A Rock Between The Eyes

Cordage

Posted on February 24, 2016February 24, 2016 by scottcatchot

When exploring the great outdoors it pays to adhere to the old Boy Scout motto, “be prepared.”
In keeping with that idea I want to talk about cordage. Cordage is an item with many uses:

Lashing
Shelter Building
replacing shoe laces

nets
clothing repair
Keeping food away from critters
Bow drill for fire starting
tying up bandits
First Aid applications
the list goes on and on…

It is important enough to have landed on Dave Canterbury’s ( The Pathfinder School, Dual Survivor, etc.) 5 C’s of Survivability list.

C-cutting device
C-combustion device
C-cordage
C-container

So needless to say it is important to have cordage especially when going out into the great outdoors.

There are many types of cordage from both natural and man made materials.

Cordage can even be made out in the wild from various materials. This is a great skill to possess so it is work spending the time learning how.

However, with all the types of cordage available,inexpensively, there is no reason everyone should not just include some type of cordage in every EDC, BOB, survival kit, glove box, large pocket, etc.

Two great types of cordage to always have available is Paracord and Bank line.

Paracord is like the duct tape of the cordage world. It’s usefulness and versatility is only limited by the imagination. Paracord comes from the military and was used as parachute cord hence it’s name. It is also sometimes referred to as 550 cord due to its load pairing capability being 550l bs. True Mil-spec paracord consists of 7 inner strands inside a braided sheath. All this and it is still a very small size. The beauty of it is due to it’s construction. You can take a piece apart and have 7 x the length of the cut portion in a smaller diameter cordage than can now be used for sewing repairs, or a number of projects well as the sheath it rests inside. This greatly increases the usability of the paracord. A good rule of thumb regarding items to carry with you out into the woods is for it to have multiple purposes. Since the paracord itself offers more than on size of cordage, it is an excellent item to carry. I like to replace my shoe laces with paracord so that I always have some on me. If I need to use the cordage, I can take it apart and still have the sheath to lace up my shoes. If I can only have one type of cord, more often than not I choose paracord.

Paracord can be found in most hardware stores, Walmart, and easily found online. Prices vary but you can usually get 100ft for under $ 8.00.

Another type of cordage that gets a lot of raves in the survivalist and bushcraft communities is Bank line, or trout line. This is a type of mariner twine and is very cheap. You can get 1,000 ft for around $15.00. This line is smaller than paracord, so you can carry more of it. However it does not break down into multiple sizes. It also has a lower weight capacity usually being 150 to 350 lbs depending on the brand and size of bank line.

However there are ways of increasing strength or cordage such as a two strand twist or braiding. (see bottom for links to tutorials)

Bank line is coated in a tar substance (it’s intended purpose is to be in water) which allows it to hold up to the environment better. The coating does not make it sticky to the touch, nor does it rub off. There is a slight odor to it, but it is barely noticeable to most people. It would be something to consider if using bank line for snares.

There is really no excuse for someone not to have cordage with them when they go out in the woods. So get outside, enjoy nature, and take cordage with you.

Tutorials :
Two strand twist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFiBQH3-OZ0

Braiding
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbYx0j8EoLg

Red Beans & Rice

Posted on February 24, 2016 by scottcatchot

Beans and Rice. So simple and yet so many different variations can be created with those two ingredients. Some may look upon them as poor man’s food, but their versatility make them staples in my book. Using them separately to accompany so many different dishes, and of course using them together to create culinary masterpieces. Beans and rice were meant to go together just like Peanut butter and Jelly were joined by destiny. Though there is different opinions regarding this,beans and rice have long been praised for combining together to make a complete protein (links with more info on this debate are at the bottom). Whether this is true or just a myth originally born out by a misunderstanding of amino acids at the time, I do know they combine together to create a complete, and delicious, meal.

With so many types of beans and rice, the combinations are almost endless, black beans and rice, pinto beans and rice, refried beans and rice, but my favorite will always be red beans and rice. I love the way they smell while cooking. The aroma brings back great memories as a child. Heck red beans and rice were even one of my favorite meals served in the cafeteria at my school. So to me, red beans and rice are a real comfort food.

Now let’s talk beans. Kidney beans are not red beans. Red beans (also called adzuki) are smaller and rounder (like pinto beans), but red in color. However, the two beans are fairly similar and can generally be used interchangeably in recipes that call for either dried or canned beans. Even so, I prefer red beans because once soaked, they create the creamy and smooth texture I expect in traditional red beans and rice.

Kidney beans do not cook to the same creamy consistency as small red beans, they also don’t stand-up to long boiling time. Kidney beans may prove easier to find so if you substitute, the smaller ones work better and Camellia is a great brand that has found it’s way into many a Cajun’s home and pot.

Another important ingredient that needs to be discussed is sausage. Every pot of red beans and rice needs sausage.It is just not right without it. Any good smoked sausage will work, however, if you want true authentic flavor, you need to use Andouille sausage. Yeah that pretty much sums that topic up, great talk.

Serving the red beans and rice is as simple as it is to make. Pour the beans over the rice and serve. The rice can be mixed in with the beans, but growing up that meant the beans were leftovers from the night before. There is something about the extra time allowing flavors to marry that make leftover beans and rice even more delightful, however first time serving was always beans over the rice at our house.

You need hot sauce on the table so people can add a splash (or more) to the individual bowls. Tabasco will work, I have used it, I also like Texas Pete; but growing up it was always Louisiana Hot Sauce on the table. Some people like to add cider vinegar to their bowl, I was never a fan of this. It is a way to sneak that healthy apple cider vinegar into your life.

Now pair this bountiful offering with some hot buttered cornbread and you have an award winning dinner!

Ok enough babbling on my part, here is how it is done:

Ingredients:
1 pound dry red beans
1/4 cup olive oil
1 to 2 large onions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 stalks celery, chopped
6 cups water
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you like it hot)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried sage
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 pound andouille sausage, sliced
4 cups water
2 cups long grain white rice

Directions:

Rinse beans, and then soak in a large pot of water overnight.
In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, garlic, and celery in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes.
Rinse beans, and transfer to a large pot with 6 cups water. Stir cooked vegetables into beans. Season with bay leaves, cayenne pepper, thyme, sage, parsley, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 2 1/2 hours.
Brown the sausage then stir sausage and drippings into beans, and continue to simmer for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the rice. In a saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve beans over steamed white rice.

