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A New Season

by Ryan Marcum on October 27, 2011 in Blog, Life with No comments

Autumn is the favorite time of year for many people. Fall is a time of bonfires, football, breaks from school and often a time of renewal. My family is entering a new season of our journey together during this autumn season.

Most of you know that I have been pastoring a church and an officer serving in the United States Army Reserve. The unit I am serving with is a training unit and has been called upon to train units who will be deploying in the future. I will be training these units alongside my fellow soldiers during this fall season through the summer of next year. The leadership of the church and I have decided that it would be best for me to step down as pastor during this time away.

I am thankful to God for the opportunity to serve with the people of Covington Baptist Church and will not forget the love shown to my family. I will miss each and everyone of you and will pray for you daily as you continue to be faithful in giving to the mission of making God’s glory known among the nations.

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” Daniel 2:20-23

Why Freedom?

by Ryan Marcum on October 1, 2011 in Blog, Life with No comments

 

Why are people so enamored with the concept of freedom?

Not only in western culture but in every culture the concept and ideology of freedom exists. But why? There are songs about freedom, and numerous definitions of the word. Movies are dedicated to the centrality of freedom. Countries are built because of freedom. Wars waged over the word, freedom.

But why have we fallen in love with the word? The earth on which we live is yearning for freedom: Continue reading →

“Army Training, Sir!”

by Ryan Marcum on August 19, 2011 in Blog, Life with No comments

20110819-024407.jpgHey everyone! Since Wednesday, Aug. 17, I have been here at Camp Atterbury for Annual Training. I have the privilege of being with Soldiers for this exercise.

During this exercise I am able to see Soldiers display their proficiency in whatever the task before them. From the highest ranking officer to the lowest private, all are working hand in hand to accomplish the mission.

Continue reading →

Do We Understand?

by Ryan Marcum on August 12, 2011 in Blog, Life with No comments

Jesus often walked with His disciples, teaching them along the way. At times the disciples did not understand;(John 12:16, Matthew 16:21-22, Luke 18:31-34, John 13:36-14:6, Luke 19:11, Acts 1:6).

There are times that I do not understand why things happen. Like the disciples I often try and figure out what God is doing instead of just listening. Here are some thoughts I’ve had recently:

 

  • Every situation that I go through, will not only benefit my relationship with God, it will also help with others going through similar situations. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
  • When I feel anxious about a situation we are to seek out the Scriptures/Truths of God and pray through it! Philippians 4:6
  • Lean not on my own understanding, and be confident that God will carry me through. Proverbs 3:5, Philippians 1:6

Do we as believers understand why we go through painful, and often confusing situations? We are to lean on God, so that we may lift up others around us when they are in the midst of struggle. We are to comfort others and keep the Gospel the focus of our comfort.

PT & God.

by Ryan Marcum on August 6, 2011 in Blog, Life with No comments

Today I got out and began my August PT regimen, and I experienced a welcomed peace. As I hit the two mile mark, my body began to scream, but something screamed even louder…

I have been preaching through the book of Acts on Sunday mornings at Covington Baptist Church and as I was walking the stoning of Stephen came to mind. Why?

The application for tomorrow’s message is that true disciples praise God in all circumstances even death. Amidst severe suffering and pain God is faithful and will be with us even through fire.

Hosea 6:3 – Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.

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