NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT

By Vernalee

The title and words of this song say it all. I never would have made it without God's love, covering, protection, guidance, and grace! We cannot do it on our own.

Let the words penetrate your being as you give thanks to the Lord. Let your faith carry you. Matthew 6:30 tells us "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" "Have Faith - God will take care of you."

Happy Sunday and Blessings!

FORGIVENESS

By Vernalee

“Forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense and let go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, with an increased ability to wish the offender well.” It has been noted that forgiveness and our health are closely associated. When we forgive, the act helps to remove many associated negative emotions including among others – hatred, animosity, guilt, regret, remorse, blame, shame, and self-contempt. Essentially and often, forgiveness and forgetting go hand in hand. Some people forget, but they don’t forgive and vice versa. They hold tight to the infraction that produced the hurt. You can’t forgive what you won’t let go! God forgave us! Why can’t we forgive others? Therefore, it is imperative that we – forgive, forget, let go, and move on! It just can’t be lip service. If we hold onto those negative feelings that we should let go, stress and worry will likely follow. Forgiveness has healing powers. It will make us a better person and since there are associated health benefits, we will feel “lighter” and better ... when we are no longer carrying around the weighty accompanying stress! Photo credit: www.unity..com

WE ARE ALL GOD'S CHILDREN

By Vernalee

Some songs may not be gospel music, but they are filled with the spirit. Released in 1985, conceived by Harry Belafonte, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, performed by 46 vocalists, and conducted by the masterful Quincy Jones, "We are the World" won three Grammy Awards and was a worldwide commercial success selling over 20 million copies. The proceeds from the pop/gospel record raised over $63 million for African famine relief.

It was a song written to offer hope; a song of unity; the hope and unity that we need now.

Yes, "we are the world" and yes, "we are all in this together" as we wade through this pandemic. We - regardless of race, sex, color, income, status … are all God's children.

God created us all to be equal. In Genesis 1:27, we find -

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

Right now, we all need God's grace and his mercy. Hebrew 4:16 reads, "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

We cannot be high and lofty and forget that God is in control.

As we as a universal choir sing this song, we will realize that nothing, absolutely nothing can save or help us but God's love, mercy, and grace.

We thank you Lord once again for your love, mercy, love, grace, protection, and covering.

As we approach your throne this Sunday morning, thank you merciful Lord for never leaving our sides, for walking with us, talking to us, holding our hands, and showing us the way.

Happy Sunday!

Blessings!