God still answers prayers

Two Sundays ago was a beautiful day. We had an awesome time at church on Sunday morning and then just had a nice family day together. As the evening wound down, I stayed outside as I often do while Kim and the girls went in to cook dinner. I love sitting outside watching the sun set and just thanking God for his wonderous mercy and grace. For me, I can almost see the face of God in a sunset. I believe it is his most beautiful thing that He created (aside from Kim of course).

I sat on the back of my tailgate and just talked to God. I wasn't asking for anything, we were just talking. I talk to God much like I talk to Kim. I don't spend a lot of time asking for things, I mostly just tell Him how much I love Him and what He means to me. I also spend a lot of time thanking him. Like Kim, I don't think I my relationship with God would grow much if all I did was make requests. Kim wouldn't appreciate it and neither does God. That's not to say that I don't ask for things, because I do...and we should. I'm just saying that making requests isn't the center-piece of my time with God.

After about 20 minutes of just talking, I felt compelled to ask God for some help with a situation in my life. I have talked to Him about it before and asked for help many times, this wasn't the first. But this time, He said YES! After about 45 minutes God took care of the situation that I needed help with. The funny thing was that He handled it in a way I would have never thought of.

God is sooooo good and He always knows what we need. I just needed to be patient and wait on Him. (Psalms 27:14, Psalms 37:7, 9, & 34, Isaiah 40:31)

God still works miracles, especially when we wait on Him and don't try to solve our problems without Him. What do you need help with? Do you need a miracle? Wait on God, but while you wait, praise Him.

Sheep or Goat?

This past weekend, Kim went with some folks from our Church (RIO-180) to feed and give clothes to homeless people. It was a great experience for her because she has such a big heart. She is really good at this kind of work because she doesn't judge anyone based on their circumstances. She really does love unconditionally.

I know this kind of work isn't for everyone and I'm sure when you read the first paragraph you thought "I'd like to do this" or "I could never do that". Have you read Matt 25:31-46 lately? You should. We know that works DO NOT get us to heaven but this passage is a reminder that a) faith without works is dead and b) Love is an action. In this passage Jesus is telling us that if we truly have Him in our heart we will do something for Him while doing something for others.

The question I would like you to ask yourself is am I a sheep or a goat? Do you take action to look after others or do you live your life to yourself? I will follow this post up with another later to back this up but just know that being a Christian and finding your place in the body of Christ means doing work for God. I encourage you to take opportunities to love others by doing something for someone.

God loves you and I do too!