DESTRUCTION

 

DESTRUCTION

My heart breaks for the devastation and loss of life.

I see the pictures of homes flattened for miles

And wonder how anyone in those homes survived.

I think about the brave teachers who comforted the frightened while covering up their own fears.

I pray for the families of the 24 children whose bodies were found in part of a flattened school. 

I hug my children and tell them I love them.

These parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles only grieve with empty arms.  

The ones still searching long for hope that their lost ones will be found alive.

The pain, the hurt, the suffering.

People crying to God for comfort and help.

Do we wonder why such devastation happens in our world?

That innocent lives are taken and families torn apart.

Is this how communities come together seeking God for guidance?

God received those 24 children with open arms. 

They are in His tender loving arms.

They will never hurt or want anything ever again.

They are with the Loving Father who will protect them from evil.

The ones left on earth comfort each other.

Believing, hoping and trusting.

We support each other and pray that God will keep all evil from our doors.

God sees this devastation and it grieves Him.

Just like when man leaves Him out of their lives it grieves Him.

He created a world without sin but evil creeped in.

He created man in His own image but man rejected Him.

He sent His only Begotten Son to die for our sins but the world crucified Him.

Even in all this destruction, God is still in control and He heals.

Trust Him, Believe in Him, Walk with Him

THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

The Fruits of the Spirit
When love prevails, there will be no hate.
Agape love!
This is not the physical, the emotional, or the approval of affection we all want.
Do you give self-sacrificial love like Jesus?

 Can there be chaos where there is peace?
Do you have inner peace?
There will be no wars of any kind physical or inner where peace lives.
Storms may arise; but if you are on the narrow path with God, peace will surround you.

 Joy brings no sorrow.
We must repent from sin to have real joy.
God’s promises and spiritual realities are
 full of joy.
This is a very special gift from God that helps you wither the trials and storms of life.

Long-suffering will last during irritating or uncontrollable circumstances.
Will you keep the unity of the Spirit?
Will you endure for love and peace?
Will you stand firm?

  Gentleness brings kindness and self-control.
Are you good to others?
How hard is it for you to be kind to your enemies?
 Jesus showed kindness to all; even the ones who cried crucify him.


Where there is goodness there is no envy or strife.
Are we commanded to spread goodness?
Do you spread God’s goodness wherever you go?
Always look for the good in others!

 Faith will stand where there is no unbelief.
How strong is your faith?
Do you have mustard seed faith?
Have you moved a mountain today?

 Meekness calms the waters instead of creating a fierce storm.
Do you have a humble and gentle spirit?
Are you controlled by revenge and chaos? 
God wants you to be gentle, submit to His Will and be kind to others.

 Temperance shows no wicked temptation or desire.
What desires or temptations can you not control?
Is it alcohol, pornography or just being rude to others?
To be an overcomer you must turn it over to God.

Jesus left us with the Fruits of the Spirit.
This is a guide on how to treat ourselves, our families, strangers, friends, and fellow Christians
What fruits do you lack?
Seek His guidance so you can develop and walk daily in the Fruits of the Spirit.

The Fruits will make you a better person.
Will you let your light shine for God?
Will you practice love, peace, joy, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance?
God needs warriors who are not ashamed to be like Jesus.

 (Quoted From "Are You A Tree Yielding Fruit")

Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

Complete Trust

 

Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

Complete Trust

I hear the obedient little bird chirping away.

He is saying over and over again, 

 "Lord,  I praise you.   Lord, I praise you."

How obedient, sitting still, praising his maker.

He knows completely that his maker will supply every need for the day.

The little bird trusts in his maker's love completely.

Oh, how I pray for this obedience.

I pray that I can be this confident in my maker to be this obedient and loyal to do His will, to love the unlovely, to seek His guidance ever step of the way.

I pray that every decision I make will be His Will.

Oh, how I praise You this beautiful morning, Lord.

I love You.

Thank You for the doors You will open.

Thank You for the blessings You will shower on my family this wonderful new day.

Precious is your name.

The Great I Am.

WHAT IS LOVE?

LOVE IS:

     ...being so still you can feel the arms of God wrapped around you.
     ... a gentle breeze.
     ... a single smile from someone for no reason.
     ... kindness given to a stranger.
     ... unconditional.
     ... discipline.
     ... Jesus dying on a cross.
     ... the warmth of the Son.
     ... kind and gentle.
     ... understanding.
     ... patient.
     ... praying for the lost.
     ... holding a newborn baby.
     ... loving oneself.
     ... loving the unlovely.
     ... loving your enemies.
     ... knowing how much The Creator of the Universe loves you.
     ... knowing nothing can separate you from the love of God.
     ... friendship.
     ... family.
     ... God.
     ... laying down one's life for another.
     ... Jesus.

Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

                                                                

A Heavenly Visitation

A Heavenly Visitation

For years I have wanted to write this story but was afraid that I would not portray the feelings completely or the degree of love that God has for each of His special children and for the family.

In 1975 my husband and I went on a trip of a lifetime with two dear friends.  We were so excited, buying new clothes and looking forward to a ten-day vacation.  There were so many things that happened on this trip but what I want to share with you is a walk on the beach where we ended our vacation at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

My friend, Deb, and I were walking on the beach one morning and in the distance I could hear laughter that to this day I can close my eyes and still hear and see these people.  As we walked closer we saw a beautiful family sitting approximately 15 feet from the water.  A small child was going out in the water, rolling around at the edge and going back to his parents.  From a distance, I thought to myself the child was too young to be going out into the water by himself even to the edge.  As we got closer the laughter and joy of this family was instilled in my mind forever and I could see that this child was older than I thought.  He had no arms from the elbows down and no legs from the knees down.  My heart never felt sad for this family because I have never seen so much joy and happiness on anyone’s face.  I remember telling Deb that was true happiness.

We went home and told about all the wonderful things that happened on our trip but never mentioned the beautiful family I saw on the beach.  A short time later I found out that I was pregnant.  Do you remember how excited you were when you were told you were going to have your first child?  The baby showers and the excitement of getting the room ready for your new addition are etched into your mind.  My husband worked 3^rd shift.  One morning he came home wearing a corsage and carrying a load of gifts.  The women at his work had given him a baby shower.  Life was perfect.  We had restored my husband’s birthplace and everything was ready for this new bundle of joy.

The day finally arrived but first I must tell you that for nine months I was not able to eat.  I would eat three and four times at a meal but the food would simply not stay down.  I was hungry.  I lost weight instead of gaining but all chemistry and vital signs were normal. Was this my body telling me something was wrong?  My belly was so small that I wore my regular clothes to the hospital.  During the pregnancy my husband took me to a maternity store to buy me some clothes but I never filled them out.  I know if my husband was going to cheat on me it would be with a pregnant woman because he says they have a special glow and beauty.

We go to the doctor and they send me over to the hospital.  It is time.  Twelve hours later it is still time but no baby.  Finally, this new bundle of joy was born.  When the pediatrician laid our new son in my arms, I could not see him.  It was like I left my body and was standing on the seashore smelling the mist from the ocean.  At that moment if you asked me where I was, I would have told you my feet were touching sand and I could smell the ocean.  I was standing back in front of a beautiful happy family so before I could see my new son I knew something was wrong but God comforted me by showing me the happiness of this family.  I felt a love and a peace around me that made me know everything was going to be all right. Our son was born without the radius bones (TAR Syndrome, thrombocytopenia with absence of radius).  His hands touched his shoulders.  There were other problems that kept us in the hospital.  His liver was enlarged, the billirubin levels were high, and they thought he had a blockage in his bile duct.  He jaundice so he looked like he had a beautiful tan.  The doctors wanted to redo the blood work but they did not want to draw so much blood again from our son.  They let us finally go home waiting for a call for us to go to the university hospital.  As soon as we arrived home, our doctor called for us to come back to his office because he had found another lab to perform the test with less blood.  There were so many people praying to God to heal our son.  The next day we went to the big university hospital.  They thought our son had a rare disease not seen since 1952.  Medical students and doctors wanted to observe us.  When we arrived at the hospital, they took blood to redo the tests and the next morning they were back in the room to take more blood for more tests.  Later in the evening our doctor came in and told us were going home in the morning.  The test in our hometown had been performed at two different labs so two labs had not made the same mistake.  The doctor looked at us and said we had witnessed a miracle because according to all the original blood work our son needed surgery.  God heard the people’s prayers and came down from His throne and healed our son. 

When I packed my suitcase for the hospital, I forgot to pack my Bible and there was no Gideon Bible in my room but I believe that was God’s plan.  As I would pray to Him, He would immediately take me out of my body and stand me in front of that beautiful-happy family.  There are no words to explain the comfort I felt.  I do not know if this was a real family or angels that God had sent to minister to me but for years when I went to my quiet place to talk to God about uncertainties about our son, He would immediately take me out of my body and stand me in front of this family so I could once again fill the love and happiness.  This gave me the courage to be strong and to treat our son as if he had no obstacles to overcome.

