Each Card Tells A Story

A lily of the valleys {plus Scripture Sunday Link Up}

2012-06-03T00:51:00.001-07:00

I love to study the names and descriptions of God as given in the Bible... this week, I've been studying the 'Lily of the Valleys'...

Some interesting points to ponder...

"I am ... a lily of the valleys."

Song of Solomon 2:1b"

As I carried out this study, I found some excellent points for consideration in Benjamin Keech's book called 'Preaching from the types and metaphors of the Bible'. No's 1 - 5 below are a few interesting things he has to say:

1 The lily is a sweet and a fragrant flower with a strong scent. Ephesians 5: 2 teaches us: “and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

2 The lily is white and very beautiful; exceeding all other flowers for whiteness. From the Bible we will find these: (Revelation 3:4). The bride of the Lamb will be clothed in white (Revelation 19:8). What better representation of the purity of Jesus Christ, the one “who knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21), who “did no sin” (1 Peter 2:22), who was tempted “yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15), and who “in him is no sin” (1 John 3:5), than a beautiful white lily? “For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26).

3 The lily is very fruitful. One root may put forth fifty bulbs or scallions. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, He brings forth much fruit (John 12:24). It is by bearing much fruit that He glorified the Father (John 15:8).

4 The lily is majestic in height and yet hangs its head down. This a beautiful picture of the greatness of the Son of God, so great yet he humbled himself to die on the cross. Philippians chapter 2 verses 6-8 says: ”Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

5 The lily of the valley roughly has 38 different cardiac glycosides (cardenolides) found in the plant. Cardiac glycosides are used therapeutically - particularly for heart problems! The Lord Jesus Christ is the great physician and is fully capable of curing all diseases and problems of the 'heart'. ~ Benjamin Keech - 'Preaching from the types and metaphors of the Bible'.

Additional gleanings...

The lily of the valley starts to bud in flower around April/May time of year; however, come September, the beautiful white flower heads change their colour to that of deep scarlet, and shortly afterwards it dies. ~ Botanical.com This reminds me of the blood of Jesus which was shed on the cross to atone for the sins of the world!

And now for one final discovery... have you noticed that Jesus is not referred to as being a lily of the valley [singular] but rather as a lily of the valleys [plural]? I find this encouraging because I believe that whatever 'spiritual valleys' we may find ourselves travelling through, the 'Lily of the Valleys' has planted the beauty of His grace and mercy in each and every one of them!

... And they are faithful... lilies return at just the right time of season. This is a good reminder of the faithfulness and character of our Lord. -- Joanne at Caryjo-roadrunner

Please note: All posts are © Wendy M

P.S. Thought you might like to see a photo of the beautiful sunset captured on camera at the bottom of our garden the night before last... I'm entering it into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge this week ... P.S.S. Don't forget to scroll down for this week's Scripture Sunday Link Up! (Sunday 3rd June - Saturday 9th June)

"The heavens declare the glory of God" - Psalm 19:1
~ Digital Scrapbook Page ~

*** "Congratulations to Elizabeth" at Just Following Jesus ***

who had the most visits during Scripture Sunday's Link Up last week plus

"Thanks to everyone who participated last week - it was terrific to host so many wonderful posts and a real encouragement too!"

"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith,
but I also want to be encouraged by yours."

Romans 1:12 NLT

Versatile Blogger Award

2012-06-02T01:17:00.003-07:00

*** For current Scripture Sunday Link Up - please click here ***

"When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours."

Romans 1:12 NLT

Today, I have been honoured to be nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award (VBA) by my blogging friend Laura at Journey in Faith. "Thank you Laura" - this was a pleasant surprise this morning! :D

The VBA is a way of acknowledging those in the blogging community who have been a blessing to others, and therefore I am thrilled to have been considered for such a lovely award!

In receiving this award, the “rules” are:

1 In a post on your blog, nominate up to 15 fellow bloggers for The Versatile Blogger Award. (Include the VBA button and this set of rules, although there is no obligation to participate).

2 Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to them in this post.

3 Share 7 things about yourself that most people don’t know.

4 Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs.

My nominees (in no particular order) are:

Sarah at Gentle Recovery

Rebecca at Dear Lissy

Margaret at Christian Chick Crafts

Marilyn at Mississippi McGyver

Diane at Diane’s Designs

Kris at Ink Something

Glenys at Morning Cuppas With Glenys

Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

Linda at Lovely Linda’s Craft Central

Miesje at Craft Room with a View

Judith at The Haven of Rest

and now...

7 Things about me that most people don’t know:

1 I HATED reading until I asked the Lord into my heart (at age 21). Right after this, God replaced my desire for discos (which I loved) with a new and surprising desire, i.e. I fell in love with reading Christian literature!

2 All my husband's immediate family are left-handed... right down to our nieces and nephews... Furthermore, he married a left-handed woman too! :D

3 I’ve NEVER been in an aeroplane!

4 I’m ambidextrous! Can also write backwards (with left hand) and forward (with right hand) at the same time!

5 I'm a bit of a joker at heart and love playing pranks (harmless ones of course) on my friends and family!

6 I started blogging over 2+ years ago, but only recently discovered a variety of Christian link up blogger sites, i.e. other than crafting link ups! Now, I'm like a big kid in a sweetie shop!!!!!

7 The Stampin’ Sisters in Christ DT have been the greatest influence to me in the world of blogging! I have been so fortunate to have gotten to know many of the girls who faithfully blog for Jesus each week over on SSIC. They bring messages of hope, inspiration and encouragement to so many online visitors, plus the most amazing crafting projects and designs. Thank you so much girls – I love and appreciate you all very much :D

Please note: All posts are © Wendy M

Warning! Tongue on the loose... {plus linky}

2012-05-26T23:37:00.000-07:00

"The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver,
the heart of the wicked is worth little." - Proverbs 10:20

One word stands out for me in the text above and it is the word 'tongue.'

I looked up some facts regarding the tongue and whilst I won't share them all, I have picked out a few interesting ones to consider:

(SSIC challenge: Do something that you are afraid of!
I have turned the photo above 'green'! Not too scary I hope)

1. The tongue is the most powerful muscle in the human body. I never knew this until today; however, when you think about it, the Bible teaches us that the tongue is "unruly and no one has ever managed to tame it!" (see James 3:8)! The Bible states that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21). This means that our words have the potential to either build up (i.e. edify and encourage) or break down (i.e. dishearten and disillusion) and therefore, we need to be careful what kind of words we speak over our lives and the lives of others!

