The Good News!

There are times in our lives that it feels like every one you know needs something from you at the same time. Your church wants you to volunteer for a really good work, your family needs you to accomplish some tasks immediately, the bills pile up and need to be paid, your job is requiring more of you, housework is delayed and needs organized, the car needs work, the kitchen faucet needs replaced, and the list goes on and on.

You want to do it all, for everything is a good thing, but we as humans come to a breaking point. Why? We leave no margin in our lives AND we don’t stop to ask God when to say yes and when to say no. We also find ourselves forgetting to pray for HIS direction to decide what to do first, next and last and who to tend to first. We rely on our own strength, when HIS strength is just waiting to be poured into us…if we just ask.

Yes, I find myself overwhelmed. I fall on my knees before the God of heaven and admit that He is God and I am not. Then HE overwhelms me with love, grace and mercy. All is well with my soul after being with the Father.

I think of this with the first sentence in the next passage we read from Mark account. This statement comes BEFORE Jesus gives of Himself to the people to heal, teach, love, and extend mercy and grace. Who are WE not to pray before attempting anything of value to His kingdom?

Mark 1, The Message

35-37 While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed. Simon and those with him went looking for him. They found him and said, “Everybody’s looking for you.”

Do you feel everyone is looking for you??? Have we been with the Father in the quietness just before dawn to ask for His direction which can organize your life in ways that are amazing? Have we asked for His peace? Peace is a sweet gift He loves to give. Have we asked for wisdom is reset our priorities so we are more in sync with what HE wants for us to be, then do and learn?

Jesus got up and went to a secluded spot, by himself, to pray. Who are we to think we don’t need to do this, too?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Today I want to avoid the sin that often entangles me, and I desire to see clearly the righteous acts that You would have me to do. I pray that you would strengthen my faith as I focus on You, and that You would give me the wisdom to align my priorities properly. I want my heart to be in sync with Your heart, so help me to sow righteousness in all that i do today!

Father, you have given me far more than I deserve. I return thanks to You, and I ask for wisdom and courage to invest wisely. I desire to be found “good and faithful”. Help me see today what I can give, instead of what I can receive!

Lastly Father, today I seek to forgive others as You forgave me. My desire is to have no broken relationships. Open my eyes to see the needs of those around me, and to respond appropriately. Help me to celebrate the beauty fo diversity which brings such harmony into my life.

Overwhelm me, Lord, with Your peace, joy, love, grace and mercy. Do the same for my friends and family. In Jesus Name, Amen.

And I’m singing…

I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed with your love…
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqdnVeeMPR8