Concerning the War On Drugs,
we are enduring one of the most menacing and diabolical schemes and elements man has ever known. It's named Drugs. It has affected the way governments do their business. It saps the strength of up and coming promising generation.
1. People are dead due to drugs.
2. Families are broken up due to drugs.
3. Men & women with gifts, talents are in prison due to drugs.
4. Overdosed lost users are in a eternal place, not called heaven.
Before we get started, Just take a look at the LA. Times today, Tuesday February 2nd, 2010. I actually finished my blog last night. So I did not know, the Times would run this story. Wow!!? Anyhow, I pastor a church, and am part of a movement, Victory Outreach International, which is at the forefront of the drug war in inner cities worldwide. I'm blessed to say, that for the most part, God has been gracious and used us for His honor and glory, to impact lives with the gospel of Christ. In our ministry, I deal with, develop men and women. Then dispatch them into the ministry for the Lord. Its a calling God has given me. It's who I am. I have been at it for 20 years of full time Christian ministry. Even though, I was considered a lighweight (Means, I tried everything else, other than Heroin. There's a story to that also. Ok Ok. I'll tell you. One day as a young guy. Naw, I'll tell you on my next blog. For this is Part 1#) concerning drugs, yet, let me share my story.
1. Bad influence.
My brother, began smoking weed as a teenager. Then on a saturday afternoon, he encouraged me to do it. That it would be a good feeling. So I did. It was a feeling I had never known before. Then I kinda liked it. So I continued to do it, any chance that I had.
2. The In Thing To do.
One day, while I was "Buzzed out" I went down the street zoned out. I came across 20 -30 friends, "Homeboys" just kicking it in our hood. They asked me to join them. I did. Later, I found out my brother began dealing drugs in big quantitites. So I had the connection in my own house. And began hanging with the fellows.
3. One step up.
I began experimenting with Angel Dust. Mint leaves mixed with some kind of embalming fluid. It was popular in the late 70's. Then Sherm. That was cigarettes dipped in maybe the same thing. Crazy, Heh? Then came Cocaine, and a mixture, maybe along the same lines as Crack.
4. A Wake Up Call.
After seeing many of my friends dying, getting shot, going to prison. And me failing in school, and becoming worse, violent and rebellious. God sent someone to share the gospel with me. It was a homeboy who had given his life to God. God had touched my life. I knew it was real. For one day, while at home getting ready for school, I went through my wallet. And behold a marijuana cigarette? For I loved to walk to school smoking my joint before school. I loved it. So much students knew I had the bag. I said, to myself, 'I can't do this anymore. That's it!" So I crumbled that joint into the toilet. That's how I knew the curse had been broken in my life.
The war we face is a difficult one. In South America, and throughout Latin America and Mexico. It has become an outright battleground and nightmare. So what are we to do?
I. Pray
There is no better antidote, than prayer. Pray for people we know addicted. Pray for families ravaged by the uncaring curse of drugs. The drug business has become just that. A business. Backing the cartels, and drug connections is Satan. He is behind it all. He deals in greed, fear, lust for power, and destruction. We must come against the enemy, in Jesus name.
II. Reach out in being a Lighthouse to your community.
Preach the gospel. Tell someone Jesus loves them, and desires to forgive them. That He's the hope and answer in life we need.
III. Be influential as a mentor.
People need leadership. As a young man. I had not many positive influences. There were many who cared and desired to help. Yet I was just too hard headed. Yet, I needed people to not give up on me. Which many did. Influence someone, for God. Show them you care. Don't give up!
IV. Be consistent in your walk with God.
Many are watching. They watch to see if there's any truth to what we profess. Then when they see the amount of time. We come with them with the gospel, and our words will have power. We have leverage, and the reputation. Keep growing in God.
This year, let's be resolved. Listen, the government does not care. They're more concerned with balancing the budget, and handing out free stumulus money. The politicians in D.C. are more concerned over who has power and control than they do their own constituents! If they seem as if they do. It is lost in over spending our tax dollars in beauracracy. That is why after all of our technology and sophistication. We cannot stop the drug trade. And all the while as people go about their business. We are losing millions in our generation to drug addiction. Look! Its happening everywhere, even in high scale neighborhoods. So much that people do not know what to do! Yet, me and you know better. God is with us. And regardless. WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Let's do it together with God! Oh, yes. We have His backing. He is on our winning team!
Share your testimony, and or need prayer for a loved one or family member. Feel free to leave a comment. Have a great week!
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