PRAYER: Communication with God

The most frequently prayed prayer on earth is the "Lord's Prayer" (also known as the Model Prayer), which Jesus taught His disciples, during His time of ministry.  

We don't know how to pray as we should, but the Lord's Prayer teaches us how to pray according to God's perfect will.

If you don't know how to pray, here is a prayer I wrote using my favorite Scriptures below that you can use to help you open your heart and communicate with God our Creator:

Our Father who art in heaven, thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Let it (peace) rest, rule and abide in my home night and day. I choose to fix my mind on You, instead of the cares of this life, because I trust You (Isaiah 26:34_NLT). 

I demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of You, and I take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5_NIV). You have not given me the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7), so I will not give up, cave in our quit. I will fight the good fight of faith against fear, doubt and unbelief, because it is impossible to please You Lord without faith (Hebrews 11:6). 

Thank You Father for giving me daily bread and everything that's suitable for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:30). I forgive those who have transgressed against me and confess every thing I have thought, said or done that was a transgression against Your infallible Word. I also choose to forgive myself, so that I can move forward, instead of wallowing in regret. Thank You for the forgiveness of my sins, for cleansing me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9); and for remembering my iniquities no more. You have removed my sins as far as the east as from the west (Hebrews 10:17; Psalm 103:12).

Because, You will give Your angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways (Psalms 91:11), I also want to thank You for keeping my family, loved ones, friends and neighbors from hurt, harm and danger. "Before we call, You will answer, while we are still speaking, You will hear our every cry (Isaiah 65.24)." Great is Your faithfulness to me and every living being. You give us new mercies to see every morning (Lamentation 3:

I petition You in the Name of Your Son Jesus and give You all the praise that is due You. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen, so be it! 

I encourage you to pray this prayer as often as you desire, for you will be praying according to God's Word. 

  

TROUBLE...

One song writer wrote that "Trouble don't last always," and this is true, but good times also come to an end.

As much as we would like for some things in our lives to stay the same, unfortunately they do not.

I read a quote that said: "Trouble comes to past and doesn't last forever. It has an expiration date." I don't know about you, but I think it is quite encouraging to know that trouble is temporary and will eventually come to an end. That is something to think about the next time you find yourself in trouble or dealing with a problematic situation.
 
While, some people like to share their personal opinion, I don't share mine too much, because everyone has one and opinions lack the substance needed to become the standard for one's life. I consider opinions to be like feelings, which are transient, so I prefer to stand on the words of God, my Heavenly Father and Creator of the universe.

The Scriptures tells us the following:

"Many evils confront the [consistently] righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all (Psalm 34:19_AMP). 

Nothing in life stays the same forever. Trials do come to an end and good times {as much as we would like for them to continue} don't last forever. The life we live on this earth has seasons, which will cause us to either thank and praise God for His love, grace and mercy; or to draw nearer to him in prayer for wisdom, comfort and direction during the less favorable times (Proverbs 3:5-6).

God never promised us a Rose Garden without thorns. But, His Word says He will give us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3).

No matter what life brings your way, remember that God will never leave you alone or without support (Hebrews 13:5_AMP). That's a promise on which you can believe and depend for life!

I pray that you will experience the love, peace and comfort of God everyday of your life as you seek to know Him in a personal way, in Jesus' Name. So be it!

CHURCH Acrostically Defined...

Hello, it has been quite awhile since, I posted a blog, but life happens and our priorities can change. Although I was busy with things that were unavoidable, I do recall times when I could have avoided procrastination and sat down at the computer and written something inspirational, but I did not put my thoughts into action.

Procrastination is defined as:

1. the action of delaying or postponing something:

   "your first tip is to avoid procrastination"

    

   I have always considered procrastination to be a thief; because we lose something very valuable that cannot ever be recovered and that is TIME! Because, time flies and never comes back, we must wait on the second hand to come around to take advantage of a new hour.

    

   One thing I was doing while not blogging was going to church. As a matter of fact, after moving a few months ago, I decided on finding a church in my area to prevent a long commute in the area I had lived previously. I drive an older Chevy truck, which has a big engine and takes a lot of gas. So the plan was to save gas and stay in the area of my residence and I am thankful to say that I was successful

    

   What does church mean to you? I know that each of you wherever you live in the world will have a different answer, which is based on family background and upbringing, as well as personal experience.  

   
   

   CHURCH is defined as:
   

   1. a building used for public Christian worship:

      "they came to church with me"

      synonyms: place of worship · house of God · house of worship ·

      
      

    While I was unpacking some personal items, I ran across some things I had written years ago and found the following acrostic poem that defines CHURCH for me. If you already attend church, you will appreciate this poem more than a person, who does not go to church yet.

    

   

    

   Congregants meeting on the first day of the week with two or more gathered in the Name of Jesus; who is in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20; Hebrews 10:25)

   
   

    

   Hear all you people what the Spirit is saying to the church. For, it is by hearing and hearing by the Word of God that faith comes to us (Romans 10:17)

    

   Unto the Lord, lift up your souls to WORSHIP HIM in Spirit and in Truth. This is what the Father seeks (John 4:23-24).

    

   Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. God made you righteous through the precious blood of Jesus that was shed at Calvary (Proverbs 14:34).

    

   Christ is the solid rock on which mankind must stand, because all other ground is sinking sand. He was rejected by men, but approved by God (Mark 12:10).

    

   Holy You are Lord and holy Your Word says we are to be. Without holiness [godly sanctification] Your face no man will see (Hebrews 2:11; 12:14). 

    

   I trust you were blessed and will made note of the Scripture references provided. Feel free to share your comments.
   
   Until the next blog, my prayer is that God would keep you in His loving care and grant His peace, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
    

    

    

    

    

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

May you be honored by the ones you love--as well as those, who say they love you. And, may you be treated as royalty on your special day because, you are daughters of the King! Each of you are "A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman ... far more precious than jewels and your value is far above rubies or pearls." (Proverbs. 31:10 AMP):

God has blessed and equipped you to be:
M = Maternal, a parent to your offspring and those you have accepted as your own. (Proverbs 31:25)
O = Observant and attentive to the needs of your children and each family member. (Proverbs 31:15)
T = Teacher/trainer who educates her children in the way they should go. (Proverbs 22:6; 31:26)
H = Honorable - an upright and virtuous woman before all- in thought, word and deed. (Proverbs 31:30)
E = Energetic and full of vigor while operating and serving others in the strength of God. (Proverbs 31:17)
R = Responsible and trustworthy so, your children can be secure in your nurture and love. (Proverbs 31: 27-28)

LOVE: AN OBSERVATION, CELEBRATION OR LIFESTYLE?

This month's observations are: Black historical accomplishments and Valentine's Day. Unlike American history, which has shaped the life of every Black American {and not always in positive ways}; Black history should be acknowledged by all White Americans because, many Black men and women, gave their blood, sweat and tears to make this nation what it is today. The products and achievements of ingenious Black men and women have been a benefit to every citizen of this nation, but unfortunately, American history books are deplete of  any mention of  Black {or Negro} citizens, outside of slavery and the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln issued on January 1, 1863. 

As I think about Valentine's Day, I find it ironic that we only celebrate love for one day, when it should be celebrated all year long. One songwriter penned: "Love makes the world go round." I don't believe that love actually causes the world to revolve around the axis of earth, but love does make hearts beat faster and can put pep in the step of those in love. Love feeds the hungry, clothes the naked and makes the lonely feel wanted.  Without love, hatred will rule in the hearts of men, women and children. Anger and hatred are the ingredients for murder and/or genocide., which is what is occurring in our nation today.  We need LOVE to not only survive, but to thrive as individuals, in our families and surrounding communities. 

It’s been a few decades, but I do recall the excitement of Valentine’s Day, when I was in elementary school.  My mother would take me and my siblings to the store to purchase packaged Valentine cards.  Do you remember those cute cards?  They came in several varieties and the individual cards in the package had a simple message of affection with pictures of cupids, hearts and cartoon characters.  I took time to meticulously sign my name on each card and then wrote the names of my favorite classmates on the envelopes provided.  On Valentine’s Day, I proudly took my stash of cards to school to give out during the scheduled class party.  It was a fun time exchanging cards and eating treats, to include candy hearts, cookies and punch.  But, the next day, we returned to school and back to our usual class routine, while anticipating the next holiday party and a chance to get a break from classwork.

