Each Card Tells A Story

The shield of faith

2012-02-12T03:37:00.000-08:00

My laughing boy!

Each card / project tells a story: Miesje from Stampin' Sisters in Christ has chosen this weeks challenge and would like us to create a project which will make someone smile. I chose a scrapbook page of my boyo which I hope will make you all smile. The text for this week is:

"Once more will he fill your mouth with laughter,

and your lips with rejoicing."(Job 8:21)

Job was in the midst of a great trial and his situation seemed to be unending. The above text speaks of Job's friend, Bildad, coming alongside Job and encouraging him in the LORD. Bildad tells Job that the day is coming when God will give him reason to smile again. This is an encouraging word for anyone in the midst of an ongoing trial. The Lord knows your situaiton and He will lead you out and into a bright new day... so take heart if this describes you, because the day of restoration is approaching.
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Encouragement
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I would like to share what happened to me this week and hope you will be encouraged as a result:

Twice this week I have been reminded of the importance of the shield of faith as found in Ephesians 6! On both occasions (once via a TV programme and once via a book), a picture was given which showed Roman soldiers in the midst of battle lifting their shields, not only to protect themselves, but also to protect their fellow soldiers. The front line of soldiers had their shields joined together like a wall to protect them from the onslaught of the enemy. The soldiers behind the front line, had their shields lifted above their heads to stop any raining fiery arrows of the enemy penetrating their ranks from above (see picture below). The lesson on both occasions being that we need one another's support and encouragement when we are going through the battle (i.e. trials / difficulties). We cannot go it alone or we will become an easy prey for the enemy.

Roman soldiers shields lined up together in battle

I am reminded that the Word of God tells us: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). God wants those of His children who have already been through various trials and difficulties to encourage one another with the same comfort and encouragement they themselves have received of God.

The shield of faith
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I wonder, is there someone who needs you to lift up your shield of faith on their behalf today... someone who needs an encouraging word... your prayer support... a helping hand?

Equally, is there anyone trying to 'go it alone' perhaps? The Bible teaches us that "the devil is like a roaring lion seeking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). It's a well known fact that lions seek out prey which has been separated from the rest of the herd... and then they go in for the kill. Likewise, the devil displays these same characteristics, i.e. he seeks out believers who, for some reason or another, have been separated from the body of believers; he does so because such believers are an easy target to ensnare and destroy. If this describes you, I encourage you to join in the fellowship of other believers and link to them for safety. There's a well known saying which says: "There's safety in numbers"; I believe this saying could well be based upon Ecclesiastes 4:12:

"Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

It's my hope that we will each be encouraged in the brethren this week.

Have a great week :D

Little Birdie Blessings Scripture Thursday #15

2012-02-11T07:46:00.000-08:00

Loving the vintage freebies you can collect over on Little Birdie Blessings. Why not pop on over and say "Hi" to Abby and share in some fellowship and fun by taking part in this week's Scripture Thursday challenge.

Word Art Wednesday # 14

2012-02-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

All the way my Savior leads me;

Cheers each winding path I tread;

Gives me grace for every trial,

Feeds me with the living bread;

Though my weary steps may falter,

And my soul athirst may be,

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo, a spring of joy I see;

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo, a spring of joy I see.

Fanny Crosby

Word Art Wednesday is offering a beautiful freebie text (as per project above). This week's challenge is to create a project using the text above or any other Biblical text if you wish.

Also entering this project into Little Birdie Blessings Scripture Thursday Challenge No 15. Why not pay Abby a visit on this new blog? You'll be blessed and find lots of inspiration.

What is love?

2012-02-05T03:02:00.000-08:00

Each card / project tells a story: I'm entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge where the challenge is to create a card which tells someone you love them. The challenge is set by Marilyn this week and is based upon the following text: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Have you ever asked the question: "What is love?"

Many believe love is a sensation that magically generates when 'Mr' or 'Ms' Right appears. No wonder so many people are single! If we define love by a feeling then what happens when we get angry or disappointed with someone? Love based on feelings alone is very short lived and only brings confusion and disappointment.

So what is love?

We don't need to go farther than the text found in John 3:16 above to discover the answer to this question:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Real and lasting love... love which conquers all gives of itself on behalf of others.

Elsewhere in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 we are told that:

Love suffers long

and is kind;

love does not envy;

love does not parade itself,

is not puffed up;

does not behave rudely,

does not seek its own,

is not provoked,

thinks no evil;

does not rejoice in iniquity,

but rejoices in the truth;

bears all things,

believes all things,

hopes all things,

endures all things.

Question: But how can I demonstrate such love as mentioned above?

Answer: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2).

Some examples:

The world says:

I can't wait to show off my new car - just wait 'til John sees it... he'll be so jealous!"

God's Word says:

Love does not parade itself! (1Cor 13:4)

The world says:

"Jane has done me wrong but I'll wait 'til the time is right and get my own back on her!"

God's Word says:

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you..." (Luke 6:27).

What is love?

Love begins with renewing our minds via the Word of God. God's Word teaches us what love is and how to love. When we replace our old ways of thinking with God's ways and act on these ways, we will most definitely know love and how to give such love to others.

Word Art Wednesday Challenge # 13

2012-02-03T02:11:00.000-08:00

Word Art Wednesday Challenge No 13

Can't believe a whole week has already passed since the last challenge... where has the time gone? I am reminded of the following poem:

Life is short

will soon be passed;

Only what's done

for God will last

~ Anon ~

Hope you will pop by Word Art Wednesday and take up this week's challenge... there's a lovely Scripture freebie also to add to your collection.

I discovered a lovely blogspot this morning whilst taking part in WAW and I just have to share... It's called Little Birdie Blessings... just click on the link below (or on the sidebar) and you will see what I mean...

Little Birdie Blessings

Word Art Wednesday # 12

2012-01-28T08:15:00.000-08:00

Over on Word Art Wednesday, there is a beauitful text which you can download for free to use in your crafting projects (as per project above). You are also welcomed to take part in their fab new challenge site.

I really enjoyed making this project using the freebie text provided on Word Art Wednesday and I hope you enjoy it too :D

How to turn something bad into future blessings

2012-01-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

Each card / project tells a story: This week Kris from Stampin' Sisters in Christ has chosen the following text for the week: "Let not mercy, kindness and truth forsake you;"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3

This week's challenge is to make a heart stand out in your card / project.

Turning badness into blessing - here's how it works...

Proverbs 3: 1 - 4 reads:

"My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to you. Let not mercy, kindness and truth forsake you bind them about your neck; write them upon the table of your heart: So shall you find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man."

This past week, I have experienced people mocking me both behind my back and to my face. Such has hurt and I initially felt angry towards these people. However, the text Kris has chosen for this week's challenge teaches us that injustices are actually opportunities for blessings! and this is a timely reminder to me.

As I meditated upon God's Word this morning, the following text came to mind: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you." Luke 6:27-28.

Bitter pill...

Loving our enemies; doing good to those who hate us; blessing those who say negative things about us and wish us harm, etc is is a bitter pill to swallow and definitely not an easy command to keep [obey]; however, in light of Proverbs 3: 1-4, perhaps keeping such a command isn't so bad after all... e.g. according to Proverbs 3: 1-4, keeping God's commandments preludes each of the following:

1 "... length of days, long life, and peace..." also

2 ... favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man."

An excellent example of this truth can be found in the story of Joseph...

Joseph's older brothers were very jealous of him and as their jealousy grew, they plotted ways to get rid of him. Anyone familiar with the story of Joseph will know that they eventually followed through on their plans and sold Joseph as a slave into Egypt. Joseph's cold and calculating brothers thought this would be the last time they would ever see their younger brother; however, many years later, they were in for shock!

Where was God when this was happening?

All this time, it seemed like God was uninterested and asleep behind the scenes! Not so however... God allowed Joseph to suffer many more injustices and I believe He did so in order to grant Joseph further opportunities to store up blessings in the future!

Q "Why do I say this?" ... You may well be asking!

A I believe God was giving Joseph an opportunity to practise the teaching found in Proverbs 3: 1-4. What's more Joseph passed the test because he most certainly did find peace, long life, plus favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man as the above text promises, e.g. Joseph had been sold into slavery, falsely accused and imprisoned; however, he later became the second most powerful man in the world at that time, i.e. the Governor of Egypt (equivalent to a Prime Minister). Added to all this, Joseph's position and favour with Pharaoh (man) and God enabled him to save the children of Israel from starvation and therefore prevent a complete disaster... what tremendous privilege and blessing!
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What this should means to us?

.... Next time you find yourself suffering cruelty and /or injustice at the hands of others, don't feel angry or sorry for yourself, rather consider such as an opportunity to store up future blessings:

“... Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you." Luke 6:27-28.

"My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to you. Let not mercy, kindness and truth forsake you bind them about your neck; write them upon the table of your heart: So shall you find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3: 1-4

I needed to reflect on the above this week... As a result, I thank and praise God that in his wisdom He doesn't always keep us from suffering injustices, but rather his purpose in allowing such is to grant us opportunities for future blessings.

New Year... new you?

2012-01-15T03:02:00.000-08:00

New scrapbook kit

Each card/project tells a story: "And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true." (Revelation 21:5).

Traci over on Stampin' Sisters in Christ has chosen this week's text and she has set the following challenge:

Use something new on your card/project this week. It can be a new stamp, paper, or embellishment... or even a new technique or an idea that is new to you! Just have fun with your creation!!

I have chosen to use a new scrapbook kit which I received at Christmas to use in my project.
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Speaking of new things, below is a poem called 'New Life' which incorporates my personal testimony. I hope you will be blessed.

New Life

Me:

What is life without a purpose or a plan?
How was I to know being just an ordinary woman;
But then one day when life seemed more than I could bare
I called to God, and this here was my prayer:

"God, if You're real - show me that You're really there!
If you're so good - show me that You really care!
As I call out to you - do you even know I'm here?
Can you remove my doubt and take away my fear?"

Jesus:

"Oh troubled heart - of course I really care;
And 'Yes' I know your heart - you're every doubt and fear;
I've waited Oh so long for you to call on me;
But your life's modern world has blinded eyes to see.
Come... put your trust in Me; come take Me by faith's hand;
I'll make your life anew and your inheritance the Promised Land."

Me:

I've put my trust in God and each day He's led me on;
He's given me new hope and in my heart a song;
God's not once let me down or disappointed me;
I'll ever praise His name for all the world to see.

But how about you dear friend -
Do you know God's love and care?
His is a love so strong, and my Saviour wants to share"...

Friend / you:

"It's rubbish! Make believe! I just don't wish to know!
And time is marching on - so I'll make an excuse and go!
And yet... a part of me does wonder if it's true -
Can your God do for me as you say he's done for you?"

Poem Copyright Wendy McCallum

Perhaps you recognise yourself in the dialogue of this poem and you find yourself wondering if God can give you a new and changed life? Perhaps like I was, you find you are tired of your sinful ways and the empty void such has left in your life. Maybe you're confused and wonder why you exist? Added to such, I also had problems wondering if God actually existed... let alone cared!

