Spreading the love of Jesus...the Cowboy Way!

Echoes From the Campfire

“A man gets to thinking and fearing about tomorrow and most of the time that's all it amounted to—fear.”
--D.C. Adkisson (Mal de Ojo)

"We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
--Hebrews 6:11-12 (NIV)
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"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You." --Psalm 56:3 (NKJV)

Look around you, take a drive. Whew, that is enough to put fear into you. It is dangerous to drive out on the streets and highways. People believe that the asphalt belongs to them and they take all of it they can get. People pass when they shouldn't, people pull out from side streets without stopping, people drive down the middle of the road. Why? Don't they understand common courtesy and the principle of the law? "Big deal," I hear you say, but it is because it reflects a deeper problem--the problem of the soul. The problem that we see in the Book of Judges where the people did right in their own eyes. Self becomes the issue, I can do what I want when I want. Know this that the concept of relative truth is not new; relativism, the belief that my truth is as good as your truth is the foundation of anarchy.
Now that you've made it safely back home. The nuts on the road didn't get to you, oh, and have you ever stopped to think that half the people on the road are under the influence of something while others are on their phone, despite what the law says about that? But you made it--safe. Now look at your phone, or watch the news on television. Does it make you feel comfortable? Someone wrote, "The simplicity of life has been lost in the jumble of the frantic and the unfamiliar." Wanting order in our lives, Satan desires disorder. Wanting to live by the principles of God's Word, Satan wants your life in chaos.
Oh, what is a person to do? One thing for sure: do not let fear grip you! You are called to this day. You live in this particular time in history and know that God did not make a mistake by placing you in the here and now. He has a purpose for you now. Do not give in to your fears, or your moods, or your feelings. God is with you, every step of the way, every minute of the day, and get this, even while you sleep. Add to this the fact that God, "The protector of Israel doesn't doze or ever get drowsy" (Psalm 121:4, CEV) As He protects Israel, He is always taking care of each one of His children. Do not be afraid!
"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24, NKJV) or as the CEV puts it, "This day belongs to the Lord! Let's celebrate and be glad today." I don't think we realize that this is the day that God has given to you. How will you deal with the day? In fear, cringing, or in courage knowing that God is with you through every situation that may occur? No matter the turmoil of the age, the wars and terror, the pestilence, the economy, the political issues--know this that God is in control and you can trust Him. When hardships come, no matter the type, trust in Him. When dark clouds loom overhead, trust in Him. When there seems to be no hope, understand this, you can trust Him, therefore gather up your hope and smile at what is in front of you.
As it was written, "In this moody, unpredictable, and confused world, we can be a part of that same truth. We too can affirm with confident trust that we are given this day to live." Let the words of that old hymn be your anthem:
"When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In ev'ry high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand...."
--Edward Mote
Live this day in the power of His love; hold firm to His hand and know, know that you can trust Him!