One day I will be able to thank these people personally for letting me see the love and compassion of Jesus in their lives, to see how precious the family is to God, and for helping me have the courage to go out and live my life with these values.

Was this a heavenly visitation?  You decide!  

Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

Degrees

 

"When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. 3 The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. 4 Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. 5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. "                                           Psalm 126 (A Song of degrees.)

 

Degrees

(degrees – a journey to a higher place, elevation)

What a beautiful morning to be alive.
Many geese are gracefully gliding over the lake.
The squirrel is up in the tree fussing at me because I have not brought him something to eat.
All of a sudden one love goose starts honking and all the others line up in formation.
They are getting ready to take flight.

The gentle breeze is so cool and refreshing.
The air is crisp.
The sun beats down on the earth making the trees and grass vibrant with color.
It is like the earth is putting on its Sunday best as it awaits a visit from its creator.
Make us anew this morning.

May we belike your creation sitting still in our quiet place awaiting a visit from You.
As we sit patiently, we pour out our heart to you pleading, begging to heal the lost, to bring someone in their path that let them see Jesus.
We call out name after name that we know are sick and need a healing touch from the great physician.
We thank You for our lives, our family, and all the blessings You send our way.
We pray for You to open the storehouses of blessings or the ones who have crossed our paths and helped us in the smallest way.

We thank you.
We praise You as we wait for Your visit.
Knowing that if we sit still long enough You will come and commune with us as friend to friend.
How wonderful to have anticipation that our Father will come from heaven to commune with a saved sinner as I.
That He will “wow” me today in ways I cannot comprehend because I have asked Him into my life to guide and direct my ways.

Hear He comes!

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GOD CARRIES YOU THROUGH

God Carries You Through

How will You “wow” me today, Lord?
I feel that I am at the bottom of the barrel and there is no way out.
I have You and You alone to carry me through life.
Help me, I cry!   Forgive me, I cry!
Show me the way, I cry!  Love me, I cry!  Guide me, I cry!

May I learn what You want me to learn so I can move on to the next level in life.
Why do I feel beaten down on all sides?
I have helped others.
I have tried hard to love the unlovely.
But today I will put the enemy (Satan) under my feet.

This will be a wonderful day because You, Lord are holding my hand and guiding me through it.
Thank You for life, for my family, and for all that You will show me today.
Thank You for Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Thank You, thank You, thank You.
I love You, Lord and because of You I will be victorious.


Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

WANT IT!

Want It!

Why are we so afraid to live?
Why is life so difficult?
Why do things get dirty?
I love to take a hot bath when everything is in order.
When baseboards are dusty and windowsills are full of pollen, I cannot relax.
I try but there is a sense of unrest.
I love order but I never seem to have it.
What am I doing wrong?
I love life.
Why is there never time to stay ahead of the dirt?

Why does sin creep into our lives?
When we walk with God and sin comes in, we loose that inner peace that passes all understanding.
We immediately know it.
We stop and talk to God, asking forgiveness, so our inner peace will be restored.
Does someone with head knowledge of God understand why their peace is gone?
Did they really feel it?
We all know people who live in turmoil all the time.
Do they really know God?
 Do they know where their true peace and joy comes from?
We know the answer and it makes us sad.

Oh, how I pray I could make the world feel what I feel.
The only way we can do this is to love one unlovely person at a time.
May Jesus’ love that I have in me rub off on them so they will want the love of Jesus.
Only Jesus can wash us white as snow.
Only Jesus was the perfect sacrifice.
Only Jesus died a gruesome death for the sin of the world.
The world is afraid of being in bondage if they love Jesus.
The world is on a collision course with Satan.
In the end to follow Satan you will be no more.
Every tear will be wiped away by Jesus as the lost are forgotten.
Only God’s children who know the peace, joy and love of God will remain.
Eternal Life!

