by R. McGuire
Each day, each turn can be a learning experience. We face challenges all of the time. The question is, “What do we make of it? What do we do with the knowledge that we gain from walking this earth and staring those tests and trials in the face? What can we do with what the Lord allows to see us through tribulation?”
Through some of my darkest hours, I know one thing is certain. God was there. He was there to guide me; show that He had not forsaken me. Some torrential waters I had waded into on my own. Some rivers of daily life I’d allowed to swallow me up. Some innocent looking brooks that appeared quiet and correct, but led to dangerous undercurrents that would drag me down, and unforeseen waterfalls that could overpower and drown me in the ways of men, the enticements of the world.
But in those hours I had a choice, I could allow the troubled waters to overtake me, overpower me and even sweep me away, or I could look to the One Who controlled the waters. I could surrender to what the Lord brought my way, for my growth and betterment for His ultimate use and glory.
Oh the River of Life, should I not choose The better?
*************
April 28, 2009
These days, nearly every day, we are faced with torrents of sad news, bad news, infuriating news, even scary news. It is during these times that we must choose to rely more heavily on what we know is true. And hope...
Lately I've struggled with maintaining a balance when it comes to my walk with the Lord, my family, my ministries, and my call as a citizen of Heaven and a temporary citizen of this earth. Sometimes I cannot help but want to scream aloud at the injustices, the corruption, the persecutions, the strong-arming of our current government, (and my responsibility to pray for him/them), for organizations like the ACLU that supposedly have the civil rights of all Americans in mind...
As I write articles, citizen action alerts or short stories on things happening in our country; as I conduct research, search for the truth and compile information one cannot help but feel tainted. As if I've just waded through a pool of filthy sludge...
Does our peace rest on man, or this country, or our Christian liberty? Should we fear?
Jesus answered this quite clearly when He reminded me, in John 14:27: "Peace I leave with You. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
And Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
One question I ask myself often, is it worth the time and effort? I love this country. I love my family. I love those who He has chosen to put into my life. As I was praying over this entry the Lord showed me a scripture:
"A wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment, because for every matter there is a time and judgment, though the misery of man increases greatly. For he does not know what will happen; So who can tell him when it will occur?" Eccles. 8:5b-7
Read that again if you will...
So therein lies my answer... We do have a responsibility to share what He reveals. May He give each of us courage, grace and love that we might impart it to all whom He directs in our path. Do not grow weary my brethren... Do not lose hope! for He has promised to be with us, that:
"When (not if) you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and through the rivers,
they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you shall not be burned,
nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
Isaiah 43:2-3a
*Originally penned on 9/9/04
Oh the River of Life, should I not choose The better?
*************
April 28, 2009
These days, nearly every day, we are faced with torrents of sad news, bad news, infuriating news, even scary news. It is during these times that we must choose to rely more heavily on what we know is true. And hope...
Lately I've struggled with maintaining a balance when it comes to my walk with the Lord, my family, my ministries, and my call as a citizen of Heaven and a temporary citizen of this earth. Sometimes I cannot help but want to scream aloud at the injustices, the corruption, the persecutions, the strong-arming of our current government, (and my responsibility to pray for him/them), for organizations like the ACLU that supposedly have the civil rights of all Americans in mind...
As I write articles, citizen action alerts or short stories on things happening in our country; as I conduct research, search for the truth and compile information one cannot help but feel tainted. As if I've just waded through a pool of filthy sludge...
Does our peace rest on man, or this country, or our Christian liberty? Should we fear?
Jesus answered this quite clearly when He reminded me, in John 14:27: "Peace I leave with You. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
And Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
One question I ask myself often, is it worth the time and effort? I love this country. I love my family. I love those who He has chosen to put into my life. As I was praying over this entry the Lord showed me a scripture:
"A wise man's heart discerns both time and judgment, because for every matter there is a time and judgment, though the misery of man increases greatly. For he does not know what will happen; So who can tell him when it will occur?" Eccles. 8:5b-7
Read that again if you will...
So therein lies my answer... We do have a responsibility to share what He reveals. May He give each of us courage, grace and love that we might impart it to all whom He directs in our path. Do not grow weary my brethren... Do not lose hope! for He has promised to be with us, that:
"When (not if) you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and through the rivers,
they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you shall not be burned,
nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
Isaiah 43:2-3a
*Originally penned on 9/9/04
