1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray continually

Matthew 6:9 This then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name..."

Another reason I want the boys to know Scripture is because it teaches us how to pray and encourages us to do so. I would love to inspire them that if they are thinking of someone or worried about something, to recall the Scripture that says to pray continually. I want them to know they do not have to be at the dinner table or kneeling by their beds to talk with the Lord. They can just tell Him what they are thinking right then and there. And also, if they memorize the Lord's Prayer one day, they will have a guideline for the things God wants to hear from them about. He wants to hear their praise, He wants them to be in line with His will, to ask for what they need for the day and for forgiveness of their sins, and for the strength to get through temptations and hard times.

2 Corinthians 2:17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.

2 Corinthians 4:2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.

I really do not know what took me to these scriptures, but when I read them, I thought: one way to speak before God with sincerity and to not distort His word is to speak it/pray it to Him literally. My friend brought up the fact that our translations do not always give us the entire meaning/picture of what Scripture is actually saying. I think that is true, and I hope that the boys grow into young men who will delve deeper into the meaning of the original Scripture. I know that every time I do that, I feel more connected with what God was actually saying and I have a greater understanding of His Word. Also though, the Lord knows our hearts. If we are praying His Word, as we know it, back to Him with a sincere heart, seeking Him, then He will bless that. If we know His Word literally and we can bring it to mind, then we will know what to pray and we will know what we are praying for/asking for is in line with God's Word.

John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you.

Jesus tells us that He wants His words to remain in us. He does not say "the concept of me" or "the concept of my words." I tried to look up any extra meaning about this, but the internet was not very helpful this morning and I am running out of time. I also tried to look on E-sword, but I think I need to explore that a little more and figure out how to use it, lol. One of those things that is on my list. Time flies when I sit down to study, read, or figure out how to do/use something! Anyhow, back to the topic. Jesus was talking about Him being the Vine and us remaining in Him, meaning we need Him in order to have what we wish. And, if we know His words, they are in us, then what we wish will line up with what Jesus can/will give. I want that for my boys: to be in line with God and to have His purpose fulfilled in their lives. There is not a doubt in my mind that if they live for Christ, whether or not it looks like it to all the rest of us, their hearts will have joy.

OMGoodness!!! If you can believe this there is still more! For another day though... Much Love,

Carla