Right now, at this moment, if I were to get on my knees to pray, I could stay there for hours, literally. I have family, friends, co-workers, church family, not to mention friends and family of those same family, friends, co-workers and church family that all need prayer, from small issues to very large issues.
We live in a world of turmoil and uncertainty. Lately, I feel myself becoming overwhelmed and frustrated because I see it all around me in the lives of those I love and there is not much I can do to help. The one thing I can do is PRAY.
Prayer is the tool we use to talk to our Lord. The cool thing is that He is available 24/7. Need to talk to him when you wake up? He is there. Need to talk to him after a tough meeting at work? He is there. Need to talk to him on the way home? He is there. Need to talk to him when you can't sleep at 2 a.m.? He is there. And He is ready to listen and he does listen. He also provides an answer.
Oh, it's not always the answer we want, nor do we get it when we want it, because of course we want it NOW! But God doesn't work that way. He tells us to come to him, lay our burdens at His feet, and he will give us rest. He doesn't say give it to me, walk away and pick it back up. He tells us to give it to Him and let Him worry about the details for us. He already knows our worries, our fears, our hopes, our trials, our joys and every little thing about us. So why do we act like we are hiding things from Him or like we are telling Him something He doesn't already know?
Prayer brings peace, because we are talking to our Heavenly Father. He is the only one who provides that perfect peace. Phillipians 4:4-7 is one of my favorite verses. It says: " Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The last part is my comfort - my prayers are heard and God takes them seriously. He knows our hearts and He comforts us.
So when we feel overwhelmed, like I have been, or anxious, like many of us do, or even thankful, which we should every day, take a moment, get on your knees or just close your eyes and talk to God. Trust me, it works, and trust Him, because He loves you and wants to be your Savior.
God bless,
Tam
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Living Water
Last Saturday, June 7th, Scott and I got up early and traveled up to Cedar Point for a fun filled day of thrills and chills. All started out well. The drive to the park was problem free and we arrived just after 9 a.m. We entered the park and that is where things got a little strange.
We both headed for the bathrooms and were told they were closed. We found the next ones and the same thing happened. Finally at the third stop, we were told about the water main break and that ALL the bathrooms were closed. YIKES! This was not good for anyone! Thankfully we were able to use one of the restrooms in the offices before they stopped working before getting in line to ride on.
In the next hour we rode three rides and then everything stopped. Rides closed, stores and concessions were closed, and the park was quiet. I asked a ride attendant for some insight on the situation. It was simple: The park had no water and could not operate. They were closed for the day.
No water closed down America's number 1 amusement park not just for a day, but for the whole weekend. Not only did the park close, but so did two hotels and Lighthouse Point (their campground). People had to pack up and leave. No water caused quite the disturbance for thousands of people.
It is the same thing in our walk with Christ. Christ gives us "living water" and without it we are not truly living.
John 7:38 says "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
Christ is essential in our faith walk and when we forget to look to Him and His word in our daily lives, we miss so much that He wants to bless us with. When we thirst, He provides through the Holy Spirit, but we have to want it and we have to have that relationship with Him.
If running water is important in our everyday lives, how much more important is the living water that only Christ can provide?
I am thankful that I can rely on the Holy Spirit within me to guide me and lead me on the path God wants me to walk. What about you?
Until next time
Tam
We both headed for the bathrooms and were told they were closed. We found the next ones and the same thing happened. Finally at the third stop, we were told about the water main break and that ALL the bathrooms were closed. YIKES! This was not good for anyone! Thankfully we were able to use one of the restrooms in the offices before they stopped working before getting in line to ride on.
In the next hour we rode three rides and then everything stopped. Rides closed, stores and concessions were closed, and the park was quiet. I asked a ride attendant for some insight on the situation. It was simple: The park had no water and could not operate. They were closed for the day.
No water closed down America's number 1 amusement park not just for a day, but for the whole weekend. Not only did the park close, but so did two hotels and Lighthouse Point (their campground). People had to pack up and leave. No water caused quite the disturbance for thousands of people.
It is the same thing in our walk with Christ. Christ gives us "living water" and without it we are not truly living.
John 7:38 says "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
Christ is essential in our faith walk and when we forget to look to Him and His word in our daily lives, we miss so much that He wants to bless us with. When we thirst, He provides through the Holy Spirit, but we have to want it and we have to have that relationship with Him.
If running water is important in our everyday lives, how much more important is the living water that only Christ can provide?
I am thankful that I can rely on the Holy Spirit within me to guide me and lead me on the path God wants me to walk. What about you?
Until next time
Tam
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