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If the above describes you, and you sincerely wish to know if God is there for you - call out to Him just as I and countless millions besides me have done. God promises to show those who call to Him out of a sincere heart (not half-heartedly or mockingly) great and mighty things. He also promises that those who come unto Him He will in no way turn away (no matter how sinful your life may have been). Furthermore, those who call upon His Name shall be saved, i.e. saved from the punishment our sin deserves and set free to live a better way of life with His help this time around. I know because I called out to God from a sincere heart and found Him to be true to His Word.

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So what's new?
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As a result of giving my life to God, He has given me new purpose to live, i.e. to glorify Him and enjoy Him for ever (and point others in the same direction too) and believe me, there is no greater joy and nothing more fulfilling. God has also given me new interests, friends, desires and hopes; added to this, He has a good plan for my life and that plan is found within the pages of the Bible. Life is certainly not boring... difficult some days but most definitely not boring!
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New Year - new you!
Could it be the start of a new chapter in your life too?

Immanuel

2011-12-05T02:20:00.000-08:00

Each card / project tells a story: I've chosen a very simple scrapbook design for this week's SSIC Challenge. I won't be taking part in any of the SSIC challenges now until the New Year and would therefore like to wish you all a Happy and peaceful Christmas.
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The text Lisa chose for this weeks challenge is:
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"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' which means, 'God with us.'" -- Matthew 1:20-22.
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... and the challenge Lisa has set is to create a project which incorporates an angel...

When I read Lisa's challenge text this week, I thought I would back link to an earlier post: (see Angels)... however, the following words stood out to me: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him 'Immanuel' which means, 'God with us'."

As I pondered these words, I began to consider how God was with the Israelites "in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night"; He was with Daniel in the lions den in the form of an angel; He told Moses: "There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites." (Exodus 25:22). I'm sure you can think of many more instances of God being with His people, including the birth of Jesus when God became flesh - Immanuel - and dwelt amongst us...

And there's more...

... because after the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, God was able to be with His children through the Holy Spirit who dwells within us: "Don't you know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16); therefore, God is not only with us - He is in us! Wow!!!

As the Christmas season draws closer, we will no doubt receive invites to parties, concerts, carol services, etc., and we need to be wise and consider which invites we choose to attend. Perhaps it would be helpful to consider the following:

"Would the event(s) I am invited to grieve the Holy Spirit within me or bring Him glory?"

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 4:7

May God's peace guide us in our decision making.

I hope you have been blessed as I have shared what the Holy Spirit has laid on my heart. I would also like to wish all the Stampin' Sisters in Christ and those who visit this site regularly a very Happy and peaceful Christmas" and take the time to thank you for all your encouragement, friendship and best of all fellowship in the Lord. It has not gone unappreciated.

Wendy

The Lord will provide because you are precious to Him

2011-11-28T01:21:00.000-08:00

Each card / project tells a story: I'm entering this project into this week's SSIC Challenge 117 where Lisa has chosen Matthew 6:26 as this week's challenge text:

"Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not; neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you not much better than they?"

Provision
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This week's challenge text speaks both of activity (e.g. sowing, reaping, gathering into barns i.e. the farmer) and non activity (e.g. those who do not sow, reap or gather, i.e. the fowls of the air). What is interesting is that both receive God's divine providence.

Does this text mean that we can sit back and do nothing as God will provide for us regardless of whether we are hard working (like the farmer) or inactive (like the fowl of the air)?

According to 2 Thessalonians 3:10, such would be a total misunderstanding of the text, e.g.
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"... if a man [woman] shall not work, neither shall he [she] eat!" (italics mine). The Bible is full of warnings to those who are slothful and lazy - however, this is not what Matthew 6:26 is speaking about...

... so what does Matthew 6:26 mean?

As I pondered the text, I considered how it speaks of those who are in a position to work, e.g. the farmer... and such a person goes about his work diligently, e.g. reaping, sowing and gathering...

... on the other hand, the text also speaks of the birds who neither sow, reap and gather, i.e. through no fault of their own, they are totally dependant upon their Heavenly Father for provision of their most basic of needs.

What can we learn from this?

If we are in the position to work, we should do so diligently as unto the Lord (see Colossians 3:23); however, if we should find ourselves in a situation where we are without work--through no fault of our own, e.g. redundancy, illness, accident and suchlike--we may need assurance that we are definitely no less important or valuable to the Lord and nor will we be left outside of His divine provision...

Precious

Perhaps you find yourself in a position where you cannot / or do not work through not fault of your own--if so, this message is for you:

"Behold the fowls of the air;

for they sow not; neither do they reap,

nor gather into barns;

yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them.

Are you not much better than they?"

God's promises that you will receive God's provision
because you are very precious to Him

Victim or victorious?

2011-11-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

I chose "Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?"
as the words and music for Rebekka's challenge

Each card tells a story: Over on SSIC, Rebekka has set the following challenge: Make a card of praise using music, stamp, or design paper, or just the word "praise."

Rebekka chose the following text to set this week's challenge:

"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” Job 13:15

The text chosen for this week's challenge is a difficult text to comprehend; it speaks of the type of faith in God which overcomes every kind of difficulty and circumstance...

...The story of Job...

Job was a man who lost his family, home, wealth and health... and yet he confessed the following: "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Wow! Such faith... and sincerely spoken too. Job didn't speak such words to impress those around him... these were no mere empty words... Job did in fact trust God when everything else crumbled around him...
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Job passed through days of desperate loneliness when it seemed as if even the most important person in his life, i.e. God, had forsaken him. Not surprisingly, there were times when he felt sorry for himself... In fact, I'm sure if you have read the testimony of Job from beginning to end, you will agree that if anyone had good reason to feel sorry for himself it was Job!
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However, whereas Job could have allowed the flood of depression, self pity and loneliness to swamp him, he didn't - rather, Job made some very important and relevant choices:

Job actively chose each of the following:
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1 Job chose to continue to trust in Truth and not his feelings or circumstances.
2 Job chose to confess his hope in God (i.e. he spoke faith words, i.e. the Truth).

3 Job chose to communicate honestly with God (i.e. he didn't pretend with God - he spoke truthfully with God)

1 Job continued to trust God and not his feelings or circumstances. Feelings are powerful emotions which can lead us into very dark places if we allow ourselves to dwell on them... but ultimately, feelings are not TRUTH. Job did not allow his 'feelings' (nor his circumstances) to turn him into a victim of continued self pity; rather He chose to cling to God (who is the Truth) to bring him through his difficulties victoriously.
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2 Secondly, Job confessed his hope in God, i.e. he opened his mouth and spoke faith words, e.g. "though he slay me yet shall I trust Him".

When we are experiencing trials, there is a danger that we may allow ourselves to dwell on our difficulties and circumstances, which in turn lead us to imagine all sorts of negative situations and fears. God's Word tells us that "perfect love casts out fear" and therefore, if we choose to dwell in the presence of God and spend time with Him via His Word (which is Truth), instead of sitting around thinking negatively, we line ourselves up to allow God's Truth to dispel any fear we may have. Also, if we confess God's truth audibly rather than allowing ourselves to dwell on negative feelings, then we will find that the Word of God will dispel our fears (e.g. faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God"). When our faith increases, our fears decrease. Hearing God's Word increases our faith.

3 Finally, Job communicated honestly with God. If you have ever read the Book of Job, you will know that Job spoke to God and didn't try to pretend he was in a good frame of mind when he clearly wasn't. He was open and honest before God. It's a shame that sometimes Christians pretend everything is well in our lives with others and with God when the actual truth is, everything is not well! We want to impress and don't want to appear to be unspiritual. God's Word teaches us that "the truth will set you free"... God cannot help us until we are ready to be open and honest before Him.

Summary

Job was able to confess: "Though He slay me, yet shall I trust Him" because he chose to trust in the Truth (i.e. God) over feelings. He also confessed God's Word (i.e. the Truth) openly, and communicated honestly (i.e. truthfully) with God... and as a result, he came out of his trial victoriously... and so can we.

"You will know the truth and the truth will set you free"

"Happy Thanksgiving"

Bibical thankfulness = demonstrating trust in the faithfulness of God

2011-11-13T03:02:00.000-08:00

"I'm thankful for a pair of shoes that feel really good on my feet;
I like my shoes. I'm thankful for the birds; I feel like they're singing just
for me when I get up in the morning... Saying, 'Good morning, John. You made it, John.'
I'm thankful for the sea breeze that feels so good right now,
and the scent of jasmine when the sun starts going down.
...I'm thankful..."
- Johnny Cash (during period of illness in his life) -

Each card / project tells a story: This week's SSIC challenge has been set by Traci. Traci has set the challenge to create a project which portrays thanksgiving and she has based the challenge upon the following text:

"Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

When I looked up the word 'thanksgiving' in an online dictionary, I found the following definitions:

1. Obtaining or deserving thanks; thank worthy.

2. Impressed with a sense of kindness received, and ready to acknowledge it; grateful.

But how can I be impressed with any sense of kindness received, and be ready to acknowledge and be grateful to God in all situaions including the following:

- Bereavement?

- Loss of a job?

- Accident?

- Illness?

- Unkind acts, etc...?

As with many people, I can be thankful (i.e. pleased that such is so) concerning pleasantries, i.e. good times, happy situations, good health, etc, but how can I obey God's will and be thankful in the 'less than appealing' situations which comes my way? Those situations which we prefer not to have to think about...?

The following texts come to mind:

"And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God and are called according to His purpose"

(Romans 8:28)

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen"

(Hebrews 11:1).

These texts remind me that Biblical thankfulness has all to do with demonstrating our trust in the faithfulness of God. I may not 'feel' ecstatic about difficult situations in my life but I can look to God to work them out for His glory and the good of others (including myself); therefore, I am blessed through having the privilege of knowing and fellowship with such a God, and for the many opportunities He grants to build and grow my trust in Him and for such, I can be truly thankful.

Appealing to the eye... but I listened to a lie!

2011-11-07T01:38:00.000-08:00

Each card/project tells a story: Over on SSIC this week, Peggysue has chosen the following text to challenge us both in our faith and in our crafting: Genesis 3:6 "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.” Peggysue has set the challenge to create a project using an old stamp which we haven't used for a while. I have used a digital stamp.

"When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it”.
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Eve did not lack for anything in the garden where God had placed herself and Adam; they each had absolutely everything they ever needed. However, the serpent tempted Eve to acquire something additional over and above everything God freely gave her. Eve saw that the fruit the serpent tempted her with was good and pleasing to the eye and she believed the story the serpent told her about gaining wisdom if she took it!

This kind of reminds me of some of the adverts on TV, billboards and on the side of buses, etc which tell us: "purchase "X" and be the envy of all your friends," etc. Commercialism works on our 'visual senses' in an attempt to 'convince us that we need the product' being advertised but so often, such only delivers an empty lie...

Testimony

I used to be an avid card maker and loved to look at the very many beautiful papers, stamps, embellishments, etc which were on sale both in the shops and online. Often, I would purchase items which were 'pleasing to the eye' but so often, I never got around to actually using them (despite reasoning with myself that I would). I was even quite proud of all my crafting goodies and the rate in which they were growing. I had collected reams and reams of paper, ribbons, glues, embellishments, stamps, pens, embossing folders, etc

Pleasing to the eye... but I listened to a lie!

I had a desperate case of 'greed more than need'... and the more I purchased, the more I fed my greed. I didn't need many of the items I was purchasing but I was listening to and reasoning with lies, i.e. "I love the look of this item and if I purchase it, I will get around to using it often and get my money's worth!"

