Crossfire Path

A path is is a pattern we follow based upon the experience of others who have shared our journey. Each week, we will inivte a pastor to share their insights of what it means to be faithful in walking in the crossfire between a post-Christian culture and a nostalgic church. The guest pastor will share fresh thoughts each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Path guide

The Rev. Phil Pinkard is chaplaincy Director at the Medical Center of South Arkansas. He is an ordained minister in the Nazerene Church.Phil has been married since 1976 to Jodie, who teaches mathematics at El Dorado High School. They have two children, Heather, also a math teacher in El Dorado, and Mark (1984-2002).

"Always Faithful"

“And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” – I Corinthians 10:13, New International Version

This week marked two important dates in the life of our nation. Yesterday, November 10 was the anniversary of the creation of the United States Marine Corps, November 10, 1775.  For over two and a third centuries, “a few good men” have defended our freedom. The Marine corps motto is “Semper Fidelis” –Always Faithful.  Today is also the ninety-first anniversary of Armistice Day, now known as Veterans Day.  At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, a peace agreement was signed ending the War to End All Wars, later known as World War I.  Only two decades later, hostilities began again as nations were plunged into World War II.
These historic dates linked in my thinking led me to remember another One who is always faithful—the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the disciples, Paul and a host of witnesses in a great cloud, who cheer us on as we participate in the great race of life. When faced with a trial or temptation, failure seems inevitable. But I’m encouraged that despite difficulties, danger and disaster, God is faithful! In I Corinthians 10:13, Paul notes a few simple facts: 1) Temptation is common to us all; 2) God is faithful; 3) When tempted, God provides an escape route or strength to endure. Which has He provided to you?                                          Chaplain Phil