Book of Proverbs – God Is My Pilot

Book of Proverbs- God Is My Pilot. The definition of a pilot is one employed to steer a ship, a person who is qualified and usually licensed to conduct a ship into and out of a port or in specified waters or a person who flies or is qualified to fly an aircraft or spacecraft. http://www.merrian-webster.com

Now I know that there are a few of you that have never ridden in a plane before or even taken a cruise. Both are truly amazing adventures. Now I realize that there have been some incidents where things did not go well with ships or planes, but you still must live your life. Remember what the bible says, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly”. – John 10:10. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy”. – 1 Timothy 6:17. So it is very clear that God wants us to enjoy our lives, but we must remember he is the pilot. For those of you that have God as your co-pilot and you are the pilot you need to switch seats. – Book of Proverbs – God Is My Pilot. Check out my website

God created us like himself. And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Genesis 1:26

God is the one who keeps watch over us every night while we sleep and wakes us up to a new day. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. – Psalm 3:5

God knows all things from the beginning of time. Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee. Jeremiah 1:5. – Book of Proverbs – God Is My Pilot.

God provides food and nourishment for us all. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you, it shall be for meat. – Genesis 1:29. Book of Proverbs – God Is My Pilot.

God created woman for companionship. And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman and brought her unto the man. – Genesis 2:22

God provides riches. He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes. – Psalm 105:37

God will give you double for your trouble. And the Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends: also, the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. – Job 42:10. So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning. – Job 42:12

God knows everything. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. – Psalm 139 1-10

God is omnipresent, he is everywhere always. God is omniscient, he is aware of everything and knows everything. With a God like this, there is no way he could be anything else but a pilot. I know he is my pilot, is he yours? – Book of Proverbs – God Is My Pilot. Check out my website

Christian Books – Donna Louis – The Holy Spirit

What Is The Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost is the third person of the Trinity. It is God manifested as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; each person itself being God. http://www.wickipedia.com.

What is the role of The Holy Spirit? “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:25-26.

The Holy Spirit has many roles to assist us in our lives. Christian Books – Donna Louis – The Holy Spirit. Check out my website. The Holy Spirit is our Intercessor. Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26. Many times especially new Christians giving their life to Christ are not sure how to pray or what to say. This is where The Holy Spirit takes over. When we feel distraught and overwhelmed and don’t know what to pray or what to say and say things like “God I don’t know which way to go or what to say we can take comfort because King David felt the same way at times. In Psalms 30:2 David said O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

The Holy Spirit is our Regenerator. Regenerator forms, construct, or create anew. http://www.merriam-webster.com When the Holy Spirit enters the life of a repentant believer, he literally breathes new life into them. People who give their life over to Christ are now dead to sin and are resurrected to a new life when they believe in Jesus Christ for the first time. The Holy Spirit is limitless and has incredible power to makeover our lives. Christian Books – Donna Louis – The Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is our Uniter. The Holy Spirit brings people together. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments. Psalms 133:1-2. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:3. The Holy Spirit is able to bring us all together as one like a partnership. Christian Books – Donna Louis- The Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is our Empowerer. And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. – Matthew 10:1. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. – Matthew 10:8. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever. John 14:16. This is The Holy Spirit living inside of you. Christian Books – Donna Louis – The Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is our Comforter. When Jesus rose from the dead “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, “Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. – John 16-19. When The Holy Spirit came to dwell inside of you he filled you, immersed you, he permeated you. This is an incredible present that we have all been given. The Holy Spirit strengthens us and provides us hope. Christian Books – Donna Louis – The Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is our Refiner. There is a story called The Potter and The Clay. The story is told of a couple who went to England to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary and shopped at a beautiful antique store. They both liked antiques and pottery, and especially tea-cups, and so spotting an exceptional cup, they asked “May we see that? We’ve never seen a cup quite so beautiful.” As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the tea-cup spoke… “You don’t understand.” It said, “I have not always been a tea-cup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me pounded and patted me over and over and I yelled out, don’t do that. I don’t like it! “Let me alone,” but he only smiled, and gently said; “Not yet!!” “Then, WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. “Stop it! I’m getting so dizzy! I’m going to be sick!” I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, quietly; ‘Not yet.’ He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then…he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. “Help! Get me out of here!” ‘Not yet.’ When I thought I couldn’t bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! “Ah, this is much better,” I thought. But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. “Oh, please, Stop it! Stop it!” I cried. He only shook his head and said. “Not yet…” Then suddenly he put me back into the oven. Only it was not like the first time. This time it was twice as hot, and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged… I pleaded… I screamed…I cried… I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up and just then the door opened, and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering “What’s he going to do to me next?” An hour later he handed me a mirror and said, “Look at yourself.” And I did… I said, “That’s not me, that couldn’t be me. It’s beautiful. I’m beautiful!” Quietly he spoke: “I want you to remember, then,” he said, “I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you’d have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. “I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn’t put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn’t done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. “And if I hadn’t put you back in that second oven, you wouldn’t have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.” This is how The Holy Spirit Refines us. Christian Books – Donna Louis – The Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is Our Guide. Of all the things that The Holy Spirit provides to us this one is the greatest one of all for me. As well as guiding us he brings things to remembrance for us. God has provided us with the best source of technology and all the wisdom we could ever need with The Holy Spirit. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. – 1 John 2:27. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. – Romans 8:14.

