </span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> After several visits, my friend and the banker became friendly and little by little a genuine friendship developed. Notice, my friend did not go into the bank and begin proclaiming Jesus right away, first, he developed a relationship. Through much prayer and patience, my friend was, eventually, able to share with the Banker a little about his faith, not in a proselytizing manner, but in conversation, as friends would normally discuss their personal lives.</span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> One day, undoubtedly by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, my friend asked the Banker if he would be willing to hold onto his Bible overnight, as my friend walked home through a heavily populated Muslim section of the city and feared harassment for carrying a Bible. The Banker agreed to hold onto the Bible.</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> My friend did not suggest the Banker read the Bible, he simply asked him to hold onto it. Night after night, my friend left his Bible with the Banker and eventually, curiosity got the better of the Banker and he began to read. Each day my friend would retrieve his Bible and eventually conversations about the Banker's nightly readings took place. </span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> Over a period of time, the Banker became a believer in Christ and is now involved with the evangelism team. A soul was rescued from the clutches of hell because a brave man cared enough to invest time in making a disciple instead of trying to make a convert.</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> Jesus commanded us to make disciples. Making disciples requires an investment of time in the life of another. This may be the single biggest problem with the modern church today:</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> we are not committed to spending time making disciples. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> Jesus invested three years in the lives of His disciples, Paul invested time in Timothy, Priscilla and Aquilla invested in Apollos, the list goes on and on. True legacy is investing in the the spiritual growth and maturity of others. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span> "I just don't have time," you may say. When I consider the time I waste pursuing worthless things, it truly puts me to shame. Who in your life is God prompting you to invest some time? Is this person's soul worth an hour or two per week? </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> My friend is a regular person, just like you, just like me, yet he knew God could do something amazing through him. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span>Matthew 28:19-20 - </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span>Jesus commanded us to make disciples, but, He also promised to be with us. What are you waiting for, my friend? Let's be disciple makers!</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: red;">Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-27151177959095321592021-04-01T07:14:00.000-04:002021-04-01T07:14:08.447-04:00DID I JUST MEET A TIME TRAVELER??<p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nAlYerMA9R4/YGRaH-YsknI/AAAAAAAAOMs/p3oMml9Dr1YCLRCXpZF9gdeRaxetuRpegCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nAlYerMA9R4/YGRaH-YsknI/AAAAAAAAOMs/p3oMml9Dr1YCLRCXpZF9gdeRaxetuRpegCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="180" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">This past weekend, I had the honor of being one of the guest speakers at the Place of Skulls 20th Anniversary concert. </span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y2mYTVFyokY" width="320" youtube-src-id="Y2mYTVFyokY"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> We had an amazing event and were blessed to meet some really great people.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rskQUDdUDOw/YGRWoVFZrJI/AAAAAAAAOMk/e-7KPUURsPwNU-110w-l1PKizYQnMHztACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rskQUDdUDOw/YGRWoVFZrJI/AAAAAAAAOMk/e-7KPUURsPwNU-110w-l1PKizYQnMHztACLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> The trip, itself, was not without incident, but, the strangest encounter, by far was a reunion of sorts:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> As my wife and I pulled up to the venue, Essential Church in Huntsville AL, I noticed a guy waiting to cross the street and I thought, "I recognize that guy." I have never been to Huntsville before, mind you. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> As we walked up to the door, the guy I had seen in the street was standing there waiting to go in. I was greeting the attendees and went up to the man and said, "we've met." And this is where things start to get weird. The man said, "yep, I remember you, it's been a lot of years!" Because often I get mistaken for other people, I kind of dismissed the idea, welcomed the guy to the show and went inside.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> As scheduled events often do, there were some last minute changes and I was told I would be opening the show with a message, rather than closing, so I walked to a lighted area to review my notes. Lo and behold, the same guy is where I was heading and he says, "You still got that same walk, huh?" So, now, my curiosity is peaked, and I finally asked him, "where did we meet?" He looked at me for a moment and said, ominously, "Chattanooga", then nodded his head for emphasis. I thought, "no way, I haven't been to Chattanooga since 1986!"</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> Dubious of the whole encounter, I asked, "where in Chattanooga?" and the answer was certainly not at all what I was expecting! You see, in 1986, at the age of 18, I was in a tiny little bar outside of Chattanooga getting my first tattoo. This guy, apparently, remembered me from that bar! How? I can not even begin to guess.</span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> As we talked out the details, neither one of us looking anything like we did in 1986, it was clear, this guy knew stuff he could not have made up. My wife postulated an explanation as good as any other - This guy was a time traveler who came back in time to mess with my head!</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span> My wife mused, "what if he was you from the future having a good laugh." I thought that would be something, maybe because of the Mandela Effect, time travelers are afraid to alter history so they only use the technology to mess with themselves and loved ones! </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> Because the man is 65, for my wife's theory to be true, we would have to master time travel in the next 13 years. Since the guy was a few inches taller than me, I thought, maybe it was my son Daniel, 48 years from now. Daniel is the only person I know who would use time travel technology to go back in time just to mess with someone's head (my head in particular) and have a good laugh about it!</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Obviously, neither I, nor my wife, actually believe in time travel, but, what if...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> The point of this story is, there are plenty of events and situations we find ourselves in which defy explanation. There is a whole unseen realm governed by the One who transcends time and space. We are mostly unaware of what is happening in the spirit realm. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> God is not unaware: </span><b>1 Corinthians 2:9 </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> For us, what seems like chance encounters are often divine appointments. Followers of Jesus should expect the unexpected and realize, what we call supernatural is God's natural. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> If your spiritual life is a little stale, a little stagnant you probably need to spend some time in prayer seeking God's power and direction. God has so much more for you than a mundane boring existence. </span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span> Learn to expect the unexpected and be prepared to go wherever God leads... you probably won't be meeting time travelers, but scripture says you may entertain angels! </span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span> I hope you are up for the challenge! </span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span><span style="color: red;">Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-47087765774025686292021-03-10T12:01:00.002-05:002021-03-10T12:11:47.001-05:00MESSENGER - IN TO WIN - ALBUM REVIEW<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://imagery.zoogletools.com/u/392918/df02970b586e47a5510b5b92ae4d0d1b1f77c50d/large/cd-mask-nov.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="600" src="https://imagery.zoogletools.com/u/392918/df02970b586e47a5510b5b92ae4d0d1b1f77c50d/large/cd-mask-nov.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Every once in a while, I come across a band I have never heard of and... really like. Messenger is one of those bands. I am pretty sure you will like them too.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Messenger is a power/prog/melodic metal band with clean vocals and a fresh unique sound. This is not, by any means, a "sounds like" or "if you like so and so you will love Messenger" band; Messenger has a distinct style blending musical influences from the 70's, 80's and today. </span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"> Messenger is based in Washington DC and is composed of Frank Clifton Herring - vocals/bass, Vlad Gurin - guitar and Michael John Hoover - drums. Studio musicians Rich Sandoval and Mike Zahorchak contributed bass and drums, respectively, for <i>In To Win.</i></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> In To Win</i>, as an album overall,<i> </i>evokes the ethos of noble warriors who have been battle tested and stand firm in the knowledge theirs is a righteous cause. Most songs on this album, according to the band, deal with "conflict and the response to conflict" and I would have to agree. The listener cannot help but be inspired to aspire to something greater than the regular mundane day to day experience. Our Christian life should never be boring, and albums like <i>In To Win</i> remind us to not settle for mediocre. </span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> From the first track, <i>Time Machine, </i>there is no doubt this album rocks. Herring's call to "<b>Kick it!</b>"<b> </b>sets the tone and pace, not only for the opening, but for the whole album. Immediately, the listener notices the care put into the musical quality. Excellent guitar riffs, a driving rhythm section and top notch vocals are sure to please the most critical ear.</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> The onslaught continues with <i>Blind-Sided</i>. A heavy hitter crafted around the inspiring guitar riffs of Vlad Gurin. This song, both musically and lyrically reflects the the challenges we face when our plans are interrupted by unexpected circumstances. Being a faith based band has it's definite perks, spiritually speaking, as the Holy Spirit certainly showed up in the lyrics, ministering, not only to the listener, but to the musicians as well. </span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> The third track, <i>Take Flight</i> slows down the pace a bit, demonstrating the band's versatility and highlighting Herring's vocal range. Vocally, I would put Herring in the category of Rob Rock or Stairway's Graeme Leslie, for range and tone. Hearing Herring, dynamically paired with the uber-talented guitar work of Gurin, one can feel the chemistry, comparable to early Joe Perry and Steven Tyler. </span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> The fourth track, <i>Give a Shout!