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TOSSING AND TURNING

Tossing and Turning

“Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.”
Acts 3:25-26

Why do you toss and turn in the middle of the night?
The house is so still and there is no reason for this unrest.
Is someone in need of prayer?
Have you neglected your quiet time with God?
Do you lie there tossing and turning or do you get up and seek God?
He will be waiting to commune with you about a love one, a need in your life, or simply to let you know how much he loves you.
For one year, God woke me up at 1:34 a.m.
At first I did not know why I would wake up and see the same time on the alarm clock every night.
I finally realized that God was waking me up at this time for a reason.
Why God have you disturbed my night’s rest?
I had a friend that had cancer and she would come to my mind.
I realized that God wanted me to be faithful to Him praying for her healing.
By the grace of God, to this day, she is cancer free.
Our days are full of noise.
The night is still where we can hear God.
Next time you toss and turn, get up and seek God.
He will show you something He wants you to do, teach you something He wants you to know, or sit in the stillness of your home feeling His presence and His love in your life.
What an awesome God we have who gets our attention by making us toss and turn.
After obeying and communing with Him, go back to bed to receive the best sound, deep sleep that your body needs.
Perfect sleep.

Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

INNER PEACE

Inner Peace

The cool gentle breeze brushes my face like the tender touch of a mother.
The heron glides onto the lake waiting patiently for its prey.
The earth is so still and quiet as it waits reverently for Your arrival to planet earth.
The birds are chirping happy songs.
A single fish disturbs the stillness of the water.
The day’s tasks are locked away and removed from my mind as I await Your visit Lord.

What will we talk about today?
Where will You guide my feet?
In my heart, I know how much You love me.
Your presence is so peaceful and serene.
Your Words lift me up.
 When I am low, You surround me with Your love.

You restore peace to my soul.
You make the enemy flee.
I know I will see Your goodness Lord in the land of the living.
I know You will walk beside me holding my hand; but when I feel I cannot go on,
 You carry me.
You are wonderful.
When I stop to hear Your voice, You restore an inner peace that passes all understanding.

I love this peace.
 Thank you for restoring it.
I pray for everyone to have this peace.
This peace brings unity, love and renewal.
Joy and love is part of this peace.
Inner peace lets me know You are God!

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I KNOW YOU HEAR ME LORD

I KNOW YOU HEAR ME LORD!

Hear our cry today, Oh Lord.
Come quickly to our aid.
You do not watch from afar.
For we need Your peace.
Teach us to stand firm on Your Word.
Do not let the enemy overtake us.
You hold our hand.
Do not let the wall crash around us.
You protect all that we love.
Guide our steps down Your narrow path.
Give us victory, Oh Lord, give us victory.
Thank you for Your calm and the springs of living water in us.
You are our Creator, our Rock, our Shield.
You alone love us like no other.
How precious we are to You, Oh Lord.
We are more precious than a rare jewel that sparkles and glistens in the warm sunshine.
Mold us in Your Image.
You prepare us for battle.
Give us Your peace that is like no other.
I pray for victory because of You.
Guide our steps and keep us from falling.
I pray that all would be well in our home.
It would be a house of prayer.
May we unite so the milk and honey will not run out.
I pray that all fear will be gone because You are our Rock, our Provider, our Creator, the Great I Am.
Dear Lord, teach us to lay at Your feet in the calm of Your love.

Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

Steps With God

Steps With God

All steps are ordered by our God
The Human spirit is the lamp of God
My prayer I pray is incense before Your Throne
Hear my prayer, oh God
You are faithful
You will answer me in Your righteousness
You are good to all
Compassion is over all You have made
I do fear You Lord
I pray for Your knowledge
I know I am the apple of Your eye
You hide me in the shadow of Your wings
You watch my ways from heaven
I pray that You will find me wise
To seek after You
I do trust in You Lord Jesus
I love You, Lord
I will not be moved because You are holding my right hand
Please hear my cry and answer me when I call
Redeem Your servant’s life because refuge is found in You, oh Lord
My soul waits and trusts in You, oh Holy One
You are my help and shield
My heart is glad because Your steadfast love is upon me
Your eye is on me and Your ears hear my cry
I do fear You oh Holy One
You will answer and deliver me from all my fears
My face is radiant from Your light because You are the rock of my life


Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

Steps With God

THE IMPORTANCE OF NIGHT

The Importance of Night

Thank You for the close of the day where I seek God’s peace for a good night’s rest.
Thank You for walking with me today and leading me on a life full of adventure.
Did I speak kind words to someone I knew was sad or lonely?
Did I check on a parent or a special love one?
Did I give my children quality time?
Did I let God fit in this day’s schedule?
Did I pray without ceasing?
Did I sit still waiting for God to speak or did I just fill the air with my petitions?
As I sit outside watching the animals get still for the night, I thank God because I am so blessed.
A lone star appears in the sky.
A sky that is turning from blue to red to black.
The darkness creeps in like a blanket that covers a small child for warmth and safety at night.
The animals are so still you could hear a pin drop in the grass.
The birds have perched in the trees or went to their nests.
A fish occasionally jumps out of the water to catch a knat.
Dusk covers the earth.
The fireflies twinkle as they light up the night sky.
A full moon sends rays of light thus causing the trees to form shadows that dance on the lake.
How still the earth becomes.
God created night so man could rest from his labors.
How do you use your time at night?
Do you shut out the business of the day and find a quiet place for 30 minutes or do you go full steam ahead until your head hits the pillow.
It is no wonder our nights are filled with tossing and turning.
May I learn to become so still in my mind and body that I can receive the fullness of rest that my body desperately needs to be refreshed for the coming of the dawn of the new day.
Selah (pause and calmly think of that)

Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

CALMNESS

Calmness

Thank you for the calmness of the morning.
The trees gently flow in the breeze.
You can barely see the ripples on the lake.
The butterflies flutter all around displaying beautiful yellows, oranges and blacks upon the air.
A hummingbird buzzes by one’s ear to see if you will move fast enough for him to be your prey.
The heron waits patiently to attack.
He sits for hours waiting and waiting.

How long will you sit before God communing with Him as friend to friend?
Do you sit ten minutes or only two?
Why will man not sit before God?
Why won't man seek His knowledge?
When you sit your prayers are filled with wants and needs.
Do you not understand that The Lord already knows what you need?
He wants your prayer time to be so much more.

If you would be still before God, you would hear His whispered words of joy and love.
He would lift you up even though you are down.
God will calm the raging storm within your soul and bring peace where you feel you have no peace.
He will heal.
He will restore relationships.
He will forgive and forget your sins.
There is so much more when you truly let God be your friend.
He does not withhold the keys of the kingdom, His wisdom, His mercy, or His love to those who want to be calm and hear.

Find yourself a quiet spot today and spend time with God.
Quality time.
Time where you let Him talk to you.
Receive His peace.
Receive His love.
Receive His mercy.
Receive His friendship.
Ask Him to walk with you through life.
You are never too big or too old to ask God to hold your hand and guide your steps.
He will take you to places you never dreamed possible.

Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

ANTICIPATION

Anticipation
(to look forward to especially with pleasure)

Stillness!
The house is so quiet.
Everyone has gone.
I sit outside in the swing feeling the gentle breeze and the warmth of the sun on my face waiting on a visit from God.
The wind picks up, the chirping birds become quiet as if in awe of their Father.
The sunlight gets brighter, the trees and grass become greener.
The earth seems to bow in reverence to its creator.
What will You teach me about life today, Lord?
Where will You guide my steps?
What new lesson will I learn?
What door of the Bible will You unfold for my understanding?
Will I learn what the trumpets and seals mean?
Will I feel or have compassion like Jesus for others?
May I learn to rejoice in all things whether good or bad?
May I see a glimpse of You Lord like the animals?
How wonderful it is to be alive.
How wonderful to have a friend like Jesus.
How wonderful to have a creator who supplies my every need.
You are a creator who loves me and is my friend.
You share my joys and my sorrows.
May I be worthy of Your precious love.
Thank You, God, for Your unwavering love.

Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

GOD'S WORDS FROM THE PSALMS

GOD’S WORDS FROM THE PSALMS ANSWERS OUR CRY
(taken from Psalms Chapters 1 – 31, New Revised Standard King James)

Oh Lord, be my helper today. I will sing praises to Your Holy Name.
The voice of the Lord is over everything.
You Lord are my light and my salvation.
Hear me Lord when I cry, come quickly to my aid.
Teach me Your way, Lord. Teach me Your way.

Since You are on my side whom shall I fear.
I fear only the Lord, my Creator, who created the heavens and the earth.
May I be humble learning Your way and walking in it.
You are my Shepherd, Lord.
I will and this family will lack nothing.

I will lie in pastures beside still and restful waters.
You will restore my life.
Even though I go through the darkest valleys,
I will fear no evil because Your rod will protect,
Your staff will guide, and Your peace will comfort me.
You prepare a table before me.
You prepare the way in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil,
Showering me with blessings untold, my cup runneth over.

Only goodness and mercy will follow me
All the days of my life because of You Lord.
I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
And in His presence all the days of my life.
I believe and know that I will
See the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
I will wait for the Lord.
I will be strong; my heart will take courage
Because I will wait on the Lord.

