Bible Verse of the Week...

PSALM 17:8 (NIV)
KEEP ME AS THE APPLE OF YOUR EYE; HIDE ME IN THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS.

To pray this verse before God as David did is so humbling. David prayed that God would keep him. With as much care as a man keeps the apple of his eye with which nature has wonderfully fenced and teaches us to guard. If we keep God's law as the apple of our eye( Proverbs 7:2) we may expect that God will keep us; because it is said that those whose touches them touches the apple of His eye. (Zec. 2:8) With much tenderness as a hen would gather her young ones under her wings with; David prayed for God to do the same with him.

I love this verse and use it in my own personal "apple ministry" that God has given me. Some years back Harv gave me 2 different pictures with apple theme with Psalm 17:8 on them because He knew how uplifting the verse is to me and how much I love apple things. My "apple ministry" is about reminding others they are the apple of His eye. I will put together a very simple lunch and ask a girlfriend to come and join me. I use all apple dishes, glasses and so on. When someone comes for the first time they take home a apple potholder or hand towel as a reminder that they are the apple of His eye. I have done this ministry for years . Every girlfriend that has been so kind to be my guest has been a blessing to have for lunch. Many times the friends are on their lunch time so everything is ready for them when they get here. I always look forward to whoever is coming. I am getting ready to start the "apple ministry" up again and excited for great times with grand ladies! There are many new friends that I am now going to be able to include. And yes, I can't wait to visit again with some of you that have already been here. There is just something special about sitting down with a girlfriend one on one for lunch...

Just as this verse brought encouragment to David I am sure it brings encouragement to all of us too. You might want to turn it into a minsitry too. If not this verse then pick one of your favorite and ask God to show you how you can minister in His name through the verse.

Relationships are so important to God. The 10 Commandments are all about relationships, first to God then to others. Who do you have a relationship with today that needs a reminder that they are the apple of God's eye? I just smile when I quote this verse..........can't help it.........so uplifting to me. I pray you see how it can also bring a smile to your face and lift your spirit.

Lord thank you for allowing us to be the apple of your eye when we seek you and obey you. Lord thank you for peace in knowing we can hide under the shadow of your wings and never be alone. Lord help each one of us this week to remind someone they too are the apple of your eye. Help us all to be in ministry serving you for your gain and your glory. I love you, Lord. Amen

Let me encourage you this week to give someone an apple and tell them it is a reminder they are the apple of His eye. I promise you it will make your day, touch their heart , and bring a smile to the face of our Lord.

Loving others to Jesus with you.
In His grip, Ginger