To save time I have just thrown everything into a slow cooker and let it go. It still comes out tasting great. I do think it works best to go ahead and saute the veggies before adding them to the slow cooker. When I use the slow cooker I just come home and toss rice into the rice maker (a wonderful invention, I believe everyone needs one) and am ready to go. Hope you enjoy!

Some links on the complete protein debate:

http://www.forksoverknives.com/the-myth-of-complementary-protein/
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/rice-and-beans-perfect-protein-or-perfect-myth.html
And a tip of my hat to Emeril Lagasse and his version:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/red-beans-and-rice-recipe2.html

Apologetics? What is it?

Posted on February 23, 2016February 24, 2016 by scottcatchot

Apologetics is defined as reasoned arguments or writings in justification of something, typically a theory or religious doctrine. It is the aspect of theology that deals with the defense and establishment of the Christian faith. It is NOT apologizing for a faith in Christianity. It is simply defined as defending the faith, or as J Warner Wallace puts it, “Christian case making.” I like how that sounds apologetics isn’t about defending God, but helping others understand.

The word, “apologetics,” comes from the Greek word, “apologia,” pronounced “ap-ol-og-ee’-ah.” It means “a verbal defense.” It is used eight times in the New Testament: Acts 22:1, 25:16, 1 Cor. 9:3, 2 Cor. 10:5-6, Phil. 1:7, 2 Tim. 4:16, and 1 Pet. 3:15.

1 Peter 3:15 is the verse that is most used as the reason all Christians should be familiar with Apologetics.

15 but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.(HCSB)

Verse 16 goes on to give direction regarding how and why.

16 However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused,those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame.
Always be ready to give a defense to anyone. Right there in a nut shell is the instruction for all Christians to be knowledgeable in apologetics. Now this does not mean everyone needs to go to college and earn a degree in Christian Apologetics. However it does mean everyone should know what they believe and why they believe it.

There is a story I tell my students when I a stressing the importance of knowing why the believe something and not just take other people word for things. I would like to share it.

A young girl is in the kitchen with her mother learning to cook. This particular meal they are making a ham. As she carefully watches what her mother does, she asks,”Why do you cut the ends off the ham?” After a slight pause the mother replies,” I really don’t know. This is just how my mother did it.” “oh, ok.”
Later in the week the mother is on the phone with the grandmother discussing this and that when she remembered her daughters question.
“Hey mom, Sarah was helping me with the ham the other day and asked a question i just never really thought of before, why do we cut the end off the ham before baking it?” “Well gosh Honey, I really don’t know either, that is just the way I was taught by mom.” This Great grandmother of this family was still alive and as the curiosity built up regarding this mysterious technique, Sarah’s mom called the great grandmother, posing the same question.
“Nana, why do we cut the end off the ham before baking it.” After a considerably amount of laughter, she answered,” Oh child, you don’t have to cut the ends off the ham. I used to do that because I didn’t have a pan large enough for the whole ham to fit into and Papa liked sandwiches made from the end pieces for his lunch.”

Not knowing why you believe what you believe can lead to doing things or holding on to ideas that are not relevant. So Apologetics not only allows us to tell others about our beliefs, it helps increase our faith because it builds a more solid foundation of what we believe, and why we believe it.
Great Apologetic resources:

https://carm.org/introduction-apologetics

http://www.thepoachedegg.net

https://answersingenesis.org

http://www.josh.org

Apologetics? What is it?

Posted on February 23, 2016October 9, 2017 by scottcatchot

Apologetics is defined as reasoned arguments or writings in justification of something, typically a theory or religious doctrine. It is the aspect of theology that deals with the defense and establishment of the Christian faith. It is NOT apologizing for a faith in Christianity. It is simply defined as defending the faith, or as J Warner Wallace puts it, “Christian case making.” I like that better because God does not need someone to defend him against anyone, but other people need guidance and help in understanding.

god doesn't need defending

1 Peter 3:15 is the verse that is most used as to the reason all Christians should be familiar with Apologetics.

15 but honor[ the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.(HCSB)

Verse 16 goes on to give direction regarding how and why.

16 However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused,[those who denounce your Christian life[d] will be put to shame.
Always be ready to give a defense to anyone. Right there in a nut shell is the instruction for all Christians to be knowledgeable in apologetics. Now this does not mean everyone needs to go to college and earn a degree in Christian Apologetics. However it does mean everyone should know what they believe and why they believe it.

There is a story I tell my students when I a stressing the importance of knowing why the believe something and not just take other people word for things. I would like to share it.

https://carm.org/introduction-apologetics

http://www.thepoachedegg.net

https://answersingenesis.org

http://www.josh.org

Cajun or Creole?

Posted on February 23, 2016February 23, 2016 by scottcatchot

Growing up in Biloxi, Mississippi offered many enjoyable opportunities as a child, the cuisine I enjoyed as a child was among the highlights. Being lavished with Cajun and Creole offerings on the table and saturated with other delectable offerings of fine Southern homestyle cooking, it is no wonder I developed a love of cooking and food in general. It helped that my dad and great uncle (who lived just around the corner) were excellent cooks in their own right. My life experiences that included traveling In France, England, moving to the great state of Texas, as well as spending two entire summers living in Queretaro, Mexico, added to my culinary intelligence. Nevertheless my heart still belongs and will ever hold Cajun and Creole cooking as my favorite.

As I have lived and watched life around me, especially regarding food trends and tastes, it seems the word Cajun and Creole have become synonyms in the way they are used, especially when describing food. A restaurant will add a new menu item and label it “Cajun”. Unfortunately this usually just means they tossed a bunch of Cayenne pepper or other type of sauce to make it spicy and voila it is a Cajun dish.That is not the case, nor does “blackened” mean burnt (Think very high heat and meat covered in a spice mixture).Therefore I feel the obligation to post regarding this topic and set the record straight (as many others have done) regarding these two different styles of cooking.

Let’s start with a brief history lesson.

Cajuns were French Acadians expelled for their Catholic beliefs in the 1700s from what is now Nova Scotia. Many settled in Acadiana, 22 parishes (counties) in southwest Louisiana. Surrounded by swamps, bayous and prairies, the Cajuns were isolated and lived off the land. The word Cajun derived from shortening the word Acadian very similar to how Indians were once called “Injuns” . The culture remains vividly alive and intense. This is evident in their language (a unique dialect of French), music and of course in the rustic, hearty cuisine.

In contrast, Creoles, were city folk that originally hailed from Europe and then settled in New Orleans. Predominantly Spanish and French, Creoles descended from wealthy families. The brought their own chefs from Madrid, Paris, and other European capitals. These chefs adapted classic cooking techniques to incorporate unfamiliar ingredients like mirliton, crawfish, pompano, snapper, and others. The African slaves who served in these homes added their own flavor as well as the influence of Choctaw Indians and immigrants from Ireland and Germany. All of these thrown together create a true melting pot of flavors, especially in Gumbo.

To be fair it is understandable how there can be some confusion regarding Cajun and Creole, because they can deal with the same dishes. The ingredients used will determine if a Gumbo is Creole or Cajun. That being said there are always going to be some crossovers and similarities regardless of the style and of course the individual preference and personal touch of whomever is creating the dish.

That being said, certain ingredients are a must, namely the trinity. If you are familiar with cooking then you know what a mirepoix is. A roughly chopped vegetable mixture, usually consisting of onions, carrots, and celery a 2:1:1 ratio respectively. The trinity refers to the Cajun and Creole version consisting of onions,celery, and green bell pepper in a 3:2:1 ration. Around my house garlic was always added to this therefore making the base of many different dishes and roux.

Cajun Seafood Gumbo

Let’s look at the differences that make the distinction between the two styles. The reason For the earlier history lesson was not just extraneous information but showing the background as well as pointing out what brings us to the true Gumbo test regarding Cajun vs Creole. Access to ingredients. The true simple, in a nut shell answer is that Cajun vs Creole is really City food vs. rural. So money and access determined what was used, even when cooked in similar fashion.

An excellent article by food and travel writer Beth d’Addono summed it up nicely with a Quote from executive chef Mark Falgoust:

“Cajun folks used one chicken to feed three families, Creoles used three chickens to feed one family,” said chef Mark Falgoust, executive chef at Grand Isle restaurant across from the Convention Center and Harrah’s Casino. Although a native New Orleanian, Falgoust’s family roots are in Bayou Pigeon and Pierre Part and he’s Cajun through and through. “Our people held onto our culture. We had big families, hunted and fished, and didn’t use fancy ingredients or dairy in our food. To me, Cajun isn’t a bloodline, it’s a state of mind.” A Cajun gumbo typically is made with a darker oil-based roux and homemade sausage and chicken as well as seafood. “People think Cajun food is all spicy, but that’s not true at all,” said Falgoust. “Creole cooking is more refined all around. Creole gumbo uses butter in the roux, tomatoes and usually just seafood, no meat.”

( the entire article can be found at http://www.10best.com/interests/foodie/cajun-vs-creole-cuisine/)

There it is. The way I was taught growing up, is the same difference the professionals state. The richer butter and tomato based dishes are Creole, with the Creole Gumbo being more like a soup. The darker oil based roux and just about any meat you can catch, is Cajun with the Cajun gumbo being thicker and more like a stew. This is just depends on the type of thickening agent used and if File seasoning was added or not.

The main seasonings used in the various dishes are also similar with some exceptions such as Creole usually adds oregano. This, coupled with too much salt, is the reason there is not much flavor difference between the Cajun seasonings and the Creole seasonings you buy in the store. You would be better served making your own, which also allows you to add your own personal touches. A Recipe for making your own is below.

Now you are among the elite who know the basic difference between Cajun and Creole and that highly seasoned does not just mean spicy. Go out and explore these culinary delights and experiment with the two styles. But please remember, if it doesn’t have okra, it is not Gumbo.

For more information regarding Cajun vs Creole check out:

http://www.louisianatravel.com/articles/cajun-vs-creole-food-what-difference

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/Menuism/cajun-vs-creole_b_1447822.html

Making your own Cajun seasoning is easy, and turns out better than store bought mixes:

Makes about 1/2 cup

INGREDIENTS

Kosher or sea salt — 2 tablespoons
Paprika — 2 tablespoons
Thyme — 1 tablespoon
Basil — 1 tablespoon
Garlic powder — 2 teaspoons
Onion powder — 2 teaspoons
Black pepper — 2 teaspoons
White pepper — 2 teaspoons
Cayenne pepper — 1 teaspoon

Just mix all the ingredients together and store in a cool dry place.
If you want it to be “Creole” then add 1 tablespoon of Oregano to the mix.
If you want it spicer, increase the Cayenne, or add 1 teaspoon of crushed red peppers to the mix.

3 Strand Cord part 3

Posted on February 22, 2016March 7, 2016 by scottcatchot

A Call to Action, that is what I would title this section. This is the final post in the 3 part series taking a look at the Christian walk through the symbolism of a 3 strand cord. This last section will focus on Action.The First strand talked about was importance of being in the Word, learning scripture and using it as the standard by which a Christian is to live. The second strand represented prayer, the importance of talking to God and cultivating a relationship with Jesus. This post will focus on the third strand, action.

It is a travesty not to grow in Christ. Salvation is not just saying a prayer and never thinking about it again. True Christians are representatives of God. Our thoughts, our actions, words they represent Christ. People will come to us for a drink, a lot of times without realizing that is what they are doing. We are to be fresh, not stagnant. We cannot be fresh or give fresh water unless we are filled daily.This is what the previous two posts discussed, how to be filled daily. But if you look in nature, the clearest, freshest water isn’t the ponds and lakes, but the rivers. That water which is moving. When you look at a river from any point along the bank, that area has water flowing into it and out of it, it is constantly moving. If it completely stops moving anywhere, the clearness and freshness of the water there will changes over time. The Christian walk is the same.

A believer needs to constantly have new life pouring into them daily as well as allowing that life to pour out of them. Now before anyone misunderstands, I am not saying works are needed in order to be saved. Salvation is by grace through Jesus only, no other way. However,salvation should lead to works. As our lives become more and more like Christ, so will our actions.

Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
we are created for a purpose, God’s purpose. James addressed the connection between faith and works in his teachings:

James 2:14-26

14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can his faith[d] save him?
15 If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.”[e] Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works.[f] 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe—and they shudder.
20 Foolish man! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless? 21 Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active together with his works, and by works, faith was perfected. 23 So the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness,[g] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by a different route? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Let’s be careful here, if taken out of context this can lead to confusion regarding saved by grace or by works. I have heard some point to this claiming it proves the Bible contradicts itself. But for something to be a contradiction, then it has to be mutually exclusive. In other words, it is absolutely impossible for both things to occur at the same time. That is the meaning of a contradiction.