</i>, is nothing but fun. I would expect this to be the opener to a live show. A driving onslaught which commands the audience, "If you like what you're hearing, give a shout!", evokes a vision of hundreds of leather clad revelers raising a fist in the air and shouting along with the band. A perfect song, given the motif of the overall album. </span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> The next track, my favorite, <i>Crows and the Hawk</i>, deals with the very sensitive and timely topic of racial unity in a world that seems to have forgotten we are one race... the human race. Meticulously crafted, this song is backdropped by a single beat, enhanced by the intentional guitar work fashioned after Eastern European folk music. CATH highlights the international flavor and influences of Gurin, adding to the overall freshness and unique sound that is Messenger</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AW3I-UQ5lbg" width="320" youtube-src-id="AW3I-UQ5lbg"></iframe></span></span></div><span><span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><p></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> While every song on this album is worth a listen or ten, the last song I want to mention is <i>Satan's Nightmare</i>. This radio worthy song begs to be listened to at maximum decibels. Starting off with an unmistakable modern sound, there are plenty of change ups and memorable riffs, along with catchy lyrics and chorus. The musical change up is reminiscent of Guns and Roses, where more than one song and style is detected. <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> <i>In To Win</i> is a winner overall. I tested this album by listening to it three times in a row and enjoyed it as much on the third listen as I did on the first, which is very rare for me. Another thing I noticed is I did not find myself skipping any tracks on the third listen, also rare for me. <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> To learn more about Messenger or to order directly from the band, please check out this link </span><a href="https://messengermetal.com/" target="_blank">Messenger Official Site</a> </span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"> If you are looking for a worthy addition to your musical library, you will not want to miss out on <i>In To Win</i> by <b>Messenger</b>. Don't forget to play it loud!!<br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span><br /></span></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-70581624868398462502021-01-04T11:19:00.003-05:002021-01-04T11:19:23.066-05:00THE WORLD IS IN CHAOS? STAND FIRM IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD<span style="font-size: large;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSXkjnPCO3vD0AEaEswWvP1p_iZb39PoR9Qxw&usqp=CAU" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="251" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSXkjnPCO3vD0AEaEswWvP1p_iZb39PoR9Qxw&usqp=CAU" /></a></div><br /> How well do you know Jesus? Think about this question for just a moment. Sure, you can read about Jesus in the Bible and listen to one of millions of messages or read one of millions of books about Jesus, but how well do you really know Jesus?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Peter spent about 3 years with Jesus. Saw all the miracles, heard all the inside teaching and watched the Man live life, yet, Peter came to a stunning and devastating realization one morning, in a courtyard: he did not really know Jesus.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Picture the scene, Jesus has just spent hours instructing 11 of His closest followers about what would soon happen. Peter declares, "even if I must perish with you, you shall not be taken away." Yet,only a few hours later, Jesus has been arrested and three times Peter denies even knowing Jesus. Why did Peter deny Jesus? Sure, he was afraid, but why was he afraid? Ultimately, Peter did not believe Jesus was in control of the situation.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> If we truly believe God is in absolute control, we really should never live in fear. Remember Jesus' frustration when the Disciples were terrified of the storm while at sea? Jesus was peacefully asleep while his followers had a little freak-out because they thought the boat they were in was about to be destroyed by the storm. Jesus spoke the words, "Be Still!" as much to the storm as He did to His frightened followers. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> For God to be God, He must be all knowing, all powerful and good. It is very easy to give intellectual ascent to the idea of an all powerful, all knowing, and all good God, but, putting intellectual ascent into practice may be another matter, entirely. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> Currently, the entire world is facing unprecedented upheaval. The COVID 19 pandemic has touched every corner of our planet, changing how we do almost everything. Geological events are ramping up as dormant volcanoes are rumbling to life and earthquakes are increasing in strength and frequency. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> Politically speaking, uncertainty is the best word to describe current conditions. Who will be sworn in as President of the United States on January 20th? It depends on who you listen to. Undoubtedly, election fraud has been committed, however, can the level of fraud be determined and proven in time to overturn the election results? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> Added to the mix is crazed legions of arm chair prophets, prognosticating the latest "message from Jesus, Himself!" YouTube and social media are rife with the contradictory messages of modern day, self proclaimed, prophets, as the faithful seek answers and order during increased turmoil and uncertainty.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> There is no denying, chaos seems to be the order of the day, however, <b>seems </b>is the operative word. As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we have certain assurances. Right now, you may feel as if you are on a small boat ravaged by a ferocious storm. You may be wondering if you will survive or if God is even aware of what is happening. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> Having a solid personal relationship with God is paramount to standing firm during these times of upheaval and uncertainty. Remember the Disciples' fear and surprise in the storm tossed boat? Remember Peter's bravado turned to cowardice? All the result of not really knowing and consequently not trusting, God. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> There are some practical steps to supernatural peace and joy, especially during trying times:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">1. A regular and intentional time of prayer. Talking to God is the best way to get to know Him.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">2. A regular time of Bible reading, meditation, and memorization. Learning key passages will protect you from fear and doubt.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">3. A regular time of worship. Recounting the glories of God helps </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> us keep His power and faithfulness in proper perspective.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">4. Fellowship with other believers. Knowing you are not alone and drawing on the strengths of others is essential. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us, God's word assures us His perfect love drives out fear. Nothing taking place in the world today, nor in your personal life, for that matter, has taken God by surprise. Do you trust Him? I mean really trust Him? Are you assured God is in your corner? If you know Him, you will trust Him. If you trust Him, you will experience joy and peace, even as the world seems to spin out of control. God's got you and He's got this, whatever this happens to be in your life. Fear not, for Christ is with us, even to the end of the age.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-55837995673713521472020-09-30T20:17:00.001-04:002020-10-01T07:00:40.127-04:00WHY SHOULD I OBSERVE THE JEWISH FEAST OF TABERNACLES (SUKKOT)?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://iuic-prod-ws-repo.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/25092314/tabernacles-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="638" height="240" src="https://iuic-prod-ws-repo.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/25092314/tabernacles-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p> <br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Did you ever wonder why God gave His people feasts to observe for all generations? Each feast commemorates something specific and most have to do with agricultural events. There were spring feasts and fall feasts. The feasts were not suggestions for the children of Israel, but commands. In fact, for 3 feasts, each year, every Hebrew male was required to present himself before God, at the Temple in Jerusalem.<br /><br /> Was this something God did just to keep everyone busy or was there a deeper purpose? <br /><br /> As we study scripture, we quickly learn, from the earliest chapters of Genesis, the Bible is God's story of the fall and redemption of mankind. <br /><br /> We are all familiar with the story of the fall of Adam and Eve. After Adam and Eve rebelled, God provided covering for them with animal skin and promised, in Genesis 3, the Seed of Woman would defeat Satan, once and for all. <br /><br /> Next, in Genesis 6, man's bloodline was corrupted by rogue angelic beings who rebelled against God and impregnated human women, forming a corrupt race of giants. To preserve the human bloodline, necessary to fulfill His promise in Genesis 3, God wiped the earth clean with a flood and restarted humanity through Noah, a man, we are told, who was "perfect in all his generations." Perfect in all his generations was not referring to Noah's good behavior but, rather, his undefiled genetics. <br /><br /> Not long after the flood, man rose up in rebellion against God and built a tower, in an effort to declare independence from God. God destroyed the work, confused the languages and ultimately, divided the earth into nations. <br /><br /> Contemporary with the time immediately after the Tower of Babel debacle, God called a man named Abram and promised to establish a mighty nation through him and by this mighty nation, God also promised to bring redemption to mankind.<br /><br /> Notice the pattern, man rebels yet God makes a way for man to be in fellowship with Him. In the same way, God gave us remembrances to remain mindful of Him and of the promises He made. The Feasts of Israel were given for just such a purpose.<br /><br /> One feast, the Feast of Tabernacles, also referred to as Sukkot, is a time set aside by God for His children to commemorate. As Christ followers, we are not commanded, at this time, to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, but as Christ followers <b>we get</b> to keep the Feast! <br /><br /> You may ask, "why would I want to?" Well... let me tell you.<br /><br /> For Israel, Sukkot commemorates God's preserving the nation through 40 years of wandering in the desert, on the way to the Promised Land. For the follower of Christ, it is a good reminder of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as God tabernacles with us through the indwelling.<br /><br /> Many may not know this: the Feast of Tabernacles is the one feast every nation will be required to observe during the Kingdom age. <b>Zechariah 14:16-19 And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.</b><br /><br /> When Messiah comes, all nations will be required to keep the Feast of Tabernacles and every nation will be required to send a representative to Jerusalem for the feast each year. Any nation not sending a representative will receive no rain for a year. <br /><br /> God, obviously thinks the Feast of Tabernacles is a pretty big deal. If God thinks it's a big deal, we probably should too. Unfortunately, many believers have no idea about most of the feasts of the Lord. <br /><br /> The most exciting part about the Feasts of the Lord is the connection to the ministry of Messiah. The Spring Feasts: Passover, First Fruits and and Pentecost all found fulfillment in the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. On Passover He died (Lamb of God), on First Fruits He rose (First born from the grave) and on Pentecost the Church age began (ingathering of the Wheat).