WHAT DOES THE LORD SEE, WHEN HE SEES YOUR HEART???

President Lincoln had a disarming and engaging ability to laugh at himself, especially at his own physical appearance. When Senator Stephen A. Douglas once called him a "two-faced man," Lincoln responded, "I leave it to my audience. If I had another face, do you think I would wear this one?"

Another time he told a group of editors about meeting a woman riding on horseback in the woods. She "looked at me intently,' and said 'I do believe you are the ugliest man I ever saw." Said I, "Madam, you are probably right, but I can't help it." "No," said she, "you can't help it, but you might stay at home."

Although his likeness is widely recognized, Lincoln is not known primarily for his appearance, but for his courageous stance for restoration of the Union and the abolition of slavery. He is often held up as an example of remarkable patience, determination, dedication, strong will, compassion, thoughtfulness, and selflessness. These inner qualities are what mark Lincoln as one of America's greatest presidents.

So much is made in our culture today of outward appearance and material possessions. We do well to remember that it is our virtuous inner qualities that create a lasting reputation.
COPIED

1Samuel 16:7

. . . . . . . . THE LORD SEETH NOT AS MAN SEETH; FOR MAN LOOKETH ON THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE, BUT THE LORD LOOKETH ON THE HEART.

As the years go by, my Mother's face gets dimmer and dimmer in my memory. Yet, her heart remains as clear as ever. She was a very gentle, kind soul. She loved my Daddy more than life itself and her children were her life. She loved everybody and everybody loved my Mother. She would do anything she could for you even at a cost to herself. She was always taking care of someone. She loved the Lord and had great faith. She taught that to us kids. So my Moms face may completely fade from my memory but what she was will always be bright and clear.

When I have left this earth, I would much rather people remember what I was than what I looked like. I have been overweight all my life. Nothing of value there. But I hope that my heart has shown a love that I have received from my Heavenly Father. I pray that I have been more of a peace maker than a peace breaker. I hope I have been loyal to those that I love. I hope they can see a kindness in me that comes from above. I hope that the smiles I give far out weigh the frowns. I pray that I have been more of a servant that one who had to be served. I hope that I have given far more than I have gotten. I hope that I have helped all that I could and shared with all that I should have. Yes, my face may get blurry but my heart will shine bright even from heaven above.

We can all have the FRUIT of the Spirit. The Bible tells us what that FRUIT is.
GALATIANS 5: 22

But the FRUIT of the Spirit is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONG SUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE: against such there is no law.

LOVE---Unselfish concern that freely accepts another in loyalty and seeks his good.

JOY----The emotion evoked by well-being , success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.

PEACE-----A state of tranquility or quiet

LONG SUFFERING-----Long and patient endurance of an offence.

GENTLENESS-----Mildness of manners or disposition.

GOODNESS-----Excellence, virtue

FAITH-----A belief and trust in and loyalty to God

MEEKNESS-----Power under control, enduring injury with patience and without resentment

TEMPERANCE-----Moderation in action, thought, or feeling; restraint

One thing that I want you to be sure and notice about all of these nine character traits or FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is that there is no law against having them. So we can freely exhibit any and preferable all of these characteristics and not be worried about breaking the law. I know it is my prayer that I will be remembered for having this FRUIT in my life. connie