25 MOST READ BIBLE VERSES

By Vernalee

Let's change the pace and reflect today. Shall we?

According to the Bible Study Tools, the below are brief

references/excerpts/scriptures of the 25 most frequently read Bible verses. Here goes: Jeremiah 29:11 – God’s Plans… Psalm 23 – The Lord is My Shepherd… 1 Co 13: 4-8 – The definition of love … Phil 4:13 – “I can do everything through him who strengthens me.” John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Romans 8:28 ..in all things, God works for the the good of those who love him.. Isaiah 41:10 – Do not fear for I am with you … Prov 3:5,6 -“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your Understanding. In all ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight.” Ps 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength … Galatians 5:22,23 – The Fruit of the Spirit … Hebrew 11:1 – “Faith is being sure of what we have for and certain of what we do not see.” 2 Tim 1:7 – For God …gave us a spirit of power, of love, of self discipline. 1Co 10:13 …he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear … Prob 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Isaiah 40:31 – Hope in the Lord … Joshua 1:9 …God will be with you wherever you go. Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God.” Hebrew 12:2 … Jesus …sat down at the right hand of the throne. John 10:10 – The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I have come that they may have life … Zephaniah 3:17 – The Lord your God is with you… 2 Co 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come.” James 5:16 – Confess your sins to each and pray for each other … Deut 31:6 …God will never leave you or forsake you. 1Co 16:13 “Be on guard, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong.” Matt 11:28 – “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Don’t let your Bible collect dust; don’t let it sit on the bookshelf. Read it! Communicate with God! Get to know his word. What scriptures have you committed to memory? What scriptures can uplift you when all else fails? As for me, “I can do all things through God who strengthens me!” Amen. God bless! Photo credit: www.biblestudytools.org

BE UP ABOUT LIFE

By Vernalee

Let’s change the pace a little!

Shall we?

A little spiritual and scriptural admonition mid-week may do us some good! For sure, it won’t hurt.

It is a fact that our days are not always filled with sugar & spice and everything nice!

Many of us have drama filled days!

Drama can of course cause anxieties and stress!

Our drama and accompanying stress can come from many places; some obvious; some not. The leading sources of drama, anxiety, and stress come from - work, friends, children, spouse, family, financial hiccups, the unknown, worry, fear - among other things.

Need I name more?

Lest not forget that drama cannot only stress you out, raise your dandruff and your blood pressure, cause anxiety attacks...but it can also cloud your thinking where you can’t clearly think. In other words, it can bring you down!

So today, it’s time to strip off that weight that burdens us down; it’s time to move forward; it’s time to be lifted up.

Let‘s do it!

Here we go!

Motivational and uplifting, I share with you “The Seven Ups of Life.”

1. Wake Up ! Decide to have a good day. “Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:242.

2. Dress Up ! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:73.

3. Shut Up! Say nice things and learn to listen. “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.” Proverbs 19:204.

4. Stand Up ! For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything. “Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good…” Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up ! To the Lord. “I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:136.

6. Reach Up ! For something higher. “…keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Colossians 3:17.

7. Lift Up ! Your Prayers. “Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.” Philippians 4:6

For certain, being up is better than its alternative – being down!

As we put our best foot forward, let’s engulf our being with Mt. Everest assurances that there are better days ahead. God created us to be happy not sad.

Let‘s do the best that we can do under our circumstances to lift ourselves up above our problems.

It’s worth a try! Photo credit: www.changeforaquarter.com

A PRAYING FAMILY

By Vernalee

Communicate with God. Read the Word. Pray incessantly. Teach your family how to pray and pray with them. Sometimes, it’s important to “go back to the old fashioned stuff.” My Mother taught my siblings and me how to pray. We saw her get on her knees by the side of her bed. Before long, we did the same. She always reminded us, “Don’t forget to say your prayers.“ When we sat at the table, you couldn’t pick up your fork and eat before grace was said. These were values being taught before our very eyes; values that were ingrained in us; values that became habits; habits that I would take with me when I left the soils of Mississippi; lessons that I passed down to my family. Nothing and I mean nothing beats sound generational family values. I learned to put God first. Though I cannot "sing a lick," I also learned to praise him with my voice of familiar hymns. I remember my Mother singing gospel hymns while she cooked. Her emotions were reflected in every word as she bellowed, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; “Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above

Memories help position us where we need to be. They keep us grounded.

If our heads swell to make us think that we know it all and that we do not need anyone,

it is then that we need prayer the most.

It is then that I am reminded of the old folks' sage wisdom. "Come down off your high horse! You need God in your life. You need his guidance and direction not just today but everyday. Child, life is so much easier when we follow his Word. We can’t do it on our own." As a family, we should pray together when there is opportunity. Family prayer not only shows love; it unifies us as we honor God by putting him first. Yes ... A family that prays together, stays together!

Happy Sunday! Blessings. Photo reprint: www.musefinds.co