I came to a point where I realised I needed the Lord's help to overcome this problem.

Perhaps you too have a greed problem and realise that you need the Lord's help... the Word of God tells us that "whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved"... God can save you from greed addictions if you ask Him... I know because He is helping me.

Do all things work together for good?

2011-10-31T03:53:00.000-07:00

Each card/project tells a story: I'm entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 113 where the theme is to create a card/project using autumn colours. This scrapbook page shows my sister's horse, 'Red' and myself. The photo was taken quite some time ago when I was around 28 years old.

The text which Lisa from SSIC has based her challenge on is Isaiah 1:18: "Come let us reason together, though your sins be as scrarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be as crimson, they shall be as wool."

One word which stands out to me in this particular text is the word 'reason'.

This past week, I've been thinking about a popular and oftentime misquoted saying which tells us:

"Everything happens for a reason!"

I've come to the conclusion that it may actually be based upon the following text found in Scripture:

"... and we know that all things works together for good

to those who love God

and are called according to His purpose..."

Romans 8:28

However, all things do not clearly work together for good in the lives and circumstances of everyone! They do however work together for good for those who:-

1 Love God

That is, they put God first in their lives above all and everyone else.

2 Are called according to His purpose.

Q What was God's original purpose and plan for mankind?

A Before sin entered into the world by one man's disobedience (i.e. Adam), God wanted to be a Father to those He had created and for them to walk in close fellowship and communion with Him.

It is still very much His will today to be a Father to those he has called and chosen (see Ephesians 1:4).

God still calls people to know Him, trust, love Him as Father and walk in continued fellowship / communion with Him. "Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and sup with them and they with me."

Jesus may be calling you to respond to Him right now. The question is: "Will you open your life up to Jesus and by doing so respond to the opportunity that God grants for everything to work together for your good today and always?"

Time

2011-10-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

Each card / project tells a story: This week, Marilyn at SSIC has chosen the subject of time as her theme for this week's challenge, i.e. to create a card (sorry Marilyn but I've created a scrapbook page as my paper crafting is packed away, i.e. what's left of it). The text for this week is:

If there’s anything that’s detrimental to our Christian walk, it’s taking
on too much activity (whether church related or otherwise). Exhaustion is
an open doorway for the devil! When we’re tired and overworked, we become prone
to irritation (not very Godly) and we are less likely to be able to guard
our tongues, etc. We are also more prone to depression and disturbed sleep
(which compounds the problem) . In other words, our witness becomes
affected in a less than positive way and we leave ourselves open to the devil's wiles.

We need to learn how to guard our time wisely. The past few months have
been an extremely busy and stressful time personally and during this time,
the Lord has been challenging me concerning two things:

1 Firstly, the Lord has been challenging me concerning prayer

I am reminded of a poem I once heard which I’m sure is familiar to most of
us:

I got up early one morning,
And rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish,
I didn’t have time to pray.

Troubles just tumbled about me,
And heavier came each task.
"Why doesn’t God help me?" I wondered.
He answered, "You didn’t ask."

I tried to come into God’s presence;
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
"Why, child, you didn’t knock."

I wanted to see joy and beauty,
But the day toiled on gray and bleak.
I wondered why God didn’t show me.
He said, "You didn’t seek."

I woke up early this morning,
And paused before entering the day.
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take time to pray.

Poem by Anon

2 The second challenge has to do with getting my priorities in order

When our ‘to do’ lists start to overflow, it can be helpful to prayerfully

write down the following:
- Things that are important and necessary,
- Things which can wait
- Things which aren’t important. Sometimes the things which aren’t important can be
totally discarded (in the meantime anyway) to make time for the things which truly matter.

I own another blog called Digital Doodling. I love to doodle and decided to
share my doodles and my card making online on this site. I had my DT up
and running but demands from this blog became overwhelming and started to
really eat into my time. I loved the blog and I loved sharing my designs online
but I got to the point where it was affecting my time with the Lord each
day and impacting on my home life (and finances).

I prayed about it and the Lord led me to use my hobby to share my faith.
Shortly afterwards, the Lord led me to the Stampin’ Sisters in Christ blog
site where He gave me the perfect opportunity to do just this.

Putting God first

God didn’t ask me to give up my hobby; rather, He led me to have a shift in
my priorities. I do still occasionally post on Digital Doodling, but I
have more satisfaction and peace in the short period of time spent online
these days than the many hours spent prior to this.

God really does know best.

The problem with being a people pleaser...

2011-10-16T03:16:00.000-07:00

Method: Created using Digital Scrapbook Artist Version 2. In original photo, the owls were sitting perched on a hand, so used the cut out tool to cut owls out of photo and arranged them so they look like they are popping out of the frame. Shading added to make embellishments look 3D. Used punches to make the heart embellishment and gave heart photo a glass 3D look. Altered colour for overall coordination.

Each card/project tells a story: Over on the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blogsite, Miesje has chosen the following text for us to consider this week:

Matthew 11: 28 – 30 - "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

The challenge (No 111) which has been set is to create a card/project which incorporates 2 of everything, e.g. 2 flowers, 2 buttons, etc...

When I pondered the SSIC chosen text for the week, I was reminded of a story my pastor told many years ago:

Once a wise, old Chinese man said to his son, "Oh son! Do not get weighted down by seeking to please people. You are not likely to succeed! Do not pay attention to what people say...instead tell yourself always to seek the pleasure of Almighty God."

The old Chinese man wanted this lesson to be always remembered and never to be forgotten. He thought of a way. So, he then told his son to ride a donkey and the son obeyed. The father followed behind on foot.

After some distance they came across a group of people. Seeing the son on the donkey, one of them said, "What an impolite and bad boy. The old father is walking on foot. The young son is comfortably riding on the donkey. This is no manner to show respect to one's father."

The father and son heard this. The son came down from the donkey and instead, the elderly father rode on the donkey.

After some distance they came across another group of people. On seeing the father riding the donkey, the elder of the group said, "Oh you old man! This is not the way to bring up a son. You make him walk in the hot sun, while you sit comfortably on the donkey."

The elderly father paid attention to what the people said. He came down from the donkey. Both father and son walked on foot. The donkey walked in front. They went a little further.

People seeing them, said, "How foolish you are? You walk behind a donkey. Why don't you ride it?"

The elderly father and his son once again accepted what the people said. They both rode the donkey and went further. They came across a river. There was a bridge to be crossed. Some people were sitting there. They saw the father and son riding the donkey. One of them said, "It is very unkind and cruel of you two to ride on the poor donkey. The little animal can hardly take all your burden."

So taking this advice, the father and his son dismounted from the donkey. They traveled a little distance further. Looking very lovingly the father said to his son, "You have heard and seen what the people said. It must have assured you, by now, that whatever you do or whichever way you move, one is not able to please the people of the world." You can never have everyone praise you.

The elderly father pointed at the flowing river and added, "A person can build a wall across the river. It will stop the flow of the water. But it is not possible to shut the mouth of the people from criticism."

People pleasing can be very tiring! People sometimes try to impose their criticisms and burdensome ways upon us (due to their own preconceived ideas and ways), but the Lord's way is not designed to be burdensome. Therefore, we should not concern ourselves with what others think and say but rather we should learn what God thinks via His Word, the Bible, because His yoke is easy and His burden is light (unlike that of the world's).

At the end of the day, what truly matters is not that we please others all of the time (which is totally unrealistic) but rather that we have a clear conscience towards Almighty God.

Blessings

Wendy

I'm back online...

2011-10-13T11:51:00.001-07:00

Finally got connected today... a day later than expected but glad to be back online.

God's dance rhythm

2011-07-17T04:08:00.000-07:00

Each card tells a story: This week, the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 98 is to create a moving card. This card is one which has a flap which you have to lift to read the sentiment. I have chosen a flap card for this week's challenge. Please note: this will be the last time I will be taking part in the challenge for a couple of months but I hope to be back online by the end of September / early October. I would like to thank all the Stampin' Sisters in Christ for their inspiration, dedication and encouragement and to all who regularly visit this blog and deposit encouragement here also... I really appreciate you.

Kris from the SSIC DT has chosen the following text for us to consider this week: And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod. (2 Samuel 6:14).

Zumba dance - the latest craze to hit the UK

Most of us like to dance. Zumba is an exercise / dance craze which has been spreading over into the various continents of the world... I won't say it's the 'latest dance craze' because it's been around for years, but it has only just started to take off in the UK very recently. I too have given it a go, although I can't say I find it straightforward or easy! It's very much down to rhythm... and Beto Perez (Zumba dance king) has bags of it!

If you have ever watched Beto's Perez's on DVD or TV, you will know that he has a real heart for Latin American dance... He is really passionate about teaching this type of dance and fitness and it shows. He is such an amazing dancer.

Yesterday, I turned on the radio and there was some upbeat dance music playing... the music made me want to dance... and so I did... I had a good old workout bobbing about in my kitchen to the music... it was a fun and I enjoyed it. However, when I compare yesterday's dance episode to David's dance before the LORD, there simply is no comparison... I danced with all my might in response to upbeat music... David danced in with all his might for other reasons which I'll explain below...
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1 WHERE was David when he danced before the LORD?

...David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing.
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Answer: David was transporting the ark of the LORD back from captivity to where it belonged, i.e. amongst the children of Israel.

2 WHEN did David dance before the LORD?
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13 When those who were carrying the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf...

Answer: David didn't dance at this point; however, 2 Samuel 6:16 tells us:

And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD...

Therefore, at some some point between sacrificing a bull and a fattened calf (i.e. observing the OT sin offering system) and entering the City of David, David was dancing.
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3 WHY did David dance before the LORD?
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12 Now King David was told: The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.
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Answer: The ark of the LORD represented God's presence and blessing upon Israel. David was overjoyed that God's presence and blessing was once again restored in the camp of the Israelites and this caused joy in his heart to overflow and he expressed this joy through dancing.

GOD'S DANCE RHYTHM
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David's dancing before the LORD involved each of the following:

David was actively involved in bringing the presence, power and blessing of the LORD back to the camp of the Israelites.
David was observing OT requirements, i.e. the sacrificial sin offering.
David was overjoyed because the presence, power and blessing of the LORD was restored to the camp of the Israelites. No wonder David danced!

Do we understand God's dance rhythm?

Are we actively involved in God's work? Are we keeping the peace within the body of believers in order to maintain an atmosphere for God's presence and blessing upon and amongst us? Some Christians dance around church and yet war with their neighbours and brethren!
Do we respectfully and conscientiously observe Christ's death and resurrection (i.e. His sin sacrifice) at the table of communion? Some Christians are eating and drinking at the communion table and they are bringing judgement upon themselves because they have unforgiveness in their hearts towards one another.
Are we joyfully aware of the wonderful privilege that is ours, i.e. do we realise that we have the same Holy Spirit power and enabling available and actually living within us as Who raised Jesus from the dead? Apparently not or else our communities and the world beyond would be taken by force for the Gospel.

Perhaps for many of us, it's time to study God's dance rhythm ... and let it soak deep down into our souls until it starts to move us deeply in our spirit in respect for the glory of God and His Kingdom. AMEN.

The Name of Jesus

2011-07-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

Each card / project tells a story: I'm entering this scrapbook page into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 97 where the text is: James 2:18,19: “But someone will say, you have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble” and the challenge set by Rebekka is to create a card / project using your favourite crafting items which work well for you, e.g. embossing, stamping, etc... I have created the page above using some of my favourite digital 'beach items'. I love creating summer scrapbook pages and the paper used in the page is one I created myself which you can download HERE as part of a 5 page freebie pack.

The Name of Jesus

Whenever I hear this text, i.e. "...even the demons believe and tremble" I am reminded of the power and authority in the Name of Jesus. Yes, demons tremble and fear when they hear Jesus' Name spoken forth.

Jesus said: "In my name they shall cast out devils" (Mark 16:17). Whenever Jesus or His Apostles commanded demons to depart, they did so immediately. Even when there were many demons in a person, they all came out immediately, e.g.

For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness. Jesus asked him, saying, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion," because many demons had entered him. And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss. Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned. (Luke 8:29-33).

The passage above teaches us that even evil demons acknowledge the authority and power behind the name of Jesus. Sadly however, this is more than can be said for many who profess to actually follow Jesus! The name of the Lord means very little to them. They do not realise (or even care) that there is authority and power in the name of Jesus (as mentioned above); there is blessings/rewards in the name of Jesus, e.g. "For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ's, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward." (Mark 9:41); there is salvation in the name of Jesus, e.g. "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). There will one day be total submission by all to the Name of Jesus (whether forced or freely), e.g. "For it is written, "As I live, said the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."" (Romans 14:11). There is protection in the name of Jesus, e.g. "the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10). There is joy via the name of Jesus, e.g. "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:24). Perhaps you can think of even more examples... if so, please post them in the COMMENTS section below... I would appreciate this help. I want to make it my mission this week to meditate upon the 'name of the Lord'... and I hope this has in some small way whetted your appetite to dig deeper into God's Word to find out more about the name of the Lord for yourselves also.

Simples!

2011-07-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

Apologies this week as I am using a pre-made card and stand-by message which I've adapted a little to fit this week's challenge... I have a rotten head cold and am feeling lousy at the moment...
. .

Each card tells a story: This rider and horse digi is from Polycraft and reminds me of the text which says "Some trust in chariots; some trust in horses, but we'll put our trust in the name of the LORD." (Psalm 20:7). This week, over on Stampin' Sisters in Christ, Peggysue has set the challenge to create a CAS (clean and simple) card and the text she has chosen for this week is: "Be still and know that I am God" and if anyone ever learnt this lesson, I believe it was the young shepherd boy, David...
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Giant-Size Problems

What do you trust in when life throws up 'giant-sized' problems? The Biblical account of David and Goliath (as found in 1 Samuel 17) teaches us that unless our trust is first and foremost in the LORD, we stand upon shaky ground, e.g.

Goliath

Goliath had what seemed like a definite advantage over his young opponent, i.e. he was large (over 9 foot tall); he was also an experienced and mighty warrior... to give an idea of how strong he was - he carried a sword which was so heavy that it took more than two men to lift and yet he used it with ease! Goliath was certainly a formidable character who installed fear into the Israelite Army (and no doubt his own army also)... he was someone who used intimidation to great effect.
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Goliath seemed to enjoy being feared and he loved the praise and glory he received from those who were afraid of him; he certainly had a lot of faith in himself, and sadly, others seemed to have faith in him also! I am reminded that just as some trust in chariots.. some trust in horses... Goliath (and his followers) trusted in his stature and strength...not so David however!

David

David was a young shepherd boy with a sling and only a few small pebbles in his pocket. He knew he was no match in his own strength for the mighty Goliath; however, he had 2 very advantageous qualities which neither Goliath, the Philistine Army (nor the Israelite Army for that matter) had, i.e.
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(i) Confidence in Almighty God plus
(ii) A desire to see God honoured and glorified'.
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Up until this point, Goliath and his Philistine Army were mocking the Israelite's God and this enraged David to the point that he couldn't stand by and see God being dishonoured. Remember, God's Word tells us that: some trust in chariots, some trust in horses...but we'll put our trust in the name of the Lord... and this is exactly what David did, i.e. he put his trust in the name of the Lord...

Fast forward...

... Goliath and David get ready to fight to the death. However, we find that David didn't even break out in a sweat! Rather, with one swift sling shot, Goliath was defeated and died before he hit the ground! If Meerkat had been around at that time, he would have yelled: "SIMPLES!" - but, he wasn't... God was however!

This reminds me of today's SISC text, i.e.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
He burns the shieldswith fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

(Psalm 46:9-10)

...The surrounding armies were amazed that Goliath was defeated. However, they were even more astounded by something else, i.e. they were made aware that God was the One who gave David victory that day. David had made it absolutely clear to them all from the beginning that he wasn't trusting in his own abilities to solve the 'giant' problem; rather he was trusting in God alone for victory. What's more, there was a great driving force behind David and it was a desire to see Almighty God glorified and God gave him the desire of his heart.

Couple of questions:

"Are we willing to stand up in Jesus' Name to those who mock God?"
"Do we see problems/trials as opportunities to glorify and honour God?"

Lesson: No matter how mismatched we may seem up against giant-sized problems/situations - if our trust is in God (and not in ourselves or others) and if we concern ourselves with the glory and honour of God in our situation, the Bible states that: God will act on behalf of those who wait for [patiently hope and trust in] Him (see Isaiah 64:4) for ...the LORD God is our sun and our shield...The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right (Psalm 84:11). These are promises we can have confidence in. Even when things look uncertain and stacked up against us - nothing is too great a match for God and the greater the problem - the greater the opportunity we are afforded to bring glory to Him :D

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Are you in the Firm?

2011-06-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Created using DSA 2

Each card / project tells a story: I'm entering this scrapbook page into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 95 where the text for this week is: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1) and the challenge Meijse set this week is to create a red, white and blue "Thank you" card/project. I have chosen to create an Independence Day scrapbook page. Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain..." It is a day of family celebrations with picnics and barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Most Americans are thankful that their country is one of political freedom and many young American soldiers are currently fighting in places like Afghanistan to maintain such 'freedom' for their country, and it is the same here in the UK and elsewhere in the world. I want to express sincere thanks to all those who are away from home doing their job to protect our countries and also to remember those who have died in the conflicts, not just in our present age but in by-gone days also... my own uncle, William Lawrie (died aged 18 in the Battle of Alamein) included.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1)
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When I studied this text, one word in particular stood out, i.e. the word "firm." When I looked up an online dictionary, this is what I found:
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Definition 1: 'Firm' as an adjective means: fixed, stable, steady, difficult to disturb or move, solid, compact, securely established, steadfast, staunch, unmovable, compact, constant, unwavering, unyielding, resolute, immutable, enduring, unchanging in price level...

... Okay, so God's Word says that we are to stand fixed, stable, steady, etc despite our fears, anxiety, temptations, etc... but how? Well, perhaps a further definition of the word 'firm' may help...

Definition 2: 'Firm' as a noun means: a partnership or association of two or more persons or entities for the purpose of carrying on a business.

I really don't believe it would be out of context to say that we are to stand fixed, stable, steady, etc and we may do so in partnership with our Heavenly Father. What's more, when we are going about our Father's business, whatever trials, temptations, etc we encounter are as much His business as they are ours...

Are you in the Firm?

God's Word tells us that: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12). On our own, we may be overpowered... but we are not on our own, we have the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit on our side... we are bound by all three chords and such makes our partnership a very powerful one indeed.
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It is my hope that whenever we hear the words "Stand firm" in the future, we will remember the powerful chord which binds us in partnership with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit... and realise that we don't need to be afraid and anxious because we're not on our own - ever!

"I will never leave you or forsake you."

(Hebrews 13:5)

Therefore, "stand firm"... in God's firm!

Freebie

2011-06-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

Poem Copyright Wendy M
Left click on image to view larger example

Please feel free to download the above 6" x 8" picture as a free gift. The above picture can be re-sized to suit up to A4 size.

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Instructions: Right click over the image with your mouse and choose either the 'SAVE AS' or 'SAVE' option or even the 'SAVE PICTURE AS' option and download it to wherever you store your pictures on your computer.

How does yours grow?

2011-06-19T04:51:00.000-07:00

I added the handwritten word 'Faith' to this card
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Each card tells a story: This week Marilynn chose: "For faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen"(Hebrews 11:1) as this week's text for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 94. The challenge Marilynn has set us this week is to create a card which evidences that you have produced it yourself. You may use doodles, a hand written text, message, etc on your project.

I hand wrote the word 'Faith' on my card and added a couple of stitches also...

This morning, I wrote a poem to go along with this week's theme of faith... it's based upon Matthew 17:20: Jesus replied, "...I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" and Romans 10:17: "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God."

How does yours grow?

Faith has been likened

to a small mustard seed

which grows strong and healthy

when on Scripture does feed;

So water yours often

with God's Word and prayer,

for although faith's invisible

doesn't mean it's not there!

Then when life's trials come

[and come they sure may]

Faith will triumph victoriously;

God will direct the way;

So water faith often

with God's Word and prayer,

for although faith's invisible

doesn't mean it's not there!

For a free picture with this poem incorporated, please click HERE

Do yourself a favour...

2011-06-12T03:51:00.000-07:00

Scrapbook page created using DSA 2

Each card / project tells a story: I'm entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 93 where the challenge is to create a card /project for father's day or a project which honours our Heavenly Father. The passage of Scripture which Lisa has chosen this week is: "Honour your father and mother"--this is the first commandment with a promise: "so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:2-4).

I have chosen: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Matthew 6:14) to use in my project because this is a text which, when obeyed, honours our Heavenly Father and brings healing where once there was hurt.

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The words of another can hurt us...

We've all experienced being hurt and emotionally wounded by the words / actions of another. I remember some years ago being hurt and betrayed by someone I trusted. I was bruised emotionally and felt justified in my anger towards this person... that is, until I read Matthew 6:14 and 15:

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses,

your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses,

neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

The words of Jesus can heal us...

I'd read these words many times and heard them spoken often, however, on this particular day (a few months later I hasten to add), while I was still festering and fuming, they seemed to leap off the page and pound on my conscience!

It wasn't fair! Why was God picking on me when the other woman was clearly at fault?!!! I had a fair few arguments presenting themselves in my mind, and at first, I couldn't get away from them: -

"But she's really hurt me Lord! I'm finding it difficult to forgive her!"
"But, she hasn't apologised, and after all, she's the one at fault!"
"But, I don't want to let go of these feelings towards ----, she deserves that I feel anger and disgust towards her... plus I want her to know that I'm annoyed with her."

...But, but, but...!" I had all the reasons why I shouldn't forgive this woman. Still these words rang out in my heart and head: "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Harm in unforgiveness
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In the end I told God I couldn't possibly forgive... the feeling of anger towards the woman was too strong for me to deal with! Mercifully, that wasn't the end because God began to teach me that forgiveness has nothing to do with being able to feel or express warm, mushy, 'puff cloud feelings'... rather, forgiveness has to do with obedience and trust.
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God also brought the following question before me:
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"What is more important to you - "Me", i.e. God or your grudge?"

..
When we hold on to anger and unforgiveness, we become prisoners to such and our relationship, not only with the other person, but more importantly with the Father is affected. God asks us to forgive, not so much for the sake of the one we need to forgive (although this is important too) but first and foremost so that He may restore fellowship between ourselves and Himself.

