HOW TO PRAY

By Vernalee

Prayer, simply put, is conversation with God. Having said that, shouldn’t we be doing it in a way that pleases Him? We should learn how to talk with Him, and share our concerns, fears, desires, troubles, pleas, and our every thought. We should pray to God freely.

The Bible says a lot about prayer, including Jesus’ words on how to pray. His model, The Lord’s Prayer is found in Matthew 6:9-13.

It reads: 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” How powerful are those words!

“We want God to hear sincerity in our prayer, not vanity. As we pray, let’s stay steadfastly humble before the Lord. Fortunately, God extends mercy to everyone who comes to Him in repentance.”  Bottom line: God is concerned with the heart of a person. So next time you go to God in prayer, ask yourself, am I humble or proud? Either way, it’s a chance to get right with Him.”

It is important for us to pray; incessantly at that.

However we do it - on our knees, in the car, in the shower, standing, sitting ... It doesn't matter. What matters is that we go to God in prayer. We can never pray enough. Never!

Amen. Happy Sunday!

Blessings! Photo credit: www.barbdahlgreen.com; Source: www.cbn.com; The Bible.

SATAN ... "THIS MEANS WAR!"

https://youtu.be/n2FtlFFzyuw

By Vernalee

Years ago, I remember the old folks saying, "The devil is busy."

Of course, if you were like me and most other teenagers, we paid them, "no never mind."

They also said, "Just keep on living!"

As years went by, their words became golden .... when we realized how busy Satan really is and how he is out to attack us and our family!

1 Peter 5::8 tells us to: "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."

Over 40 years ago, I heard a lion roar for the first time. I was pregnant with my son. The intensity of the roaring sound was so frightening that I initially thought that I would prematurely go into labor at the zoo. It was a penetrating sound that truly personified the lion with the earned title of King of the Jungle. That was a lion. Just imagine ... Satan’s attacks are a zillion times worst.

It is for that reason and more that we have to stay close to God, lean on him, remain prayerful, and take heed to his Word.

It is only through God's grace, mercy, and protection that we can withstand the pressures of this life. On bended knee, with gratitude I say, “Thank you God for your covering and immeasurable love! Thank you for bringing us out of the dark into the light and for doing what only you can do to protect and shield us from the harm that Satan can bring.”

Upon listening to the performance of "This Means War," we cannot help but be thankful for God’s many, many blessings!

What a mighty God we serve!

He's worthy to be praised ... not just on Sundays but everyday of the week!

Happy Sunday and Blessings!

Photo Credit: Rev. Charles Jenkins and Fellowship Chicago

LIFE IS NOT A BED OF ROSES

By Vernalee

Without question, life and living are not without troubles or its accomplice, worry. Sooner or later, they walk through your door. Sometimes we worry about issues that do not directly concern us, but if they affect people that we love, they naturally become an extension of our lives. Flowers, particularly roses can be calming/soothing. Although they don’t wash our troubles away, roses brighten up our space. They are such beautiful flowers and come in an assortment of colors. Often, I think that roses, particularly red ones, have magical powers. A dozen delivered to my door can heal emotional wounds and bring instant joy and jubilation. A delivery of two dozen once made me jump through hoops. To its recipient, roses show thoughtfulness from the giver. They can definitely liven up your day and spirits with their fragrant delight. As beautiful and fragrant as roses are, rose bushes have thorns. The piercing of a thorn against our skin hurts. When that happens, we have God’s healing hands to give us relief. For certain, life is not always easy and is not without its problems. Certainly, it is not a bed of roses, but thank God for his mercy, love, grace, protection, and covering. Thank God for continuing the breathe of life in us and our loved ones. Actually, we need to thank God for the bed ... and for the roses.

Thank God for today and a tomorrow! As we feel the smooth petals, smell the fragrant scent, and adore the beauty of roses, we can digest God’s words and take in the beauty of his garden of life that is filled with many flowers along with life’s varied assets. As we stand, sit, and walk in God’s rose garden, we are provided with all of the necessities that we need in this life. He gives us the strength to make it through those troubled days. Oh yes, we are truly blessed! James 1:12 tells us – Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Photo credit: www.brooklynmusuem.org