The Flaming-Arrow-Write

        I witnessed a young man in sorrow and anguish, pleading, "Master, grant me one more opportunity, mend my shattered pieces so that I may complete the task entrusted to me." This was a representation of him being assigned a mission, his life symbolized as a vessel, and the task of retrieving water from the stream for the Master’s use. However, this young man, after receiving his divine assignment, failed to keep his vessel in honor and purity, losing sight of the calling in his life and, crucially, neglecting to lead a life cleansed and prepared for God’s glory.       Upon arriving at the stream, he encountered other villagers, each with their own purposes, but he lost focus on his own mission. Remember, the task is not merely to collect water but to deliver it in an unbroken vessel to the Master. He felt joy in joining others in a water game, thinking to himself, "I’ll fetch my water first, set my vessel aside, and then join the fun."  Unbe...

   Life is full of "hila-hilos" — ups and downs, and we're responsible for whatever we make out of these seasons. We're encouraged when things are working out according to our plans and discouraged when things happen otherwise. These are normal responses to life situations, but the big matter is how we respond when things are odd.      In seasons when we have a lot against us; opposition, challenges, hard times and others, this is when our real person is put to the test and revealed, and we're the sole determinant of what the outcome of this season will be.   We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.  2 Corin 4:8,9(NKJV)      We can decide if in our troubles and hard times we will allow ourselves to be PRESSED DOWN — discouraged, disappointed and lose hope, or we PRESS ON — keep hope alive and use the rubble to build something be...

        I once noticed a fellow soldier during our duty hours hours, abandoning his post and setting down his weapons; he was still dressed in his military attire as he walked off, disappearing amongst the civilians. I couldn't help but wonder what had captured his interest in the midst of the crowd, as he would not heed the warnings from others; his decision was resolute. It soon dawned on me that he was yearning to indulge in the pleasures of life, which seemed far more accessible among the civilians, while in the military we were disciplined daily to ensure we remained prepared for action at any given moment, whether day or night.       About ten hours after he left, we received news that he had been killed by the enemy.  Just like that! Indeed!  Recall that he was alone in a perilous situation, unarmed yet still in uniform, rendering him an easy and immediate target for the adversary.  In an instant, someone we all recognized as skil...

         The Lifters, on the other hand, are those who approach you in the spirit of meekness, they don't push their way to you to lord over you, but value and respect your passion and interest.  This set of people might not look like it at times, I mean, the kind of people you'd want to share your plans with, they don't portray themselves to be too good before you, they're reserved, observers and wise.       They know your areas of strength and weakness, encouraging and building up your strength and exposing you to things that help you overcome your weakness. They help you realize your potential even when you're in doubt about yourself. They might not have money to help you start up but they won't withhold from you their wealth of knowledge and wisdom, which are of greater value than money itself.   Be liberal and open to Lifters and value their presence around you.      Lastly, to whoever you are open to, either the Lift...