There is no contradiction in James. Remember to look at the context. James, chapter 2, has 26 verses: Verses 1-7 instruct us not to show favoritism. Verses 8-13 are comments on the Law. Verses 14-26 are about the relationship between faith and works. CARM (Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry) give a great explanation of this verse:

“James begins this section by using the example of someone who says that he has faith but has no works, “What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him?” (James 2:14) In other words, James is addressing the issue of a dead faith–a faith that is nothing more than a verbal pronouncement, a public confession of the mind, and is not heart-felt. It is empty of life and action. He begins with the negative and demonstrates what an empty faith is (verses 15-17, words without actions). Then he shows that type of faith isn’t any different from the faith of demons (verse 19). Finally, he gives examples of living faith that has words followed by actions. Works follow true faith and demonstrate that faith to our fellow man but not to God. James writes of Abraham and Rahab as examples of people who demonstrated their faith by their deeds.
In brief, James is examining two kinds of faith: one that leads to godly works and one that does not. One is true, and the other is false. One is dead, the other alive, hence, “Faith without works is dead,” (James 2:20). But, he is not contradicting the verses above that say salvation/justification is by faith alone.
Also, notice that James actually quotes the same verse that Paul quotes in Rom. 4:3 amongst a host of verses dealing with justification by faith. James 2:23 says, “and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘and Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.'” If James was trying to teach a contradictory doctrine of faith and works than the other New Testament writers, then he would not have used Abraham as an example. Therefore, we can see that justification is by faith alone and that James was talking about false faith–not real faith–when he said that we are not justified by faith alone.”

We do not serve a sleeping or dead God, He does not want a sleeping or dead bride.The world is stIll waiting for the reality of God, It is to be revealed through the church. How will that happen without the church getting off it’s blessed assurance and putting that faith into action? Looking around at Christianity today, especially in America, it is very reminiscent of a pond or are of standing water. There is a lack of fresh water pouring in and a lack of any water running out. It is covered in scum, has bugs and looks diseased. No wonder church attendance is declining.There is no life. The church was not mean to be an institution held within four walls. It is itself a living entity, the body of believers a whole representing the Bride of Christ.

(For more info on church attendance trends check out:
http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/139575-7-startling-facts-an-up-close-look-at-church-attendance-in-america.html )

If the river stops flowing, it’s not a river Why do we want more from God if we keep it to ourselves To enjoy what others don’t have? That is not the purpose of having God’s spirit. It is to be shared. The church was never meant to be thought of as a building. We, the followers of Jesus, are the church.

If you read through the Old Testament looking at the judges and the prophets, They were people of action. When the spirit comes on you boldness comes. Boldness demands action or else it isn’t bold. Doing things that are not normal. It is what God wants and expects from the church.

In the Old Testament the Ark of the Covenant was a symbol that represented the presence and glory of God. There were special instructions regarding it’s care and how it was to be handled. The only way it could be carried was special poles ran through rings and the priests carrying it on their shoulders. Do you catch the symbolism and meaning of that? The presence and glory of God is to be carried on the shoulders of men. At the cross the veil separating everyone from the Ark, the symbol of God’s presence was torn down. Everyone now has access to God’s presence through Jesus. However, the method of carrying that presence and the glory of God, Jesus, did not change. It is still to be carried by men. To carry something requires action.

The New Testament is also fun of examples of action, heck the birth of the church is described and detailed in a book titled ACTS. Jesus himself commanded His followers to a life of action,

Matthew 28:18-20

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of[f] all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember,[g] I am with you always,[h] to the end of the age.”

The very last words of Jesus on this earth were “go”. Not sit and read, but go. Yes they were to continue seeking him, to wait on the sending of the Holy Spirit, but his command was to go. A call to action.

We as Christians have received His grace in order to share His grace, so if we have received salvation by grace. we are obligated to share His grace.If you have a desire for more, a desire to see revival, a desire to be blessed, then begin to share your salvation with other people.
Why do you want more if you are not going to give it away? A revival that does not effect other people, does not effect your society is not revival.

Acts 1 “When the Holy Spirit comes upon you you will receive power and you will be my witness”

We must take the church outside these 4 walls, taking it into the streets unashamed of being Crazy in love with Jesus. Paul asked in Romans 10:14:

14 But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher?
Paul stresses the importance of a Christians need to fulfill the last command of Jesus. Now this brings to my mind one of the more often asked questions by skeptics, but what about those who never hear about Jesus. This is a a topic I will cover in a later post in more depth, but suffice it to say we can rest in the assurance that God is a fair and just God. I mention here because of what it should do for a believer. It should light a burning fire in our hearts to do everything we can to make sure that there isn’t someone who has never heard of Jesus.

In closing, It is of no value to spend time in the word, spend time in prayer to get a manifestation of God and then go home and not shine his light. That is why I see this as 3 strands to make one strong cord: The word, prayer, and action. We must call out to God daily, we must study the word, but we are not to receive from God just for ourselves we must give it away. These are days of Action. Faith acts, faith does something Whatever God gives you, you are to use it ,put it into action. You want awesome things to happen, get where the action is, find someplace or someone who is needy and do something about it. An awesome man of faith and a dear friend of mine, Jeff Collins once said :

There are 3 kinds of people in church

Those who make things Happen
Those who watch things Happen
Those who say , “what Happened ?”

Let’s all be those who make things happen by giving away that which has been given to us, as the Lord has commanded. Go. This is your call to action.

3 Strand Cord (part 2)

Posted on February 18, 2016March 7, 2016 by scottcatchot

As I continue this series regarding the 3 strand cord and look at the second strand, I want to discuss the importance of prayer. Entire books have been written regarding prayer so needless to say anything I mention in this post is definitely not an exhaustive analysis on the importance and power of prayer. However, there are some aspects regarding prayer that kept jumping out to me as I went back through those pages of my journal and I want to share those.

I heard someone once say that prayer is the Cinderella of the church. You know the story, Cinderella was mistreated and hidden away from most of society.Yet when she got out and made it to the ball, she was the most beautiful one there, so enchanting that the Prince went on a search throughout the kingdom to find her after the Ball. Well that is prayer for the church. It is often mistreated, not the most exciting thing to do, even seeming cliche and yet when truly put to practice it is the most beautiful and effective weapon the church has in this world. This is because when people stay on their knees in prayer, Jesus, eagerly runs to His bride.

