Karla Dornacher - Sweet as Apple Pie

The New King James Version ( NKJV ) of the Bible. 1982,
by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The Living Bible ( TLB ) 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Wheaton, Illinois 60189.

All rights reserved. The Message ( MSG ) by Eugene H. Peterson. 1993. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

The Holy Bible, New Living Translation ( NLT ) 1996.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.
All rights reserved. New American Standard Bible. The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968,
1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission. NCV from New Century Version. 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Used by permission.

All rights reserved.

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In this ebook edition, please use your devices note-taking function to record your thoughts wherever you see the bracketed instructions [Your Notes] or [Your Response Here]. Use your devices highlighting function to record your response whenever you are asked to checkmark, circle, underline, or otherwise indicate your answer(s). Dear Friend, This book has been such a joy to write and illustrate.

Being able to visualize soul-nourishing truths by looking to the common apple reminded me so much of how Jesus taught using objects of nature. Solomon understood the life-giving properties of the apple when he wrote the proverb, A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver (Proverbs 25:11 NKJV). He knew that words, especially Gods words, have tremendous power to bring health and healing to our lives. In this little devotional, I invite you to eat an apple a day of Gods golden Word, served in a silver setting of heartwarming, apple-flavored illustrations and stories. As you chew on Gods truth and savor the sweetness of it, I pray your heart will be stirred to healthy and fruitful living for Gods glory. In His love,
Karla

Day 1

Todays Apple...

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise the fruit of lips that confess his name.

Hebrews 13:15

Chew on it...

There is no greater fruit, none that is more pleasing to God the Father, than the fruit of our praises. To exalt His name, to sing His praises, to lift our hands and offer up our hearts, is the ultimate purpose for which we were called. In those moments when life is a struggle and our praise is not found in our circumstances, it is then that our hearts and thoughts are challenged to focus only on how great God truly is. It is in those moments that our praise becomes a holy sacrifice and we remember that all our fruit-bearing efforts are dependent on Him and not us... and He gets all the glory!

Savor the Flavor...

Dear Lord, forgive me for using my lips to grumble and complain when things dont go my way. You have been so good to me, Lord.

I owe You my life. I owe You my praise.

Day 2

Todays Apple...

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11

Chew on it...

Mmmmmmm good! Our words have the power to nourish and give life or to poison and bring death. God instructs us to choose life. To speak a word of encouragement, comfort, or instruction at just the right moment in time can be as sweet to the soul and as nourishing to the heart as a gift of golden delicious apples to both the giver and the receiver.

Especially with sensitive issues, the time and place is as important as the word itself, so ask God for the wisdom to know when and where to speak, so the setting will be as perfect and precious, as the word itself.

Savor the Flavor...

Lord, thank You for creating me as a woman of influence. Fill my mouth with words that build up and not tear down. Give me wisdom in the timing as well as the setting in which I speak, and let my words always be a blessing to those who hear them. God desires to speak golden apples into your life through the precious wisdom of His Word. Take a few moments to chew on this verse and then describe the flavor of its sweetness as it feeds your soul.
I know the plans I have for you, declares the L ORD , plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 [Your Response Here]

Todays Apple...

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. John 15:16

Chew on it...

You were chosen! Isnt that an incredible thought? Out of all the wild trees of the field, God chose you, lifted you up out of the brambles and muck, and transplanted, you into His royal orchard! Now, youve always borne fruit, but before Christ found you, your branches were spindly and your fruit was fit only for the birds. But now that the Master Orchardist is overseeing your care,, youre growing in strength and vigor, and your fruit is holy and fit for eternity.

Savor the Flavor...

Oh Lord, thank You for choosing me and giving me new, life in Christ. I dont always see holy fruit in my life, but I do believe You are working in me and through me to bear fruit worthy of my King. A rose is a rose is a rose ... unless its an apple! Apples are actually part of the rose family. unless its an apple! Apples are actually part of the rose family.

So does that make the fruit a giant rose hip? The apple variety Delicious is the most commonly grown in the United States. Delicious by name... delicious by taste. Hmmmmmm - good!