Words…

Posted on January 24, 2015 by darla05

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Got words? Oh yeah, we do! The average woman speaks over 20,000 a day—not to mention the ones she types online. Words are the most powerful weapons we have. They can be a sharp sword or a soothing salve, both having the ability to change someone’s path in an instant~~~~ Karen Ehman

Truth….. Truth…. Truth…. All of us at times need to tap into the self discipline of controlling our words.  2 Timothy 1:7 tells us,  God Did NOT give us the spirit of fear BUT of POWER, LOVE and SELF DISCIPLINE. If we cannot seem to master our words, DUCT TAPE will work wonders ~

Guess the real question is …. Got self discipline???

Posted in Christian Inspiration, Daily Devotion, Discipline | 1 Comment

Changing Our Perspective, Changes Everything

Posted on January 23, 2015 by darla05

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I struggle for the words sometimes when I see people that I care for struggling so with their worth, their confidence, their purpose and their guilt.  I scream out in my soul what can I say to make a difference.  I want to help. My heart is heavy. There is no shortage of bad reports, great needs, or disappointing news that come our way, but we do not need to fear it. We must understand that GOD is our source.

The older I get, I understand more of why the Lord allowed me to go down the path I did. There is a difference between sympathy and empathy. When you  have truly struggled with your own demons you recognize the pain in someones else’s  eyes. You want to walk right beside them and let them know, you are not alone. There is a better way. HIs name is Jesus. He can set the captives free.

I have thought and prayed and these are the words I want to say.  God’s word is all truth. It triumphs over  feelings. It triumphs over our past. It triumphs over all.  Nothing can stand against our God.  God’s word says FORGET the former things, do NOT dwell on the past for HE is doing a new thing.  I believe this means forget your formers sins and mistakes. Because over and over in the Bible the Lord tells you to remember what he did for the Israelites. Remember his goodness . SO we have to understand scripture and truly understand what we are suppose to forget.

God loves a humble heart and he opposes the proud. Opposes means to contrast, resist, setting up against something. How I never want my God to resist me. I want my cry to be , If God is for me, who can stand against me? James 4:6 says , But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:10 says, Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Know that we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. God has forgiven us if we have asked. The real question is why will we not forgive ourselves? There is nothing that can keep us from the love of God. He will chase us down. He will not give up. He gave the meaning to persistence and perseverance. 

We must read his word.  Find out what the word says for us, the believers of God. Learn the promises of obedience to God. Two of my favorites are…

Deuteronomy 5:29 NIV) Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!

(Proverbs 3:1-6 NIV) My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, {2} for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. {3} Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. {4} Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. {5} Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; {6} in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

ALL of us believers have made mistakes. Personally, let me be the first to say my sin resume was LONG ~ But, who the son sets free is free indeed. I know he has given me a new start, a new day because his mercies are new every morning. I can speak of my past and it does not have a hold on me because I don’t live there anymore. Forgiveness is a beautiful thing and it truly does set the captive free.  He wants to do the same for each one reading this. He is ready to do a new thing in you. Remember, we must humble ourselves.

The Lord says TRUST me. He is the God of second chances. He is the God that turns ashes into beauty. He is the God that sits  upon the throne and says, “Behold, I make all things new.” (Rev. 21:5 ) “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (I Cor 2:9).  You are beyond condemnation says Romans 8:1 You have access to God at any moment says Ephesians 2:18 You will never be abandoned says Hebrews 13:5  You are a member of His kingdom says Col. 1:13

You have a choice to make. Do you trust him? Do you trust him when the water is raging in front of you? DO you trust him when the stack of unpaid bills is in front of you? DO you trust him when the Doctor’s report comes back as facts? Do you trust him that he is bigger than any need we are facing? Again, I say, if God is for us, who or what can stand against us?

My prayer today is… Lord, remove the scales from our eyes. May each one reading this today know, understand and grasp how truly valuable we are in your eyes. I pray for all worries and heartaches be removed in Jesus name. I pray that you will restore to us the joy of our salvation. I thank you that you and you alone appraise our worth. We are sons and daughters of the King. We have been clothed with righteousness for your glory and your purpose. Today, Lord, may we seek your ways. Your plan. Instead of always asking what we want, may we humble ourselves and ask what’s in your ways, what’s in your plan? The only plan that matters. Thank you for loving us with an everlasting love. May we stand for you in all that we do. Each day may we shine brightly for You. Amen ~

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Plugging Into The Power Source

Posted on January 21, 2015 by darla05

cb75434f878013482f06a5cddd70196c18/21 Days of Prayer at Church of the Highlands-  John Larson – Notes taken

Encountering the power of God. Have you ever had your cell phone battery die? It always happens at the worst possible moment. It is when we are talking to our boss or an important text needs to be sent.

