Good morning,
Here we are at the end of a year that seems we just began.  How quickly time seems to fly.  Or is it that I’m always trying to play catch up?  Regardless of the many “if onlys” or “what ifs” we can’t go back and change a minute of it.  But we do have this opportunity for a new beginning.  Another gift from God.  In fact, that new beginning can begin right now before this year fades away.
Moses wrote in Psalm 90:12 these words in his prayer:  “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  So what is a day?  Just 24 hours or time allotted by God for specific ways to honor Him in all we do?  God makes the sun rise and set as He sees fit, but it’s what we do with our time and in whom we trust that makes a difference.  And I admit that many times I’m not making the most of my time.
Lord, help us to say with the Psalmist in Psalm 91:15-16 Your promise to us: “He will call upon Me and I will answer Him;  I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  16.  With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.”  And many of us who are in the “long life” period can attest to His favor and mercy in our lives.  Praise the Lord.  Amen.

In His service,
Fran

CAN I REALLY SAY THE LORD’S PRAYER ?

An article I read a long time ago, but came across it again tonight as I was going through albums and scrap books.  It touched me again so I want to share it with you, as follows:

     “I cannot say “Our” if I live within the prison of selfishness.
I cannot say “Father”  if I do not love all God’s children as my brothers and sisters.
I cannot say “Which Art in Heaven” if I am so preoccupied with earth that I have no treasure in    heaven.
I cannot say “Hallowed Be Thy Name” if I do not seek holiness in thought and deed.
I cannot say “Thy Kingdom Come” if He does not reign in the kingdom of my heart.
I cannot say “Thy Will Be Done” if I am disobedient to His Will, not accepting His goodness and perfection.
I cannot say “In Earth As It Is In Heaven” if I am not prepared to devote my life to His service.
I cannot say “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” unless I accept His daily provision without worrying.
I cannot say “Forgive Us Our Trespasses As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us”  if I harbor a grudge against others or fail to forgive myself.
I cannot say “Lead Us Not Into Temptation”  if I deliberately place myself in a position to be tempted.
I cannot say “Deliver Us From Evil”  if I am not prepared to fight evil with all the resources at my disposal.
I cannot say “Thine Is The Kingdom” if I do not accept His Lordship over all of life.
I cannot say “Thine Is The Power” if I live a weak , powerless life.
I cannot say “Thine Is The Glory” if the only glory I seek is my own.
I cannot say “Forever” if my mind and heart are limited by the horizons of time.

Can you really pray ”The Lord’s Prayer?  Our Lord will help us pray it sincerely if we only ask Him.

Father, we do come seeking the right way to pray to One so Holy as You.  When  we don’t understand things, help us to trust Your heart.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

In His service,

Fran