Friday, August 21, 2009

BEE STUNG!

Just the other day I was picking up some apples from under the apple tree, so that I could feed the deer. I had picked all that was on the ground and decided to "shake" the tree to drop a few that were hanging. After a good shaking the ground was covered again and I began to pick the apples back up, when I noticed an army of bees pouring out of a hole in front of me! Before I could get away I was stung on the wrist. I am allergic to bees, (but not in a way that my throat swells or anything) before and hour had gone by my entire arm was throbbing and swelling fast. After a couple of hours my fingers were swollen and the pain was horrible. That night I didn't sleep to good, and the next day I was only worse. After some much needed advise and some ice and medicine the pain and swelling started to leave. This got me to thinking about how little things like bees can create such a pain. Sometimes in our walk with Christ we get "stung" by little things that create pain and swelling in our souls. These stings can come from other Christians or co-workers or for a lot of people FAMILY, and most of the time it causes us great pain. But we need to turn to our Great Physician Jesus Christ and let Him ease the pain and reduce the swelling. Sometime it takes time but with Christ all things are possible. And you may be reading this and come to realize that you are the one that is stinging people, if so ask the Lord Jesus to help you stop bringing pain on others.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Be Prepared!



With the eastern NC bowhunting season just weeks away, I have begun to get prepared. Me and some hunting buddies have placed a few tree stands around a farm in places that we hope that big buck might step out at. But that is not it. I have been shooting my bow for several weeks, making sure that it is shooting properly. I have also put out a wildlife camera to take pictures of the deer as they come in and out of the crops. But that's not all. I have washed my hunting clothes in non sent washing powder and placed them in a sealed bag so that no other smell can get on them. And still there is more. The morning of the big hunt I will shower in scent free soap, and spray down with scent free spray. All this preparation for a chance at a big buck. We spend a lot of time preparing for the hunting season, but how much time do we prepare for the battle that is raging around us? The Apostle Paul says " be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of the evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground." (Ephesians 6:10-13) Paul is telling us to be prepared not for a fight against each other but against the devil and his traps and temptations. So as you sit in your tree stand this season or by your computer at work ask yourself....Am I Prepared?