Posts by Allan Lacoste

What Archetype are You?

In this world, amidst the ebb and flow of life’s currents, I find solace in reflecting upon a timeless truth. As I ponder the intricacies of human nature, I am reminded of a profound passage from the sacred Scriptures.

It speaks of three distinct archetypes that shape the tapestry of existence: the sheep, the wolves, and the sheepdogs. Within the depths of my being, I embrace the understanding that each person embodies one of these roles.

Some souls, perhaps naively, choose to shield their hearts from the existence of malevolence. In their innocence, they believe evil to be an abstract concept, foreign to their own experience. They are the sheep, vulnerable and unaware.

Yet, lurking among us are those who thrive on the exploitation of weakness. They are the wolves, preying upon the unsuspecting, their actions driven by the darkness within. In their wake, they leave trails of fear and despair.

And then, in the face of this primal struggle, emerges a rare breed. They are the sheepdogs, bestowed with a gift that sets them apart—a relentless instinct to protect the flock. They possess a fervent aggression, an unwavering resolve, and an indomitable spirit that compels them to stand against the wolves.

These men, these guardians, draw strength from a deep reservoir within. They are the embodiment of courage, selflessness, and unwavering devotion. They willingly confront the darkness, placing themselves on the frontlines, ready to shield the vulnerable and confront the malevolent.

As I contemplate these profound truths, I am reminded of the significance of our choices. We are called upon to discern our place in this intricate dance of existence. Will we turn a blind eye to the realities of the world, content in our ignorance? Or will we rise above, embracing our role as protectors, as sheepdogs?

For in the grand tapestry of life, it is the sheepdogs who ensure that the flock survives and thrives. They are the embodiment of compassion and strength, tirelessly fighting for the light to prevail over darkness.

May we all, in our own unique ways, embrace the spirit of the sheepdog within us. May we cultivate the virtues of protection, courage, and love, so that when evil darkens our doorstep, we shall not cower in fear but rise to meet it head-on.

Amen,
Allan

The Transient Nature of Life and the Choice of Belief

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. We often get caught up in the pursuit of material possessions and temporary pleasures, forgetting the fleeting nature of our existence on this earth. It is a marvel to witness how people live as if this life will last forever, oblivious to the fact that death is inevitable and that we will ultimately be judged for our actions.

In the Christian Bible, there is a profound message that serves as a reminder of the transience of life and the importance of leading an ethical existence. Each day, every single thing we do is recorded in the book of life – a testament to our character and deeds. This record will serve as the basis for our judgment when the time comes. It is a sobering thought that should encourage us to number our days and be mindful of our actions.

Central to this message is the belief in a higher power – God, who watches over us and will ultimately judge us. Many live as if they have an eternity to fulfill their desires and pursue worldly pleasures. However, the truth remains that our time is limited, and we are accountable for our choices. Living ethically, with a sense of moral responsibility, becomes paramount in light of this understanding.

Yet, amidst the looming judgment, there is hope. The Christian faith presents the concept of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who offers salvation and redemption. He is the eternal God who walked among us, living a sinless life for 33 years. His ultimate sacrifice on the cross and subsequent resurrection provide us with a choice – a way to be free from the burden of judgment.

By believing in Jesus Christ, acknowledging his divinity, and accepting him as our savior, we can find solace and forgiveness. Through faith in him, our sins can be washed away, and we can find eternal peace in the presence of God. Jesus offers us the opportunity to be with him, to transcend the temporary nature of this earthly existence, and to embrace a higher purpose.

Amen.

Embracing Life’s Blessings: Letting Go of Worry and Focusing on What Truly Matters

In my journey through life, I’ve come to realize that worrying about things rarely brings any positive change. More often than not, everything tends to work out just fine in the end. Nature itself serves as a beautiful example of this truth. Birds, deer, and fish go about their lives without worry, unaffected by the burdens that plague human minds. They don’t fear death, as we do. What if we could learn from them and live with such simplicity and grace?

Children, too, possess a remarkable ability to live in the present moment without dwelling on worries. They trust that their parents will handle any challenges that arise. Their innocence reminds us that there is a certain beauty in surrendering control and having faith in the journey.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the world we live in is often governed by materialistic pursuits. The lure of possessions and wealth can distract us from what truly matters. The truth is, when our time on this Earth comes to an end, we can’t take any of these material things with us. It’s a sobering reminder that our focus should shift towards the intangible treasures of life.

