Today’s Troubles Will Test Us

        Lots of words describe trouble:  disaster, forest fire, robbery, wreck, flood, attack, tragedy, violence.   Today’s newspapers and the latest TV and Internet reports bring us a huge list of troubles from here and around the world. 

        What’s the logical thing to do?  Perhaps turn off the TV after an hour of the bad news?  Or, look into the cause and effect of some of the troubles that pique our interest?  Maybe write to our senators, our representatives, and post to social media websites?

        Today’s troubles will test us.  That same fact has applied to each person, even way, way, way back in the olden days.  God allows calamities, disease, failures, wars to get our attention. 

What a Relief!

        Keeping up with the TV news and the Internet postings is a challenge and a chore!  Discussing some of the related issues of what's going on in the nation and the world, we take a look at some really good reasons to exclaim, "What a relief!"
        This is the title of our latest booklet and we give all of our booklets away for free.  Drop us a line and let us mail one to you.  You'll find some info and commentary that you can share with your kids, your friends, your relatives, etc.
        Look at the list of all our booklets which I keep updating, Booklets I've Been Writing.  Maybe you'll find something else that interests you.  

I Can and I Will

This challenge is hard, but I’m going to do it;

This trouble is tough, but I’m going through it.

Trouble can’t last forever — not much longer;

I will not be discouraged, I’ll get stronger.

Though the light gets dim, and I don’t know what to do;

Jesus holds me close, and He will see me through. 

My mind settles down, my lips form a prayer;

I don’t know how exactly, but God gets me there. 

Today's News Is About Terrible Things -- So What?

       Today’s news programs were “normal.” From TV reports to Internet sites there wasn’t any “good” news around the world. Interviews involved picking out a few comments to argue about vehemently for a short time. 

        How do you and I respond?  

1. Turn off the news and avoid thinking about it?  Emotionally and intellectually deny the powerful, horrible truth of what’s going on?

2. Or, give at least one news report a quick listen so we can act like we’re keeping up with the various situations; we’re not careless or stupid?

3. Or, immerse ourselves in all the details we can find in print and on-line?  This way we can show up all the people we might talk with?  We know more facts and opinions of famous people?

       What’s our motive?  Do we have a plan, a goal? Or, is watching the news just a habit that launches the day?

       Does it really matter?  Does what I choose, what I do make any difference in the “big picture” of life? 

         As people who care what’s going on many of us miss our “assignment.”  We are to pray for the misled people to awaken to the truth of good and evil. Pray for the “bad” people to repent of their sins and to hear the good news of the truth of God’s Word.  Judgment from God brings them troubles which are meant to emphasize their need of God:  repent before they die and face eternal consequences.     

        Here’s a few Bible verses to get you started in this calling, 
this challenge to pray for others: 

Yes, It's Ready

        Our newest booklet of encouragement is now ready.  "Good for You!" is number 76 and you'll find the entire list when you go to Labels at the side of this blog page and click on Booklets published.  These booklets are free. We make them on our own computer and printer with ClickBook from bluesquirrel.com. The topics could make for a good conversation at your next opportunity with family, friends, etc. 

Today's the Day

       The flag is flying and the weather is nice.  There's lots of people going places, and TV specials coming. It's a day to celebrate . . . something. 
        Stop for a minute and think about where you are right now.  Anything to be thankful for?  
        Of course, the day's news will have some bad things to report.  Anything to pray about?  
        Make your own personal quiet time of reflection . . . 

The Evening News and YOU

Several friends recently confided to me that they don’t watch the evening news on TV anymore. I agreed that the news reports are mostly no fun, and watching for an hour and a half at supper time interferes with family conversation.  

    We don’t need to listen or watch the news all day long, but we do need to know what’s happening.  To prudently prepare we need to be properly informed. Honestly, we cannot ignore or deny the problems of our town, our nation, and the world. 

    We can pray.  No, God does not need our ideas.  We don’t tell Him what He doesn’t know.  But praying right then acknowledges the seriousness of the situations, while it lifts our burden of worry, fear, or anger.