Personal testimony

We've all heard the following saying: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never harm me!" However, such is total nonsense! Whilst unkind words may not break a person's bones... they most definitely have potential to break a person's spirit which is far worse!

As a child I was bullied throughout childhood and endured all sorts of hurtful accusations and name calling from my peers. My mother often quoted "sticks and stones..." in a feeble attempt to make me feel better; however such 'unintentional lies' only contributed to the turmoil and confusion I was experiencing.

I headed into adulthood a very distrusting person who analysed just about every word spoken to me due to the crushing effect years of bullying had on me. If your child or anyone you know is experiencing the turmoil which comes from emotional abuse of any kind, I would encourage you to speak positive words of affirmation, love and encouragement to them, and this will help to heal their wounded spirit and neutralise the negativeness the world is feeding them because “reckless words pierce like a sword... but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:8).

I can personally testify to the healing power of positive words and uplifting affirmations. After I became a Christian, I started to read the Bible and gradually my bruised and battered spirit began to heal as I began to realise my worth and identity in God.

Some more facts re: the tongue

2. The human mouth contains more bacteria than a dog’s mouth! Scary! No wonder dentists advise us to brush/scrape our tongues when we brush our teeth! All that bacteria on our tongues can lead to a bad smell if we leave it there! A text which comes to mind is "Out of the overflow of the heart, a man speaks" (Matthew 12:24). This leads me to consider the following: if we are listening to TV shows, Radio programmes, etc which are not edifying, all that stuff goes down into our hearts and will eventually come back out through our mouths (according to Matthew 12:24)! Therefore, we need to prevent a build-up of 'worldly bacteria' getting onto our tongues and the only way to do so is to be careful what we watch / listen to!

3. It takes food 7 seconds to go from the mouth to the stomach via the oesophagus. Likewise, it only takes a few seconds for people to form a 'gut opinion' regarding the type of person we are by the words which come out of our mouths!

Finally, one last interesting fact concerning the tongue...

4. Each person has their own unique tongue print! Just like a finger print, we may also be identified by our tongues! Begs the questions: "What sort of 'tongue print' are each of us leaving behind us?" "Are we encouragers who build people up with our tongue?" or "Do we discourage and break others down with our tongue?"

The Bible teaches: "By their fruit you shall know them [apart]." Matthew 7:16

Please note: All posts are © Wendy M

Congratulations to Naomi at What Joy is Mine.

Your link up had the most visitors last week!

You must wait! {PLUS LINKY}

2012-05-25T07:56:00.004-07:00

START - as soon as I saw this week's 5 minute writing task, I knew I had to find the following poem (which I didn't type - only copied) to post. This poem was given to me 8 years ago and although it didn't mean much to me at the time, it has since come to be a great source of encouragement and inspiration. It has also been an eye-opener to the great opportunities God grants to each and every one of us...

It is my hope that you will be encouraged through sharing this beautiful poem too.

You Must Wait

Desperately, helplessly, longingly I cried:

Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.

I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,

And the Master so gently said, “Child you must wait.”

Wait, you say wait,” my indignant reply.

“Lord I need answers. I need to know why!

Is your hand shortened or have you not heard?

By faith I have asked and am claiming your Word.

My future and all of which I can relate

Hangs in the balance and YOU tell me WAIT?

I’m needing a "Yes”, a go-ahead sign,

Or even a "No"to which I can resign.

And Lord, you promised that if we believe

We need but to ask and we shall receive.

And Lord, I’ve been asking and this is my cry”

I’m weary of asking! I need a reply.”

Then quietly, softly I learned of my fate

As my Master relied once again, “You must wait.”

So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut and

Grumble to God, “So I am waiting for what?”

He seemed to kneel and His eyes wept with mine,

And He tenderly said, “I could give you a sign.

I could shake the heavens and darken the sun,

I could raise the dead, cause the mountains to run.

All you seek I could give, and pleased you would be.

You would have what you want, but you wouldn’t know Me.

You’d not know the depth of My love for each saint;

You’d not know the power that I give the faint;

You’d not learn to see through clouds of despair;

You’d not learn to trust just by knowing I’m there;

You'd not know the joy of resting in Me

When darkness and silence were all you could see;

You would never experience that fullness of love

As the peace of my Spirit descends like a dove;

But you’d not know the depth of the beat of My heart,

The glow of My comfort, late in the night,

The faith that I give when you walk without sight,

Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST.

What it means that ‘My grace is sufficient for thee!’

But oh the loss, if I lost what I’m doing in you!
"So be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.
And though oft' My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all... is still... wait."

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."

James 1:2-3

Trials are opportunities to
grow our faith and glorify God!

Finish

Linked to: 5 Minute Friday
Hearts 4 Home
Spiritual Sundays
Bless & Be Blessed (1 Minute Bible Notes)
Sunny Saturday

Please note: All posts are © Wendy M

Sow what!

2012-05-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

Plus Scripture Sunday Link Up (# 2)

~ Paper pieced for Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge ~

Each card tells a story: This card reminds me of the following text: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7).

Any farmer will tell you that when he sows seed into a field, the birds of the air sometimes come along and pick up little bits of the seed and carry it further afield. I believe this can teach us a valuable spiritual lesson regarding our reputation, i.e. whatever we sow in our everyday lives may also be carried near and far by those who come into contact with us!

Therefore, we need to be careful how we conduct ourselves in front of others - both Christian and non Christian - because we never know who is listening or watching and what kind of report they may spread about us as a result of what they observe. Remember: "A good name is more desirable than great wealth. Respect is better than silver or gold." (Proverbs 22:1). Men and women of good character set a good example for others to follow, and their godly reputation will be evident to all, e.g.

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." (Titus 2:7-8).

We can develop such character by controlling our thoughts (Philippians 4:8), practising Christian virtues (2 Peter 1:5-6), guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:18-20), and keeping good company! (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Please note: All posts are © Wendy M

Scripture Sunday's most visited linkup last week was

"Well done Mary at A Joyful Noise!" and thank you for sharing!

Witnesses!

2012-05-13T03:42:00.002-07:00

PLUS
SCRIPTURE SUNDAY LINK UP # 1

Weekly: Sunday - Saturday

All you have to do is follow steps 1 - 3 below:

1 Add a link to a post you have created. which includes at least ONE Scripture reference (this can include a devotional post, poetry, teaching post, photograph, Christian home maker tips, craft project, etc).

2 Post a link back to this site or use the button below (or on side bar).

3 Leave an encouraging comment on one other blog linked to this post (more if you like)!

-- PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO ADD LINK --

Created in DSA 2 - Click photo to view larger image

Text for the week

"Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive."

Genesis 5:20

The text above led me to consider 'numbers' and their significance in Scripture, and whilst I did not find any spiritual significance re: the text above; I did find that the number '2' essentially represents ‘witnessing’ in certain instances in the Bible, e.g.

There are 2 testaments in the Bible, i.e. the Old Testament and the New Testament and each bear witness to God plus His plan of redemption for mankind.
There are 2 witnesses of God: Moses and Elijah and they are called the two olive trees, one upon the right side of the candlestick and one upon the left side (Zechariah 4:11). They stand by the God of the whole earth.
Jesus sent His disciples out in 2's to preach the Gospel and witness to the truth of His Word (Mark 6:7).

As I considered these things, the following text came to mind:

“And they overcame him [i.e. the devil] by
the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony…”

Revelation 12:11a

Two things speak to me re: ‘witness’ within this text also, e.g.:

1 The witness of the blood, i.e. "And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb…”

"This is essentially the truth of the Good News of the Christian Gospel message. None other than God Himself shed His own innocent blood on the cross so that mankind can have total forgiveness for their sins and receive the imputed righteousness of God. This is the ONLY righteousness God will find acceptable on the Judgement Day! It is the only righteousness which gives God’s 'blood-bought children' peace with Him no matter how intense the demonic battle rages against them in order to try to shipwreck (hinder, slow-down, rob, steal) their confidence in God!" -- Norm Rasmussen.

2 The witness of their testimony, i.e. “…and the word of their testimony…”

"This does NOT speak about one’s personal testimony as we may think “testimony”! Satan and his demons are not in the least bit threatened by one’s personal born again testimony, deliverance testimony, or healing testimonies, etc. What they ARE threatened by is when a blood bought Christian uses wisely applied Holy Scripture to rule their life! To bring clearer understanding … it may be better understood to say: “And they overcame him by the Word!" The "word of our testimony" is what God says about us in His Word. Christians need to know their position in Christ. We need to learn who we ARE in Christ Jesus." -- Norm Rasmussen.

What kind of witness do we project in the midst of life's trials and storms?

Do our lives bear witness to the testimony of the blood of the Lamb, i.e. Christ's righteousness and not our own?
Do our lives bear witness regarding who we are in Christ?
Are we good soldiers of the Lord... or do we sink into despair and leave our post at the first sign of difficulty?

If you need help regarding your witness for the Lord - please see links provided below:

The Armour of God The Believers Position in Christ

Please note: All posts are © Wendy M

Identify yourself!

2012-05-11T02:23:00.000-07:00

5 Minute Friday challenge:

Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking!

This week’s word is ‘IDENTITY’… here goes…

START

My name, i.e. 'Wendy' means 'wanderer' – not what I consider complimentary as a Child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! However, as I reflect upon my past, I certainly did live up to my birth name as I wandered to and fro, drinking from many of the world’s broken cisterns in my search for purpose and identity...

A wandering soul

... you see, once I was a ‘sheep’ which was lost… a wandering soul... but now I am found!

A new name and identity!

After I came to know the Lord, I realised I had been given a new name and identity, i.e. ‘Christian’ meaning ‘Christ’s little one’... If you wish you can read my testimony, i.e. "The Lost Sheep" here

FINISH!

Linked to: Scripture Sunday

This post is linked to:

Thankful Thursday

5 Minute Friday

Aloha Friday Hop

Then sings my soul Saturday

Unstable or blessed?

2012-05-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Created in DSA 2

Text for the week

“Whoever says, ‘I know him’,
but does not keep his commandments

is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But whoever keeps his word,
the love of God is truly perfected in him.”

1 John 2:4-6

I've been pondering and praying about this passage of Scripture all day today! As I've done so, another Scripture comes to mind:

"A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways!"

James 1:8

Q. But what does all this mean?

A. We cannot confess to love and follow the Lord and yet live double-standard lives!

The Word of God tells us that "By their fruits, you will recognise them" Matthew 7:16... in other words, by the fruit of their character you will be able to recognise those who love the Lord and keep His Word and those who are unstable and liars! So what are these 'fruits'?

The Word of God tells us:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control..." Galatians 5:22-23a.

Love - "Love is patient; love is kind; love is never envious or arrogant with pride. Nor is she conceited" 1 Corinthians 13:4. Patient and kind (see notes below). Love is happy for others when they receive blessings; she does not think she is better than others or look down on those who are less capable or fortunate than she is; she is more concerned about gloryfying God than seeking vain glory and attention for herself.

Joy - God grants joy to those who follow after righteousness and justice, e.g. "You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows." In other words, she rejects the 'world's standards' of what is right (as such is often flawed and imperfect) preferring instead to choose God's righteous standards. Joy is promised to such as those... and not only is it promised, but it is also evident in the lives of those to whom this applies as they walk with a clear conscious before God and man, which is most definitely a strength in their bow, i.e. "the joy of the Lord is your strength."

Peace - The Word of God tells us that those who love God's Word have great peace, e.g. "Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble" Psalm 119:165. Some people never seem to have peace in their lives... in fact they upset the whole atmosphere with their very presence. They always seem disgruntled about something (or someone) and never seem contented. The opposite is true of the one who is stable and keeps God's Word.

Patience - Have you ever noticed how some Christians can go days, months, years even enduring difficult circumstances and do so uncomplaining? Do you know that "tribulation works patience" in the Christian's life? Chances are, if you stumble across a 'patient' Christian, God has been working this grace in their lives through difficulties and trials!

Kindness - the opposite of selfishness! A kind person is someone who "looks out for the interests of others". In other words, they are not self-absorbed and look for ways to put others before themselves.

Goodness - the opposite of badness! Proverbs 6:8-19 comes to mind:

"A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil,

A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers."