The adult tradition of celebrating Valentine’s Day has most often included giving or exchanging  cards—preferably Hallmark; expensive chocolates, personal gifts to include flowers, perfume, jewelry and topping the evening with a movie or dinner at an upscale restaurant.  On this day, expressions of love are freely and generously given to family members, spouses, or that ‘special’ someone.  Like other holidays, it is a day to be enjoyed, but is sometimes dreaded by those, who don’t have anyone special with whom to celebrate.  After all the fanfare and romanticism of Valentine’s Day, it seems that people return unaffected to their usual routines of life.  Shouldn't this popular day of love have some lasting impact on our lives?  I believe that many of us have celebrated this holiday for years without even knowing its’ history.

“The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Some believe that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial -- which probably occurred around 270 A.D.” (Excerpts from www.history.com)

This month many will celebrate Valentine’s Day extravagantly,  others more simply and some will choose not to celebrate at all because, they are alone and/or without God in this world.  I started to think that perhaps, I would have no reason to give attention or observation to this holiday because, I am single and without a significant other.  I started to assume that this year would be just like the last few years. Considering only the commercial observation of Valentine’s Day, I almost fell into the ‘loneliness trap!’ Thank God for His Holy Spirit, Who reminded me that as a believer in Jesus Christ, I am not alone for the Lord has promised never to leave me or forsake me! (Hebrews 13:5b_KJV)  If you know you will be without that ‘special invite’ this year, don’t be discouraged—make a date  to spend your evening with Jesus, the faithful, righteous One, who is full of love.  The Bible declares that God is love (1John 4:16b) and contains many expressions or Valentines of His love, care and desire for you and me.  His timeless love letters found in the Holy Bible were written for all mankind and He continues to ask: “Will you be mine?”

If you would indulge me, I would like to share paraphrases of familiar Bible verses (or Valentines) that express God’s loving care for us:

·       John 3:16 – God loved the world so much, He gave His Only Son, so those in the world would not perish, but have His everlasting life.  This Valentine is for: Whosoever Believeth in Him

·       Matthew 11:28-30 –An invitation to come unto the Lord; to take His yoke, which is easy with a light burden; to learn of Him and find rest for one’s soul.  Addressed to: All Ye that Labor and are Heavy laden

·       Hebrews 4:16 – We are exhorted to come boldly to God’s throne of grace in prayer in order to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  This Valentine is for: All of Us

In preparation for your personal Valentine’s Day celebration, remember to imitate Christ before others.  As you willingly show love to those, who love you; also show love to one another and any strangers in your midst as the Lord commanded. (John 15:12)  When the holiday is over, let love can continue because, God’s love is everlasting. (Jeremiah 31:3)

Remember to set aside some quality time this Valentine’s Day to extol and bless the Lover of your soul. (Psalm 103:1-5)  The Lord always desires to be in fellowship with us and when we get too busy, He woos us by His Holy Spirit.  Remember, Jesus will not force Himself on you but, because of a desire to commune with you, He is standing at the door (of your life) and knocking.  Don’t you hear Him as He softly asks again: “Will you be mine?”  He wants to be your Valentine above all others; to come in to you (your abode) so; He can sup with you and you with Him. (Revelation 3:20) “For He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.  To-day if ye will hear His voice harden not your heart . . .” (Psalm 95:7-8 KJV) If you don’t get the invite or box of gourmet chocolates you expect for Valentine’s Day, Jesus awaits you with something sweeter and calorie-free: eat God’s Words, which are sweeter than honey; Oh taste and see! (Psalm 119:103; Psalm 34:8)

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

MAY YOUR NEW YEAR BE A HOPEFUL YEAR

It's been too long since I have posted, because my schedule didn't allow for blogging until I made time. I was just thinking that although, we're already one month and 5 days into a new year, it's still appropriate to say Happy New Year, which I would like to extend to you!

A new year provides us with a clean slate and the opportunity for possibilities we didn't have during the previous year. It also motivates us to make positive changes based on previous blunders, fears and losses. In order to have better in our lives, we must THINK BETTER. Everything we do in life begins with a word or thought. If you BELIEVE you can, you're right; and if YOU believe you can't, you're right! Proverbs 23:7 says 'as a man thinks in his heart, so is he' {of course, this applies to both genders}. There are so many people today, who are suffering from depression, anxiety and other emotional conditions, but they fail to realize that the root cause of these conditions is wrong thinking {if not due to drug abuse}.

