JESUS IS LOVE

By Vernalee

Written by Lionel Richie, "Jesus is Love" has powerful lyrics. A song of my generation, it shows that God uses various methods to deliver his message. You can receive a heart felt message from a number of sources; music being one. In the 1970’s, this song found its way into my spirit. It moves me now just as much as it did then. A few years ago, it was played at an ominous time that I will never forget ... which is why when I hear the song now, the memory of that moment becomes penetrating. Thus, “Jesus is Love” has historical and spiritual significance/meaning.

Allow me to share the words with you.

"Father, help your children, And don't let them fall by the side of the road. And teach them to love one another, And heaven might find a place in their hearts; 'Cause Jesus is love. He won't let you down, And I know He's mine forever, Ah, in my heart. We've got to walk on, walk on through temptation, 'Cause His Love and His wisdom will be our helping hand. And I know the truth and your word will be our salvation. Lift up our heart to be thankful and glad 'Cause Jesus is love. He won't let you down, And I know He's mine deep down in my soul. Jesus is love. I want to follow your star wherever it leads me, And I don't mind Lord, I hope you don't mind. I want to walk with you, and talk with you, And do all the things you want me to do,"

The lyrics are very moving, inspiring, and uplifting; right?

This is a song that will make you want to shout!

My late Mother spoke to us often about Jesus. She insistently said, "You gotta get to know him for yourself. I can't pray you into Heaven." Momma called him "A Way Maker, A Heart Regulator, A Burden Bearer, and A Heavy Load Sharer." Frequently sung in our home church was another song about Jesus; an old fashioned gospel that went like this - “I thank you Jesus. I thank you Lord! You brought me such a mighty long way!”

Oh yes, "There is something about the name of Jesus!"

This Sunday morning, I call his mighty name. In complete gratitude, I say, “Thank you Jesus!” My list is too long to recite all of the wonderful things that you have done for my children, family, loved ones, and me, but I thank you for being with me, guiding me, lifting me, and holding my hand. I thank you for everything!

Like the songwriter, I know that I cannot make it alone, so I ask you to “walk with me, talk with me, and teach me to do all the things that you want me to do; don’t let me fall by the side of the road, and I will follow your star wherever it leads me!”

Hallelujah!

Happy Sunday!

Blessings!

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER

https://youtu.be/w_4GJwriRnM

By Vernalee I awoke this morning listening to my favorite singer, the late great Aretha Franklin. Nobody can touch my soul in voice better than the Queen. As I listened to the best selling song ever for Columbia Records originally recorded by Simon & Garfunkel in 1969, my heart was excitedly jumping and my soul was emotionally filled with Aretha’s rendition. You see, she and I were on first name basis for years though we have never physically met or exchanged pleasantries. Her extraordinary voice and talented fingers gliding across those ebony and ivory keys have always been relaxing and soothing for me. Sometimes we have to be lifted up. Sometimes in addition to prayer, we have to hear the voice of others; melodies that will transport us! Songs have always been life’s rhythm put to words accompanied by music. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” though not a gospel song in the true sense was written to provide comfort. That it has done for me today! It is my heartfelt desire to be a bridge to those who need me; those that I can help. That is how God intended it; that is what I want to do!

Happy Sunday!

Blessings!

HEARING A SCRIPTURAL INSPIRING MESSAGE

By Vernalee

Sunday after Sunday, we gather to hear a message from God. We listen as our pastors speak to us. We want to leave with a inkling of encouragement in our souls; words that will make us better; words that will uplift us; words that will shed light on our experiences; words that will help us make it successfully through another day. Some pastor are fiery, some are theatrical, and others are quiet. Some are great storytellers and others favor a more direct exposition of the scriptures. Some can sing spiritual melodies that resonate through your soul. But no matter what the style or ability of the preacher, God can work through sermons to transform people’s lives. Bible scholars agree that the Sermon on the Mount is the greatest sermon ever preached. In His discourse about “kingdom living,” recorded in Matthew 5—7, Jesus presented to His disciples the way of righteous living for those who are in God’s family. "The Sermon on the Mount is the longest continuous section of Jesus speaking found in the New Testament, and has been one of the most widely quoted elements of the Canonical Gospels. It includes some of the best known teachings of Jesus, such as the Beatitudes, and the widely recited Lord’s Prayer. In addition, The Sermon on the Mount contains the central tenets of Christian discipleship. This sermon is still applicable to us today because God’s Word is never outdated. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword.” When we hear great biblical based sermons, we should prayerfully ask God to use His Word to speak directly into our lives. It is hopeful that the words and teachings will have the power to bring about authentic transformations in our lives.” If you think back to those sermons that left a meaningful impact, messages that transformed you – that is the emotional and spiritual place where you need to be. When I hear a sermon and it seems as if the pastor is talking directly to me as if no one is sitting in the church but the two of us, I know that it‘s the message that I need to hear. It is those times that I feel that The Lord has spoken to me through his messenger in such a manner that I could receive it in my heart. God always knows our needs! The timing and his message are always right on time and the exact nourishment that is needed for our souls. Happy Sunday! Blessings! Photo credit: www.bristolpreaching.com; Source: www.todayintheword.org; www.en.m.wikipedia.org