All such speaks of badness! Goodness is just the opposite: she thinks up good plans towards others, is keen to participate in that which is good; she does not tells lies or run with tales and cause division amongst others.

Faithfulness - She is loyal and can be trusted; she does not betray another's confidence or trust.

Gentleness - She is not harsh but rather has a gentle and edifying spirit.

Self-control - She does not throw outbursts or fits of rage but rather, her spirit is in submission to the Holy Spirit and He helps her to control herself and remain stable in difficult situations.

Unstable?

"A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways!"

James 1:8

Blessed?

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield:

the Lord will give grace and glory:

no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.

O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusts in Thee."

Psalm 84:11-12

This post is linked to:

Stampin' Sisters in Christ

Freshly Brewed Sundays

Inspire Me Monday

Titus Tuesday

Women Living Well

Encourage One Another

Beautiful Thursdays

Thought Provoking Thursday

The Beauty in His Grip

I've Made Friday

Faith Filled Friday

How to recognise God's Voice

2012-05-04T16:01:00.001-07:00

Scrapbook page created in DSA 2

Each card/project tells a story: This week's 5 Minute Friday Challenge has been set... The challenge is write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking re: the word 'real'.

Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. ²³And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. ²⁴But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. ²⁵Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. ²⁶And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” ²⁸And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” ²⁹So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. (Matthew 14:22-29)

START

There are so many voices competing for our attention when it comes to the things of God that it's important we know how to decipher what is real and what is false in order that we aren't tossed 'to and fro' by every wave of false doctrine and teaching which presents itself! It's therefore important that we learn to 'listen' and 'recognise' the voice of God when He is speaking to us... but how is this possible?

I believe Matthew 14:22-29 has much to teach us...

Recognising the voice of God

Whilst Peter spent time with Jesus, he would have become familiar with hearing Jesus speak certain things, e.g. the word "come" for example:

"COME unto me",

"COME follow me" etc.

Uncertain if the ghostly figure walking on the water is Jesus or not, Peter asks the figure for proof. He asks the figure to speak a word which he would have been familiar with whilst spending time in Jesus' company, e.g.

“Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

Notice Jesus didn't reply: "Come to me on the water" -- rather He quite simply said, "Come". Jesus knew exactly what was in Peter's thoughts, and He responded with exactly what Peter needed to hear to motivate his faith into action.

Spiritual application

When you think about it - Peter stepped out into a stormy sea and walked on water on the basis of just one spoken word... ONE word! However, it has to be said that it was a word he was familiar hearing whilst spending time in Jesus' company!!!

This teaches us that we need to prayerfully spend time in the Word of God, familiarising ourselves with it's content so that we will be able to decipher the real voice of God from that of false prophets and teachers. Plus the more we familiarise ourselves with the Word of God, the more opportunity we give ourselves for God to speak to us and ignite our faith!

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

STOP

PLEASE NOTE: Scrapbook page, punctuation, spell check, plus copying and pasting main Scripture passage done separately!

This post is linked to

Freshly Brewed Sundays

5 Minute Friday

Spiritual Sundays

A pool of refreshment for the weary traveller

2012-04-29T03:17:00.000-07:00

Each card project tells a story: This week Marilynn chose Jeremiah 17:8 as the text to base the Stampin's Sisters in Christ Challenge on. The challenge is to create a project from an 'image of something planted' or just plain simply incorporate the colour 'green' into your project. I have chosen the latter. There is green in the sea and along the stripe of the boat! Hope this counts! I just love water/beach projects and any excuse to create one will do! Hope you like it. I've gone for 'less is more' in this digital scrapbook page as sometimes that works best.

Text for the week

[Those who trust in the Lord] shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:8

This text reminds me of a beautiful passage of Scripture found in Psalm 84:

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
    whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
    they make it a place of springs;
    the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
    till each appears before God in Zion.

Psalm 84: 5-7

The Valley of Baca is a dry and arid place with very little niceties... it's certainly not a place I'd like to camp out in - that's for sure!

Personal Baca's

Sometimes, as we journey through life, we come to our own personal 'Baca'... i.e that place where the 'heat is turned up', and our 'comfort zone' is rocked! Our initial reaction is one of - "get me out of here" as we don't like trials and tribulations!

Valley of Baca {internet photo}

However, Psalm 84: 5-7 brings us hope! God's Word speaks about His people being "blessed" despite travelling through Baca! "But where is the blessing in Baca?"

You may well ask!

Abundant blessings

I would say these travellers are truly blessed, for despite what is life throws at them, they seek strength from God and He sustains them... and not only sustains them, but makes them a blessing to others also...

... As they pass through the Valley of Baca,

they make it a place of springs...

As the travellers pass through Baca something miraculous happens! They bring 'life' into situations where no life was (or where once there was life but it has since dried up).

Such speaks to me of...

someone who lives victoriously, despite their circumstances, because they are submitted to the will of God

someone who has experienced difficulties and trials in their own personal life and can genuinely empathise with others as a result
someone who knows that without God, they are nothing, but with Him "they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them"
someone who has hope to offer others, i.e. the Word of God which is evidenced in their own lives
someone who is able to comfort others with the same comfort wherewith they themselves have received from God

someone who wants to give to others as a result of the blessings they have received from God

someone who is aware they are only 'temporary travellers' in this life, but travelling towards a better place (i.e. Zion) and want others to know the blessing of such also

How I want to be like these travellers! How I want to bring hope and refreshment to the weary soul in the strength and power of God's Holy Spirit. Right now, I have quite a few weary travellers on my heart... and despite travelling through my own personal Baca, I desire to leave behind pools of refreshment for others who also may walk in my shoes.

Lord help me to be a pool of refreshment

to weary souls whom I come into contact with

for Your glory and for their sakes -

help me point them in the direction of You.

AMEN

Why not stop by a pool of refreshing now

and listen to the testimony of Patrick Henry Hughes

This post is linked to:

Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge

Thought Provoking Thursday

Scripture Thursday

Beautiful Thursday

The Beauty in His Grip

Freshly Brewed Sundays

Women Living Well Wednesday

Encourage One Another

Are you dressed for the occasion?

2012-04-28T03:04:00.003-07:00

{Photo copyright Wendy M}

The Armour of God.-

Ephesians 6:10-18

I am passionate about the Armour of God! However, I find it concerning that many Christian churches here in the UK do not teach on this subject. As a result, many Christians do not know they are in a spiritual battle - let alone realise that they are required to put on a full set of spiritual Armour (as taught in Ephesians 6: 10-18)! Listen to what the Word of God teaches:

“… our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

This battle is like no other - it rages where it cannot be seen with the natural eye; however, the spiritually attuned are aware of it happening! As I post this, it is my sincere wish that you will be encouraged, blessed... but above all, suitably dressed for the occasion... Here's how...

{Video courtesy YouTube}

THE ARMOUR OF GOD (An Outline of Ephesians 6: 10-18)

LIVE it – i.e. the Truth (belt of Truth) (v 14a) – love truth and live honestly - don't lie; hate lies and every falsehood... In Biblical times, the belt on a Romans soldier’s armour was used to keep his garments up, i.e. if he needed to run, he would tuck his robes under his belt so that they would not trip him up. In the same way, we need to learn what God’s Word teaches so that we will know the Truth and not stumble through the lies the enemy spins in an attempt to make us fall.

LEAN on it – i.e. the 'Breastplate of Righteousness' (v 14b) - don't depend on your own self-righteousness and works of the flesh (which are all prideful); rather lean, i.e. depend upon Christ’s righteousness alone as making you 'right' before God. We need to be careful not to trust in man's vain traditions or philosophies in order to please God, e.g. trying to work our way into God's favour and righteousness... Rather, God's Word teaches us that "Jesus' yoke is easy and His burden is light," unlike some of the religious ordinances and philosophies which abound today and which lead people away from God rather than point to Him. Jesus alone makes us right with God - He alone atones for our sin. "All our righteousness is as filthy rags." And if we do perhaps do sometimes stumble and fall, "if we confess our sin [to God], He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

LOVE it – i.e. 'Peace' (the sandals of peace) (v 15) - love peace; seek peace; live peacefully with all wherever possible; also 'spread the Gospel of peace' wherever you go. When the peace of God rules in our hearts, we know we are on the right path. The enemy seeks to ruin our peace and get us off track in our relationship with God. We need to be careful not to allow anything to ruin our peace so that we remain in step with the Lord. When we lose our peace, we need to backtrack until we find where we left its path, repent and start walking on the right path again.

LIFT it – i.e. the 'Shield of Faith' (v 16) - the enemy wants to destroy our faith by discouraging us and pulling us down in our spirit through accusations, gossip, lies, etc; he wants to have us depend on our 'feelings' regarding our circumstances rather than our 'faith' in God. When feelings are overwhelming, God's Word encourages us to lift up praise to Him (i.e. offer God the sacrifice of praise). When we praise God in difficult circumstances, we demonstrate our confidence in Him. This is pleasing to God and opens a channel for Him to bring deliverance, e.g. our enemy and his minions HATE to hear us "praise God 'in Spirit and in Truth" - it confuses them and they flee during such times!

LEAD with it – i.e. the 'Helmet of Salvation' (v 17a) - through Christ's salvation we are no longer conquered by sin and circumstances but "conquerors through Him who loves us." "We are the 'head' and no longer the 'tail'" - victors and not victims! We need to learn to apply this Biblical mentality and allow the 'mind of Christ' to lead us so that we can take captive every wrong thought and cast it down in His Name. In other words, be renewed in your mind through the Word of God. It is via God's Word that we discover the mind of God and right thinking. Satan knows the power of the mind and he rages a battle for our minds constantly! How many people do we know suffer anguish and pain as a result of tortured minds? Satan is the enemy of mankind and he reigns victorious in the minds of tortured souls because He has blinded them to the Truth... the Truth which has the power to set them free. Don't be a victim! Be renewed in your mind daily via the Word of God. Pray the Word, ponder the Word (i.e. meditate upon it) ... allow it permeate your thought life; this you will be protected and strengthened in your mind. The Word of God is salvation for the troubled mind.

LUNGE it - i.e. the 'Sword of the Spirit' (v 17b) i.e. the Word of God. The better we know God's Word (i.e. learn it), the better we will be able to do battle against the enemy using it (i.e. lunge it). "God's Word is alive and active and sharper than any double-edged sword..." (2 Timothy 3:15). Along the handle of this double-edged sword (dagger) is engraved the words: "IT IS WRITTEN..." Jesus teaches us how to use this particular weapon in Luke 4:1-13. Not only is the Word of God sharp and swift when used correctly against the enemy, but the Word of God speaks of Satan and his minions' downfall! Satan will do everything to discourage us from reading God's Word and learning how to use the Word and it stands to reason why!

LABOUR in it – i.e. 'Prayer in the Spirit' (v 18a) – Pray at all times; pray using the Scriptures, pray in the Spirit and pray for one another. Prayer is our communication with the Father. Communication is vital in any battle between the Commander in charge and his soldiers. The enemy knows this and seeks to sever our communication with Our Divine Commander in the hope that we will go through the battle alone (which of course spells disaster)!

LOOK OUT! – i.e. Be alert! (v 18b) - Don't become complacent! We have an enemy whose subtle ways have been described above and his aim is to destroy the Christian's faith. Our enemy is relentless and so must we be too in order that we may stand "when the evil day comes" and not be blown about by every whim and doctrine which presents itself. No soldier fights a battle without being properly equipped and trained - and very definitely neither should we!

Useful Outline:

Live it (v 14a) - Belt of Truth
Lean on it (v 14b) – Breastplate of Righteousness
Love it (v 15) – Sandals of Peace
Lift it (v 16) – Shield of Faith
Lead with it (v 17a) – Helmet of Salvation
Lunge it (v 17b) – Sword of the Spirit
Labour in it (v 18a) – Prayer in the Spirit
Look out! (v 18b) – Be alert!.

Post Copyright Wendy M (March 2009)

Permission is granted to reproduce any part of this post on Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, etc, or to teach Bible lessons / studies re: the Armour of God. However, if you choose to post any part of these notes online, please link back to this page. Thank you.

Post linked to: Faith Filled Friday

Spiritual Sundays

Faithful Bloggers Prompt #55

Friendship Friday

Further study

Put on that armour - Part 1 by Tracy Berta

Put on that armour - Part 2 by Tracy Berta

Word Art Wednesday #25 plus freebies

2012-04-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

Background paper from my own freebie range
called 'Ocean Days' - click here for details (zip .jpeg files)

This page was the WINNING entry for
Word Art Wednesday Challenge #25

This one's for you Karen - hope you're feeling better!