RESOLUTIONS: I quit making resolutions years ago, because I found that I never kept them past the first month. It was like competing with myself just to impress other people. Today, I choose to make lifestyle changes that will improve my physical, spiritual and emotional health. I want to be organized in daily personal tasks and in the workplace. To prevent from vacillating all over the place in my life, I am being diligent about keeping my focus on who and what will keep me grounded. MY FOCUS IS on God and His Word, which is vital for my life. We all have a focus, but it's important that what you focus on what will truly enrich you- not only for the year, but for your entire life. Avoid focusing on who and what can wreck your life in a few months.

Another thing that is needed in a new year is CONSISTENCY. This requires doing the right things over and over again, until they become a habitual. Did you know that it takes 21 days to cultivate a habit: good or bad? The problem with some of us is that we start out well, but end up finishing weak with little to no results. If you don't SET PRIORITIES in your life, you will have a casual regard for most things in your life, when there are things in your life that require higher regard. 

Most of us have friends, right?! Right and wrong! Some people don't ever consider the difference between true, stick around friends and acquaintances with whom they may shoot the breeze with, by doing unproductive things. We don't all agree on what constitutes a friend, but I will share a definition:

friend:
 a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.

The key words in friendship are bond and mutual affection. A friend is also someone with whom you have a bond of mutual affection, common interests and in whom you can confide about personal things that shouldn't be told to just anyone. It's important to know who to trust, so what you tell another will not be disclosed to others over coffee in the break room at work.  

Although, many people underestimate ASSOCIATION, it is very important in our lives, because we become like the people with whom we associate. There's a colloquial phrase many use that says: "If you lay down with dogs, you will get up with fleas." The Bible speaks clearly about our associations:  “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose].” (Proverbs 27:17 Amplified Bible)

One thing that is important to me is a relationship with God.  I can't see Him, but I can feel and hear Him speak to me daily. I believe that His Word, which is truth makes a difference in my life. I have always believed in God, His Son Jesus and the Person of the Holy Spirit [the Godhead or Trinity] ; but I didn't always live to please God. I have have had a relationship with the Lord for decades now, but the only regret I have is not making the decision sooner and having a more consistent focus on Him years ago. My not being focused on righteous things interfered with my ability to have consistent fellowship with the Lord. I haven't been a prodigal daughter, but I wasn't always obedient to God's Word either. My experience has been journey and although, I may have made some wrong turns during my journey, I reread the Road-map {the Bible}, considered my life and the need for change, confessed my sins and got back on track. 

I am not suggesting that you find religion, but want you to realize that GOD LOVES YOU.  He and Jesus desire to have a personal relationship with you! God proved His love for us by giving His only begotten Son as a sacrifice to pay for the sin we had inherited from Adam and Eve over 2,000 years ago. We were born with their sin nature, which had a penalty of eternal damnation. There was nothing mankind had in himself that could pay the debt that we owed; and because of Satan's maneuver to ruin our lives and future, we would have been lost forever WITHOUT the shed blood and salvation of Jesus. God had this plan to redeem us after the fall of Adam and Eve; and so at the right time, He sent His son to earth to be born of a virgin girl, named Mary (Matthew 1:23). He was born to be the Savior of the world, the Messiah and the One, who would SAVE US from our sins. Salvation has been and IS still available to whosoever will accept it (John 3:16-17; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8). Jesus had always been with the Father in Heaven, but left His seat at the right hand of the Father to spend three (3) years on earth to redeem us from the hand of Satan.

I invite to you to CONSIDER not only your future on earth, but your future after your life on earth is over.  JESUS is the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE and no man can come unto the God the Father, but by Him {John 14:6). So if you are one, who believes in God, but not His Son, you must realize that if you reject Jesus, you're also rejecting God. What Jesus told the religious skeptics, who refused to believe in Him, during His earthly ministry, I will also tell you:

 " I and the Father are one (John 10:30)."

IF, you will think better, focus on the right people and things, remain consistent in your efforts, set priorities, watch your associations, and consider your life and eternal destination, you will not only have a good year, but a good life: now and for all eternity. 

If you have questions about being born again and receiving Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please don't hesitate to leave me a message: or after careful thought about your life, you realize your need for Salvation, please click on the following link for and pray to accept Jesus as your Savior: Prayer of Salvation.