Healing in forgiveness
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When we are willing to let go of our hurt and say: "Lord, I am willing to forgive and depend on you to help me because a right relationship with You is far more important to me than feeling justified in my anger towards ----", we will find that He gives us strength to face the person who has hurt us; also the anger and hurt we feel begins to subside. This is God's grace at work in response to obedience.

Secondly, forgiveness does not necessarily mean that we should maintain a close friendship with the person who hurt us, because it may not be wise to do so. God will give us wisdom regarding this.
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Decision time
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I knew what I had to do... days / months / and even years of musing, festering and fuming (which incidentally is also bad for our health - see Psalm 32) is just not worth compromising the forgiveness of our own sin, and the freedom to fellowship aright with the Father and so I finally forgave.

Do yourself a favour...

... if you're faced with the issue of forgiving someone who's been unkind towards you... please give yourself a break and agree to forgive! You're hurting yourself more if you don't plus the consequences of unforgiveness are definitely not worth it.

Don't...

...forfeit your health;

fellowship with the Father;

or the forgiveness of your own sin.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses,

your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses,

neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Open rebuke!

2011-06-05T02:07:00.000-07:00

Card created using DSA 2

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 92 where the theme is to create a card/project using a new crafting item. I have chosen some new digital papers to create this digital card.

This week's text has been chosen by Linda: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. " John 13:34-35.

Proverbs 27:5

Sometimes, 'loving another Biblically' may involve confronting a brother / sister in the Lord out of concern for their behaviour / conduct. There may also be concern that their sin could affect others if not properly addressed and dealt with according to the Word of God.

Proverbs 27:5 tells us that "Open rebuke is better than secret love."
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Confronting another's sin is a most unpleasant situation and not something to be rushed or entered into without first having given the situation over to (1) self-examination; and (2) prayer and preparation through the Word of God.

Steps to consider:

We need to examine our our own lives first before we approach another in open rebuke or else we ourselves could end up being judged by God (e.g. Matthew 7:1: " Judge not, that ye be not judged."). We need to ensure that we are not trying to 'remove a speck from another's eye when we have a plank in our own'... It is very distasteful to swallow another's rebuke if the person giving the rebuke is not 'pure' themselves or if they leave their own lives 'open to misinterpretation' through unwise living which could bring shame on the name of the One they represent.

If after self-examination we find that our conscious does not condemn us, then we should prepare to approach the person through spending time in prayer with the Lord. We should never approach another in the place of Biblical correction if we are unprepared. If we are not prepared through prayer and preparation (see point immediately below), we may find ourselves attempting to carry out the work of the Holy Spirit whose job it is to convict of sin.

Further preparation includes studying the Word of God, e.g. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). It is important that we know what the Bible teaches 'with conviction in our own hearts' and not just depend on what another has studied or said. Also, the word 'divide' as found in 2 Timothy 2:15 means 'to cut' / 'cut straight' which gives the impression of order and detail. Therefore, if we are going to rebuke another openly, we must to do in an orderly way. It is not wise (or loving) to rebuke another regarding a matter(s) which we do not clearly understand and are not able to clearly set out before the one being rebuked. (See Matthew 18:15-17 regarding the Biblical order we should take concerning such matters).

If a subject is controversial and / or difficult to understand, then perhaps it is best left to the Elders / Pastor / Minister within the church to deal with and confront. God does not expect us to teach on matters which are beyond our capability because much damage may result (both within the church and without) when someone with 'a lot of zeal' but 'very little wisdom' assumes the role of spiritual authority over another.

Further information

For more information on this subject, please click HERE.

Warning! Tongue on the loose...

2011-05-22T03:40:00.000-07:00

Decoupaged card
'Especially for you card'

Each card / project tells a story: This week over on the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge blog, Grace has chosen Proverbs 10:20-21 as the text for this weeks challenge No 90:
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"The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, the heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of understanding.”

The challenge is to create a card / project to encourage someone which incorporates a touch of silver into it. I have chosen the card above (which I made using a kit from Create & Craft) as my card for this week's entry and I want to dedicate it to the same lady who has set this week's SSIC Challenge, i.e. Grace. Grace has been such an encourager to me online and on more than one occasion - although she may not be aware - she has given me the encouragement to continue with my own blog... so Grace if you're looking in - God bless you and thank you so much for providing "apples of gold in pictures of silver" not just for me but for many others online each week.

Beware of the tongue!

One word stands out in today's text and it is the word 'tongue.'

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

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) and this suggests that the tongue, small as it is, is a powerful and even dangerous member of our body!

We are also informed in the Bible 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

I feel it's important to mention to those who have children who are experiencing bullying and mistreatment by others - please do not to brush them off saying: "sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never harm me!" ...Yes, it's true, negative words may not break a person's bones... but they can indeed break (crush) a person's spirit which is far worse! As a child I was bullied and put up with all sorts of hurtful accusations and name calling. My mum often quoted "sticks and stones..." to me in an effort to make me feel better... but instead, this false perception contributed to my confusion and I headed into adulthood distrusting people and analyzing just about everything spoken to me due to a deflated and damaged self-esteem. It is important to speak positive words of affirmation, love and encouragement to anyone going through such turmoil and this will help to heal their spirit and neutralise the negativeness the world has been feeding them, e.g. “Reckless words pierce like a sword... but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:8). I can testify to the healing power of positive words because after I became a Christian, I started to read the Bible and it was God's encouraging, truthful, loving words which helped me to heal in my spirit ((( Praise God ))).

Close to 50% of the bacteria in our mouth live on the surface of our tongue

Also...

The human mouth contains more bacteria than a dog’s mouth!

Wow! 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) and so if we are listening to TV programmes which are not edifying and suchlike, all that stuff will go down into our hearts... and will eventually come back out through our mouths! We need to stop a build-up of 'worldly bacteria' getting onto our tongues and the only way is to be careful what we allow ourselves to listen to!

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!

One last interesting fact concerning the tongue...

Each person has their own unique tongue print!

Just like a finger print, we may also be identified by our tongues! Begs the question, "What sort of 'tongue print' are each of us leaving behind us?" "How are we known to others?" "Are we encouragers who build people up?" 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

When God seems distant...

2011-05-15T02:17:00.000-07:00

Each card /project tells a story: I'm entering this scrapbook page into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 89 where the challenge this week is to create a project using either a teacup or a teapot. The text for this week is "I will lift my eyes to the mountains – Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, The Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121 1-4.

I have to be honest, I did not make this project this week; rather, I designed it in time for Mother's Day here in the UK. Most of my crafting materials are packed away in boxes ready for moving (when it's time) and I'm a bit limited with crafting materials just now. I hope my SSIC will understand. I am happy not to be included in the draw but to add my entry for the sake of sharing about God's goodness and to support the SSIC blog (which I love).
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I so love, love, love the passage of Scripture chosen this week by Chris...
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The Pap of Glencoe

Coming from the north west coast of Scotland, I am familiar with very mountainous and beautiful scenery. Often whilst out and about in the surrounding area, my thoughts would turn to this beautiful passage from the Psalms... but that was after the testimony I would like to share...

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When God seems distant...

After my father died, I often walked back from his graveside and as I did, I began to admire the surrounding scenery. Up until this time, I didn't really take much time to appreciate such things; however, it's funny how the death of someone close seems to make us look at things differently sometimes and may even slow us down to take stock and consider the things and people who really matter to us. I have recorded the same view I saw in the scrapbook page above [I just had to share]! I didn't know the Lord at that time but I had begun to question what life was all about (amongst other things).

As I looked around me, I clearly remember thinking that "none of the beautiful surrounding scenery could just have evolved!" There just had to be a God... However, if there was, He seemed so very distant and uninterested in us as far as I was concerned! Why was this? I needed to know! You can read the rest of what happened next HERE

"I will lift my eyes to the mountains –

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

The Maker of heaven and earth..."

"Hallelujah!"

Will all things work out for good in your life?

2011-05-01T02:24:00.000-07:00

Card created using Sugar Nellie digital stamp

Each card tells a story: I am entering this card into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 87 where the theme is to create a card/project without using designer papers and you must start with a solid colour. I have chosen to start (and end) with white. The challenge this week is based upon the following Scripture:

"And God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28).

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Loving God...

The promise of Romans 8:28 is not applicable to everyone who claims to be Christian! It is specific only to those who love God which the text itself makes crystal clear, i.e. "all things work together for good to those who love God..."

What are the evidences of someone who loves God?
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1 They abide in God's love and do not depart from the faith or revert back to their old way of life, e.g.
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Jn 15:10-12 [Jesus said] "If you love me you will keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love."

2 They have joy in their soul, e.g.

John 15:10-12 "If you love me you will keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."
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Elsewhere in the Word of God we are told: "... for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17). Joy comes from the Holy Spirit and God wants our joy to be full... (see John 15:12).
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3 They are people of prayer, e.g.
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For our joy to be made full (as per John 15:12 - see No 2 above), we need regular infillings of the Holy Spirit' via asking God through prayer.
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4 They observe evangelism, baptism and the Lord's supper, e.g.
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Matthew 28:20 [Jesus said] "...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you". What did the Lord command His disciples to observe?

Evangelism e.g. Jesus said: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature... (Mark 15:15)
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Baptism e.g. [Jesus said] "The one who believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 15:15-16).
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The Lord's supper e.g. "For I [Paul] received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes."
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5 They are diligent students of the Old and New Testaments, e.g.

2 Pet 3:2 "that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles."

6 They love God with all their heart, soul and mind, e.g.
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Matthew 22:36-40 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And He [i.e. Jesus] said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' "This is the great and foremost commandment.

7 They love and respect others, e.g.

[Jesus said] "The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.'

Such people truly love God and are called according to His purpose. Only they will know the fulfillment of God's promise that no matter what happens in their lives, it will indeed work out for good.

I will never leave you...

2011-04-25T04:30:00.000-07:00

Digi stamps above and below by Sugar Nellie

Scrapbook pages above and below created using DSA 2

Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead 3 days later by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his followers, "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of me..." (John 15:26).

Jesus promised His followers He would send His Holy Spirit to comfort and guide His children into the truth once He descended into Heaven.

People ask how we know we are God's children? We know because the Holy Spirit testifies to our spirit about spiritual things concerning God. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and He directs us into God's truth. However, there are other spirits which are not Godly - these are very deceitful... and they seek to turn us away from God's truth...

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Angels
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... the Bible speaks about angels. It speaks about both good angels and evil angels (i.e. 1/3rd of angels fell from Heaven to follow Lucifer, i.e. Satan)... Angels are spirit beings.

The Bible speaks about Satan appearing as "an angel of light" (see 2 Corinthians 11:14) and this speaks about deception, i.e. Satan coming in disguise and appearing to be a good spirit being!

The Holy Spirit versus evil spirits

Q. There are many books about angels to be found in the bookstores on our high streets. How can we know if the 'angels' these books speak about are good or evil?

A. God's angels will always direct us to glorify God whereas, evil angels/spirit beings do the opposite. These are evil spirits who seek to glorify themselves.