Love, light, and faith are the pillars that truly enrich our existence. Love connects us with others, creating a circle of support and compassion. Surrounding ourselves with people who genuinely love and respect us is crucial for our well-being. These are the individuals who uplift us, inspire us, and remind us of our worth.

Light, symbolizing positivity and hope, helps us navigate through the darkest moments of our lives. By embracing the light within ourselves and others, we can create a world that is free from the chains of negativity and darkness. Choosing to focus on the positive aspects of life allows us to cultivate gratitude and find joy even in the smallest of moments.

Lastly, surrendering to faith can provide solace and peace in times of uncertainty. It doesn’t necessarily mean adhering to a specific religious doctrine, but rather, it is about trusting in something greater than ourselves. Faith teaches us to relinquish control and embrace the unknown, knowing that there is a greater plan at work.

Live a life filled with purpose, joy, and peace, until one day, you’re gone.

Best,
Allan Lacoste

Embracing a New Path: How God Transforms Our Destiny

Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes, we find ourselves in circumstances that seem unalterable, bound by the limitations of our current reality. However, when we surrender our lives to God, He has a remarkable way of leading us out of our comfort zones and into a new chapter that exceeds our wildest imaginations. Let us explore how God’s guidance can shift our people groups, change our circles, redirect our trajectories, and even lead us to new careers.

One of the remarkable ways in which God works in our lives is by leading us out of the people group we were once part of. The Bible illustrates numerous instances where God called individuals to step out of their familiar surroundings. For instance, Abraham left his homeland and family, and Moses was chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. These examples highlight the transformative power of God’s guidance, taking us beyond the limitations of our past and connecting us with a new community of believers.

God’s intervention not only changes our people group but also transforms the circles we associate with. As we align our lives with His purpose, He brings new relationships and connections into our lives. Walking with the wise, as mentioned in Proverbs 13:20, enables us to grow in wisdom. When God leads us, He surrounds us with individuals who encourage and inspire us to pursue His calling. These new relationships can provide the support and accountability necessary for our personal growth and spiritual development.

When God leads us, He redirects our trajectory, setting us on a path that aligns with His divine plan. The story of Joseph in the Bible is a profound example of this. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, God’s hand was upon Joseph, guiding him to eventually become a powerful leader in Egypt. Likewise, God can transform our stories by orchestrating events and opportunities that propel us towards our purpose. As we trust in His guidance, our trajectory takes an extraordinary turn, leading us to fulfill our God-given destiny.

God’s leading is not limited to our personal lives; it extends to our professional journeys as well. Sometimes, He guides us to pursue new career paths that align with our passions and abilities. Proverbs 16:3 encourages us to commit our work to the Lord, knowing that He will establish our plans. When we surrender our career aspirations to God, He provides clarity and opens doors that we never thought possible. Through His guidance, we discover fulfillment and purpose in our professional endeavors.

God will make a way for you to cross over successfully. His promises await you, but you need to trust Him. Embrace the journey, knowing that God’s leading is the key to unlocking your true potential and fulfilling your God-given purpose. Trust in His faithfulness, and watch as He transforms your life, leading you to a path that surpasses all expectations.

His love is true

In the depths of my falls, I pondered my mistakes,
Yet God’s unwavering love was all it takes.
He never gave up on me, in my moments of despair,
For He had a divine plan, with purpose beyond compare.

As I met God, truly met Him, for the first time,
A profound understanding washed over me, sublime.
I realized the need for change, for transforming my ways,
For life’s fragility taught me there are no guarantees for the coming days.

In the presence of God, I found solace and grace,
A sanctuary where I could seek refuge in His embrace.
He offered forgiveness, a chance to start anew,
And His divine guidance became my compass, true.

Through the highs and lows, His plan began to unfold,
My life took on a purpose, a story yet untold.
No longer bound by the chains of my past,
I embraced His direction, walking steadfast.

With each passing day, I learned to let go,
To surrender my worries, to let His love grow.
For in His hands, my fears began to fade,
And I discovered a newfound strength, unafraid.

The uncertainty of tomorrow became a reminder,
To cherish each moment, to let my faith climb higher.
For in God’s plan, there lies a purpose divine,
And I trust in His guidance, for His plan intertwines.

So I journey forward, with God by my side,
Knowing that in His love, I can confide.
No matter how many times I may stumble or fall,
His unwavering presence will guide me through it all.

For He never gave up on me, in my darkest hour,
His love and grace became my ultimate power.
And as I embrace His plan, with a heart renewed,
I find strength and hope, knowing His love is true.