To say it is important to pray is an understatement. The Bible is full of quotes telling us to pray.

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

Luke 18:1 And he spoke a parable to them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

1 Timothy 2:8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.
These are just a few places that Christians are instructed to pray. Why is it so important? Well this Christian walk is a relationship with God and it functions very similar to relationships in the natural. You develop friendships by spending time with people. The more time you spend with someone the more you get to know them and the closer you become. Are you really close with someone that you never spend time with?

The Word Teaches us about Jesus, His teachings, and gives us knowledge on one level, but when coupled with prayer it become illuminated and takes it a step further. It is like a kid who loves Batman. He may have read every comic book available, seen the movies, and watched all the cartoons. He can tell you all about Batman, but if he has never met Batman, does not spend time with Batman regularly, then he does not know Batman. It is the same with Jesus. We can study and learn all about him, and that is good, but it must be coupled with prayer. Talking with God. Taking the time to cultivate that relationship.

This is more than blessing our meals, saying our bedtime prayers and asking him for our needs.
We need to pray more intensely Pray in all circumstances, good or Bad. We need more than just 5, 10, or 20 minute prayers, we need to shake the heavens. All types of prayers: praise and thanksgiving, Intercession, seeking God, crying out when in need, and others. But all types need to be in earnest and with the correct intention.

James 4:3 You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires. Frivolous self centered prayers are not always answered because they are not according to God’s will. Again we see the connection of the first strand with the second, through reading of the word we learn God’s desires and how to pray according to His word, which in turn brings answers to those prayers.

Psalms 145:18 The LORD is near to all them that call on him, to all that call on him in truth.

Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

The word is clear that prayer, when done fervently and in the right manner accomplishes many things. Now this doesn’t mean there are certain formulas or a set way to pray. It is simply talking to God truthfully, humbly, and without selfish motives. But also with pretentious babbling and vain repetition to make yourself sound good. It is to be with intention and purpose.

The great example to us is the Lord’s prayer: Matthew 6:9-13

Our Father in heaven,
Your name be honored as holy.
10
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11
Give us today our daily bread.
12
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13
And do not bring us into[f] temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one
[For Yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever. Amen.
This shows examples of thanksgiving, asking for just daily needs , repentance, and forgiveness. a great model to follow given by Jesus himself. One of the most important aspects in this prayer is the point of seeking God’s Kingdom to come here as in heaven. There is a tension between the Kingdom of God being here and the Kingdom that is coming. It is like the difference between being adopted and having a hope to be adopted. It is in this tension where we pray and groan.

Romans 8:26-27
26 In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us[a] with unspoken groanings. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

When we don’t know what to pray, in our weakness the spirit will lead us, pray through us, and sometimes jus know what we need when don’t, when we can’t even vocalize it. This happens because in prayer you are no longer alone. God is there listening.So pray that you can have an open heaven and live with anticipation of what God is going to do.This is what it means to seek the Lord. The awesome thing about seeking the Lord’s presence is that He will show up. When he does, take time to listen as well. Sit in silence in his presence and let Him speak to you.

Just like when Cinderella went looking to see the prince at the ball in my earlier analogy,the result was the Prince seeking Cinderella to be his bride. Well Jesus eagerly seeks for His Bride, the church. In the story invitations went out inviting everyone to the ball, Jesus invites all of us to seek his presence. Why would we not accept this invitation to be in His presence in prayer?

It is in His presence when we truly experience change in our lives. It is in His presence that the things learned in the Word become truly written upon our hearts.It is through prayer combined with the Word that the anointing flows into our lives. As we saturate our lives in both the word and prayer we find more and more of the presence of God and are forever changed. This is where victory lies, with the presence of the Almighty God. When the Spirit of the Lord shows up, the ropes and chains that have held you bound up become like wax and melt away.

This is the beauty and awesome reward of walking with Jesus. Experiencing love and joy. Not just salvation from our sins that allows us into heaven when we die, but salvation from our sins that allows us to grow in a closer and closer relationship with Jesus hear and now. This does not mean there is no longer troubles, the Bible tells us to expect trials and tribulation. So the Joy of the Lord isn’t the absence of sorrow, but the presence of Jesus. As we pray without ceasing we find ourselves never alone. Our perspective changes because when He is with us, nothing else matters.

So the two strands, the word and prayer, twist together to strengthen our relationship with God and leads us to seek His presence and find it. This seeking the presence of God interlocks with the Great Commission , one flows from the other and leads to the final thread I will discuss in the next post… ACTION.3

3 Strand Cord (part 1)

Posted on February 16, 2016March 7, 2016 by scottcatchot

I was planning on spending sometime adding more of my poems to the poem section of this site. I grabbed the composition book that I have some of these written in and left. When I got an opportunity to flip through the composition book I had grabbed the wrong one and actually had grabbed an old prayer journal. I have stopped and started journaling many times over the years. It is something I like and want to do, but am not super consistent over extended long periods of time. I always pick it back up though and so have entries that span many many years. Since I had it with me I started reading back through it and quickly came to realize through he prompting of the Spirit that this really was not an accident. Reading multiple entries covering a span of years I noticed a theme being woven through the fabric of time. Not just time in general, but my personal timeline and so it became a trip back to an old altar, a chance to rebuild, rededicate, and study again some basic truths. It all offers a message that I want to share over the next few blog Entries..

The theme I saw develop that I will focus on relates to our walk as a Christian. Accepting Jesus as the savior is the most decision we could ever make. Unfortunately that is where a lot of people, and even church instruction, seems to stop. There is a need for true discipleship for new believers, heck even those who have walked for a while. There is more to being a Christian than just going to church or just saying a one time prayer. It is about having a relationship with the creator of the universe. A relationship with God is similar to a relationship in the natural. It has to be cultivated.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us a cord of three strands is not easily broken. This has proven true in my Bushcraft experience as well. A great way of increasing strength of cordage is by twisting more than one strand together or even braiding them. As I perused through the pages of the journal, there were three topics that kept popping back up that when used together create an almost unbreakable cord in our spiritual lives. Now it is important to note that the Christian walk is about relationship, not formulas, but having these three aspects in our walk builds spiritual strength and will bring us in closer intimacy with Jesus.