We run out of power  spiritually  because we are running on our own power source.
John 15:4-8 New International Version (NIV)

4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

We have all had moments when we are the branch… Ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. What an incredible promise. Stay close to HIM. I want to be someone that is know for being plugged into to ultimate power source.

The Book of James is the Christian Handbook.
108 verses
54 direct commands

James tells us in James 4:7-8 To submit to God, resist the devil and he must flee. Submit to God. Humble yourself before the Lord.

James 4:8 tell us to Draw closer to God and he will draw closer to us. When we worship, we encounter the presence of God. We experience his power.

We can’t do this journey on our own battery power, We need the power of the Almighty God….Let’s plug in ~ Stand and Stand Firm ~

Posted in Biblical perspective, Christian Inspiration, Daily Devotion, Discipline | 2 Comments

The Teaching of Jesus vs. The Teaching of Muhammad

Posted on January 20, 2015 by darla05

jesus-vs-muhammad

Sharing this from Don’s Facebook page. It is an interesting post about Jesus Christ teachings and Muhammed’s teachings.. Thank you Don for posting the truth in love ~

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As Christians, we are taught in our Holy Word-The Bible “to speak the truth in love”. That is what I will attempt to do with this post. But first let me share some facts with you regarding just a few of the atrocities carried out by radical Muslim factions in the name of their god-Allah and their religion known as Islam.

-2,996 innocent people murdered in New York, Washington, D. C. and Pennsylvania
-202 tourists in Bali murdered
-2,000 people in an African country murdered over several days
-150 women kidnapped as sex slaves by marauding troops in the name of Islam. Women who refused were murdered.

These are just a few of the atrocities that I could list. All of the actions are condoned by the Koran which is supposedly the word of god as spoken to his prophet, Muhammed.
Let me further share some facts with you about the prophet, Muhammed. It is true that he was a fierce and successful warrior. It is also true that he provided sex slaves for his troops. He also condoned the murder of infidels (as we are called) and the murder of anyone who decided that Islam was not for them. (An act that is condoned today.) Muhammed took a 6 year old child as his wife and consummated that marriage 3 years later. These facts can be found by researching the many biographies written about Muhammed. I got my information from a book entitled, “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” written by Nabeel Qureshi.

Let me encourage you to just read the first 4 books of the New Testament-Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books of the Bible give you the story of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Compare His ministry and teachings in these books to those of Muhammed as found in the Koran. See which life and teachings resemble the teachings of the true God. If that does not fully convince and you want to continue to believe that Jesus was only a prophet. Then let me ask you this question, which prophet appears to have the better line of communication with God based on their teachings. I hope for your soul’s sake, you will see that it was Jesus.

Once that truth is recognized. Continue studying the Bible and you will be convinced that Jesus was/is more than a prophet. You will find his presence in the first book of the Bible-Genesis. His sacrifice on the cross is prophesied In Isaiah 53. There are over 300 prophesies in the Old Testament that are fulfilled by the life of Christ. The Koran does not question the validity and authenticity of the Torah-The Old Testament.

I share this with all of you in love, hoping that you will test these things and in so doing will find my God and Savior, Jesus Christ. That you will claim Him and help us proclaim His name throughout the world as this is the only way we will stop this madness.

If you have read this completely, I am honored. Thank you. If you will take the time to read the books of the New Testament that I have mentioned here, I know you will be impacted as God’s word does not come back void. Thanks again.

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Decisions Based On Principles And Not Pressure

Posted on January 16, 2015 by darla05

Freedom-Bible-Verses

The founding fathers of the United States of America were men of deep religious convictions based in the Bible.  Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, 24 held seminary or Bible school degrees.

As I watch our society spiral out of control. I ask myself what is it going to take to get our attention? In business, when something was not working, there were so many times that we needed to get back to the rules . We wandered away from the basic principles that gave the business life in the first place. Work the plan and the plan works.

Well, our founding Fathers established this great country on Godly principles. These Christian quotes of the founding fathers will give you an overview of their strong moral and spiritual convictions which helped form the foundations of our nation and our government. Their strong convictions and principles leap off the pages for me. How I pray for leaders like this to rise up in our country again.

 2 Chronicles 16:9 tells us,  “the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. ” We have done a foolish thing as a nation to turn our backs on God. He provided a safe covering for our nation. He was our mighty fortress. Our shelter in the storm. We were blessed beyond belief for forming a foundation based on His principles.

