Wednesday, September 30, 2009

A Glimpse of His Glory...


I was watching a TV special about planet earth. I opened my bible to Psalm 145 and was so inspired by King David's words...

All Your works shall praise You, O Lord
And Your saints shall bless You.
Psalm 145:10


Saturday, May 2, 2009

Facing The Torrents of Life*



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

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Hope in Troubled Times


In a day and age of uncertainty there is a steady hope that we can cling to... The Lord laid this poem/song on my heart some time ago, but it is still even more relevant today... Hope it blesses and encourages you! Would love to know your thoughts, how the Lord may use this in your life. Blessings!



I am with you always—Even to the end.

A kind and loving Savior—Your most faithful friend.

Even when the trials come, and life feels too hard to bear.

I've promised to be with you—Always will be there…

So I choose to look up to Him, and trust Him at His word

Believing that He's promised—to work things for my good

I won't turn to my own resources,

To make it down this part of the road.

Instead I know He walks with me—and carries my heavy load

I am with you always—Even to the end.

A kind and loving Savior—Your most faithful friend.

Even when the trials come, and life feels too hard to bear.

I've promised to be with you—Always will be there…
©2000 r. mcguire - RUFORHIM2 Ministries

If you'd like to use this for print, web or powerpoint, please contact me first.

Monday, October 13, 2008

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)

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

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.