As always, I thank you for taking the time to read my blog and pray that you will be blessed in 2015,. It is the Lord, Who gives us His favor (what we could never earn) and mercy every day of our lives (withholding from us what we really deserve). SHALOM!

IN THE BEGINNING, Part 1

Many people worldwide believe that the world as we know it today and all that is in it, is the result of the 'BIG Bang Theory.' I will make no apologies for NOT believing this is true, because whenever I have seen, heard about or personally experienced anything with a bang, it always caused some kind of destruction, bodily harm or death {consider 9/11}.

Personally, I cannot live my life based on man-made theory: a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained. 

Individuals, who put more credit in the big bang theory than biblical Creation are usually inclined to be atheistic. I am totally convinced that the world came into existence from something greater and more significant that a bang theory, which could not create anything by infinite wisdom with beauty and majesty. From the Word of God, I would like to tell you about the inception of the world and the first married couple. 

"In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form, and  void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (Genesis 1:1-3_KJV)"

Before the earth was created by God, the earth was without form, it was void and dark. God with His very words spoke and created what had not existed before in six (6) days.

Order of Creation in Christian and Jewish Biblical Records
(book of Genesis 1-2) {Website: www.ChristianAnswers.net}

Day One

1. Watery, formless planet Earth suspended in the darkness and the void of space (no sun or any other stars, no moon, no planets yet existed—except for Earth).
2. Light.
3. Separation of light from the darkness—and the first indication that the planet is rotating (day and night cycle produced).

Day Two

4. Formation of Earth’s atmosphere, separating the water into two parts:
         (a) oceanic and subterranean water
         (b) atmospheric water.

Day Three

5. Dry land and oceans.
6. System to water the entire land surface using subterranean waters (involving springs or mist, or both).
7. Vegetation, seed-bearing plants, trees that bear fruit.
8. Garden of Eden (probably).

Day Four

9. Sun
10. Moon—complete with established orbit so as to mark passage of time (months, seasons, and years).
11. Stars and other planets.

Day Five

12. Water creatures of all kinds. (All that had “the breath of life” were vegetarian.)
13. Birds (all vegetarian).

Day Six

14. Land animals (all vegetarian): (a) creatures that move close to the ground (small animals), (b) large animals, and (c) animals of use to man as livestock.
15. First man, Adam.
16. First woman, Eve (formed from Adam)

 Day Seven 

"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested  from all his work which God created and made (Genesis 2:1-3_KJV)."

When I consider all that God made and the perfection of all He created, I cannot accept any opinions or speculations about how the world began that differ from the Holy Bible. Even, the Psalmist David wrote: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork (Psalm 19:1_KJV)." There's entirely too much beauty on earth and this perfect handiwork didn't just evolve or result from a big bang. The heavens and earth were created with wisdom, great thought and creativity by the Lord God Almighty!

After God had created the heavens and the earth, He created the first man.

"And God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul {or a speaking spirit}. And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed (Genesis 2: 7-8_KJV)."

God gave the man the job of tending {or dressing} the garden of Eden to keep it. You could say he was the first gardener. There were many trees from which to eat and I am sure the fruit was much better then than it is nowadays. Most important was the fact that there was only one tree from which the man was commanded by God not to eat {for his own good}. Although, God was the man's Creator, He was also a natural and spiritual Father to to be trusted, and obeyed for the man had a lot of things to learn about life on earth.

"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, 'Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:16-17_KJV)."

God saw an immediate need for the man to have a companion {wife}, instead of being alone; so He made plans to create a help meet for him (Genesis 2:18). God called the man Adam, which in Hebrew means 'red,' since he was created from the dust of the earth. Before creating the help meet for the man, out of the ground, God formed every beast of the field and fowls of the air and brought them to Adam to name. Whatever Adam called them was their name.

"And Adam gave names to all cattle, and the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found a help meet for him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof. And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. (Genesis 2:20-23_KJV)." 

There is a point of humor that some pastors and Bible teachers often share, when teaching about the first couple. It is said the help meet God created was called woman, because when Adam first saw her, he said: "Whoo man!"

. "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. (Genesis 2:24-25_KJV)."

With every marriage come challenges and Adam and Eve had theirs-- even living in the Garden of Eden. I will share more about their relationship in part 2. I thank you for taking the time to read my posts; as I enjoy sharing faith-based thoughts that inspire, inform and educate every reader. May the peace of God be multiplied in your life! SHALOM!