He is the same God today as he was for the people of Israel. He tells us also in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” How we should make this our call to the Lord. We should make it our cry out to him. We should lift these words high and let them be our battle cry.

There are not many that  can argue against the fact that this world has become a violent place. There is evil all around us. There is a war going on all around us. It is a fierce spiritual war. The only way to fight this war is to put on the armor of God. Pick up our weapons and with a loud battle cry, Yell….. Act….. Believe on 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Do you think it might be time to get back to the basics that this county was founded upon? It is time, once again,  that we base our decisions on principles and not pressure.

“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”
–The Writings of Washington, pp. 342-343.

John Adams
2nd U.S. President and Signer of the Declaration of Independence

“Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God … What a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be.”
–Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, Vol. III, p. 9.

Thomas Jefferson
3rd U.S. President, Drafter and Signer of the Declaration of Independence

“God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever; That a revolution of the wheel of fortune, a change of situation, is among possible events; that it may become probable by Supernatural influence! The Almighty has no attribute which can take side with us in that event.”
–Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, p. 237.

“I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ.”
–The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, p. 385.

John Hancock
1st Signer of the Declaration of Independence

“Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. … Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us.”
–History of the United States of America, Vol. II, p. 229.

John Quincy Adams
6th U.S. President

“The hope of a Christian is inseparable from his faith. Whoever believes in the divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures must hope that the religion of Jesus shall prevail throughout the earth. Never since the foundation of the world have the prospects of mankind been more encouraging to that hope than they appear to be at the present time. And may the associated distribution of the Bible proceed and prosper till the Lord shall have made ‘bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God’ (Isaiah 52:10).”
–Life of John Quincy Adams, p. 248.

Roger Sherman
Signer of the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution

“I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance equal in power and glory. That the scriptures of the old and new testaments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. That God has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass, so as thereby he is not the author or approver of sin. That he creates all things, and preserves and governs all creatures and all their actions, in a manner perfectly consistent with the freedom of will in moral agents, and the usefulness of means. That he made man at first perfectly holy, that the first man sinned, and as he was the public head of his posterity, they all became sinners in consequence of his first transgression, are wholly indisposed to that which is good and inclined to evil, and on account of sin are liable to all the miseries of this life, to death, and to the pains of hell forever.

“I believe that God having elected some of mankind to eternal life, did send his own Son to become man, die in the room and stead of sinners and thus to lay a foundation for the offer of pardon and salvation to all mankind, so as all may be saved who are willing to accept the gospel offer: also by his special grace and spirit, to regenerate, sanctify and enable to persevere in holiness, all who shall be saved; and to procure in consequence of their repentance and faith in himself their justification by virtue of his atonement as the only meritorious cause.

“I believe a visible church to be a congregation of those who make a credible profession of their faith in Christ, and obedience to him, joined by the bond of the covenant.

“I believe that the souls of believers are at their death made perfectly holy, and immediately taken to glory: that at the end of this world there will be a resurrection of the dead, and a final judgement of all mankind, when the righteous shall be publicly acquitted by Christ the Judge and admitted to everlasting life and glory, and the wicked be sentenced to everlasting punishment.”
–The Life of Roger Sherman, pp. 272-273.

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The Book of James- Faith for Living

Posted on January 7, 2015 by darla05

james

It is official, after  praying for months about stepping back up to the plate and leading a Bible study again, the season is before me.  For months the book of James has been on the forefront for me. Over and over again, this small book of five chapters surfaced again and again in conversation, sermons, devotions, every days reminders.. . So after months of planning , we are about to set sail on an in-depth study of this book.

The book of James  is called the Proverbs of the New Testament.  James was one of the brothers of Jesus. I believe he was the one MOST  familiar with His teachings.  He lived with our Redeemer day in and day out. It is filled with valuable information  that teaches us how to live and conduct ourselves in this world. James is NOT  writing about how to become a Christian BUT HOW TO ACT LIKE ONE. His words are easy enough to understand, but are we doing what he says? He does not mince words. He packs a punch with 54 direct commands and it is hard to miss his point.

As I read and study this book I wonder how many times when he writes that he is thinking about a lesson he learned from his brother, Jesus. I believe his simple but direct teaching are what he witnessed and learned first hand from the best teacher of all. He speaks about wisdom and how to acquire it. This book reminds me that knowledge speaks but wisdom listens ~ We listen, we ponder, we meditate on what this word says and we live it out ~DO IT ~ Listen and Obey ~

HE writes on trials, patience, complaining, jealousy, gossip,  wisdom, peace, confidence, taming our tongue, worship, leadership and obedience. Just to name a few. It is amazing how 5 chapters can pack a punch as hard as this one does.