Christmastime is a very busy season for us all. Approximately two months earlier I had purchased tickets for my husband and I to go see Michael Carbonaro the magician on USA TV Network. He is awesome. With all of the things surrounding us I just wanted to escape and decided I would go to the movies. I set my schedule with the movies I wanted to see and was about to go out the door when The Holy Spirit said check your tickets the show is tonight. When I did I was literally horrified that I had forgotten and was about to miss the show that night. I called my husband and advised him. See everything doesn’t have to always be spiritual. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just remind you or guide you regarding a church event, it can also be something else that can fill you up and put a smile on your face. – Christian Books – Donna Louis – The Holy Spirit.

So, is The Holy Spirit something to pay attention to? YES, it is vital for your life! Check out my website

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Drop The Puck

Christian Books – Donna Louis- Drop The Puck.

HOCKEY IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

The puck glides across the glistening ice that the Zambonis just resurfaced, the player’s race across the ice with lightning speed trying to blow the puck past their opponent’s goaltender into the net, and of course the ice version of the WWE wrestling with all the fights that break out. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Drop The Puck. Check out my website

Canada holds the torch for hockey enthusiasts because hockey is like a religion for them. In Canada, there is one season that runs all year round and that is the fifth season – Hockey season. However, never count the United States out because our arenas are just as full of hockey lovers. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Drop The Puck.

What is it about hockey and religion? Religion and the Goalie are built on trust, passion, doing the right thing at any cost. That is what we are supposed to do as followers of Christ. We are to trust him completely with our lives because as we all know God’s ways as not our ways and he sits high and looks low and knows all things. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Drop The Puck.

What does the bible say about trust?

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass. – Psalm 37: 4-5

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore, my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. – Psalm 28:7

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. – Psalm 9:10

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. – Psalm 112:7

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. – Jeremiah 17:7-8

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord, Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. – Isaiah 12:2

Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. – Psalm 62:8

What does the bible say about passion?

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. – Galatians 5:24

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. – Colossians 3:23

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. – Psalm 84:2

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. – Matthew 5:6

Jesus said unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. – Matthew 22:37-38

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. – Romans 10:2

Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day. – 1 Kings 8:61

Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. – Proverbs 16:3

What does the bible say about doing the right thing at all costs?

But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled. – 1 Peter 3:14

Therefore, to him, that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. – James 4:17

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. – Galatians 6:9

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. – John 14:23

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4:7

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. – Psalm 34:14

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. – Romans 1:16-17

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him. – John 14:21

The goalie is the man who bails out all the other player’s mistakes. Goalies are often looked to for leadership. Do those last two statements sound familiar? Of course, they do! God is the one who bails us out of all our mistakes when we don’t use wisdom and when we don’t ask his opinion before we do something. The holy spirit dwells inside of all of us so we don’t have that far to go when we ask. The same way that goalies are looked to for leadership from their teammates we are supposed to look to God for that same advice, wisdom, and leadership. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Drop The Puck.

So why not drop the puck and keep your religion and goalie (GOD) daily all year round not just when hockey season starts? Gotta go now, my team is on a POWERPLAY. Christian Books – Donna Louis.

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Christian Books – Donna Louis – Abase and Abounding

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Abase and Abounding.