Q. What about praying to angels?

A. When we understand that angels are created beings, just as we are, we realize that worshipping or praying to angels robs God of the glory that belongs to Him alone. It was God, not angels, who sent Jesus to die for us, who loves and cares for us, and who alone is worthy of our adoration. In addition, nowhere in the Bible are we given instruction regarding praying to angels because such practices are not ordained by God or else they would be most definitely included in the Bible! The Bible does however mention praying to God and gives guidance concerning such via the Lord's Prayer, the Psalms, etc.
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Q. What about those who say they receive guidance / messages / or even special writings from angels?

A. The following quote from Mary Stover is helpful in answering this question:
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Quote: An angel from God will not give you instruction or guidance that deviates from what God has already said in His Word (Galatians 1:8). When an angel begins to tell you things that change God's Word, you know you are not speaking with a holy angel from God but a demon from hell. Satan misquoted the Scripture to Jesus; he is still disguising himself as an "angel of light" to deceive people (2 Cor. 11:14).
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I hope the questions and answers above help anyone wbo may be confused when they hear people speaking about angels (in any kind of way).

Jesus sent us His Holy Spirit and His Holy Spirit leads His children into the truth... not the deception that is growing in our world today.

Jesus said: "You will know the truth and the truth shall set you free"

There is no freedom when one is enslaved to Satan's deceiving angels... sadly, only bondage, turmoil and darkness. But Hallelujah! Jesus came to set the captives free... even those who are enslaved to Satan and his lies concerning angels! Jesus said: "whosoever comes to me, I shall in no way cast away"... and "Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest"... He also says, "I will never leave you or forsake you" and these are His promises to those who will come unto Him...

For more information re: good and evil angels, please visit: http://www.hoshuha.com/articles/angels.html

Love in any language...

2011-04-24T01:57:00.000-07:00

Digital stamp by Sugar Nellie
Coloured using Copics & Promarkers

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 86 where the theme is based upon Luke 24:46-47:

... and Jesus said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem."

The challenge which Rebekkah from SSIC Challenge blog has set this week is to create a round card. I have created a card called "With Love"....

Today's round card challenge reminds me of the world globe and going into all the world and preaching the Gospel. When I thought about this, I was reminded of a children's chorus I wrote some years ago called 'All Around the World':

All around the world each day

Many people at work or play

at home and across the sea (from sea to sea)

Many people have not heard

of the Good News in God's Word

What should this mean to me?
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Do I think of them each day?

Do I give and show God's way?

God loved and gave His Son (His only Son)

Help me Jesus to obey -

Pray for others and point the way

Then one day hear "Well done!"

Chorus © Wendy McCallum 1996

I certainly want to hear God's "Well done" and I believe the way is through giving ... i.e. giving of ourselves to and for others.
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The Bible teaches us:

"You are a letter from Christ...written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the Living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts..." (2 Corinthians 3:3).

God demonstrated His love towards us by giving His very best, i.e. He gave His only begotten son to die in our place of punishment for sin. Similarly, I believe people can see our love for God and others by the measure / cost of our giving on behalf of others also.

Therefore, begs the question: "What impression is my life writing upon the hearts of those who know me?" ... and "What impression is your life writing upon the hearts of those who know you?"

For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten son,
that whosoever believes on Him
should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Love gives generously to and on behalf of others... it's a language that very often touches the human heart - sometimes when no amount of words can!.

Happy Resurrection Sunday

The eternal picture

2011-04-17T02:54:00.000-07:00

Cross-stitch canvas based on terracotta one-on-one tones

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this cross-stitch sampler into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 85 where the theme is to create a card / project based on tone on tone.
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The theme of this week's challenge is based upon Matthew 16:23:
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Jesus said to Peter "You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human ones." Jesus knew that God's plan would mean that he would suffer and die. Peter said "NEVER LORD!...This shall NEVER happen to you."
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Peter is confused and cannot understand why Jesus has to suffer and die! Peter is not seeing what Jesus can see, i.e. the 'bigger eternal picture' which includes the salvation of souls, and therefore he is shocked and saddened that things are not working out as he imagined or wanted them to.

Isn't life sometimes like this? Things happen which alter the course of our lives and we are confused and saddened that life is not working out as we imagined it would.

... I chose the cross-stitch canvas above for today's SSIC challenge not just because it is an example of one-on-one tones, which is required as part of the challenge, but more so because today's text reminds me of a poem I heard some time ago:
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The Divine Weaver

My life is but a weaving

Between my Lord and me;

I cannot choose the colours

He weaves so steadily.

Often He weaves in sorrow

But I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper

And I, the lower side.

But the dark threads are as needful

In the weaver's skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

Not till the loom is silent

And the bobbins cease to fly,

Shall He unroll the canvas

And explain the reason why.

Author Unknown

Personal testimony

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Some years ago, the unexpected death of someone caused our family to be thrown into much sadness and darkness. We couldn't understand why God allowed the situation to happen, not only to us but even more so to the other family who were bereaved of their precious loved one. The pain was unbelievable. The weeks and months which followed can only be described as dark and very lonely. It is still painful today and the situations and trials which have resulted since are still not over; however I have come to realise that God does not will tragic situations to happen but in His great Sovereignty, "God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

A text which used to come to my mind often prior to the time of trial mentioned above was: "Comfort, comfort ye my people says my God" (Isaiah 40:1) and one of the 'good' thing' which has thus far came from that very sad day is that with God's help, I have been able to"...comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (i.e. 2 Corinthians 1:4). God has given me many opportunities (both on the Internet and otherwise) to share the lessons and comfort received from Him over these past 4 years likewise with others who are going through difficulties and I so praise God for His grace and mercy. I believe Gloria and William Gaither understood something of this when they penned the Hymn which says:
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Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives...

The rest of the lyrics and music to this beautiful Hymn can be found HERE

What do you think upon during temptations and trials?

2011-04-10T03:43:00.000-07:00

Little gift bag... Forever Friends Bear was coloured using purple chalk

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 84 set by Kris and the challenge is to create a project which incorporates the colour purple and you can also add anything wooden too if you wish. The challenge is based upon Mark 15: 16:

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MAIN VERSE: Mark 15:17 "They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him." CONTEXT PASSAGE: Mark 15: 16-20

It's a gloomy picture... to Jesus' followers, it must have seemed like all hope for the future and the Kingdom of God was slipping away! To those who were mocking Him as having illusions of grandeur, it must have seemed that Jesus was an impostor... a weakling, unable to save himself let alone others! But, how wrong they all were...

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I wonder what Jesus was thinking about during this time of great trial?

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A couple of texts came to mind as I thought about 'the purple robe' and 'the crown of thorns':

Firstly: "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness..." Isaiah 69:10

Secondly: Timothy when he said: "In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8

Perhaps, just perhaps as the Roman soldiers were slipping the purple robe on Jesus' back and the crown of thorns on His head... Jesus was thinking about the prophesies concerning another type of robe and another type of crown, i.e. the robe of righteousness and the crown of righteousness He would one day provide for all who would come unto Him to be made right/eous with God. This after all is what His mission was all about. What's more, we also know that when Jesus was being tempted and tried in the wilderness, the memorisation and confession of the Scriptures were very much a part of the way in which He strengthened himself in God, and as a result, He was able to overcome severe trial and temptation. Therefore, it stands to reason that Jesus would draw upon the Scriptures for spiritual strength during THE most fierce and difficult battles He ever faced...
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The importance of memorising the Word of God
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Today, we live in a culture where it is considered prideful to know God's Word. In some cases, Christians do like to show off their knowledge and such is not at all helpful and will not go unpunished. However, it is not prideful to use God's Word as it is intended. Knowing and obeying God's Word is a very necessary part of overcoming in the midst of spiritual warfare. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of memorising God's Word.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life"...
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1 God's Word is the way but it's amazing how many Christians do not know how to live/conduct their lives because they do not read His Word where God's ways are clearly recorded.

2 God's Word is the truth and helps us to decipher what is true and yet so many Christians are swept about by every whim and doctrine which presents itself and fail to compare what they hear or see against what God has to say in His Word.

3 God's Word is the life and if we want our spiritual lives to flourish, we need to feed upon God's Word... read it, digest it, memorise it, obey it and when we do these things, we will overcome evil but best of all, we will love God's Word too. There seems to be a lack of love towards God's Word amongst Christians today. Many Christians prefer to read House & Home magazines, Craft magazines, Fashion magazines, etc anything rather than the precious Word of God. Whilst there is no harm in reading other materials, some Christians prefer them and neglect God's Word and this is wrong and will prove unhelpful to such Christians when life's storms blow across their paths.
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Begs the question therefore: "What do you think upon during times of trial and temptation?" What gets you through life's storms? Certainly not what you read in the latest fashion magazines, that's for sure...

Kindness recipe

2011-04-09T03:46:00.000-07:00

Luke 6:27 cupcake

Each card / project tells a story: I found this poem on the internet:

Kindness Recipe

Fold two hands together

And express a dash of sorrow

Marinate it overnight

And work on it tomorrow.

Chop one grudge in tiny pieces

Add several cups of love

Dredge with a large sized smile

Mix with the ingredients above.

Dissolve the hate within you,

By doing a good deed

Cut in and help your friend

If he should be in need.

Stir in laughter, love and kindness

From the heart it has to come,

Toss with genuine forgiveness

And give your neighbor some.

The amount of people served

Will depend on you,

It can serve the whole wide world,

If you really want it to.

This recipe's for the whole wide world,

For everyone to make,
Just get it all together,
And cook for God's own sake!

Poem by Gregory

"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies,

do good to those who hate you..."

Luke 6:27

More recipes for life HERE

Righteousness, peace and joy

2011-04-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

Each card tells a story: I am entering this card into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 83 where the theme is based upon:

Luke 18:17 "Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."
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This week's SSIC challenge is to create a card / project for a child.

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When I read the text for this week's SSIC challenge, another passage of Scripture came to mind, i.e.

Jesus said, "Truly, truly I say unto you, unless a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" John 3:3

John 3:3 explains that we cannot see the kingdom of God unless we are 'born again'; however, none of us can be 'born again' physically - that's simply impossible! Thankfully, Jesus is not talking about being born again physically... rather, He is speaking about a 'spiritual birth' whereby the Holy Spirit helps us to 'spiritually see' and experience the kingdom of God in our lives.

But what is the kingdom of God?
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"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Romans 14:1
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1 The kingdom of God is... righteousness

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The Bible tells us that "our sin separates us from God and hides His face from us so that He cannot hear us" (Isaiah 59:2) and "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23.
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In other words: our sin = spiritual death and eternal separation from God but mercifully, Jesus has provided the way back to God and that way is through His sacrificial death on the cross. Jesus' shed blood alone was the only acceptable sin offering God could accept as a satisfactory atonement, i.e payment for our sin. All our works are as filthy rags by comparison.

Cecil Frances Alexander grasped this truth when he wrote the famous old Hymn, 'There is a green hill far away', e.g.

There is a green hill far away
outside a city wall,
where our dear Lord was crucified
Who died to save us all.

We may not know, we cannot tell,
what pains he had to bear,
but we believe it was for us
he hung and suffered there.

He died that we might be forgiven,
he died to make us good [holy]
that we might go at last to heaven,
saved by his precious blood.

