As I am sitting here this morning, I am thinking about this past week and what I got accomplished compared to what I had set out to get accomplished. Let's just say that some of what I had planned to get done will have to carry over to this new week, and it's not because I slacked off or sat my butt in front of the TV, but more so because I just ran out of time. There aren't enough hours in the day or enough days in the week to get everything done that I need to or that I would like to. Unfortunately, the carry overs get more and more and the to do list gets longer and longer and before you know it, I am getting a letter from the Home Owners Association in February because the outside Christmas lights are still up (guilty).
Unfortunately, what happens then as well is we tend to forget to rest, we forget to be still, we forget to be silent. Scripture tells us in the book of Mark that during a complicated season in Jesus’ ministry, as enthusiastic crowds demanded His attention and resentful enemies badgered Him, He chose to get away with his apostles. Jesus and his disciples needed to find a quiet place and needed to rest.
"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."
Mark 6:31
We tend to get so busy with day to day work or school or whatever fills your time, we forget to take care of ourselves. Not only physically and even mentally but more importantly, spiritually. Every single day we will encounter certain people or certain situations that will drain our Spirit. Just as we know to drink plenty of water even if we aren't thirsty because our body needs it, we need to fill up our Spirit each morning and throughout the day. We all know when we get physically tired or emotionally drained, in the same way, we need to recognize when we are spiritually drained. As humans we pretty much allow our emotions to dictate our lives, not a whole lot we can do about that, but we can determine which emotions will prevail. When our spirit is drained we are less tolerant, less compassionate, less empathetic and less caring. We are more apt to be easily agitated, easily aggravated, easily angered and many times finding ourselves anxious.
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.
Philippians 4:6-7
No matter what your days entail, no matter what situations you may be facing, no matter if you were saved today or twenty years ago, you need to always find time to rest, time to be still, time to be quiet. Each of your days should start with quiet time between you and your Father in Heaven. We don't always need to be talking to Him, sometimes, we need to be silent and listen. Throughout each day, refill your spirit with prayer or with scripture or with five minutes of quiet time with God. None of us are invincible, although I have met many who thought they were. You and I need Jesus in our lives, every minute of every hour of every day. There is only so much that we can do in a day, there is only so much we can do on our own, there is only so far we can go without God in our lives. All that we are, all that we will be, all that we will accomplish can only be done by walking with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings as eagles;
They shall run, and not grow weary;
And they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
As I speak a blessing over each of you, always remember, I am here for you if you ever need to talk or get something off your chest or if you need prayer for yourselves, your family or your friends. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Dear Father God, thank you for blessing us with this day and loving us as Your children. Watch over each and every one of us as we start each day, as we go through this week, keeping us in the palm of Your hand. Guide us in our daily lives, directing us on the path You have planned for us, bringing forth the dreams you have planted in each of our hearts. For we know who we are and whose we are, children of the most high God. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
"Keep your Faith strong, your Hope alive and your Prayers never ending."
God Bless
Pastor Mark
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