<br /><br /> It only stands to reason, the fall feasts will find fulfillment when Messiah comes to establish His Kingdom. Many scholars believe Messiah was born during the Feast of Tabernacles and will return on the Feast of Tabernacles to rule and reign for 1000 years. God's physical presence, in the person of Messiah, shall dwell, or tabernacle, with His people. Israel shall be restored - all twelve tribes. Peace will not only exist in Israel but will emanate from Jerusalem, the City of Peace. <br /><br /> When one considers all the meaning God packed into the Feast of Tabernacles, it becomes apparent this is a feast worth observing. In a few days, Orthodox Jews all over the world will be putting up temporary shelters and enjoying a week of great fellowship and mirth. I still remember seeing booths made of palm fronds decorating the driveways of an Orthodox neighborhood I worked in, many years ago, in South Florida. The families observing the feast would eat meals in the booths and invite friends and relatives over for festivities. <br /><br /> For 2020, Sukkot begins on October 3rd and runs through October 9th. If you get a chance, set aside at least one of those days, have a meal outside in a pavilion or under a dining tent and ponder God's promise to one day tabernacle among us. Spend some time in the Torah, have a little worship, enjoy a little fellowship and look up for our redemption is nigh. <br /><br /><span style="color: red;"> Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!<br /></span></span><br /> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-57086364252787361002020-09-17T07:09:00.000-04:002020-09-17T07:09:17.868-04:00DO YOU HAVE THE CHARACTER OF AN ANCIENT SPY?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://thetokener.com/uploads/token_sale/logo/776/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://thetokener.com/uploads/token_sale/logo/776/logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">What's up with character anymore? Judging on who we elect to public office these days, character doesn't seem to matter to most of us. This is a very sad state of affairs, indeed.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Character used to mean something, character used to be a tangible trait by which we could value or trust someone. I remember growing up with role models like The Lone Ranger, who exuded strength and confidence, fueled by high standards and moral convictions. Our role models of yesteryear were men and women who defeated evil with good, never blurring the lines between right and wrong.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/loneranger/images/f/f6/RangerSilver.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20090221091939" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/loneranger/images/f/f6/RangerSilver.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20090221091939" width="158" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Good character engenders trust, or at least, it used to. Today, character almost seems a whimsical ideal for suckers, satisfied with finishing last. Where have our upstanding leaders gone? I can hear the <i>All in the Family </i>theme song as I write these words... indeed, those were the days.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> I fear we have traded character for expediency. Those we send to Washington to represent us do not exactly ring the bell of moral fortitude or self sacrifice for the good of others. Unfortunately, when we send those of low character to represent us, it reveals more than we may realize about our own character.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> These thoughts came to me as I was studying in Joshua chapter 2 (go read it, it won't take more than a few minutes). </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Well, in case you didn't go read it just now, I'll recap:</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <b>Joshua, now the military leader of Israel, sent two spies into the land of Jericho. You are probably familiar with the story, they are hidden by a prostitute, then, weeks later the Israelites march around the city, the walls fall down and there is great victory. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> As I read through this passage, I began to wonder, why would this prostitute help these spies, spies who worked for people she knew would destroy her country. I began to consider her situation. I am sure Joshua, a man of great character, himself, would not have sent men of low character to spy out the land. The last time Israel was less than discriminate in sending spies, it cost them 40 years and millions of lives. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> So here is what I deduced. Rahab, the aforementioned prostitute, was, well, just that, a prostitute. Generally, in her culture, in that time, prostitutes ran the local inn, sort of a one stop shop kind of thing. Anyway, as the local prostitute, Rahab was most likely not treated very well by the men of the city. Joshua's spies show up and these guys are men of character. These men do not come to Rahab for a fun night of indulgence, they come to the inn for a good night's sleep with their mind on the task before them. Rahab probably did not come in contact with men who treated her respectfully very often. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> We know from the text, in Joshua 2, the people of Jericho are well aware the Israelites serve the One True God. Rahab knows the religion of her city and she knows how the men who live in her city treat her. Rahab most likely saw something different in these spies who served God. These men, who came to destroy her city, demonstrated behavior with which Rahab was not familiar. These men probably represented God well and made an impact on this woman, an impact which most likely saved their lives.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.freeenglishsite.com/BattlePics/Jericho1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="519" height="200" src="http://www.freeenglishsite.com/BattlePics/Jericho1.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> This is why character counts. If you are a professed follower of Christ, people are watching your life. People may very well be evaluating Jesus based on how you live and treat others. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> In the scripture above, a prostitute's life is not only redeemed, but, we learn later, this same prostitute ends up in the genealogy of Jesus Christ! Now, how's that for redemption?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Are you living life for you or for God. If you are out for yourself, you will inadvertently hurt others, there is no such thing as live and let live in the real world. There is no victimless crime in real life. We do not sin in a vacuum. Our choices, good and bad, affect others, often those we love most. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> The Psalmist wrote: <b><span style="color: #111111;">Psalms 139:23-24 </span><span style="color: #111111;">Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Our prayer should be the same. So, I ask you, do you have the character of an ancient spy? Do others see God in your daily life and behavior? Like the aforementioned spies, you may be the only representation of Jesus someone may encounter. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Yes, character still counts. We should demand it of ourselves and those we send to represent us. Be strong and of good courage, dare to pray Psalm 139:23-24.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell! </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-64818988071968855482020-08-21T07:30:00.003-04:002020-08-21T07:30:56.316-04:00THE SUPERNATURAL BIBLE<div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcSMF_AeBytzmiMxSxJELYwlDxOLD58iUmZD3g&usqp=CAU" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcSMF_AeBytzmiMxSxJELYwlDxOLD58iUmZD3g&usqp=CAU" /></a></div><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span></div> Is your faith boring? </span></span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> Let's be honest for a second... do you find yourself easily bored by church and Bible sermons? Do you feel as if there is a spiritual void in your life, even though you go to church regularly, pray and even read your Bible some? </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> Do you have a sense of a world beyond what we experience? I am not talking about heaven,or the after-life I am talking about an unseen realm where the rules of time and space may be a bit different.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> As we read scripture, we catch glimpses, here and there, of supernatural beings we do not really understand. We read about events or descriptions of visions which are outside our frame of reference, therefore, we pass over these passages, without really thinking about them. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> When was the last time you heard a sermon on Ezekiel's vision of a wheel? When was the last time you heard a pastor elaborate on Psalm 82:1 where it says, <b>"God as taken His place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods He holds judgement."</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> So often, we have filtered the Bible through a Western mindset and forget it was written by men who accepted the supernatural as part of God's natural order. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Why do we accept a young shepherd boy was able to slay a giant with a sling and stone, yet, we balk when someone suggests angels mated with humans and created a race of hybrid giants? Did you ever stop to wonder where Goliath came from in the first place?</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcQhCVUwMB3Ahl_GMPM_TtCgd226EMapRxcdGg&usqp=CAU" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcQhCVUwMB3Ahl_GMPM_TtCgd226EMapRxcdGg&usqp=CAU" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Churches and Sunday schools readily teach about Elijah being taken up in a chariot of fire, yet we do not get many lessons on Ezekiel's encounter with, what can only be understood as, a powered craft of some kind. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I wonder how we got away from the more supernatural aspects of scripture and who decided it was OK to ignore parts of scripture because they are too difficult to understand. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> The one thing we must keep in mind, the Bible was given to us by an all powerful, all knowing Being from beyond our confines of time and space. God exists extra-dimensionally from us and to think God is the only being who exists extra-dimensionally from us is foolish.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Humans, generally speaking, are limited to understanding things for which we have a frame of reference. We can understand eternity future because we are destined to live forever. Eternity past is not so easy, since we have, and everything we experience has, a definitive beginning. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Do not allow difficult to understand passages of scripture deter you from studying and learning. Do allow doubt to creep into your mind because parts of scripture seem to conflict with your understanding of the natural order. The Bible comes to us supernaturally from a supernatural Source, so, of course there will be things beyond our understanding of the natural order.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Imagine how the Apostle John felt when he was given visions of our future with all of it's tech. We do not have to imagine Ezekiel's reaction when he encountered, and traveled in, an extra-dimensional craft, he tells us himself he was in such great shock from the experience he couldn't speak for seven days.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Please don't take my word for this stuff! Check it out for yourself and prove me wrong... if you can. I promise, if you begin to look at scripture from the perspective and worldview of the writers, rather than the perspective of our modern lenses, Bible study will be a great new adventure of wonder and awe. Hopefully, this new perspective will define how you look at the world around you, as well. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Bible study and spiritual growth should affect your worldview and lifestyle, not vice versa. Pray before you study, ask God for wisdom and proper perspective. Ask God to make it real and relevant, I promise He will!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Are you feeling unsettled? Are you searching for meaning? Throughout history, extreme conditions have led ordinary people out of obscurity and into great purpose. A purpose not born of self promotion or desire, instead a prominence born of duty and faith. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In the book of Esther, we find a woman whom history would have ignored if not for her courage to answer the call of duty in a time of crisis. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> You may be familiar with the story of Queen Esther, she was a Jewish woman (most likely a teenage girl) who was chosen, by the godless king of the Persian empire, as the replacement for his rebellious wife. Shortly after Esther's appointment, a plot to eradicate the Jews from the empire was launched by a pompous government official named Haman. Mordecai, Esther's uncle, discovered the plot and implored Esther to intercede on behalf of her people. Up to this point, Esther had not revealed her heritage and was afraid to approach the king. Mordecai's words may be among the most important aspects of this account: </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Mordecai knew the promises of God would not allow the Jewish people to be eliminated. Mordecai knew God would bring deliverance for His people, furthermore, Mordecai was convinced deliverance would come through the intervention of his niece, who was elevated to the position of Queen for this very purpose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Today, we are facing a crisis none could have predicted. What is God speaking to your heart right now? Do you have a special talent or ability <b>for such a time as this</b>? Are you being prompted by God to step out and do something different, <b>for such a time as this</b>? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Peter stepped out of the boat into tumultuous conditions. David stepped onto the world stage, out of obscurity, only when a monster threatened God's people. Gideon, a virtual nobody, stepped up and delivered his people from enemy hordes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Are you sensing God's call to step out in faith <b>for such a time as this</b>? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Queen Esther did not just jump and run, she spent a good deal of time in prayer and she enlisted the prayers of others. What is the burden God is laying on your heart? Does it seem too big to accomplish on your own? It probably is, however, this is when the true meaning of Philippians 4:13 comes into play:</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> If God is calling you to do something, He will provide you with all the resources, strength and personnel you will need to accomplish His purpose. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Make no mistake, God does not need you, He does want you however. As Mordecai stated, God will accomplish His purpose, with or without you. Yes but, at what cost to you? Are you willing to sacrifice peace and purpose on the altars of fear or sloth?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The Revolutionary, Thomas Paine, said, "these are the times that try men's souls." Is God trying your soul today? Extraordinary times call for ordinary people who are willing to allow God to do extraordinary things through them. Are you up for the calling? Are you ready to step up and out? Are you ready to be used by God <b>for such a time as this</b>?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Now is the time and here is the place for you to put your faith into action and allow God to use you for <b>such a time as this</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-9046366444893695402020-04-01T23:05:00.001-04:002020-04-01T23:05:15.405-04:00DABSTER GENTLEMEN - ANSWERS - CD REVIEW<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once in a while, something new and cutting edge comes along, something which defies tradition and stands up in defiance against the mundane. The much anticipated release of Dabster Gentlemen's second album, <i>Answers</i>, is a refreshing breath of fresh air. <i>Answers</i> remains true to the genre defying style fans fell in love with in <a href="https://ahnertthoughts.blogspot.com/2019/05/dabster-gentlemen-cd-review.html" target="_blank">Death or Life</a> , this time, adding a little electric into the mix. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Uber talented master composer Myles Barfield creates a spirited musical experience, combined with the distinct vocals and lyrical profundity of the legendary Dale Thompson. Added to the mix is new comer Skipp Phipps, adding his talents to this already extraordinary collaboration to deliver something truly unique and most importantly, honoring to God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> From the first track - <b>Take Me To The River</b>, the listener is immersed in a fun, nostalgic, romp imbued with the innocence of the Jesus movement of the early 1970's. A wise choice for an opener as it immediately catches the listener's attention. The most single worthy song on the album sets the pace for what is to come and what follows does not disappoint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>First Breath Today</b>, the second track has a definite southern rock/mountain music vibe. This fun rocker demonstrates the versatility in Barfield's compositional prowess. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next up, <b>Strange Fire is </b>rollicking fun, and a bit tongue in cheek, lyrically reminiscent of Thompson's solo work with the Kentucky Cadillacs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Dabster slows down and gets serious for a moment with <b>Miracle</b> which is a bit darker and contemplative. Single worthy in it's own right, Miracle demonstrates the depth and strength of the bands talent.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Hallowed Be Thy Name </b>is two parts sacred hymn one part praise and worship and evokes a style reminiscent of early Native American musical traditions. Definitely a top prospect for second single. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Three Don'ts </b>gets a little Calypso. A rollicking reminder of our standing in Jesus Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Jesus Knows Where We Are</b> is a nod to Dale Thompson's roots as a rock and roll superstar, recounting a show so loud, the police came and shut it down. This track sports a funky groove reminiscent of Bob Dylan's 115 Dream. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>More Like Jesus </b>is a veritable poetry slam set to a most fitting musical background. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Straight Is The Gate </b>is an easy flowing jazzy piece reminiscent of Henry Mancini's Pink Panther work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Of Halloween</b> has an 80's pop rocker sound and takes a bold stand on a sometimes controversial subject. This track musically captures a fun, eerie tone, evoking childhood memories of Disney's Haunted Mansion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The album wraps up where it began with a little nostalgia. Bonus track <b>All Roads Lead Home</b>, is a reminiscence of a more innocent time. Barfield lays the perfect musical foundation as we get a sneak peek into Dale Thompson's musical heritage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>Answers </i>will appeal to the casual listener as well as the most discerning connoisseur. Compositionally eclectic, Dabster Gentlemen daringly blends styles most would never deign attempt and they pull it off. Combining the, decidedly not hard rock, compositions with the raspy powerfully high range vocals of Dale Thompson produces a fun yet musically mature experience no one could have predicted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> If you are looking for a musical experience like none other, or are looking to add to your Dabster Gentlemen collection <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpsalm73-production.myshopify.com%2Fproducts%2Fdabster-gentlemen-answers%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0D6ik_GrHt9EtF9Ta2uHnncIkjjyFfKe2HDRtfzWSSDfN4A_v_FYlVxys&h=AT1EnPXf8dDOaz9H03kKckR-5ZOB2u-WsPZTSvgZG4FKOSFffP8w5-7kjPycL3Yk0FcqETkZRKn9387avDZsSLNOZtfUdkWMR9zpGEbbD27NdqA_o-CbgM0nosq10NU6m1y68pK4LaJKBCR8gac" target="_blank">click here</a></span><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-80617616488891604052020-03-29T12:12:00.002-04:002020-03-29T12:16:53.644-04:00CORONA VIRUS AND THE BELIEVER’S RESPONSE AND RESPONSIBILITY<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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Adapted from a message from the Fringe March 14, 2020</div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I think it would not be over-dramatic to say we are living in unprecedented and historic times. We are living in a time our grandchildren will learn about in history classes, should the Lord tarry.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"> We are seeing the world around us change in ways never imagined in our age of freedom and plenty - </b>quarantines<b style="font-weight: normal;">, travel restrictions, shelter at home orders, financial collapse of the world's economies and, of course, the ever present threat of infection. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"> As believers in Christ, how do we respond to this kind of turmoil? Some are declaring this pandemic to be the end of the world, others are ignorantly claiming some kind of supernatural protection for followers of Christ. Most, however, are merely trying to understand how Covid 19 will continue to affect their lives.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"> As a nation and a world, we have faced unprecedented tragedies in the past. World War I cost millions of lives. Hundreds of years before WWI, the Black Plague wiped out almost 60% of Europe. God did not allow the us to go extinct, despite Satan's best efforts. God's word holds promises and if you study scripture, you will see, this is not the end of the world, nor will it be the end of mankind</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DO NOT PANIC</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>Right now, it is important to not panic. Though Chaos may be all around us, God is in Control. The Bible talks to us about fear:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><span style="color: red;"> 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</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> So, we see a passage from the Old Testament and a passage from the New Testament, telling us not to fear nor to be anxious, but to trust God for peace and security. On the testimony of two witnesses, a matter is established and we find here, the testimony of both the old covenant and the new covenant. And, also, we have the very words of Jesus: </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Matthew 10:29-31 - are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /><br />God fully knows what we need. We do not have the luxury of seeing the future, we can only see now. The past is closed to us, sealed, unalterable. The future is invisible and unknowable. We are relegated to the immediate. God, on the other hand is in tomorrow, and next week and next month and next year. In fact, God is already in the last day of this creation. So, who are we going to trust? ourselves, the news man - who may or may not have an agenda, the politicians - whose main goal is gaining or retaining office? <br /><br /><br /> This is the time, if there ever was one, for believers to crawl into God's pocket and to seek Him diligently. Throw off anything hindering your relationship with God.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /><br />What in your life is keeping you from fully surrendering to God? Is it pride, a pet sin, a self sufficient attitude, or even a sense of unworthiness? Whatever it may be, today is the day, now is the time, to cast off the weight and come home to your Father who loves you. <br /><br /><br /> At the same time, we cannot sit back and do nothing, simply expecting everything to work out for us. I have seen some very irresponsible people on social media, saying stupid things like, "As long as you trust Jesus, you can't get the virus." Guess what, God's people get sick and God's people die, just like everyone else. <br /><br /><br /> Be smart, limit your exposure, follow the protocols, wash your hands, use hand sanitizer. Take common sense precautions. Don't take stupid unnecessary risks, but at the same time, be open to the leading of God.<br /><br /><br /> In the book of I Kings 17:7-15 we find a very encouraging and applicable account of God's leading during a national crisis. I encourage you to take the time to read through the passage and see what God speaks to your heart. The full message this post is adapted from can be found here:</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /><br /> I must confess, I do not know what tomorrow holds concerning this virus, but God does. I do not know what God has planned for you and your life, but God does.<br /><br /><br /> Are you ready to cast off all things hindering you from hearing the voice of God? Are you ready to trust and obey?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We are truly living in historic times. We are living in an unprecedented time, fraught with speculation, misinformation and agenda driven manipulation. Fear not, for God is with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The real question you have to ask yourself is, do you trust God? After 9/11, churches filled up and unfortunately the rise in attendance lasted only a few short weeks. People went back to life as normal. Did business driven churches see dollar signs instead of souls and fail those who came seeking answers? Possibly to some degree, but also, the crisis ended quickly and life resumed normalcy, consequently, the sense of needing God's protection diminished. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Please, whether this crisis continues, slowly ends or somehow life returns to normal, do no let go of the sense of urgency you feel right now. We often run to God when we perceive danger, do not drift away from God after the sense of danger passes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> If you are a follower of Christ, you do not have cause for fear because you serve a God who transcends time, not just the past, the future as well. Place your feet where He leads, love one another, be kind and helpful to those who are terrified. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This is a grand opportunity for God's people to step up and live out our faith, serving and comforting those who are afraid or in need. Your may find your words have little affect in comforting others, but, your actions, your remaining calm, your kindness and generosity, these things will speak volumes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This crisis may be an opportunity to forge new relationships and a way we can show how true love is action which expects nothing in return. Listen to God, do not get caught up in emotionalism</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Do you trust God today, believer? Then do what He says. Show others the hope you have in Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!!</b></span><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-32201681532714881262020-03-04T07:04:00.003-05:002020-03-05T08:19:26.294-05:00SATAN'S PROMISE IS ONE SIZE FITS ALL - LIKE AN OLD STRAITJACKET<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Has your worldview shifted over time, do you question things you once believed to be true? Does what once seemed black and white now begin to take on shades of gray? Has truth changed with time or are we in danger of becoming jaded by our experiences? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The world we live in offers so much promise and delivers so much emptiness, which can be attested to by those who have reached out to grab the golden ring, only to find plastic wrapped in fools gold. The American Dream peddled, to us by Madison Avenue, is nothing more than an unattainable vapor, something as easily apprehended as a handful of smoke. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The pathway to the pursuit of happiness is littered with the wreckage of shattered lives, yet new pilgrims embark on the journey each and every day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> What is the reason? Can it be mankind is inherently stupid or could there be an external siren song, calling us to self destruction, a self destruction disguised as freedom?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This post is inspired by a song written by the late Chris Cornell called Stolen Prayer. Originally written for, but never recorded by, Ozzy Osborne. Alice Cooper recorded the song on his album The Last Temptaion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When we are young and idealistic, life seems so full of hope and wonder. The same can be said about our early days of faith, especially if you have come to the Lord as an adult. As newborn babes in Christ, there is nothing but hope and excitement, our faith seems unshakable. Then life comes at us like a freight train and all we were so sure of suddenly becomes a ball of confusion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Questions like: Is God really there? Does God really care? begin to creep in and the voice of our enemy seems far clearer and louder than the voice of our Father.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When we begin to listen to that voice, the voice of doubt, the voice of discouragement, the voice who tells us we are worthless or deserve better than what we are getting, when we listen to that voice, it's not long before we are bound up and neutralized. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Jesus faced Satan at His weakest point, after 40 days of fasting. Jesus had no physical strength to defeat a celestial being, a being of great power and intellect. The only weapon Jesus had available was the Word of God. The only weapon available was the only weapon necessary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> There is a battle of words for our souls. Satan's words telling us freedom is one size fits all, except the freedom he offers is a straight jacket. On the other hand is God's words, telling us His plan for us is unique and tailor made for the person He has allowed us to become. Also in the mix are our words, words spoken either in prayer or in vanity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> It is ironic, the One who speaks to us in whispers, whispers we must train ourselves to hear, died in our stead while the one who speaks to us in silky tones, clearly heard, entices us to die for him. Everything comes down to words.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> God's Word is filled with promises and accounts of fulfilled promises. God's word also tells us there will be times when we will walk through the valley of the shadow of death. In the midst of the valley of death is the promise of God to never leave us nor forsake us. Even in our times of unfaithfulness, God promises to remain faithful to us, if we are His:<span style="color: red;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b>2 Timothy 2:13 - if we are faithless, He remains faithful for He cannot deny Himself.</b></span><br /><br /> These are important words, these are life sustaining words. <br />We have to prepare for when life swerves while we are heading straight, for those times when we are tempted to question truth, when the silken voice of the serpent hisses lies in our ears. The only weapon we have is the only weapon necessary, God's word. <br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>Psalm 119:11 - Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee<br /><br /><br /> Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked nor stands in the way of sinners nor sits in the seat of scoffers</b></span><br /><br /><br /> The embodiment of wickedness is the prince of sinners and scoffers. The father of lies will flatter you or degrade you depending on what is most effective. The Prince of Peace will tell you truth and give you the power to respond appropriately. Whose words are you listening to? Whose words have the greatest influence on you? <br /><br /><br /> Use your words and pray to the Father of Lights: Matthew 26:41 - Watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation...<br /><br /><br /> Jesus' words are a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, while the words of the angel of perdition promise everything we think we ever wanted but lead to the deepest depths of darkness where those who walk are clothed in despair. <br /><br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b> John 10:27 - My sheep know my voice, I know them and they follow me</b></span><br />Train yourself to recognize the voice of the Shepherd so you won't be fooled when the serpent hisses his deadly promises in your ear. Learn to recognize the words of the Shepherd and ask for the power to do what His words tell you.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: red;"> Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span></span><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-71376575192744419152020-02-19T07:15:00.001-05:002020-02-19T07:15:42.251-05:00METAL MISSION OF KNOXVILLE PRESENTS: THE FRINGE<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Metal Mission of Knoxville has officially kicked off phase three of our journey with God. Previously, I have written about how MMOK came into existence. <a href="https://ahnertthoughts.blogspot.com/2017/04/metal-mission-of-knoxville.html" target="_blank">To read our origin story, click here</a> . Since then, amazing and unexpected things have happened. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When Victor Griffin, Skyler Denny and myself began MMOK, we believed our ministry would be, primarily, in the clubs and to the music community of Knoxville. If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> God steered us into a direction none of us envisioned and MMOK became, primarily, a homeless outreach in downtown Knoxville. In the beginning, a handful of us went downtown, each week, and stood under the bridge with a few sausage biscuits and some coffee. We felt like we could do more and prayed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> After a few weeks, we noticed a ministry had set up tables on a vacant lot around the corner from where we were standing and we decided to set up on the same lot and see if we got chased away by the police or whoever owned the lot. To our surprise, no one ever asked us to leave. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Week after week, our presence grew and so did those coming to serve with us, yet, we still felt as if we were missing something important. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> At the same time, we continued to hold our Night in the Word events at The Open Chord music club. A Baptist pastor from Rutledge TN, Eric Warren, and his wife Angie came to a couple of our events, fully expecting to hear wonky doctrine. Instead, Eric and Angie felt a call from God to get on board the Metal Mission train and see where the ride took them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The Night in the Word events came to an end but the commitment to serve God continued as we remained faithful to His call in the homeless community. The vision for Metal Mission expanded and we incorporated. By this time Pastor Eric and Angie were fully on board, literally as Eric and I became co-chairs of the board of directors of Metal Mission International.