There was no other good enough
to pay the price of sin,
He only could unlock the gate
of heaven and let us in...
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... and yet so many people still get confused about the issue of salvation and try to earn righteousness and favour with God by performing good works... but this is not God's way! Whilst it is true, that those who have experienced God's salvation should perform good works - good works in themselves are not the means by which a person is made right/eous with God. Rather, the Bible explains that we need to simply trust God's Word and receive Jesus as the only way to make us right/eous with God, e.g.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life, noone comes to the Father but by me." John 14:6 ; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. 1 Peter 2:24.
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2 The kingdom of God is... peace

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When we accept that Jesus is the only way to be made right/eous with God, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our heart and grants us God's peace. God's peace is a peace which no credit card or any amount of money, possessions or other people can give to us. The Bible explains God's peace as "... passing all human understanding" (see Philippians 4:7). Only Jesus can give us such peace.

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3 The Kingdom of God is... joy

Finally, those who accept God's righteousness and experience His peace also know God's joy in their hearts. The joy I am speaking about does not come as a result of pleasant circumstances... rather it is joy which can be had in spite of unpleasant circumstances! e.g. About midnight Paul and Silas were [in jail] praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:25). Wow! The Apostle Paul and Silus were singing hymns and praising God despite being locked up in a jail and unsure of what was going to happen to them next. Such is the power of the Holy Spirit at work within a believer.
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The kingdom of God is available to all...

Are you tired of trying to earn God's righteousness and favour?
Are you fed up chasing after things which you think will bring peace to your life only to find that they do not satisfy the longing in your soul for true contentment?
Do you wish to experience joy in your heart through the Holy Spirit at work in your life regardless of whatever circumstances you are facing?

Then you can... today... right now! Yield your life to God and He will help you to spiritually see His kingdom and experience His Holy Spirit power at work in your life also.

Click HERE for further information on how to accept Jesus as your Saviour and "... may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13.

AMEN

Hopeful even if not faith 'full'!

2011-03-27T04:39:00.000-07:00

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this card into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 82 where the theme is based upon the following: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:6-7.

This week's SSIC Challenge is to create a project using paper piecing for the main subject of your project. I have used a Sarah Kay stamp and combined it with chalking and paper piecing plus a little matting and layering.

When I thought upon this week's text (chosen by Lisa), my thoughts turned to yet another passage of Scripture:

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, Jesus fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke Jesus, saying, “Master, Master, don't you care that we're going to perish?” Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. Luke 8:22-25.

The disciples were astounded that Jesus could sleep through such turmoil and so they woke him up, pleading with him to do something before they all perished:

"Master, don't you care that we perish?" In other words, they were saying, "Master, do something to help us". Jesus simply responded: "Where is your faith?"

1. When I looked at this closer, I realised that the disciples missed a vital lesson which Jesus gave opportunity to teach them, i.e. earlier Jesus said: "Let us go over to the other side"... and not "we are going to sink in the middle of a storm!" The disciples failed to take Jesus at his word and missed a wonderful opportunity to be faith 'full' and fear less... sadly, as a result, they did not experience God's peace during the storm.

2. Thankfully, this is not the end because although the disciples had not yet learned to take Jesus at his word, they still turned to him and hoped that he would save them from the storm! In other words, they may not have been faith 'ful' but they were still 'hopeful'.

Child of God, if you are in the midst of a storm... if your faith is frail and battered and likewise, you don't feel like Jesus seems to be showing any concern for you... don't be too hard on yourself. Yes, it is God's will that we learn to trust in His Word and experience His wonderful peace... God does not want us to experience fear and worry and He will give more opportunities to increase our faith if we have failed any present opportunity. In the meantime however, if you are calling upon God for help - you are still hoping in Him.

Please be encouraged to remember that those who put their hope in God will never be disappointed (see Psalm 25:3). As with the Psalmist, David, and many more hopeful souls since... you shall yet praise God...

How do I know? I've been in a storm where I have called upon God for help - even though I wasn't very faith 'full'... yet God was faithful... He is such a merciful God - glory to His name.

"Why are you downcast o my soul,

Why soul disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God

for I shall yet praise Him

My saviour and my God."

Psalm 42:5

"When" and not "If..."

2011-03-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

Book made with Bind It machine

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 81 where the theme of the challenge is based upon the following Scripture in which Jesus is speaking to His Disciples:

"But when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly. " Matthew 6:6.

Grace set the challenge this week and the challenge is to create a project which incorporates something 'secret' which may not be seen at first glance! This could involve a folded card, pocket card, etc.

Sample page

An important subject (or two!)

One word stood out in the Scripture Grace chose this week and that is the word "when". The passage clearly says "when" we pray and not "if" we pray... and therefore it is something Jesus expects of His children, All true disciple of Jesus know the importance of taking time alone with God in prayer... but prayer is not the only important subject Jesus refers to, e.g.

Another text came to mind when reading this text, and it is found in the same chapter of Matthew, i.e:

"When you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full." Matthew 6:16.

Once again, this an assumed statement Jesus makes to His followers, i.e. He does not say "If you fast" but clearly says "when you fast" and yet oddly enough, so few Christians pay any attention to fasting - even though our Lord clearly makes mention of it.

Please click 'Read More' (below) to find guidelines and helps regarding fasting.

WHAT IS BIBLICAL FASTING?

The Bible gives reference to the subject of fasting many times. Included below are some Scriptural references with examples which have given title headings in the hope that this will help to differentiate between the many different types and occasions which may give rise to Biblical fasting... Before we begin, it is necessary to mention that some people do not believe that fasting is necessary post Old Testament times. However, in light of what God's Word teaches, it cannot be denied that Jesus Himself made clear reference to His children fasting after His return to Heaven (please see Luke 5: 33-38). Also, it is very interesting to note that when Jesus was teaching on the subject of prayer in Matthew 6: 5-15, He said, "When you pray..." followed by, "When you fast..." Matthew 6:16-18 . Furthermore, Jesus used the same words, i.e. "When you" which does not mean that fasting is a pre New Testament discipline; nor does it carry any confusion regarding "Should Christians fast?"--"When" means just what it says, i.e. "When we fast!"

It is also very important to mention that during many of the examples of fasting recorded in the Bible, PRAYER [TO GOD] IS VERY EVIDENT AND THEREFORE THIS INDICATES THAT PRAYER IS NECESSARY DURING MOST BIBLICAL FASTING. Therefore abstaining from food/and or drink without prayer is more likely to come under the category of 'Detox' rather than Biblical fast and is not, as some New Age followers state, "a spiritual experience"-- at least not in the 'Biblical sense of the meaning'! In this New Age society in which we find ourselves in, it is important to point this out.

Below are some questions which many Christians - and in some cases non-Christians - have and I hope that the Scriptural references which have been provided will be helpful to any who have similar questions themselves.

(I) WHY FAST?

Some examples (non Chronological order)

1. The Disciple's Fast - Fasting for freedom from demon oppression. Matthew 17:20,21.

2. The Ezra Fast - Fasting to solve problems, Ezra 8:21-23. If we fast for a specific purpose, we may solve a debilitating problem, e.g. to seek deliverance and protection from our enemies and traveling mercies.

3. The Samuel Fast - Fasting to win people to Christ, 1 Samuel 7:1-8. If we fast and pray for revival, God will pour Himself on His people.

4. The Elijah Fast - Fasting to break crippling fears and other mental problems, 1 Kings 19:2-18. Through fasting, God will show us how to overcome negative emotional and personal habits.
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5. The Widow's Fast - Fasting to provide for the needy, 1 Kings 17:12. When we sacrifice our own physical needs, God enables us to focus on and provide for the needs of others.

6. The Apostle Paul Fast - Fasting for insight and decision making, Acts 9:9-19. If we fast to subject our will to God's, He will reveal His will in us.

7. The Daniel Fast - Fasting for health and physical healing, Daniel 1:12-20. When we fast for physical well-being, God will touch our bodies and enrich our souls.

8. The John the Baptist Fast - Fasting for an influential testimony on those around us in order to bring glory to God. Matthew 3:4 and Luke 1:15.

9. The Esther Fast - Fasting for protection from the evil one, Esther 4:16. If we fast for protection and deliverance from Satan, God will deliver us from evil.

10. The Judges Fast - Fast to gain clarity regarding God's timing and promises concerning the way He is leading. Judges Chapter 20:26-28 (best to read whole chapter however to gain picture).

11. The Ninevite Fast - Fast to express repentance from wickedness and to seek God's mercy and salvation. Jonah 3:5-8

12. The Isaiah Fast - Fast to loose the chains of injustice and to minister to the deepest needs of the poor in society. Isaiah 58:6-7

13. The Prophetess Anna Fast - A fast of complete dedication of love, worship and seeking God's glory. Fasting for the expectation of Biblical prophecy being fulfilled. Luke 2:37

14. Our Lord's Fast - To prepare for ministry / missions. Matthew 4:1-9

15. The Psalmist’s Fast - To concentrate on prayer on behalf of another /or others who are sick. Psalm 35:13

16. The Ahab Fast – The reaction of sorrow for the sinful acts of another / or others. 1 Kings 21:27

17. The Nehemiah Fast – The reaction of sorrow towards the oppression of God’s people. Nehemiah 1:4

18. The Joel fast - National repentance and turning to God for mercy - Joel 2:12-15

(II) WHO CAN FAST?

Most cases of fasting in the bible were done individually, but some fasts were carried out by society as a whole, e.g.

Matthew 4, i.e. Jesus in the Wilderness – individuals

Nehemiah 1:4, i.e. Nehemiah – individuals

Psalm 35:13, i.e. David – individuals

Luke 5: 33-38; Matthew 6:16-18 - individuals

Judges 20:26 – society

Esther 4:16 – society

Jeremiah 36:9 – society

(III) WHAT LENGTH OF TIME IS INVOLVED IN FASTING?

Judges 20:26 - one day

Esther 4:16 - three days

Isaiah 31:13 - seven days

Mathew 4:2 - forty days

Mathew 9:14-15 - often

(IV) WHAT BIBLICAL FASTING IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT?

Fasting is not something which is carried out just for the sake of it. In each and every example recorded in the Word of God, there has always been good reason behind it, i.e. in each instance, the individual / or nation demonstrate a sincere and determined effort to focus upon God by means of going without food, water (in some fasts), and perhaps even sleep in order to demonstrate their seriousness in seeking God for whatever Biblical taught purpose they are led to fast concerning. True Biblical fasting therefore evidences a humbleness in spirit (which is an awareness of dependency upon God).

Just as fasting is not something we participate in just for the sake of it, neither is it something we should do for personal gain, i.e. to try and get God to change His mind about something. God does not change His mind regarding His will when we fast, e.g. the Psalmist David prayed for his dying son in the hope that God would spare his life. God did not spare David's son and the boy died; however, God did bring about a change in David's heart which enabled David to accept God's perfect will concerning the young child's death. NB When we fast therefore, we should do so to seek God's perfect will and to enable us to accept whatever that may be...

(V) WHAT DOES GOD REGARD AS 'ACCEPTABLE' FASTING?

The Bible also mentions what is acceptable fasting, and what is not acceptable. What is undesirable is that one does not fast for the intention to promote strife, debate or to smite with the fist of wickedness Isaiah 58:4; furthermore, Matthew 6:16 teaches us that when one fasts, they should not be of a sad appearance so as to make themselves appear righteous before others (such is prideful and has no Biblical recorded purpose). Rather, fasting is to be carried out secretly between an individual and God (unless a national fast is called for).