More than any other book in the New Testament, James places the spotlight on the necessity for believers to act in accordance with our faith. How well do your actions mirror the faith that you proclaim? This is a question that we all struggle to answer well.

As you read the letter from James, focus on those areas that he mentioned: your actions during trials, your treatment of those less fortunate, the way you speak and relate to others, and the role that money plays in how you live your life. Allow James to encourage you to do good, according to the faith you proclaim.

For me,  my faith in Christ is about stepping into the water that is over my head. As I have said before that says a lot for a girl that cannot swim but thankfully I have a lifeguard that walks on water. How exciting it is to be able to grow with other believers as we learn more about how to live the victorious life the way God has intended for us to do.

The word of God is filled with TRUTH and help for all who reach out and grab hold of the promises. Let”s seek God intentionally like never before.  Let’s not merely listen to the word but DO IT ~

I invite you and encourage you to join Don and I and our friends John and Tracy Calamas and see what God is going  to do through this study. He brought our hearts together for such a time as this.  We all are so excited to see what the Lord has prepared. For those who are out of town or cannot join us, I ask for your prayers  ~ May this be a season of us emptying ourselves of anything that is not acceptable to the Lord and be filled with all the things that God wanted for us from the beginning. Less of us and more of HIM ~  LiveFearless 2015 ~

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#LiveFearless2015#

Posted on January 4, 2015 by darla05

Hebrews 4 -16

Today starts our 21 days of prayer and fasting at our church. It is a time of dedicating this new year to the Lord. Fasting can be food or giving up something that we do on a daily basis and giving that time to the Lord. I have been thinking a lot about what do I dedicate for the next three weeks  to the Lord.

As I start my morning devotion this morning, I have added several new devotions to my mornings. One is, “A Cup of Comfort, Book of Prayers” it was my Grandmothers. She died in September and it is just now that I can truly pick it up and read the pages that her hands held without crying big time.   I also  have a new devotion book called, “Grace for the Moment” from Max Lucado. It was given to me as one of my Christmas presents from a dear friend, Tracy Calamas. As I include it with several others that I read, this scripture stood out so for me. I had to grab my computer and start writing what is on my heart.

Let us BOLDLY approach the throne of our gracious God, where we may receive mercy and his grace to find timely help. This is how this verse reads in the NIV version. As this new year is unveiled, I feel, no let me say I KNOW that the Lord is speaking to me about living Fearless. Living Boldly, Living with Confidence in Him.  My new signature for the year is #LiveFearless2015#. I have even ordered a bracelet that says this on it that should arrive next week. Step out boldly when the thoughts in your head say otherwise. Step out fiercely even when others say it cannot be done. Step out with confidence in the Lord when the enemy throws fiery darts my way.

Did you catch two other words in that scripture? They sure stood out for me. TIMELY HELP.  Our God is the God of PERFECT timing. How many lessons I have endured to understand this promise. His timing, NOT mine. His timing is not too soon, it is not too late, Perfect arrival. Right on time.

Most of my devotions today were about not being afraid. God is all powerful. Sovereign over all. He is preparing us for 2015 and he does not want us to be afraid to dream BIG. What a beautiful reminder this morning that our God wants us to step out boldly. Just like a boy long ago did. There was a small Shepard boy who had faith big enough to kill a giant. He stepped out boldly when everything in the natural said you are not capable. BUT our God does not work in the natural. He is the God of the SUPER NATURAL.  He is the God that says boldly ask me, obey me and seek me with all your heart and soul and mind and stand back and see my promises to you come to pass.

He is the same God that parted the Red Sea. He is the same God that made light out of darkness. He is the same God that breathed new life into Lazarus , a man that was dead for 4 days. He is the same God that sent his son to die for us and then in three days was resurrected. Our Redeemer lives ~ This same God can breath new life into our dreams, our hopes, our lives. We must approach His throne of grace FEARLESS ~

#LIVEFEARLESS2015#

In His Love and Mine,

Darla

Posted in Confidence, Courage, Daily Devotion, Faith | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Preparation, Planning And The Journey Ahead ~

Posted on January 2, 2015 by darla05

cs lewis

KNOW THIS, plan for this…..Each time God is ready to bring us higher, there is going to be new opposition that comes against us. It could be something we’ve dealt with in the past that comes back against us in a stronger way than before( this is usually my battle) or something new that we’ve never dealt with. IF we know this in advance, we need to plan in advance. Grab our tools (WORD OF GOD), get spiritual fit and be prepared for battle.