You do hear my cries for help.
I will lift up my hands praising You in Your Holy Temple.
Blessed be the Lord because he has heard my cry.
He is my strength and my shield in Him my heart trusts.
I will be helped as I sing praises of thanksgiving to God.

As I seek Your face Lord,
Teach me Your way and lead me on Your level path.
Only the Lord is holy.
The Lord will answer you in the day of trouble.
The name of the God of Jacob will protect you.
May He grant all of your heart’s desire and fulfill your plans,
Because the victory is God’s and God’s alone.

Thank you for answering when I call.
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord
Hallelujah to the Lamb of God
The Creator of all!

Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

The Rocking Chair

THE ROCKING CHAIR

When our oldest son was born, he was very sick. We were in the hospital for several weeks not knowing if he would live. Finally, we came home with our precious cargo. As I sat on the couch in our living room rocking back and forth, my mother walked in. She took one look at me and said she would be right back. About 45 minutes went by and she drove up with a beautiful wooden rocking chair sticking out of the trunk. The hours I spent rocking my children and feeling the love that was expressed by this gift is priceless. I rocked and read to my children from this chair but in the morning when my children saw me sit down with my black Bible they would quietly play around my feet not interrupting me. I would pray and commune with God but when I finished they would be waiting patiently to get in my lap. I feel they felt a peace over me that passes all understanding. The rocking chair has long worn out but the memories, lessons, and love will live forever.

Take time to let your children see you commune with God regularly. It will impact their lives forever.

Actions speak louder than words. Gifts of love last a lifetime.

Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

SINCERE PRAYER

A child’s words are so pure, so loving, and so honest. Do we teach our children to pray or has God given us our children to teach us? Their prayers are so sincere. They pray for God to heal a cut or to receive a cone of ice cream. Their prayers are simple but full of warmth and meaning. We could learn a lot about how to pray from our children.

We teach our children the following prayer. What a simple prayer but the words are powerful.

A Child’s Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
Amen
Author Unknown

May we stop and pray the following prayer:

Lord may I stop and listen for You.
May I pray words full of life and meaning.
May I love my neighbor as myself.
May I learn to forgive as You have forgiven me.
May I take my Heavenly Father everywhere I go.
May I remember You gave Your only Son for my sins.
May I remember that You love me and want me to succeed.
May I look to you for guidance.
May I get up every morning seeking Your face and asking You to hold my hand and walk with me.
Amen

Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works

The Fruits of the Spirit

The following is an excerpt from "Are You A Tree Yielding Fruit?

The Fruits of the Spirit

When love prevails, there will be no hate.
Agape love!
This is not the physical, the emotional, or the approval of affection we all want.
Do you give self-sacrificial love like Jesus?

Can there be chaos where there is peace?
Do you have inner peace?
There will be no wars of any kind physical or inner where peace lives.
Storms may arise; but if you are on the narrow path with God, peace will surround you.

Joy brings no sorrow.
We must repent from sin to have real joy.
God’s promises and spiritual realities are
full of joy.
This is a very special gift from God that helps you wither the trials and storms of life.

Long-suffering will last during irritating or uncontrollable circumstances.
Will you keep the unity of the Spirit?
Will you endure for love and peace?
Will you stand firm?

Gentleness brings kindness and self-control.
Are you good to others?
How hard is it for you to be kind to your enemies? Jesus showed kindness to all, even the ones who cried crucify him.

Where there is goodness there is no envy or strife.
Are we commanded to spread goodness?
Do you spread God’s goodness wherever you go?
Always look for the good in others!

Faith will stand when there is no unbelief.
How strong is your faith?
Do you have mustard seed faith?
Have you moved a mountain today?

Meekness calms the waters instead of creating a fierce storm.
Do you have a humble and gentle spirit?
Are you controlled by revenge and chaos?
God wants you to be gentle, submit to His Will and be kind to others.

Temperance has no wicked temptation or desire.
What desires or temptations can you not control?
Is it alcohol, pornography or just being rude to others?
To be an overcomer you must turn it over to God.

Jesus left us with the Fruits of the Spirit.
This is a guide on how to treat ourselves, our families, strangers, friends, and fellow Christians
What fruits do you lack?
Seek His guidance so you can develop and walk daily in the Fruits of the Spirit.

The Fruits will make you a better person.
Will you let your light shine for God?
Will you practice love, peace, joy, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
God needs warriors who are not ashamed to be like Jesus.

Please follow me on twitter @Brenda_Haley and on facebook at Chariot Works