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Our weekly homeless outreach was continuing to be blessed, yet we still felt as if something was missing. From our feelings of dissatisfaction, The Fringe was born. We had been praying, and even making inquiries, about a place to hold services downtown when God clearly spoke to us and said, "I already gave you a place to hold services downtown." We realized, the empty lot we served breakfast on was to be our church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We announced our plans to the folks we served on the street, to much enthusiasm. Pastor Eric and I began to alternate weeks, preaching messages, relevant to the community we were serving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> As we were faithful to this new endeavor, God was stirring our hearts for more. Week after week, we preached and wondered, "what's next?" God stirred, we prayed and we waited, or maybe God waited on us to get up and move. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Collectively, and this is how we know this was a God thing, we knew it was time to hold regular church services, in addition to what we were doing on the street. I began to look for small churches, near downtown, where we could cheaply rent space on Sunday afternoons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Meanwhile, God had other plans, as usual! My wife, Chrissy, met a lady, Rena at Grace Community Church in Fountain City, which is about 15 minutes from where we serve the homeless. As Chrissy shared about our ministry, Rena, made the comment, "you guys should start a church." Chrissy said, "funny you should mention that," and explained we were in the praying stages of finding a place to meet. Rena asked my wife, "Why don't you see about using this church, they would probably just want you to clean." We prayed, excited about the possibility, and reached out to the Elders of Grace Community Church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The leadership of GCC has been more than gracious to us and our ministry vision. The last week of August 2019, Metal Mission of Knoxville kicked off The Fringe with our first service, as</span><span style="font-size: large;"> our ministry outreach to the homeless became The Fringe Downtown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The Fringe, currently, has two pastors, Eric Warren and myself. We share the preaching responsibilities. The teaching is expository and each of us teach through a different book of the Bible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> All of our messages are online, on both the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Metal-Mission-of-Knoxville-1405236649523179/" target="_blank">Metal Mission of Knoxville</a> Facebook page and on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq8v-biXhF6K1Y-lG8t9yCg/featured?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> .</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Our mission has remained the same, to reach the lost and minister to those who identify with the fringier side of life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jesus wants you to come as you are but loves you too much to leave you that way</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Who is welcome? Anyone who is interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Christ's love. Everyone is welcome, but don't expect to always be comfortable as we believe God's word, handled correctly, will challenge us to be who God wants us to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> If you are looking for a place to grow and serve according to your design, MMOK's The Fringe may just be the place for you! We have plenty of opportunity to serve, we believe in allowing you the freedom to serve as God leads, not according to our perceived needs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The Fringe may be a place you can come grow with us as we seek God to change us and our community.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> What does God have in store for us next? We do not know, but we are anticipating great things. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> What we do know is, whatever the next step, we want to be squarely in the will of God and we want to promote the unfiltered Gospel of Jesus Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> If you feel a call to hop on the Metal Mission express, we would love to have you. We also covet your prayers as we desire to honor God in all we do.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</b></span><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-55553964677209623992020-02-05T07:26:00.001-05:002020-02-05T07:26:04.609-05:00DISCERNING DOCTRINAL TRUTH IN A MULTI-DOCTRINAL CHURCH CULTURE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Within evangelical Christianity, we have a myriad of different and often opposing doctrines. We all agree, I believe, on the fundamental tenets of the Gospel. After that, however, it seems as if everything is up for grabs! We cannot agree on who can be baptized or even how to baptize for that matter. We cannot agree what is happening to the bread and wine during the Lord's supper. We cannot agree on the proper clothing for church and sometimes, a church may split over the color of the carpet! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The funny thing (funny weird, not funny haha) is this was not always the case. Did you know, once upon a time, believers were all, actually, on the same page? Albeit, it was on the day the church was born, but it did actually happen. <b><span style="color: blue;">Acts 2:1 </span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The Bible says when two or more are gathered together in Jesus' name, there He is in the midst of them. You know what else happens when two or more gather in Christ's name? Theological disagreement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> One very divisive topic among Christians is the exercising of the gifts of the Spirit. One believer claims the gifts are no longer in use and the other believer teaches if you do not speak in tongues, you are not really saved. Obviously, two opposing views cannot both be true. Both can be false, and in this instance, I believe both statements are false (oh look, now we have 3 views that cannot be reconciled, what joy!!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The easy answer is, "What does the Bible say?" Well, one would think this is the easy answer, however, the fun thing about scripture, when taken out of context, we can make it say pretty much anything we want. Now, imagine what would happen if we came to scripture asking God to show us what it really says rather than trying to make it say what we already think is true? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We all have the same scripture, as believers. We all have the same Spirit of God indwelling us. So how can we all be so mixed up in our theology? The biggest obstacle we face is our sources of information. If we are honest, most of what we believe, or think we know, has come from a source outside the Bible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We all have a favorite theologian, a favorite person to learn from, whom we trust. The average believer gets more theology form a preacher, whether from the pulpit or in a book, than from the Bible itself. This is a big problem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Sadly, we cannot even agree if the Bible is to be taken literally or allegorically. This, also, is a big problem. If we choose to go the path of allegory, how do we even know where the path actually lies or where the edges of the path begin? Some may argue, "yeah, Jesus spoke in parables." Yes, Jesus did speak in parables but He told His disciples this: </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>“When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, ‘The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you.' </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I find it ironic the two major parts of scripture most readily relegated to allegory are our origins and our end. Admittedly, these are also the most difficult to wrap our minds around because we have no experience to which we can relate our beginning or end. The creation account was a one time event and we have no empirical evidence to support nor debunk. The Revelation account is described to us by a man who is seeing our future, with all of it's technology, a man whose greatest technology was an ox cart. The danger is to discredit or discount what we do not easily understand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>HOW DO WE RECONCILE DOCTRINAL DIFFERENCES?</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The first thing we must do, no matter what, is remember the command to love one another. Nothing creates anger and animosity among believers faster than arguing over points of doctrine. Can we not learn to disagree in love? Are you willing to allow someone the grace to be wrong? Are you willing to entertain the idea you may, possibly, be wrong? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The best way to reconcile doctrinal differences is to follow Paul's command in <b><span style="color: blue;">2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. </span></b> It appears to me, God is telling us here we can understand scripture and rightly divide truth. What is hindering us?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> As stated earlier, we all have the same scripture and we all have the same Spirit of God, so shouldn't we all agree? Here are some reasons why we do not:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 1. We don't read our Bibles for ourselves, we let others tell us what it says</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 2. Many who set doctrines had an agenda</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 3. Antisemitism and ignorance of Hebrew scripture led some early church fathers to mishandle New Testament writing</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> 4. Using scripture to defend rather than shape beliefs</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Unless you read the Bible with the attitude of a seeker of truth, you will fall into one or more of the traps above. We live in an age when spiritual illiteracy is inexcusable. We can literally carry a Bible in our pockets through the miracle of technology and phone apps!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Are you willing to read the Word of God for yourself and allow God's Spirit to teach you rather than a fallible, albeit well meaning, man? Are you willing to challenge things you have been taught, using the clear teachings and influence of the Holy Spirit, as your guide? Are you willing to follow truth, where ever it may lead?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Grab a Bible and a hot cup of coffee, sit at the feet of the Master, and allow God to show you His truth. I promise you, it will change your life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-36547798150548223302020-01-15T07:11:00.001-05:002020-05-29T21:34:58.228-04:00I DON'T WANT TO BE FLY FOR A WHITE GUY - ONE RACE, THE HUMAN RACE<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I Don't want to be fly for a white guy... I just want to be fly, or square, as the case may be, based on me, apart from my heritage. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> We have entered a new decade and society is still trying to figure out, so called, race relations. Is this not disturbing to anyone, besides me? Have we not figured out, after 5000 years of recorded history, the human race is one, we are all genetically and intellectually equal? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In the late 70's, a PSA, I will never forget, ran on television. A man and his grandson were fishing in a boat when the little boy asked his grandpa, "what's prejudice?" The grandpa asked the little boy, "who is Jimmy?" The little boy responded, "He's one of my Jewish friends." The grandpa then informs the little boy, "you are prejudice because you think of Jimmy as your Jewish friend and not your friend."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> What a lesson we need today, in our world of Social Justice Warriors making a point of labeling everyone and, consequently, demanding rights and privileges based on color, religious practice or gender orientation (real or manufactured). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Martin Luther King Jr understood, once we label someone, once we designate a person according to a color or creed, we open the door to dehumanization. Dr. King's dream of equality, his dream of judgment based on character alone should be our only standard. This is not a conservative vs liberals problem, this is a humanity problem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> What happens when I refer to someone as a black guy or a white gal? I have now designated. I have now made a distinction and, depending on my perspective, I may have, inadvertently, elevated or devalued someone based on skin pigmentation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In probably the most cringe worthy moment of the political season, I listened as commentators addressed race in the December Democratic Debate. The debate stage, it was noted in the press, was disproportionately white. Talking heads and pundits scrambled to wrap their heads around how this could have happened within the Democratic Party, asking who was to blame and how the rules must have been, somehow, unfair. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Even more cringe worthy was President Donald Trump's statement, "You also had people that were very fine people, on both sides." in response to an attack by white supremacist protesters against counter protesters in Charlottesvillle, a couple of years ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When can we just see people as people and not a color?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> What does God say about all this? The obvious place to start is <b><span style="color: blue;">Galatians </span></b></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Actions, however, speak much louder than words. A poignant, yet oft overlooked, account from the life of Moses demonstrates God's view in a most interesting way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In Numbers 12, we see Moses has married a Cushite woman. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Today, Cush would be considered the land of Ethiopia and the people of Ethiopia are unmistakably dark skinned. Moses, hailing from a Semitic family would have been considerably lighter skinned, though not white, as he is often depicted in modern art.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Moses' sister, Miriam, was not pleased with Moses' choice for a wife and made trouble for Moses because of his darker skinned spouse. God intervened and turned Miriam, scripture says, <i style="font-weight: bold;">leprous like snow</i>. I cannot help but ascertain God demonstrated His disdain for Miriam's prejudice by making her even whiter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God seems to be telling Miriam, "you like white better? Here is some white for you, let's see how you like white now" </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course, Miriam repented and God healed her, but the point is, God did not abide by Miriam's prejudice based on skin color and neither should we.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Sadly, there are still some in the Christian community who believe we are to remain separated by race, based solely on physical attributes. This is a foolish and dangerous lie buying into a false evolutionary construct. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I addressed <a href="https://ahnertthoughts.blogspot.com/2019/06/why-racism-in-pews.html" target="_blank">Racism in the Pews</a> a while back, and I believe the key to healing America of racism must start in the church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Certainly, within America, there are cultural divides, to ignore this is folly. People, naturally tend to associate with those whom they readily identify. This is not the same as race. Culture, in and of itself, does not signify superiority of one group over another. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The bigoted among us will say, "stick with your kind," "the Bible says we should not be unequally yoked," "God told the Jews not to mix with the other nations." Much like all of Satan's ploys to create mischief among God's people, statements like these are twisted to mean something God never intended. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's look at the passage about being unequally yoked, </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>2 <span style="color: blue;">Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Clearly, God's intent here is Christ followers are prohibited from entering into any kind of contract with an unbeliever as there will, undoubtedly, be conflict. Different values and worldviews will foment different agendas and different approaches to solving problems. Many apply this passage exclusively to marriage contracts, yet God's intent was a much larger scope, encompassing business contracts as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What the passage does not say, nor does it even infer, is believers of different ethnic backgrounds should not marry. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, throughout the Old Testament, God commanded the Hebrews to only marry withing their heritage. This was to preserve the <i style="font-weight: bold;">spiritual</i> integrity of the nation. Two very notable exceptions to the command are Rahab the Prostitute and Ruth the Moabite, both of whom embraced the religious practices of Israel and both of whom are found in the lineage of Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God's intent was never designed to preserve so called racial purity, or genetic integrity, God's intent was to preserve the spiritual purity of the nation. The same intent is found in the above command, "do not be unequally yoked with a non believer." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, if someone tells me to "stick with my kind" my response is, "what exactly is my kind?" If he means humans, then, yes, I wholeheartedly agree. Even if he means other believers, I would concur. If the inference was anything, even remotely close to suggesting ethnicity or national origin, I would have a real problem, especially if the person claimed to be a believer. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> Scripture expressly dispels any idea of ethnic separation among believers: </span><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. </span><span style="font-size: large;">And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> My lineage goes back to Noah. So does yours. Guess what, if you are reading this, you are one of my kind. We are kin, we are genetically connected, the same race. The only prohibition to our relationship is a matter of faith. If we are both followers of Christ, we are free to worship together, enter into business together, our children are free to marry one another. Life should be good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The danger of stereotypes</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Sadly, there are believers in Christ who will disagree, based on tradition and rearing. There will be those who just feel in their gut it is wrong to mingle ethnically, yet have no scripture to defend their position. Gut feelings are not truth, contrary to conventional wisdom. <b>If you cannot back up your convictions with scripture, your convictions are wrong. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Throughout American history, cultures, based on ethnicity, have been elevated or debased, depending on the views of the majority. This has been and continues to be a dangerous precedent. Arguably, the three prominent cultures vying for prominence in America today are White, Black and Hispanic. Each is rife with stereotypes, some acceptable and celebrated, some erroneous and despicable and all divisive to one degree or another. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We cannot ignore culture, and we should not seek to eradicate cultural identity. What we must never do, however, is allow cultural identity to divide us and, even more tantamount, we must never allow cultural identity to hinder our spiritual growth or identity as children of God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> To elevate one culture over another is foolish and divisive yet to ignore culture is equally foolish. Seeking unity necessitates focusing on what makes us similar, before looking at what makes us unique. Harmonizing our goals and building a foundation of cooperation on common ground should be our beginning point, not a place we work towards. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Please don't tell me I'm pretty fly for a white guy. Why can't I just be fly or square, for that matter, based on who I am without reference to my ethnicity. Please never say "for a(insert ethnic designation here) guy, he's pretty cool." Why can't someone be cool or even a loser, solely based on character, without reference to national origin? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> God does not prohibit us from mixing, mingling and living life together among different ethnicities so to do so from a human standpoint is, inevitably, working against God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> One race - the human race. Are you going to love as Jesus commands or continue to follow Satan's agenda, judging others based on the color of their skin rather the content of their character?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> "Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight" and we all ought to be precious in one another's sight as well.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-3315202278932503902019-11-07T07:16:00.000-05:002019-11-07T07:57:45.204-05:00IF I'M FORGIVEN, WHY DO I NEED TO REPENT?<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The Bible speaks quite a bit about forgiving and being forgiven. In one passage, we see <b><span style="color: blue;">Luke 5:20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”</span></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But in another passage we see this: <b><span style="color: blue;">Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, </span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"> but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In the first passage we see Jesus responding to a man's faith and granting forgiveness and in the second passage Jesus says our forgiveness is contingent upon our granting forgiveness to others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> To further confuse things, we read this from the Apostle John: </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"> </span> </b>No caveat, no fine print, just plain simple language -if you confess your sin, God forgives your sin. So how do we reconcile Jesus' words with Jesus' words and with the Apostle John also?</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> Understanding the difference between <b>positional </b>forgiveness and <b>relational </b>forgiveness is the key. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Positional Forgiveness:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Positional Forgiveness is when we are born again and adopted as children of God through the blood of Jesus. We are positionaly forgiven. Positional forgiveness means we take on the righteousness of Christ and all our sins, past and future, will not be held against us. This happens at salvation and does not change. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Relational Forgiveness:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Relational forgiveness is what we need each day to remain in fellowship with the Father. Though we are declared righteous, we continue to sin and sin hinders our relationship with God. Sin restricts our blessings, sin restricts our usefulness, sin restricts our answers to prayer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> So in the above passages, when Jesus says, "man, your sins are forgiven," based solely on the man's faith, this is positional forgiveness. When Jesus said, "if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you," this is relational forgiveness. Relational forgiveness does not affect our salvation but it does affect our lives and relationship with God. Positional forgiveness declares you not guilty while relational forgiveness protects your relationship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> OJ Simpson had a very famous trial, charged with killing his wife and a man named Ron Goldman. When the gloves didn't fit, the jury had to acquit and OJ was declared not guilty.