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This conversation with Rick Cadena, a combat veteran whose journey of faith began in the jungles of Korea and Central America, brings the spiritual landscape of warfare, trauma, and redemption to life. Though he never anticipated that his four years of military service would permanently alter his life's trajectory, Rick's candid testimony reveals how unexpected light can penetrate even in our darkest moments.

As a young radio operator in a Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol team, Rick faced perilous conditions from Korea's DMZ to the guerrilla conflicts of El Salvador. His vivid recollections of combat—the whistling bullets, the mortar explosions, and most poignantly, his spontaneous cries to Jesus despite having no religious background—create a powerful backdrop for understanding his later transformation. "I didn't know anything about Jesus," Rick confesses, "I was just scared, man."

The physical and psychological aftermath of combat would haunt Rick for decades. After being medevaced following a traumatic explosion, he struggled with undiagnosed brain injury, chronic pain, and PTSD that the VA initially refused to acknowledge. His descent into substance abuse and anger represented a soul in crisis, searching for meaning and relief. "I was empty, Mike," he explains, comparing himself to an empty whiskey bottle needing to be filled.

The turning point came through unexpected encounters with faith communities, particularly at his church, where Rick found not only spiritual guidance but brotherhood in recovery groups for former addicts. His discovery of passion for playing conga drums in worship offered a new channel for expression and healing—a stark contrast to his earlier life of isolation and anger.

Most recently, while facing potential leg amputation following complications from a broken ankle, Rick experienced what he describes as divine intervention in his hospital room—curtains moving inexplicably and a gentle sensation flowing through his body that renewed his commitment to serve God regardless of physical limitation. "I can serve you with one leg. I can serve you with no legs," became his transformative prayer.

This conversation transcends a typical veteran's story, offering profound insights into how suffering, when met with faith and community, can forge resilience and purpose even from the most traumatic experiences. Rick's journey reminds us that healing rarely follows a straight path but often winds through unexpected terrain where grace appears in surprising forms.

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Standing in the shadow of eternity, Jesus spoke words that penetrate the depths of our understanding about His divine mission: "The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father living in me who is doing his work." This profound statement reveals something revolutionary about Christ's earthly ministry - He never operated alone.

Throughout the Gospels, we witness Jesus in constant communion with the Father, supported by the Holy Spirit, ministered to by angels, and even joined by prophets like Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration. This divine partnership wasn't incidental but essential to understanding Jesus' purpose. He was sent - a mission planned in eternity and executed in time, making Him the ultimate "apocalypse" (revelation) of God to humanity.

Despite performing undeniable miracles - healing birth defects, multiplying food, casting out demons, and ultimately conquering death itself - Jesus faced relentless opposition from religious authorities who understood exactly what He was claiming: divine identity. When He affirmed before the high priest that He was indeed "the Christ, the Son of God," using apocalyptic language from Daniel, they condemned Him to death for blasphemy. Yet what these opponents failed to comprehend was that this execution was not a tragedy but part of a divine plan - "Good Friday" - ordained before the foundations of the world.

The resurrected Christ didn't appear as a spirit but in a physical, touchable body that still bore the scars of crucifixion. For almost two months, He ate, taught, and fellowshipped with disciples before delivering the Great Commission - a declaration of war against the kingdom of darkness that represents the beginning of evil's end. This commission is what demonic forces fear most: their own destruction.

As you contemplate your place in this cosmic narrative, remember that just as Jesus wasn't alone, neither are you. With the Holy Spirit as your guide and Christ as your advocate, you're invited to choose sides in this eternal conflict. Will you stand with the Conqueror who offers eternal life as a gift to all who believe? The decision you make today reverberates through eternity.

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Jesus reveals that the spiritually dead are people who will hear His voice and receive eternal life. This spiritual awakening comes through faith, and faith comes through hearing His word. And with Scripture and genuine preaching, leading to authentic transformation and a relationship with God.

• Spiritually dead refers to those physically alive but separated from God through sin
• Genuine saving faith produces visible life changes, including Bible reading, prayer life, and love for Jesus
• Knowing Christ personally is the essence of Christianity, not religious performance
• God has been patiently waiting for YOU for the past 2000 years.
• Our finite minds cannot comprehend God's truth without the Holy Spirit's help
• Spiritual hardness comes from our lack of understanding. Romans 3:10
• Jesus offers eternal life through personal relationships rather than religious rituals

What would you give in exchange for your soul? What does it profit a person to gain the whole world and lose their soul? These are the words of Christ himself.