I love Thy Kingdom, Lord!

I love Thy kingdom, The house of Thine abode The Church our blest Redeemer saved With His own precious blood.
I love Thy Church, O God! Her walls before Thee stand, Dear as the apple of Thine eye, And graven on Thy hand.
For her my tears shall fall; For her my prayers ascend; To her my cares and toils be given, Till toils and cares shall end.
Beyond my highest joy I prize her heav'nly ways, Her sweet communion, solemn vows, Her hymns of love and praise.
Sure as Thy trust shall last, To Zion shall be giv'n The brightest glories earth can yield, And brighter bliss of heav'n.

God's promises to the Christian, in the New Testament are attached to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ and not to the individual. God teach us to love Your promises and to love Your Church. Help us, Lord to be what You want us to be as the Church in this generation. Thank You God for instituting the Church and the good Churches that contribute to the spiritual growth of believers. IN Jesus' Name. Amen

What we are not doing when we pray?

When we pray we are certainly not telling God what to do!

How many of my prayers have been fraught with instructions to God as to how to please me? I cannot tell you how very many of my prayers have been this kind. That is not what prayer is.

This morning I am thinking of the old movie "The Egg and I" and the simple prayer of Pa Kettle. A huge family around the table and the tumult of feeding frenzy and he calls for silence in a command throat clearing and tips his hat and says "Much obliged!" No complaints for the many mouths to feed. No instructions as to how to please him and make things better.

We deserve Hell and we tell God so much of what we want. He loves us and He is always entreated by His children. But, I repent this morning for my many grievous complaints at Your kind providences and good and gracious gifts.

Much Obliged, Lord! Amen