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> What many may not remember is there was also a civil trial where OJ was sued by the family of Ron Goldman for wrongful death. In the civil trial, OJ was found liable and ordered to pay a hefty sum to the Goldman family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Positionally, OJ was not guilty and would not be punished for double murder. Relationally, to the Goldman family, OJ is guilty. Because OJ is relationally guilty, his reputation is forever tarnished, his acting career is over and he is not very well liked by most people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Another example is, my daughter adopted a child. That child, positionally is my grandson. He will always be my grandson and nothing he can do can change his place in the family. What happens if he comes over and spits in my face? Is he no longer my grandson? No of course not, but our relationship is damaged because he has done a terrible thing. Maybe the fishing trip I was planning with him gets canceled or the gift I bought for him is put to the side. Now what happens when he comes over and apologizes and asks for forgiveness? The fishing trip is back on, the gift is given and everything returns to normal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Positionally, my grandson never stopped being my grandson, but relationally, we were not so good until he sought forgiveness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Now, just for a moment, suppose my other grandson spit in grandson number one's face. Suppose grandson number 2 then went to grandson number 1 and apologized and asked for forgiveness but grandson number one told him to get lost. I love them both and I want them to love one another so what happens when grandson number 1 comes to me for forgiveness for something he is not willing to forgive his brother? I might direct him to go forgive his brother first and then come back. I want his and my relationship restored but I also want his relationship with his brother restored.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Why is this important? Well, many of us who are believers in Christ are estranged from the Father because of our unforgiveness toward others. Though positionally, you are a child of God, and going to heaven, relationally you feel as if your prayers are not answered, you feel distance between you and God and you may not understand why. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When we do not forgive others, it harms us far more than it harms them. Some of us have quite a bit to forgive , some of us have been treated horribly by someone, maybe even someone who was entrusted with our care, like a parent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Forgiveness does not mean placing yourself in danger or allowing yourself to be in a position to be harmed again. The Bible says we need to forgive, the Bible does not say we have to forget. I may forgive you for punching me but I probably won't give you another opportunity to punch me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When we fail to forgive, it does us far more harm than the person who wronged us. Often, the person who wronged us has gone off on their merry and we are not even a thought to them. But for us, we spend time hating and growing bitter and maybe even harming ourselves over it. Forgiveness not only sets the person who wronged us free, it sets us free. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> So I ask you today, are you harboring hatred or animosity toward someone? Have you harmed yourself or others because of something someone has done to you? Set yourself free, forgive. Think of all the terrible things you have done and know God forgives you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Maybe the person or people you are struggling with forgiving do not deserve forgiveness. That may be true. Do you deserve forgiveness from God? Did Jesus deserve to die on the cross for you? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This is a tough thing, but a necessary thing. If you are harboring unforgiveness in your heart, you have imprisoned yourself. God wants to bless you and speak to you and restore your life but He will not if you cannot forgive. Do not let the actions of someone else cause you to harm your relationship with God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Pray, even now, ask God to grant you the grace to forgive. If you are a believer in Christ, you are positionally righteous in the eyes of God, yet, you may need to find relational peace through forgiveness of others.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Ro</span><span style="font-size: large;">mans 12:17-18 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all</span><span style="font-size: large;"> If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5640735427718534869.post-30076183457976230942019-10-31T07:15:00.000-04:002019-10-31T07:15:14.121-04:00WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW CAN HURT YOU<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When it comes to spiritual matters, what you don't know can hurt you.<b><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Knowing what you believe and why you believe it is the greatest protection from attacks on your faith. The difference between <a href="https://ahnertthoughts.blogspot.com/2019/02/knowing-why-you-believe-vs-what-you.html" target="_blank">Knowing God vs knowing about God</a> can be the difference in questioning your faith or standing firm when skeptics cast doubt on the character of God. If you only know what others have told you about God, you may run into trouble.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <span style="font-size: large;">Many years ago, when I pastored a church in Florida, I had a home office and in my home office was a very ornate bong. Someone coming for counseling could have easily left and told people, "hey, that pastor has a bong in his office." This would have been true, but the reaction to this news would certainly have varied based on the level of intimacy I had with the person who heard about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> For instance, my wife, or someone who knew me and the actual reason the bong was in my office might have responded, "yeah, isn't that cool." Someone who knew me well but didn't know why the bong was in my office would hopefully have given me the benefit of the doubt and assumed there was a perfectly good reason or even thought the person reporting this was somehow mistaken. Hopefully, my character would speak for itself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> But, what if someone did not really know me well at all? What if someone had only a passing acquaintance with me and heard I had a bong in my office? Naturally, this person would assume the worst. I would be tainted and untrustworthy to the person, whose only knowledge of me is what they had heard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> As it turns out, the bong was actually a hookah pipe from Yemen and was used as a ministry tool by American missionaries sharing the Gospel with Muslims. It was given to me as a gift by a missionary to Yemen. Very innocent, yet what someone believed about me owning a bong would be determined greatly by how well they knew me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The same thing goes for God, obviously, on a much grander scale. If your knowledge of God and the Bible comes from a weekly regurgitation on Sunday morning, you are in great danger of falling into error. If you are a believer in Christ, why would you be satisfied with merely knowing about God when you can actually know God?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> If you have any kind of social media presence and you post or tweet about your faith, chances are you have been challenged, trolled or otherwise engaged by atheists or skeptics. Many atheists claim go be former believers who have been enlightened to truth. It does not take long for skeptics to discover if you have actually studied the Bible for yourself or if you only know what you have been told about the Bible, and once they smell blood in the water, they go for the big attack.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Our spiritual lives cannot be sustained by an hour or two of church each week. What if you only ate physical food for an hour each week? What kind of shape do you think you would be in? Imagine the health issues brought on by malnourishment, imagine the lack of energy and strength. Our spiritual lives are no different. <b>If you only supply spiritual needs for one hour each week you are spiritually starved. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Are you prepared to answer skeptics when they accuse your Father of genocide? Are you prepared to stand firm when pseudo science is presented as "evidence" against a literal 6 day creation? Are you prepared to explain the difference between living by the Law or living in grace when challenged? How do you handle the question, "doesn't the Bible say it is a sin to get tattoos?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> These are all arguments skeptics will use to derail your faith. How you stand up to attack will be determined by how well you know God and His Word. </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Do you have a high enough view of scripture? Is the Bible really your final authority on matters of faith and practice? What happens when your lifestyle conflicts with the clear teaching of scripture, do you repent, do you ignore the truth or do you somehow attempt to justify your behavior through rationalization? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> There is only one way to know God: spending time with Him. The amount of time you intentionally dedicate to prayer, Bible study and worship will determine how well you know the Father. "But I don't have time" is a lame excuse. Let me ask you this, when was the last time you were so busy you missed dinner? When was the last time you missed your favorite TV show because you were too busy?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Chances are, you do not miss many dinners for lack of time. Why, because dinner is important to you, because it is something you deem necessary. When you claim to not have time to invest in your spiritual life, you are really saying, "my spiritual life is not really that important." We schedule what is important.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> If you are not where you need to be spiritually, allow me to encourage you to develop a healthy daily, time of prayer, Bible study and worship. Allow me to encourage you to get to know the Savior you claim to follow. It is very difficult to follow someone whom you cannot recognize</span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> If your spiritual life is vibrant, allow me to encourage you to encourage others. Be an example and a mentor to those who are newer to the faith and spiritually immature. </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Scripture tells us we will reap what we sow. Are you sowing to the Spirit, if not, you cannot reap the Fruit of the Spirit. Scripture also says those who sow to the wind will reap the whirlwind. Do not allow the enemy to wreck your faith because you failed to spend time with the Father. <b>Do not allow your lack of knowledge, readily available and very accessible knowledge, lead to your destruction.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> When you read, pray, worship and fellowship with other believers, you will grow spiritually and be equipped to stand up to attacks on your faith. By knowing God and His word you will recognize error when it is presented. There is no reason for any of us to be destroyed for lack of knowledge.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://arsmith.gotop100.com/index.php</div>The Metal Ministerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16055770084996175220noreply@blogger.com0