Hi all,
Thank you for bringing my attention to these other avenues for compensation. I heard of them in passing very briefly and forgot the moment after about these methods. I did not hear good things about them by the person who was informing myself and other students, that person being a financial adviser at the school who handles student payment plans and federal loans. That being said, I am not at all closed to the idea. I am open to whatever God will's. I will look further into these. I haven't personally yet looked at the links that were provided, merely responding to let everyone know I am aware and grateful for the reminder of them.
AwesomeSaviour, Your name is dean correct? I'm terribly sorry I don't want to get it wrong! I know we've had conversations before. As for carrying a weapon, I could never do such a thing. I want to trust God fully and turning to a weapon for my own protection would show my lack of faith in Him to provide and protect. I turn to these verses which give me assurance to the trust I have placed, and presumed, God with.
Romans 12:19 "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."
Rom 12:9-21 "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
I do agree that time in the military would allow me to be a great witness to those around me but God is not interested at this moment in saving the world. He is working with a few chosen so I don't feel there is any need to witness or go out of my way to be a witness. There were very few reasons for me to ever consider the military and as I was leaning more towards loans, I am even more so now due to the great wisdom everyone has shared with me. I am so very thankful for it all.
John, you are right. The apostles and Christ never turned to the systems of this world when they needed money.
I still have time to think about the matter and will continue to pray on it. I appreciate everyones contribution, please don't hesitate to provide more input or advice. I am taking it all in. This is one of those "Crossroad" moments in my life so I want to make the right decision by the grace of God.
Thank you again everyone and God bless,
Alex