Wasteful Days & Wasteful Nights

As of recent, I collapse into bed utterly exhausted, spent; yet feeling I've accomplished very little. The deduction I've come to is this... it's all been for naught. I've been trying to walk in my own strength, instead of relying on my Lord and Savior.

Sound hopeless? Perhaps.

Sound familiar? Probably at times.

Yet, I am hopeful, because on my spiritual journey to walk closer with the Lord, He's helped me to come to the realization that although I've allowed my walk to systematically be sent down the path of living daily; rather than living life in the eternal, according to His purposes alone... He is faithful to pick me up and turn me back in the right direction.

"Why do I become so easily weighed down

Falling into my same old ways

And not living for the Kingdom's crown?

Quickly ensnared by 'here and now' days

Lord, God of Heaven

Work in me again somehow."

rlm 10-12-08

So where do we start? God IS complex, but His leading and desire for us is not complicated. In fact, it's as easy as 1-2-3-4.

1. Repent
2. Renew
3. Return
4. Remember

1. Repent of what you know has hindered you or drawn you away.

2. Renew your commitment to pursue Him.

3. Return to the basics of your salvation. Where true transformation takes place - like when you first believed

• Spend time pouring over His Word
• Spend time in prayer and communion
• Spend time with like-minded believers who are in the same godly pursuit - to live FOR Him

4. Remember these days are not all there is... The world and its system are quickly perishing. Live eternally-minded with an urgent message for those who do not hold the keys to the mysteries of God...

"Get me right again LORD, so I might get back to work..."

King David breaks it all down for us very simply in Psalm 37 as a model to live by.

1. Do not fret (Psalm 37:1)
2. Trust in the Lord and do good. (Psalm 37:3)
3. Delight yourself in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)
4. Commit your way to the Lord (Psalm 37:5)
5. Rest in the Lord (Psalm 37:7a)
6. Wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7b)

"The steps of a good man (or woman) are ordered by the Lord,

And He delights in His way.

Though He fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;

For the Lord upholds him with His hand..."

Psalm 37:23-24

(There is hope for me after all)

What Would Your Sign Read?...Cardboard Ministry

A friend sent me a link to this very powerful video. I just had to share it. Would love to know your thoughts... I've checked it out. It's safe to view.

The Night Song...

(by Rhonda McGuire)

My Dad had been slipping away for a while.. We had many conversations about the Lord and he had come to trust in Him... We were having a chat about heaven and what it would be like and my Dad told me he was having a difficult time sleeping. He was worried that he'd not awake. I know how hard nights can be. I prayed with him, assured him that his days and nights were in God's hands. Indeed they were.

He went to be with the Lord on January 29th of this year. I look forward to seeing him again. New body, no illness. I never had the chance to share a poem that the Lord gave me that night, so I thought I'd put it out there for those who stumble across this corner of the world of the internet... May it comfort you, no matter what you're going through.

**************
In the quiet hours of the night
When slumber fails to come
Disallow fears grip to hold
For You are watched over by The One

The One Who calms the seas
Who wipes away our tears
He's the Father & God of Heaven
Whose been beside you all your years

Remember all of God's promises
He always will be there
So the next time slumber fails you
Just whisper a simple prayer


*************

We know not what tomorrow holds, but we know Who holds all our tomorrows.

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep,
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety...
Psalm 4:8

I Surrender (You Carry Me)

(by Rhonda McGuire)

Surrender
I surrender
I lay it all down
Casting my crowns before You
Only You

Surrender
I surrender
Leaning not on my own understanding
Placing my life on your altar again

When I think I've not the strength to carry on
That's when You come
And carry me
You carry me

Surrender
I surrender
I lift up my head
I lift up my eyes
And there You are
You've been with me all along...

My lips have been silent
Only my soul has cried out
In the darkest moments You prove
What loving grace is all about...

That's when You carry me
You carry me...
Lord, carry me...

3/12/08

Everybody's Looking for Answers To Life - Be Wise

Wisdom is knowledge applied.

Foolishness is wisdom denied...

- R. McGuire, 1/11/08

Where can we find true wisdom? From the One Who is undeniably wise...

To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding
To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment and equity;
To give prudence to the simple.
To the young man knowledge and discretion-
A wise man will hear and increase learning;
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel...
Proverbs 1:2-5

So where can we find TRUE wisdom??
It couldn't be put more simply than this...

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,

But fools despise wisdom and instruction...

Proverbs 1:7

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,

Who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him...

James 1:5

I'll be expounding on this topic really soon. Not because I'm an intellect,

but because I serve a God Who holds all the answers to lifes' mysteries...

Blessings in Him!

R