Christian Books – What does it mean to be abase? According to the dictionary it means to lower in rank, office, prestige, or esteem. http://www.merriam-webster.com.

What does it mean to be abounding? According to the dictionary it means existing in or providing a great or plentiful quantity or supply. http://www.merriam-webster.com.

We all in life at one time or another will have highs and lows. Truthfully, we should be expecting it because it will befall all of us. – Christian Books – Donna Louis – Abase and Abounding.

The only perfect man to walk this earth was Jesus and he had his share of highs and lows. Some examples of the high points in Jesus life was when he changed the water to wine and when he raised Lazarus from the dead. These were the abounding times in his life. The low points or abase times was when he was being tempted by Satan in the wilderness for forty days and when he had to suffer crucifixion and death on the cross. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Abase and Abounding.

In all the abase times in Jesus life he never sinned. The bible says, “for we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. – Hebrews 4:15. Also the bible states for he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”– 2 Corinthians 5:21.

When everything is going smoothly in our lives and we don’t have a care in the world those are the times we should be aware and on guard and keep doing the godly things. The bible says, “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. When things are great we become complacent and stop doing the right and proper things we should be doing. We stop praying unceasingly and don’t go to church regularly because we say to ourselves we are too busy. This is where we begin to sin because we are moving away from the intimate relationship we are to have with Jesus. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Abase and Abounding.

When we reach the low times in our lives and are abase this is when we know Jesus the most. We pray to God daily sometimes even on an hourly basis. We dust off our bible and begin to read every day unceasingly. We prepare our clothes for church days before because we are desperate to have the pastor pray all our troubles away.

What happens when we do all of these things and nothing has changed? These are the times that we need to remember that nothing lasts forever including trouble. This is when we must remember the words of Paul, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” – Philippians 4:12

We all pray and say. “I want to be just like Jesus” however, when God starts to test us and put us on the potter’s wheel to refine us we all start screaming and crying “no stop, take me off.” God hears us but continues his work until he has removed what was impure and refined us. “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.”– Isaiah 48:10.

Everyone would love to have short testing, molding, and refining times but that is not how God works. The bible states, “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”– Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

The verse that I really want you all to see is this one “a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.” I am not a farmer, I am a city girl but even I know the principals of planting and harvest. You must plant the seeds and then wait for a harvest. In between there is watering and pruning. This takes me back to what I said earlier when we are in our low times and are abase this is when we become complacent. The watering is the reading of the word and praying unceasingly. The pruning is what God is doing to us. He is cutting back things in us that are unfruitful and shaping us for a more fruitful growth. These are the times when we feel pain, when we cry, when we don’t see where the light at the end of the tunnel is. We have all been there and if you are a person that is a type A personality like myself you want the uncomfortableness to go away quickly. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Abase and Abounding.

God works in his own timing not ours and if you want to become more like Jesus then you need to start adopting what the apostle Paul said, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” – Philippians 4:12. The sooner we do the faster we will pass the test, be refined and molded as God wants us and he will give us beauty for ashes. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Abase and Abounding. Check out my websitehttp://www.miraclebook.net

Christian Books – Donna Louis – God Is Never Surprised

Christian Books – Donna Louis – God Is Never Surprised.

Surprised – feeling or showing surprise because of something unexpected. http://www.merriam-webster.com

I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. – Isaiah 42:8-9.

For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. – 1 John 3:20

And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen. – Acts 1:24

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. – Proverbs 15:3

God will always surprise us, but you can’t surprise God. Christian Books – Donna Louis- God Is Never Surprised.

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. – Matthew 10:30

Christian Books – Donna Louis – God Is Never Surprised. Check out my website

God is not surprised about where you are right now. If things are bad he is not taken off guard. He is not shocked about what has happened to you.

God knows each and every situation we come into better than we can ever understand it.

God wasn’t surprised when Peter cut off a man’s ear. He wasn’t when Jonah was swallowed by a whale. When Noah had to build an ark. He wasn’t when Adam and Eve bit into the fruit.

We all give ourselves much more credit than we should. We think we know exactly how our lives should progress and end up. We make our plans but don’t realize that God’s thoughts are higher than ours. He has placed a gift (or gifts) inside of us and knows exactly what our purpose in life is. Christian Books – Donna Louis – God Is Never Surprised.

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. – Romans 12:6-8.

We all love to follow that iconic Frank Sinatra song “I did it My Way”. God knows what he has placed inside of all of us and what our true potential and what heights we can achieve. Christian Books – Donna Louis – God Is Never Surprised.

I watched a movie last night called “The Right Girl”, It is a Hallmark Movie. I love Hallmark movies. The essence of the movie had to do with a young woman who lost her father and started down a selfish, obnoxious path with her dealings with people since she was wealthy. Her mother arranged with their attorney to notify her that both the mother and she had lost all of their money reckless spending and bad investments and would have to find a way to survive. She had to get a job that she never had and actually wound up working two jobs at one point. She had to share an apartment with her mother, use a loaner car from a friend which was a far cry from the corvette she was driving at the beginning of the movie. She eventually humbled herself and became a giving, caring, considerate, loving person which is the person her mother knew was inside of her. Eventually, her mother told her the truth and notified her that all her money was there and placed it all back in her bank accounts. She actually thanked her mother for doing what she did because that changed her life. Christian Books – Donna Louis – God Is Never Surprised.

For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. – Psalms 73:14

The Lord hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. – Psalms 118:18

God knows exactly what has happened and is happening in your life. He has allowed certain things to happen so he can mold and shape you into the dynamic person he has designed you to be. Christian Books – Donna Louis – God Is Never Surprised.

Have Faith, Trust GOD, and humble yourself and realize that GOD is omnipotent and God is never surprised.

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Christian Books – Donna Louis – Merry Christmas

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Merry Christmas. Christmastime is a time of miracles. Christmastime is when people are just a little bit nicer. Christmastime is a magical time. Christmastime brings holiday decorations, mistletoe, gingerbread cookies, eggnog, and many other festive things!!!

The best thing about Christmastime is Christmas Day because that is the day that our lord and savior was born. The historic record of the birth of Christ can be found in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20. Check out my website

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus. – Matthew 1:18-25. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Merry Christmas.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. – Luke 2:1-20. http://www.biblegateway.com. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Merry Christmas.

The apostle Paul wrote about Jesus and why Christmas Day is truly wonderful. Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. – Colossians 1:15-20. http://www.biblegateway.com. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Merry Christmas.

Why would God do such a thing? Why would he come as a baby, instead of appearing in power and majesty? He is all powerful and knowledgeable. He knew what he would encounter and how he would be treated coming in human form to live amongst us. So why did he do it? He did it for LOVE, that’s what we read in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” http://www.biblegateway.com. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Merry Christmas.

So on Christmas Day remember the true meaning of the day, the birth of Jesus and why he became man to live amongst us LOVE. Challenge yourself to promote love not only on Christmas Day but everyday. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Merry Christmas.

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Christian Books – Donna Louis – Hoops and Heaven

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Hoops and Heaven.

Basketball. It is a tremendous sport. Whether you like to play it or watch it, basketball is engaging. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Hoops and Heaven.

In basketball, there are players, there are spectators, there are coaches, there are referees, and there’s the rulebook. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Hoops and Heaven

So where does the Bible come in? This is where….every NBA team has a head coach. He is the trusted appointee, he is the leader or ruler of the team. He has authority over the team and has the final say. Jesus is the Head Coach. He is our leader. He has all the authority. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Hoops and Heaven

An excellent NBA coach not only makes great decisions for the team, but loves the game, and loves his players. Jesus loves all of us because he created us and gave his life for us. The same way that any great coach wants to be connected to his players, Jesus desires to have that personal connection with all of his children. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Hoops and Heaven

Now how does the bible tie into this? That’s easy….the bible is the rulebook! In the NBA, there are very clearly defined rules, and they are presented in this rulebook. Without the rulebook, how would the players maneuver in the game? How would the referees umpire or judge the game? There would be complete confusion and disorder. The rules in the NBA must be followed by the players or there will be penalties, violations, and even possible ejection from the game. The same applies to the Bible, if we did not have it we would be living in chaos. That is why God spoke to Moses and provided the 10 Commandments. If we have no structure then there will just be bedlam.

We, as God’s children, are the players. We need to be willing to obey and follow the laws that Jesus (the NBA coach) has established for us that are in the bible (the rulebook). We need to realize that we are not perfect and will make mistakes. As the bible states in Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one”http://www.biblegateway.com. As we spend time with God in church, reading and meditating on his word, surrounding ourselves with godly people and listening to that small still quiet voice that is the “Holy Spirit” we will get a better understanding of the rulebook (the bible) and will begin to please Jesus (the head coach) more.

The NBA referees keep the players in line. Once the players hear the whistle blow they know one of them did something wrong. It is the referee’s job to explain what went wrong. That is the same assignment that The Holy Spirit has. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin. When the players make mistakes on the basketball court it is the referee’s assignment to convict them. Since the Holy Spirit lives and dwells in us he is the one to convict us when we sin. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Hoops and Heaven

The game gives us hope. Basketball teaches us all the things that our religion teaches us – hard work, integrity, teamwork, resilience, and heart.

The basketball courts are where you can be yourself and be comfortable no matter who you are or what you look like. The same way we can let the game consume us for two hours, we should be consumed in our love of God and living for him.

We have had some awesome NBA finals in past years no matter who you were rooting for. Root, cheer on, support the ultimate one; Jesus our Lord and savior that will solidify your destiny will be heaven.

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Christian Books – Donna Louis – Endure with Patience

Endurance means the ability to do something difficult for a long time, the ability to deal with pain or suffering that continues for a long time; the quality of continuing for a long time. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Endure with Patience

Patience means the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient, able to remain calm and not become annoyed when waiting for a long time or when dealing with problems or difficult people; done in a careful way over a long period of time without hurrying. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Endure with Patience. Check out my website

In any competition, the deciding factor is not how many begin the competition but who finishes the race and completes the course, who wins the prize. Late in life, Paul declared, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness …” 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Endure with Patience.

We have become a fast paced society. We have no patience or time for anything! Once electricity was created the world was on the move. We were able to cook food in ovens and stoves but that was not fast enough so the microwave was invented. Did you know that in foreign countries like Italy they prefer not to use microwaves? Italians in Italy have a different pace of life than Americans in America. They are not in such a big hurry that they force their meals into tiny microseconds. They enjoy eating. The act of coming together to enjoy a meal is very important to them. We had dial up internet and that became obsolete with lightning high speed internet. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Endure with Patience

Think about how complex the human body and life on earth is. We have cells, organs, organ systems, homeostasis mechanisms, a highly functional brain…all of these things and more. They are so complex and so many building blocks are required for them to function, yet they do. Even GOD took six days to create the earth. And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. – Genesis 1:31

We have to learn to endure and be patient! Not everything can be at lightning speed:

A mother carries a child for nine months unless it is premature

The children of Israel had to endure 40 years in the wilderness

A farmer has to be patient when he plants his seeds waiting for a harvest

If you are caught speeding you have to endure and wait patiently for the cop to either give you a warning and let you go or even longer if he writes you a ticket

QUOTES ON ENDURANCE

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God . . . and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.”

― Orson F. Whitney

“All through my life, I have been tested. My will has been tested, my courage has been tested, my strength has been tested. Now my patience and endurance are being tested.” ― Muhammad Ali

“And St. Francis said: ‘My dear son, be patient, because the weaknesses of the body are given to us in this world by God for the salvation of the soul. So they are of great merit when they are borne patiently.” ― Francis of Assisi

QUOTES ON PATIENCE

“He that can have patience can have what he will.” ― Benjamin Franklin

“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” ― Aristotle

“Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind; it requires the same effort of the brain that it takes to balance oneself on a bicycle.” ― Helen Keller

“It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.” – Julius Caesar

“Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they.” – Leonardo da Vinci

To those country western fans award winning singer Luke Bryan who is currently on tour fell off of his bike and broke his clavicle (a bone of the vertebrate pectoral girdle typically serving to link the scapula and sternum). He posted a picture of the broken clavicle on Twitter but told his fans “Broken clavicle. All good. Show is a go. I’ll just have my arm in a sling”. This is an example of enduring with patience. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Endure with Patience

Florida has just been rocked with Hurricane Matthew. Many counties were placed under a curfew. Nobody wants to hear about curfews, this is America the land of the free. However if you want to be safe and stay away from danger and not to mention not get arrested for breaking the law you have to endure with patience. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Endure with Patience

BIBLE VERSES ON ENDURANCE

And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; – Romans 5:3

Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. – James 1:12

But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. – James 1:4

BIBLE VERSES ON PATIENCE

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. – Galatians 6:9

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. – Isiah 40:31

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. – Psalm 37:7

GOD HAS PERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF US SO ENDURE WITH PATIENCE! – Christian Books – Donna Louis – Endure with Patience

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Christian Books – Donna Louis – Back To God

That time of year is upon us once again, “Back To School.” The clothes shopping, books and backpacks, pencils pens, computers, iPad, index cards, laptops etc. What would happen if adults, young people, parents would decide to go Back To God? Christian Books – Donna Louis – Back To God.

There are many Christians who have wandered away from the Lord. We have so much to gain by being faithful to the Lord. Rest assured that God wants you back and is keen to see it happen. Being a Christian is all about having a relationship with God. Like any relationship that means listening and talking to God. So as for what you should do first – I think listening to God is a great place to start. And as for who to talk to first – I think talking to God is a great place to start. What a great picture of God’s love for us! You want to come back to God – and God is filled with compassion for you – He wants to welcome you home. And he wants to celebrate. Listen to God – and God says, ‘Welcome home.’ Christian Books – Donna Louis – Back To God. Check out my website

Jesus is the key to any of us coming back to God. Jesus is God’s way of making us worthy to be called God’s sons – God’s children. By trusting in Jesus, we can be God’s children again – we can have a relationship with God as our Heavenly Father. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Back To God

When we go away from God, the thing God desires most is that we return. In Luke 15:1-7, Jesus spoke a parable. He says that a man had 100 sheep and one was lost who then is found; there is more rejoicing in heaven over the one than over the 99 who never became lost. If we apply the parable as Jesus intended it to be applied, we are His sheep. If one of us goes astray and becomes lost, there is great rejoicing when that one returns to Christ. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Back To God

We have so much to gain by obeying God, but we have so much to loose by not obeying Him. God wants to save us so much that as John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” to die for us. This took great love for God to do this for us. And as we read in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” The Lord doesn’t want you, me, or anyone else to be lost, and if we have wandered away He wants us to come back to Him in repentance. He has already paid the price for our sins by taking our punishment. He is eager and ready to save us. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Back To God

Satan wants us to believe, that once we have fallen away, there is no way back. But this is not true. In Luke 15:7 Jesus says, “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner that repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” Then Jesus continues in verse 10 saying, “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” When we repent and come back all of heaven rejoices. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Back To God

Remember the scriptural story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. http://www.biblegateway.com.

We all have one time or another strayed from GOD. Let’s take a look at bible history: Abraham went away from God and journeyed to Egypt. But God did not abandon him and God sought him in Egypt and brought him back to the Promised Land. Jacob went away from God and told lies, cheated, and treated his father and brother badly. But God did not abandon him. When Jacob returned, God was there for him. The ten sons of Jacob went away from God and treated Joseph very badly. But when they were old they returned to God and were blessed by Him and became the patriarchs of Israel. Aaron went away from God and made a golden calf for an idol. But when he returned, God accepted him and speaks very highly of him in Scripture. David abandoned God, committed adultery with Bathsheba, killed Bathsheba’s husband, and stayed away from God for about nine months. But when confronted by Nathan the prophet, David returned to God and God restored David to a proper standing with Him, even though David suffered the rest of his life because of this great sin. Perhaps the greatest example is Manasseh. Manasseh had a godly father in King Hezekiah. But Manasseh turned against God and did great atrocities. He was very evil (2 Chronicles 33:1-9). But when Manasseh turned back to God, God restored him (2 Chronicles 33:10-20).

So do not think that your actions have made you a lost cause in God’s eyes or that the Lord is through with you because you are just “too evil.” The Bible says that wherever sin exists, God’s grace (meaning His free forgiveness) is greater. No one has sinned so much that they are no longer eligible for Heaven. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Back To God

God only forgives those who are His children. We become a child of God when we are baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of our sins so we can be saved (Galatians 3:26-27). God’s law of pardon for us after we become His children is to repent, confess our sins and to pray for our forgiveness. By going to heaven we will not have to go to eternal punishment in Hell. Hell will be a horrible place. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Back To God

So seek GOD. You will find that He is merciful, quick to forgive, and delighted to have you back in fellowship with Him. I encourage you to spend time every day reading and thinking about a passage from Scripture, spending time in prayer talking to God.