Linked to Word Art Wednesday

Little Birdie Blessings

Home Sweet Home

2012-04-23T01:37:00.001-07:00

Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home

My grandmother was a really Godly woman by all accounts. I do not remember her as I was only 4 years old when she died, but others remember her and have shared some lovely stories concerning her Christian character, conduct and charity. It is also evident from the journal notes she recorded in the margins of her Bible that God's Word was indeed a "lamp unto her feet and a light unto her path.'

The night my grandmother passed away, my mother was having difficulty sleeping (which is totally understandable). However, when she did finally fall asleep, she dreamt the following dream:

Jesus said: "I am the light of the world... whoever follows me will

not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life."

John 8:12

Mum dreamt that she saw my grandmother walking up a path which led up a steep hill. At the top of the hill was an incredibly bright light. Mum watched gran walk closer and closer to the top... then, just as she was nearing the top, gran turned around and smiled before disappearing into the bright light which surrounded her.

But the path of the just is as the shining light,

that shines more and more unto the perfect day.

Proverbs 4:18

In her dream, mum remembered that she herself could not look directly at this light and had to shield her eyes from it because it was so bright; however, she explained that what she could see of it was really beautiful.

The dream was so real that straight afterwards (and ever since), mum has had tremendous 'peace' that although her mother died physically, she did not die spiritually, but rather she had gone home to be with the Lord in eternity. My mum was not a Christian at this point in her life, and for many years she ran away from the Lord's call upon her life. However, this is another story... you can read about it here if you'd like to.

In the meantime, hope you have a good week and thanks so much for dropping by!

This post is linked to:

Stampin' Sisters in Christ

Spiritual Sundays

Steak and chips!

2012-04-21T08:45:00.001-07:00

Each card tells a story: It's been a horrible wet, cold day here today (Saturday)... but not a wasted day 'cos it's been perfect to stay indoors and papercraft!

As I was pondering what to share today, the following text came to mind:

"And be kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you."

Ephesians 4:32

My initial thought when I pondered the word 'tender' was one of tenderising meat! I felt a bit bad about this I admit, but perhaps it isn't a bad comparison after all! Please allow me to explain...

Steak and chips!

Any time we're having steak and chips for tea, I take out the wooden meat tenderiser (similar to the one in the photo below) and give the meat a good old thumping for a couple of minutes prior to cooking it. This helps to make the meat more pliable and easier to cook; it also makes it lovely and tender to eat once it's cooked in the pan.

{image from Internet}

Definition of the word 'tenderhearted':

to show one's self gracious, kind, benevolent
to grant forgiveness, to pardon
to give graciously, give freely, bestow
to forgive
graciously to restore one to another

Trials and difficulties

Sometimes God sees the need to 'tenderise' our hearts! Therefore, He allows trials and difficulties to touch our lives in order to break down our 'hardened' hearts and make us more 'palatable,' i.e. pleasant and kind towards others e.g.

Have you ever noticed people who have submitted to God and allowed Him to work through difficult situations in their lives, appear tenderhearted towards others who are experiencing the same difficulties as they have experienced. They are able to comfort hurting people with the same comfort wherewith they themselves have received from God (as well as offer genuine empathy which is like medicine to a weary soul). Sadly, we also know people who have shut God out of their lives in the midst of their difficulties and as a result, they have become bitter, hardhearted and critical towards God and others.

Perhaps trials and difficulties are raining down upon your life and you feel buffeted by a series of recent events - if so, take courage because the Divine Potter is shaping and moulding a beautiful heart in you in order to make you more Christlike. He wants to make you a channel of blessing and to use you to bring/restore comfort and help to others, which in turn will also bring you much joy, so please be encouraged and don't give up!

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial

which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened

unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers

of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed,

ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

1 Peter 4:12-13

Utube Video - Sinead O'Connor

This post is linked to

Spiritual Sundays

Faith Filled Fridays

Wednesday Word Challenge

2012-04-18T14:46:00.002-07:00

Linking this project to Wednesday Word Challenge #24

This has to be my quickest project to date!

Made in less than 5 minutes using DSA 2

A5 card looks great printed out on linen look card stock

Transparency

2012-04-15T00:19:00.002-07:00

My little nieces

Each card/project tells a story: I'm entering this scrapbook page into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge where the theme is to create a project which incorporates something transparent. I have used a 'digital mask' for this week's transparency theme. The challenge is based upon the following text:

"...Christ in you, the hope of glory..."

Colossians 1:27b

Kris speaks about being 'transparent' in her post, e.g.

What if people could hold us up to the light and see what’s inside? Would they see the image of Christ? We are called to be light in the world… and others should be drawn to us because they see something different—something good that they want too. They should be able to see Christ in us!

You can read the rest of Kris' post over on Stampin' Sisters in Christ).

This reminded me of something I wrote recently!

You can read my post A Mop, A Bucket... and the Voice of God!

over on "Dear Diary..."

Hope you have a good week...

Spring challenge

2012-04-14T06:03:00.003-07:00

My little granddaughter

I'm entering this project into the Our Daily Bread Springtime Challenge where the challenge is to create a project which incorporates the word "spring".

S - Scripture

P - Photo

R - Ribbon

I - Infant

N - Neutral colours

G - Green

Love this challenge!

Happy Easter

2012-04-08T03:22:00.009-07:00

Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge entry - create a joyful card/project.

God demonstrated His great love for us when He sent His only begotten son, Jesus to die on the cross. But "hallelujah," He arose from the dead!
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"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12: 2-3).

And because Christ lives... we can live, laugh, LOVE... Yes, it is a joy to know Christ and have our sins forgiven; to have the promise of eternal life where we will worship in God's presence for evermore... I cannot think of anything which gives me more joy than this.

Such Love

Such love that sent Jesus

from Heaven above

He came to redeem us

with His precious blood

There is no other

who could ever compare

With love so amazing,

so wondrous, so fair.

T'was late in the Garden of Gethsemane

Sweat poured from Christ's brow

for what was yet to be

The world went on sleeping

and they never did see

the battle, the agony

He suffered for thee.

Betrayed and rejected

towards Calvary was led

Then there on the cross

Jesus suffered and bled

"'Tis finished" He cried as He

hung low His head

The crowds that once praised Him

now left Him for dead.