Preparation in the key. If we plan to progress in this journey, we need to know that there’s a price to pay. Talking about doing something is easy. But just hearing about it is not going to change our lives. It’s doing the Word, living it out day-by-day, that brings progress in our lives.

Proper Planning, Preparation and Practice Prevents Poor Performance in or spiritual journey as well as our physical one. ( Pat Parelli says these 7 P’s in the horse world all the time, it is so true for all of us.)

In 1 Corinthians 16:9 the apostle Paul tells us that with a new opportunity to bless more people, there also comes much opposition and many enemies to come against it. But 1 John 4:4 tells us …He Who lives in you is greater than he who is in the world. We don’t need to be afraid of facing our obstacles.

God did NOT give us the spirit of fear BUT of power and love and self discipline ! Once again this scripture in 2 Timothy 1:7 shows up and shows out. Isn’t that just like our God ?

Posted in Bible, Christian, Confidence, Daily Devotion, Faith | 1 Comment

Tree of Life

Posted on December 31, 2014 by darla05

tree of life

This pendant of the Tree of Life means to me a sign of healing, life and growth. It reminds me to speak LIFE. Words of Life. We can speak life or death. The choice is ours. We are free to choose but we are not free from the consequences and the fruit that our words bring forth.

I miss the boat on so many days. I hear the whisper of the Lord reminding me to reign in my thoughts. For my thoughts become my words very quickly. IT is a reminder to renew my mind in His word DAILY ~

My goals for 2015 are simple. It is not a long list. It is really a simple list that is so challenging. But I believe for any of us to grow we have to be challenged. My goal is to SPEAK LIFE TO my family, my friends, to strangers and most of all to myself. I can be so hard on myself.  So, I will wear this reminder around my neck. To remind me of so many verses of the Bible that speak about the Tree of Life.  There are so many scriptures in the Bible about trees.

In Isaiah 61:3 the Lord says he will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oils of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called OAKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS , a planting of the Lord for the display of HIS splendor.

How I pray that  my life is like a old southern oak tree, reflecting God’s splendor for 2015. To me , there are few things more beautiful and majestic than an old Southern Oak . I love walking through one of my favorites places in Fairhope, Alabama. It is the Grand Hotel. It has beautiful trees that are hundreds of years old. Their limbs are stretching out wide and some almost touch the ground. The scent of the salty water and shore is there. The winds from the water moves the leaves on the trees. It is magical. If the trees could talk. The stories they could tell us. The lessons that they could teach us. The storms and hurricanes that they have endured. But, they remain because their roots were deep and strong.  May we grow deep in HIM and let our lives be built on HIM. So our faith will grow stronger and our fruit will overflow to all those around us.

God’s word tells us in Jeremiah 17:7-8 -“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green.It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

With the end of 2014 and the anticipation of 2015  remember with every ending, there is a brand new beginning, for I know not what the future holds for 2015 but I know who holds the future. He is our rock. He is our strong foundation. Thankful this morning for my Father’s faithfulness.

Strong roots produce beautiful leaves and beautiful fruit ~

Scriptures on the Tree of Life ~

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise wins souls. Proverbs 11:30

Proverbs 15:4 – A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit.

Genesis 3:22-24 – And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: (Read More…)

Revelation 22:14 – Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Genesis 2:9 – And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Revelation 22:2 – In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.

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How Much Love Do We Really Show?

Posted on December 23, 2014 by darla05

love and giving

Giving is good and I know most of us give things or money this time of year and yes, that is nice. BUT, showing love, real love and giving your time with your money or gifts is another story.

The greatest gift we can give is our time. Helping people when it is NOT convenient for us. Helping others when not a soul knows about it. We are not getting the credit or we are not in front of an audience or being the center of attention. Do we spend time serving others when it is out of our comfort zone? Checking in or stopping by on friends and really listening to them can make such a difference. Please listen to what your love ones say, quit multi tasking all the time and show them that they are more valuable than the phone in your hand. Life is so very short.

Which is easier, giving money to the needy and less fortunate or serving the needy and spending time with them? Letting them know God has not forgotten them as you give.

People do not care how much we KNOW until they know how much we CARE ~ My horses taught me that for sure. A good question for each of us this time of year and ALL year, How much love do we show while we are giving, serving, talking to others? Sometimes , in this busy life, we miss the silver lining because we are expecting gold ~

In HIs Love and Mine,
Darla

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