So as you prepare your children or yourself to go back to school remember the greatest preparation you can do is go BACK TO GOD! Christian Books – Donna Louis – Back To God

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Christian Books – Donna Louis – Be Merciful

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. – Luke 6:36. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Be Merciful.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE MERCIFUL? Treating people with kindness and forgiveness: not cruel or harsh : having or showing mercy. http://www.merriman-webster.com. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Be Merciful

Jesus instructed us to be merciful. Even though this was not a part of the Ten Commandments we are to obey. What happens when you don’t obey, you wind up like the children of Israel did wandering through the wilderness for forty years before some of them reached the promise land. Don’t believe me let’s look at some daily life examples: Christian Books – Donna Louis – Be Merciful

Almost every time you are running late you get stuck in traffic. “Why does this always happen to me? I’m late. I don’t have time for this! Check out my website

Almost every time you go shopping at the supermarket you get stuck in the line with a person with plenty of coupons, get a cashier that has to close their register just as you approach them etc. Doesn’t this person realize they should shop at another time when they have all these coupons so they don’t hold up the line? Doesn’t management realize this time of day is prime time for shoppers and people have to go home and make dinner?

You go to gas up your car and there is only one open pump and when you pull up it is un-operational and has a plastic bag hanging over the pump. This gas station makes plenty of money either fix your equipment or have more frequent deliveries of fuel.

You’re looking for a parking space at a mall and you have been going up and down the aisles looking for a while and as soon as you see one you hit the gas and just as you are about to pull into the space someone comes from the other direction and beats you to it. Are you kidding me? Where did they come from? I should go and give them a piece of my mind!

Any of these sound familiar? Of course they do and they happen to some people more than others. Why? GOD has an amazing sense of humor. Until you do as he expects you to he will keep giving you the same trial over and over again until you handle it in the proper fashion. Getting upset and fuming and complaining is only going to bring more of the same. Let’s look at the previous four examples and see if there is another approach to them.

Almost every time you are running late you get stuck in traffic. I need to learn to leave earlier so I’m not running late. I hope everybody is alright. Thank GOD I was not a part of this accident. Well I realize that construction is happening everywhere so since I can’t make it disappear let me just settle in and wait. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Be Merciful.

Almost every time you go shopping at the supermarket you get stuck in the line with a person with plenty of coupons, get a cashier that has to close their register just as you approach them etc. It is possible that this person is a single parent and works two jobs and can only shop at this time. They have several coupons because their income has to stretch to cover everything. The cashier is not feeling well and is leaving work early. The cashier has received an emergency call and has to leave work early. The store has made budget cuts and so they are under staffed. At least they are still in existence so I can shop close to home. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Be Merciful.

You go to gas up your car and there is only one open pump and when you pull up it is un-operational and has a plastic bag hanging over the pump. I have warning lights in my car to let me know when the gas level is getting low. I need to start getting gas when the car is ¼ tank instead of when the fuel light comes on. It is possible the tanker to deliver the gas has been delayed in another state. Who knows maybe traffic, construction, accident????????? The previous person ahead of me just drained the last bit of fuel for this pump and grade of fuel. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Be Merciful.

You’re looking for a parking space and you have been going up and down the aisles looking for a while and as soon as you see one you hit the gas and just as you are about to pull into the space someone comes from the other direction and beats you to it. The person is an employee of one of the stores and is about to be late for work. The person has a bladder problem and needs to get to a lavatory ASAP. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Be Merciful.

You see how you can have a totally different attitude about things and be merciful!

Pope Francis has declared that from December 8, 2015 to November 20, 2016 is the year of mercy.

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. – James 2:13

Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. – Matthew 5:7

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; – Colossians 3:12

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye. – Colossians 3:13

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us. – Ephesians 2:4

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. – Titus 3:5

Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. – Micah 7:18

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. – Matthew 6:14

“The way to forget our miseries, is to remember the God of our mercies.” – Matthew Henry

“I believe in goodness, mercy and charity. I believe in casting bread upon the waters.” – Leonard Nimoy

“God seeth different abilities and frailties of men, which may move His goodness to be merciful to their different improvements in virtue.” – William Law

You want to enrich your life…be merciful to family, friends, strangers and all mankind as Jesus commanded and see how your life starts to take flight like an eagle! Christian Books – Donna Louis – Be Merciful.

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