But death could not hold Him

and on the third day

The tomb - it lay open...

The stone rolled away

Sin's debt had been paid

And the victory was won

The Suffering Servant

now "Death Conquering One!"

I thank You Lord Jesus

that You died for me

My guilt and my shame

Your love nailed to the tree

You paid such sacrifice Lord

setting me free

Such love inspires I give

my all Lord for Thee.

So you think you know better!

2012-04-01T13:14:00.003-07:00

Peggysue has challenged us to the following: Make a card with motion, or an interactive card; (spinner, viewmaster, pop up, slider, gel, etc). I have made a 'wobbling' Birthday Card!

'Wobbling dogs' Birthday Card!

Each card / project tells a story: This is my entry for the Stampin Sisters in Christ Challenge No 133. The challenge is inspired by the following text:

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20.

Sometimes I tend to behave like the Prodigal! I may not abandon my Heavenly Father, but I do sometimes tend walk away from him when it comes to the place of prayer! Earlier today, I wrote something which relates to such. You can read what I wrote HERE.

Freebie

2012-03-28T10:30:00.008-07:00

Above: An ECTaS freebie word art (.png format)
Check out more freebies in the Freebies section above!

Project re: Word Art Wednesday Challenge # 21

Over on Word Art Wednesday, they are offering a beautiful freebie text (as found in my project above). Why not pop on over and say "Hi" and perhaps even take part in this week's challenge.

Where are the labourers?

2012-03-25T03:18:00.047-07:00

This week's text...

If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31b-32)

The word 'spare' stood out to me as I read the text above this morning. God didn't spare Jesus when it came to the cross...it cost Him everything to sacrifice His only begotten son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Jim Elliot (martyred missionary) once said:

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep,

to gain what he cannot lose!"

Jim was killed during his attempts to bring the Gospel of God's saving grace to the Auca tribe. He gave his life in order to serve the Lord in reaching these people with the Word of God. Jim gave what he could not keep, i.e. his life here on earth, to gain what he could not lose, i.e. eternal life in the presence of the LORD. You can read his testimony here.

God may not call us all to the foreign mission fields - let alone call us to lay down our lives physically for others; however, He does call us to labour in the 'fields' which are to be found closer to home, e.g. our neighbourhoods, where we come in contact with friends, family, work colleagues, and neighbours, etc.
..

Jesus said: "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest" (Luke 10:2).

As I sat looking out the kitchen window this morning, a couple of farm labourers were out scattering seed in the field at the back of our house. In the autumn time, the fields will bring forth their crops ready for harvesting.
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Where are the labourers?

I thought back to this time last year when we were renovating our new home... I used to sit and look out across the growing stalks of corn and watch them sway and make wave-like patterns as the wind blew across the fields which surrounded our new house. For months, we watched these crops sprout up and grow as we visited our property being renovated. However, towards the end of the season, it seemed as if these fields and their yield had been 'forgotten!' We began to wonder when [or even if] they would be harvested or if perhaps the corn was going to be left to rot! Many of the other farms in the area had gathered their harvest in weeks before. Maybe the neighbouring farmer didn't have any labourers to help him, or perhaps he was sick - we weren't sure! To cut a long story short, the fields were finally harvested, but just in time it would seem, as the crops were starting to wilt and turn brown.

"... Who will go for Me?" - Isaiah 6:8

What are we willing to spare for the One who gave His all for us

...and still so freely gives us all things? .

Are we willing to spare time labouring in the fields where the LORD has placed us?

Are we willing to spare time in intercessory prayer for those who don't yet know the LORD? Are we willing to share the Gospel (Good News) with them?

Perhaps we could use our hobbies, gifts and talents, or open our homes to show Christian love and hospitality, as well as use any other resources which we have at our disposal as a means of labouring in the LORD's great harvest.

Update on this morning's post: Within the past few hours, we received a phone call to say that my step son's best friend has died.... he was 23 years old. May we not put off labouring in the LORD's harvest a moment too soon, lest for some it becomes too late.

This post is also linked up to Hearts 4 Home Link Up # 34

Word Art Wednesday # 20

2012-03-22T14:06:00.001-07:00

This is my Word Art Wednesday # 20 entry...

Went for a gold/bronze theme and made border out of a 'wingdings' letter

Please feel free to grab my blog badge

Order in the house!

2012-03-18T02:16:00.110-07:00

Spring marks 'new life' and 'new beginnings'

Each card / project tells a story:

When I think of spring, I think of 'new life' and 'new beginnings' and spring has definitely brought our family something new, i.e. our beautiful baby granddaughter, Poppy (pictured above with her daddy).

This week's Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #131 is based upon the following text: “He made the moon to mark the seasons” (Psalm 104:19). The challenge Marilynn has set has to do with the changing seasons, e.g. with the change of seasons this week, make a card/project showing something related to the new season.

“He made the moon to mark the seasons” (Psalm 104:19).

The above text reminds me of something my friend, Alison, and I were discussing one day last week, i.e. the fact that God is a God of order.

A tall order!

We were speaking about Noah's ark (see Genesis 6:15-16) and how God laid out the ark's dimensions and figures so precisely and orderly for Noah to follow. I was sharing how even today, modern marine architects have determined that Noah's ark was the single most stable floating object ever conceived! It was almost impossible to capsize since it could have survived being tilted 89 degrees and still right itself automatically. It had a length to width ratio of 6:1 which is used today for modern ship building because it is the only ratio which causes a ship to automatically turn into the waves for an easy ride, even without the use of sails or engines.

However, the ark isn't the only time the Bible relates to God's orderliness. The creation of the world (as recorded in Genesis 1) is a fine example of structure and order; the text above relates to the 'moon marking out the changing seasons' and likewise speaks of God's order; not to mention the instructions God set down for the building of His Temple (see 2 Samuel 7). These are but a few examples which teach us that God is most definitely a God of order.

Order in the house!

I too love order and like things to be set out neatly in my home, i.e. everything has a place and everything in its place. I dislike living in clutter and mess, although I've had to get used to such [for a time] on each of the occasions when we have moved house. Generally speaking however, I hate clutter or overspill, and find that I cannot think straight or relax when there are too many things lying around; it's just the way I am.

When I thought about this, I considered the times when I could not think straight, or find peace in my life because I'd been gathering too much 'spiritual baggage' and 'clutter' e.g. holding on to grudges rather than dealing with them quickly. I'm also mindful of times when I have procrastinated by 'shoving my problems out of sight' rather than bringing them out into the open and dealing with them before God in prayer and meditation upon His Word. As a result of such, the 'window of our soul' becomes clouded and we may begin to lose sight of God in our lives.

Spring cleaning

As spring time fast approaches, many of us will embark on something called 'spring cleaning'. It's a time of the year when we carry out a deep clean of the home in order to freshen it up after the long, cold winter months. Generally speaking, it's a time for extra thorough cleaning, both inside and outside the home.

Can you see God.... Can you hear God?

In a similar kind of way, the Word of God tells us to 'clean' our lives and 'keep them clean' but it tells us to do so, not seasonally, but regularly in order to ensure that nothing clouds our ability to see God in our circumstances and hear Him speak to us via His Word. Sometimes when we cannot see / hear God because sin has got in the way, e.g.

"Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that He will not hear." (See Isaiah 59:2).
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However....

"Keep examining yourselves to see whether you are continuing in the faith. Test yourselves! You know, don't you, that Jesus the Messiah lives in you? Could it be that you are failing the test?" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV).

The Word of God further teaches that when it comes to some things, we should never delay (i.e. procrastinate). Jesus taught that reconciling with an offended brother should be done immediately upon our remembrance of the situation (Matthew 5:23-24). He also said to “settle matters quickly” with our adversaries (verse 25). However distasteful it may be to pursue peace with an enemy, we must avoid stalling. Similarly, we are instructed, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesians 4:26). Dealing appropriately with our anger is a matter of great importance, and we must not put it off until tomorrow or the following, as this will only serve to give the devil “a foothold” in our lives (Ephesians 4:27).

It is written: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" (Ecclesiastes 3:1) and just perhaps for some of us, it's time to set our spiritual lives in order.

Valleys and shadows!

2012-03-11T01:23:00.062-08:00

Each card/project tells a story: I'm entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge #130 where the challenge is to create a card / project using opposite shades, e.g. black/white; pink/red/; deep blue/baby blue, etc. The challenge is based upon the following text: “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.” (Ephesians 5:8-9).

Poppy
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I thought I would share a scapbook page I made for my first step-grandchild 'Poppy'. She was born on Thursday evening and was only hours old when this photo was taken. I can't take my eyes off her - she's pretty cute and looks so snug and safe all cuddled up close to her dad. This kind of reminds me of something I had on my mind to share this week... i.e. staying close to our Heavenly Father.

"...Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth.”

Jesus said: "I am the light of the world; whoever follows me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life" (John 8:12). Sin produces the opposite effect of light and brings darkness and despair. Ultimately, sin has brought death upon the whole world. But thanks be to God that He sent Jesus, who is the Light of the world, to undo the effects of sin and dispel the darkness in our lives (see John's Gospel). We don't have to walk in darkness, we can live as children of light as mentioned in Ephesians 5:8-9.
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As I was pondering Ephesians 5: 8-9, another text came to mind:
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"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil" (Psalm 23:4).
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The shepherd boy and Psalmist, David, was used to leading his flock of sheep from one area to the next in order to secure them with good pasture land, shelter and rest. Whilst doing so, he would have encountered many dangers and difficult situations, e.g. he would have come into contact with wolves, bears, lions, thieves, etc. Being a shepherd was certainly not an easy task in those days.
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Valleys and dangers,
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Yes, David was familiar with valleys and dangers; and whether you realise it or not, Psalm 23:4 has just as much relevance for us today as it did to David in his lifetime because we also enter into 'valley situations' and 'dangers' as we travel through life, e.g. whenever our lives are touched by pain, illness, disappointments, accident, temptation, gossip, misunderstandings, etc. Figuratively speaking, we may also encounter 'wolves in sheep's clothing'... not to mention 'the lion' who seeks to bring us down and destroy us, also known as 'the thief' who determines to steal our peace and joy in the Lord, i.e. Satan.

Shadows
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For a long time, I never quite understood what the words "...valley of the shadow of death..." meant and always associated them with funerals. However, figuratively speaking, the word 'valley' in Psalm 23 could represent the 'valley situations' as explained above. But what about the word 'shadow'?
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Q What causes shadows?
A Darkness when impregnated with light against any object will cast the presence of a shadow!
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I am reminded of a text which emphasis this point :
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"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will find rest under the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1).
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We dwell in the shelter of the Most High through spending time in prayer and His Word. Therefore, I would encourage anyone who finds themselves in a valley situation today to bring God's Light into the situation through dwelling in God's presence. The darkness will dispel into a shadow, and just like David, you will be aware of God's presence beside you and therefore have nothing to fear.

Coincidence or God-incidence?

2012-03-04T06:12:00.052-08:00

Each card / project tells a story: This morning, I woke up with verses 10-12 from Psalm 91 repeating in my thoughts: "... He shall give His angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways; They shall bear thee up with their hands lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." A short while later, I discover that this week's SCIC challenge is based on Psalm 91! When the Lord draws me to the same passage in Scripture twice in a short period of time, I know that He has something very definite to say to me.

All day, I have pondered Psalm 91 verses 10-12 and also considered what Kris wrote in her devotional over on SSIC this morning...

... Just a short while ago, I remembered that last night, I tripped over a box of books which I left out in the hallway. I was going to take the books to a Women's Aglow meeting on Thursday to find them a new home, but decided not to as the box was rather heavy and I would have to carry them (in heels) quite a distance from the car to the conference. I should have put the books away safely, but I didn't (procrastination) and last night, I took a tumble over them! It was my own fault, I didn't put the hall light on to see where I was going, plus I forgot about the box sitting out in the hallway (double trouble)! Fortunately, I managed to keep my balance (only just). I got a real fright however, but it could have been so much worse bearing in mind that the floor in our hallway is covered in solid stone tiles!

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I guess we are often unaware of the many times the Lord protects His children from harm... perhaps last night was one of those times. I found an excellent study on this Psalm here today.

Additional

Thought I would also share something a little different, i.e. my first attempt at creating a slideshow which incorporates Psalm 91 into it. You can view it here. Please feel free to email, post or link to it if you like.

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~ Wendy