The three strands every Christian needs in their life to help cultivate a strong relationship with God are the word, prayer, and action.

The first strand, the WORD

So much of today’s society is experience driven. Live life to the fullest, do whatever makes you happy. This has even leaked over into the church. Charismatics can suffer from charismania and focus on living from experience to experience. They are not the only body of believers who suffer with this issue. Our society is focusing more and more on experiencing life. Carpe Diem, Seize the Day! Having a genuine experience with God is awesome, and is something we should all seek to have happen. Yet if your faith comes only from experiences, it will be weak. Having faith based on experiences tends to have us walk according to our feelings. What happens when our feelings, or our experience does not match up with how we thought it should go? Do we then have a spiritual dilemma? We do need to experience the presence of God,
But we need to base everything on something more solid than Our experience. THE WORD OF GOD. When we are abounding in God’s word, then it will set us free and we will be steadfast, unmovable, and will avoid a crisis of faith because our faith is rooted in something with substance. The bible tells us that it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), so how do we get faith? Well,Faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)

What is your faith based on? Why do you believe the things you believe? It is important to know what you believe, and why you believe it. The answer to that question should never be because (insert name or title here) told me so, with the exception of the Children’s song lyrics…”for the Bible tells me so.” So many times I hear people say they are looking for a word from God. This plays into wanting an experience, wanting a touch from God. Nothing wrong with that, but 100% of the time that we cannot discern the voice of the Lord is because we do not have the word of God in our hearts. Jesus said in John chapter 10 that His sheep know him and hear His voice. You want to get to know Him? You want a word from God? READ THE BIBLE! It is 66 books filled with Words from God to you.When you get the word in you, then God will breathe on it. Experience does not change your heart, the word of God changes your heart.

Our heart are changed because the Word is a God given guide for our life. The word is to act as a ruler or standard by which we gauge everything in our lives. It is the guide that tells us how we should live and how we should handle situations. It tells us why we need a savior and is a love letter to us from God. If we do not know the word, then how are we able to know how God expects us to live. It is also only by knowing the word that we can recognize false teachers and doctrines. We are to test everything against the standard of the Bible. Every preacher’s sermon, every message and supposed word from God, against the Bible.If you can’t find it in the Bible, Throw it out!

Jesus himself used scripture when preaching, reciting or reading from the Old Testament. When he spent 40 days in the wilderness being tempted, He resisted the devil through quoting scripture. Following his resurrection In Luke 24 we see that he opened the scriptures to those he was walking with on the road to Emmaus. Jesus, the resurrected Christ could have given them anything, but He opened their minds to the scripture. He still does this through the Holy Spirit for us when we study the word.
It is this opening of the scriptures that helps us acquire knowledge about Jesus as well as helping develop a relationship with Him. The prophet Hosea shows the importance of this in chapter 4 verse 6:

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being priest for Me;
Because you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.

This should serve as a warning that it is important to have knowledge and to know the laws, and more importantly the grace of God. This only comes from studying the word. Without this knowledge we will be as children “tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit (Ephesians 4:14).” Knowing the Word keeps you from being deceived by false doctrine. This is very much the same method used by the FBI and Treasury department. The people who are experts on counterfeiting do not spend all of their time studying the various methods people can produce fake money, and yet when handed a fake bill the truly experienced can recognize it immediately. How is this possible? They spend so much time studying the real thing that a fake is obvious. It is the same for us when we study the word of God, if you truly know the Bible, then fake doctrine, scriptures used out of context, and other errors become evident to you.

So if we don’t want to remain as children, then we need to grow up. There is nothing wrong with a new Christian having a limited understanding of the Bible and the things of God. It even says to desire Spiritual Milk like a new born Baby (1 Peter 2:1-3) However, the Bible is also full of admonishment and encouragement regarding not remaining immature in these things, saying to move on from just milk to meat. (Hebrews 5:11-6:12; 1 Cor 3:1-4;10-15; 2 Peter 1:3-15) Therefore we need to read and study the word in order to grow in our spiritual life and knowledge of Christ.

This knowledge is increased because the word isn’t just about Jesus, it is Jesus.
John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word,[a]
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.

Jesus is the incarnate Word of God so by studying the Bible, we are actually building relationship with THE WORD, Jesus. When you get to know someone, you learn who they are, what they desire in life, as well as other aspects of their Character. Well The Bible shows us the Character of God as he reveled himself through Jesus. It is a more solid foundation Heaven and Earth shall pass away but the Word Endures forever. 2 Peter 1:12-21 gives us assurance that the Bible is God given and is a sure foundation. There are plenty of extra biblical evidence pointing to the reliability of the Bible and I will address that in a different post. This shows that the scripture is something that is and will always be true and therefore something we can rely on.

The Word produces faith, faith produces confidence, confidence produces boldness, boldness produces Kingdom. The end result of Jesus coming and what what will be the end game in His return is the establishment of God’s Kingdom. We, as followers are to be a part of that and we can only accomplish this mandate (referred to as the Great Commission) if we know the Bible. Read, Memorize, meditate on the Word of God. Get it inside of you and use it as your standard of living, your code of Honor.

Go out and work on increasing the amount of time you spend reading, even if you start by adding 10 minutes extra a week. That is a start. There are tons of reading plans on the internet to help you, just type it into Google and find a plan. AN easy place to start is with Proverbs. The number of Chapters line up with the length of our months. I personally read a chapter from the Old Testament, one of the Psalms, A Proverb, and then a Chapter out of the New Testament. I do this in order to read through the entire Bible. I miss days, it happens. But my goal is everyday. If I miss a day, I jump right back in and start from where I left off, or time permitting I read extra to catch up and stay on track. The importance is not tied into how you do it, but that you do it.

The next post will focus on the second strand, Prayer. Have a great day!

Do You Know The Master?

Posted on February 4, 2016March 7, 2016 by scottcatchot

My Church was doing a Wednesday night series over the Parables of Jesus. Last night I shared over the Parable of the Talents and wanted to post it as I learned some really great things during this study.

The Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:
14 “For it is just like a man going on a journey. He called his own slaves and turned over his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents;[c] to another, two; and to another, one—to each according to his own ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately 16 the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. 17 In the same way the man with two earned two more. 18 But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.
19 “After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. Look, I’ve earned five more talents.’
21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’
22 “Then the man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. Look, I’ve earned two more talents.’
23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’
24 “Then the man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a difficult man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. Look, you have what is yours.’
26 “But his master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy slave! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, 27 then[d] you should have deposited my money with the bankers. And when I returned I would have received my money[e] back with interest.
28 “‘So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has 10 talents. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 30 And throw this good-for-nothing slave into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

I am sure many have heard this story before. I have heard it shared many times in the past and have read and reread it multiple times since, especially the past few weeks. I have also read more commentaries on it than I care to remember. The usual message I have heard on it relates to God giving us talents that we are to put to use for His glory. This is a great message, biblically sound because that is exactly what we are to do with our talents.

There is more to this parable than a great message on using our talents for Jesus. As a matter of fact if you look at the etymology of the English word talent, that’s a fancy word meaning the study of the origin of words, our usage of the word talent actually comes from the common interpretations and teaching on this parable. The only problem is that was not the meaning of the word in Jesus’ Day or how it is used in this parable.
Obviously the story uses talents to represent money. But parables have a purpose which is to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. So there is more to this story than meets the eye. The original definition of talent is that it was an ancient unit of weight. A talent in of itself is not a unit of currency.

The talent was the heaviest or largest biblical unit of measurement for weight. There is some debate over the actual modern equivalent due to different cultures having a different weight associated with their talent but an average estimate is around 75 lbs would be the weight equivalent of 1 talent. So when using talents you would have a talent of gold, silver, copper, etc. In the parable it just says he gave one 5 talents, one two, and the last only one. It does not say if it is gold, silver or copper. Regardless it was a considerable amount all across the board. One was given 375 lbs, another 150 lbs, and another 75 lbs. This is not something you just walk around with in your pocket. Some scholars estimate the monetary amount could have been up to 20 years salary.

So the master has called these slaves and has given his possessions over to them. Some translations say property. I need to mention the importance of property. Property to the Israelites was tied to the promises of God. It might trace back to the inheritance given when entering the promise land. It definitely represented what was the inheritance to be given to family when one passed away.

Considering this I find it interesting that Jesus does not specify an amount but stresses that a weight was given to each or dare I say a responsibility or a measure of something was given to each.

Now most commentaries and messages focus on what the talents represent. Which is where I began my study into this parable. It says they were given to each according to his own ability. Well regardless of how truthful and how great the interpretation is regarding using our talents for Jesus, It doesn’t make much sense that abilities were given according to abilities.

I spent a lot of time researching and praying over what God wanted me to share about this parable. In this parable Jesus uses a comparison between how the different slaves handled their talents. Two put the talents to good use, One hid the talent. The two were rewarded, the one, not so much. I studied the context of how the parable was told. Jesus is actually speaking to his disciples. They have questioned him about the end times, when to expect everything to come to pass. This parable is set between two other parables and they are all giving examples of what the Kingdom of heaven is like.

The verse preceding this , verse 13 says,
”3 “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.[b]
then continues into 14
“For it is just like a man going on a journey.

SO the importance of this parable is tied in part to Jesus stressing being alert in the end times. So what are we to understand the talents to represent? I continued to study digging into the greek for the words ability and at how the comparisons between the different slaves played out. Two put the money to use and one hid his away. They were rewarded and punished accordingly to what they did it seems.

But an important thing to remember in studying the Bible, is context. Everything must be understood in context with the rest of scriptures as well as in its’ own chapter.

But If the point of Jesus’ teaching in the parable of the talents is indeed the effort, faithfulness, or works, then based solely upon the context of this parable, one is confronted with the alarming possibility that the difference between those who enter the joy of the master from those who are cast into outer darkness is simply diligent labor. In short, if these interpretations are taken to their extreme, logical conclusion, they are ultimately teaching a works-based salvation, or if the notion of outer darkness is downplayed, then a works-based way to become more righteous. This is against all that the Bible teaches regarding Grace.

But in looking at all of these things I realized there was something that did fit all this criteria and that the talents could very well represent faith.

ROMANS 12:3
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.

Everyone is given a measure of faith, the more we use our faith, the more it increases. It is our faith that leads us to do works. It is by faith that we are saved and the bible even tells us that faith without works is dead and it is impossible to please God without faith. Even looking at the other parables in Chapter 25, the similarities underscore a message of faith.All of them deal with Jesus at his return; they cover judgement, accountability and the separation of two groups. So they are each in their own way showing how to be ready for when the master returns and keeping faith.

It was at this point The Holy Spirit highlighted something specific to me that I was missing. What he pointed out to me, took this parable to a whole other level.

There is a lot to gain looking at this parable and relating the talents to faith. And honestly we can teach great messages out of this making the talents represent many things, abilities, using money for god’s purpose, opportunities we are given. But The most important aspect in this parable isn’t what they were given, but what they did with what they were given and more importantly why. The motivation behind what caused the slaves to respond and act the way they did is the true gem of this parable.

Jesus’ relating of the servant’s actions and the master’s response showed that this was not a parable about work, money, or getting rewards. Instead, the parable of the talents is a story about motivation and the condition of one’s heart.

This was not a story about money but a parable about relationship. So now let’s look at this parable through that lens.

It says the first went immediately to work, the second did the same but the last hid his away. After a long time the master came and settled accounts. So the first two put that faith to use, the other did not, why the difference in what they did?

The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. Look, I’ve earned five more talents.’
21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’
22 “Then the man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. Look, I’ve earned two more talents.’
23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’

ok let’s observe even though they both were given a different amount, they both put it to use and therefore saw an increase. And they both received the same thing. They were both told well done, good and faithful slave.
Ok a slave doing a job for his master, even a trusted slave as these obviously were, has no rightful expectation of keeping any profit or getting anything in return. He is merely doing what is expected.

What does the master go on and say?

You were faithful over a few things,I will put you in charge of many things. A few? well it is obvious the Master has an abundance . Remember the monetary equivalent we mentioned. But more importantly he said Share your master’s Joy!

So they just got promoted, And then asked to share in the Master’s Joy ? The relationship between them just changed. They were just invited to a closer intimacy. Well this is a parable that uses comparison to highlight it’s point so let’s compare the last slaves actions.
24 “Then the man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a difficult man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. Look, you have what is yours.’

This slave goes on to explain why he did what he did.

But the Master does not agree or disagree with him in regard to his judgement of his character. Instead he uses the slaves own words against him.
26 “But his master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy slave! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, 27 then[d] you should have deposited my money with the bankers. And when I returned I would have received my money[e] back with interest.
28 “‘So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has 10 talents.
Telling him,If you believed this, then you Should have put the money in the bank and allowed interest to grow. He was called evil, lazy and tossed out of relationship with the master.

Why did this slave respond differently than the other two who were eager and went to work immediately ?

There is one thing he said that is important to note. He was afraid. Why was he afraid ? He says it was because he knew the master.But is his assessment of the Master true? The master didn’t have to give them anything to use while he was away, he could have even chosen other slaves. If he truly expected to gain where he had no right to gain, he would not have then rewarded the slaves and definitely not ask them into a closer relationship. and share in his joy.

It’s possible this Slave may not have even truly believed what he was saying, but was just making excuses because his actions did not back up what he was saying according to the master. The truth is this slave did not really know his master and therefore allowed his fear to keep him from putting his faith to use. He claimed he thought his master would expect something from nothing and yet he still did nothing. His improper understanding of his master affected how he responded to what the Master truly wanted and therefore his talent, or his unused faith did not produce anything for him because he hid it.

In the same way, for each of us, our understanding of the master, our understanding of who Jesus is affects how we relate to him and therefore affects how we respond to him. Lot’s of things can cause us to have a misunderstanding of who Jesus is, Things that happen in the past, relationship with our parents, or spouses.Events going on around us. Anything that can cause us to think Jesus is a certain way or shake our understanding.

The Bible is the ruler and guide by which we are to learn who the master is.The entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation is the story of a personal God seeking to restore relationship with mankind. The very reason Jesus came was to restore relationship between God and man. This parable shows us what the kingdom of God is like. A master who has left his slaves in charge, left them with a measure of faith.

Our view of God affects our relationship with him. We either trust him and act in a way that shows we trust him and therefore use our faith. Or our picture of who the master is causes us to hold on to our faith allowing fears to keep things hidden away out of sight, not being used , unable to increase. This is something that can affect so many different aspects of our life. Are we willing to take a chance with God?

Truly the word Talent can represent many things: But what do we know about the master? Can we trust him with our our talents, our abilities, our money, our faith, opportunities we are given. our lives, our health, or whatever. Or do we have an understanding of the master that allows fear to cause us to hide these things from him, like the slave who buried the talent

Are we going to put our faith in him and thereby find ourselves invited into a closer relationship?

So the choice is ours. What will we believe about Jesus? Will we use our faith, taking hold of opportunities that we are presented with, will we trust in what kind of master we have and get to share in the master’s Joy or allow fear to cause us to hide our faith away. Do not allow a misunderstanding of who Jesus really is to cause you to do nothing and ultimately miss out. Having faith and then putting it to use brings opportunities for an even closer relationship with Jesus, hiding it will cause even what faith we have to be lost. It is a true use it or loose it situation. What do you know about the Master?

Bushcraft USA

Posted on February 3, 2016February 23, 2016 by scottcatchot

An Excellent Resource for Bush Craft Knowledge

I love camping and doing things outdoors. This sis something I picked up as a kid. Boy Scouts played a big part in establishing this interest. i was in the Pine Burr Area Council. I started off with Cub Scouts, stayed through Webelos, and Received my Eagle Award in 1990 while in Troop 250 under Scoutmaster Jimmy Powell. My father was an Eagle scout and it is a safe bet that my son will be encouraged to give scouting a try. I already take him on camping trips to carry on the family tradition. I do this because one of my favorite memories is a camping trip my dad took me on around my 13th Birthday through the Smokey Mountains and Cherokee Indian reservation.

Last October (2015) i came across an online forum that is a gold mine of information.BushCraft USA. I was exercising my Google-FU and looking for places to do some more training and practice with Bush Craft skills. For those who do not know what that is, Bush Craft simply put is a term that means wilderness skills. It is more than survival training, it is about sustainability and comfortable living in a natural environment even over a long period. The true Bushcraft mindset involves having skills so that you do not need as much gear when you go out into the “bush” because you can make or “craft” everything you need and thus the term Bush Craft.

This is a forum dedicated to practically everything outdoors. I have met some of the most encouraging and selfless people on this site and am really enjoying being a part of the forum. Now this forum not only connects you with other people with similar interests in this area to learn from, but it actually provides free classes in Bush craft skills known as Bushclass. This is a self paced program that makes use of Videos and pictures online to teach different lessons. You watch the videos and then either take photos or make videos of yourself completing the lessons and post them in the appropriate place. Feedback from moderators and other forum readers let you know if you completed it successfully or not. The lead instructor is Terry Barney of Midwest School of Bushcraft, he goes by I.A. Woodsman on the forum. I.A.Woodsman has done an excellent job in the videos as well as the organization of this class. There are also patches you can get showing completion of the different levels. This spoke to the extrinsic motivation that kept me going as a Boy scout.

There are three levels to complete, Basic, Intermediate, and advanced. I have completed the Basic Level so far. Each level has certain required lessons to complete as well as elective lessons. Overnight outings are another requirement, which only makes sense since the purpose of having the skills and the best way to learn and improve is to get out into the woods.

The requirements for the Basic Certification is as follows:

REQUIRED FOR BASIC CERT

1.Feather Sticks and Shavings

2. 5 Man-made Tinders

3. The Twig Fire

4. Four Basic Bushcraft Knots

5. Improvise a Cooking Implement from Metal

6. Knife Sharpening

7. 2 Strand Twist with Man-Made Materials

8. Braiding Man-Made Materials

9.Set a Tarp Shelter

10. Make a Simple Snare

11. Tree Id and Uses

12. Cook Bannock with Fire

13.Make a Pot Hook

14. 5 Outings

I really enjoyed completing the lessons and learned some new skills. It is important to practice the skills in order to be able to do them when it really counts. These are skills that could prove life saving as well as just being a lot of fun. It also provided some fun interaction with my kids as I took them along on my outings and while doing some of the requirements. If you have an interest in Bush craft, camping, survival, homesteading, knives, or just like improving your knowledge of the outdoors, I highly recommend you check out the BushCraft USA forum and then start on the Bushclass lessons. The link to the general site is: bushcraftusa.com
The Bushclass lessons and information is located at :
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/forumdisplay.php/132-BushClass-USA

I hope you check out this highly valuable resource. I am off to work on the next level, Intermediate.