An example of a Biblical fast explained in detail, e.g. according to Isaiah 58:6-7

- To loose the bands of wickedness

- To undo the heavy burdens

- To let the oppressed free

- Break every yoke

- To feed the hungry

- To help the homeless

When God’s guidelines were adhered to, according to Isaiah 58: 8-9, the resulting followed:

- Health shall spring forth speedily

- Righteousness shall go before you

- The glory of the Lord shall be your reward

- When you call the LORD then He will answer, when you cry He will say, “ *Here I am”. (* in other words, God's voice was heard clearly).

As mentioned already, this is but one Biblical account of fasting which has been explained in more detail. Above are 17 more... WOW!! and each taken on their own have much to teach us.

Testimony regarding fasting for a nation:

"After World War II, Stalin devised a plan to continue Hitler’s plan of exterminating the Jews. According to well-known sources, the church in the west became aware of it and began to meet and pray and fast for deliverance. Within a short period of time Stalin had a massive brain hemorrhage and despite the help of the best physicians and surgeons he could not be saved. Satan’s plan was thwarted by God’s people praying and fasting and the Hand of God intervening in response." -- Quote by Bennie Mostert & Peet Grobbelaar 'The Power of Fasting and Prayer'.

Fasting is a huge topic to study and it may be helpful if you carry out your own prayerful study on this subject so that the Holy Spirit will reveal God's will to you regarding this matter. I do hope that the Scripture references provided in this study will help you regarding this and I very much encourage you to look them up for yourself... Until I carried out my own prayerful study on this subject a couple of years ago, I was not sure what I believed regarding such. It is my heart desire that the Lord will be glorified as a result of this study and may God bless you in your own personal study of His Word also.

Please note: Under the subject heading "WHY FAST?" points 1-12 have been taken (and in some cases slightly adapted) from a televised sermon by Jentezen Franklin (author and Bible teacher on the subject of Biblical fasting).

Also, due to health reasons, some people may need to seek medical advice first before embarking on any kind of fast. Some people may not be able to fast due to health reasons.

Fragile clay jars!

2011-03-13T05:27:00.000-07:00

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 80 where the theme is based upon Matthew 6:21 "... "Don't store up treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal; rather store up treasure in heaven... for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." The Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge this week is to use something you treasure on your card / project - whether it be bling, flowers, something new or that you've been saving for a long time.
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Treasure found in fragile clay jars!
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When I reflected on Matthew 6:21 this morning, I thought about another text regarding treasure, i.e.
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"Now we have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, and not from ourselves." 2 Corinthians 4:7
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Dead Sea Scrolls!
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Immediately, my thoughts turned to the Dead Sea Scrolls! "Why?" you may ask? Because the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 'fragile clay jars' near to an excavation site at Hirbat Qumran. A young goat herder happened upon them one day (much to his surprise). What a great discovery they were too because they validate the Old Testament Scriptures and are said to be "the greatest Biblical archaeological find ever!" Wow what a valuable find - what an absolute treasure!
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Coincidence or God-incidence?

Speaking of treasure, I also believe that the 'great treasure' which Paul referred to in 2 Corinthians 4:7 is the precious and powerful Word of God. Perhaps now you may understand why I thought about the Dead Sea Scrolls when 2 Corinthians 4:7 came to my mind. It is possible that perhaps Paul knew about the scrolls either by 'Divine revelation' or perhaps via 'rumour' handed down through the centuries and just maybe 1 Corinthians 4:7 was Paul making a reference to these clay pots containing God's Word which were hidden in Hirbat Qumran many years earlier. However, I would like to point out that this is merely a suggestion.
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Clay pot relevance today
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Over the past few days, the world has looked on in horror as we have watched the most tragic of events in Japan unfold via the media. We are reminded just how fragile our lives are in the wake of this disaster. So many souls rushed into eternity very unexpectedly... it's hard to comprehend. Yes - life is indeed very fragile. We are not in control of our lives as some people like to believe and this disaster clearly spells this fact out.
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However, although we are each fragile in and of ourselves, may we not forget that God's Word teaches us that His children "have a great power" and this great power "...is from God, and not from ourselves".

What is this great power which God's children possess? I believe it is a priceless treasure, e.g.
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"... the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
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If a soul has the Word of God living and abiding within them, they possess God's power, i.e. the same power which is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of our hearts... the same power which spoke the world into being... the same power to resurrect the dead.
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What's more, Christians need to take this priceless treasure, i.e. the resurrection power of God's Word to the world.
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Jesus said: "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies."
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Heavenly Father
In the aftermath of the tragedy in Japan, we are reminded that our lives are very fragile. We cannot control our lives and this tragedy is a reminder of this to us. Heavenly Father, so many people are walking in despair in Japan right now and don't have true inner peace and the strength which comes from you alone. Please send your Light into this country and may fragile and broken hearted people find strength and solace in You.
AMEN

Planted in the Word of God

2011-03-06T03:42:00.000-08:00

Each card tells a story: I'm entering this card into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 79 where the challenge is based upon "The grass withers, the flower fade: but the word of our God shall stand for ever" (Isaiah 40:7) and the theme is to create a card / project which incorporates a stamped flower(s).

The grass withers... Regardless of where the grass is growing, there comes a season when it stops growing and it is no longer lush and healthy as it is in summer...the flowers fade and their colour and beauty dies.

... but the word of our God shall stand for ever...

This text reminds me of the words found in Psalm 1. Whenever I consider Psalm 1, one word comes to mind and that is the word 'planted'...

Those who are planted in God, will not wilt or grow faint... rather, they will go from strength to strength, e.g.

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked, or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers..."

Someone who is planted in God will not be 'slowed down' through wrongful entanglement re: relationships with the Godless. If you notice the order above speaks first about walking... then standing... and finally sitting! When we become overly friendly with the Godless, we may find that their influence slows us down in our walk with God until we come to a point where we become at ease with their ways, thinking and sinful behaviour! Whilst it is important to reach out to the lost, we must be careful not to become entangled in their ways again by doing so. We need to be careful and prayerful regarding all our relationships.

"...but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither..."

Someone who is planted in God delights in the Bible. Their study of the Bible is not something that is fitted in 'as' and 'when' but rather, they deliberately set aside regular times to spend with God in prayerful study and meditation on His Word. Such a person continually draws upon God's resources and there is a constant watering of the Word upon their souls which enables them to grow strong in the Lord, spiritually healthy and fruitful to His glory.

...whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

Someone who is planted in God will prosper spiritually. They will not be shaken by the storms of life as the wicked are but will remain firm, dependable and constant.

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Someone who is planted in God has the assurance that God Almighty Himself watches over them. In this age in which we live, there are many who testify to angels watching over them and even praying to such beings. Angel worship has become a new - or perhaps I should say 'renewed' phenomena and an unhealthy interest in such is growing steadily. Such is very dangerous. However, those who are planted in God have his Hand of protection and blessing upon their lives and they need not seek protection outside of Him.

The question is: Are we like those described above "... who are planted by the streams of water [ i.e. the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever], that yields its fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither?" and if not - why not?

You'll never walk alone

2011-02-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Created in DSA 2 using masking for the picture
and shading for the buttons

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 78 where the theme is to create a card / project using no less than 3 buttons and is based upon:

"Those who know your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:10).

Do you feel forsaken?
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Sometimes, Christians 'feel' like we have been forsaken by God. Sometimes we feel as if He has packed up and moved away leaving us no forwarding address... but this just is not true. Yes, there are situations when it is we who have moved away from God through our own wilful sin and as a result we cannot enjoy fellowship with Him... that is until we confess our sin and forsake it... and then fellowship is restored again.
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But there are other times, non sin related, when it seems as if we are on our own spiritually... seasons when our prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling and we don't hear from God or sense His presence with us... it's these such times I want to talk about...
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Recently, I was feeling very much like this. I didn't sense God's presence in my life and I felt quite alone. Then I stumbled across the words of Psalm 42:
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Here I discovered that David the Psalmist went through times when he too 'felt' as if he was forsaken by God, e.g.

Psalm 42

1 As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, my God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When can I go and meet with God?

3 My tears have been my food

day and night,

while people say to me all day long,

“Where is your God?”

4 These things I remember

as I pour out my soul:

how I used to go to the house of God

under the protection of the Mighty One[d]

with shouts of joy and praise

among the festive throng.

5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God.

6 My soul is downcast within me;

therefore I will remember you

from the land of the Jordan,

the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep

in the roar of your waterfalls;

all your waves and breakers

have swept over me.

8 By day the LORD directs his love,

at night his song is with me—

a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I say to God my Rock,

“Why have you forgotten me?

Why must I go about mourning,

oppressed by the enemy?”

10 My bones suffer mortal agony

as my foes taunt me,

saying to me all day long,

“Where is your God?”

11 Why, my soul, are you downcast?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God.

I like to dig into God's Word and discover for myself what the Scriptures have to teach us. The following is what I discovered through studying Psalm 42:
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When David felt like he was abandoned by God, he did each of the following:

1 David kept a journal i.e. he wrote down how he was feeling, etc and in doing so, he recorded many of the Psalms which are to be found in the Bible as we know it today. Keeping our own personal journal is very helpful because we can record our prayers; times when God is speaking to us; answers to prayer; hopes for the future, etc and reflect upon such whenever we need encouragement. I blog as a means of journaling and have often looked back upon past posts to things I have written regarding God having helped me... and I'm glad I recorded such because I have a tendency to forget things quickly (which is another good reason to write things down)!

2 David remembered the joy of fellowship with other believers. David is obviously feeling out of fellowship because he starts talking to himself and remembering when he used to fellowship with other believers. There is indeed joy to be had in true Christian fellowship and worship (which David relates to in the Psalm above) and it is sad that David lacked Christian fellowship at this time in his life. Such definitely didn't help his situation. It is therefore important that we have fellowship with other believers - and especially so during spiritually dry seasons.

3 David remembered all the ways God had led him in the past (see verse 6). Likewise, it is good for us to reflect upon past victories and ways in which God has led us. We need to remember that God is the same God today, tomorrow and forever and therefore, He doesn't just help us in our past and leave us to get on with our present and future! Sometimes we all need to be reminded of God's past faithfulness.... and continued faithfulness!

4 David has a pep talk with himself! e.g. "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God..." Sometimes, we too need to have a pep talk with ourselves and tell ourselves to "stop feeling sorry for ourselves" and continue to "hope in God". David repeated these words (see verses 5 and 11). This reminds me that it is good for us to repeat God's Word out loud also because "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Also, we need to get ourselves to places where we will hear God's Word expounded faithfully regularly because it stands to reason that the more we hear God's Word, the more our faith has the opportunity to grow.

Finally, I noticed that...

5 David learns to speak faith words e.g. "...for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God..." Often when we feel that we are forsaken by God, we would be better to start speaking words of encouragement and faith regarding God instead of negative, pitiful words regarding ourselves... It really does help during spiritually dry times to use words which take the focus off ourselves and place our focus on God instead... If you've never already done so - try it and see!

To anyone going through a spiritual desert right now...

... be encouraged to know that David came through his desert experience and we may be helped too if we reflect upon the teachings of this Psalm and seek to do as David did... then one day we may look back over our journal (perhaps with our family/grandchildren/friends) and praise God for how He has led us and never once forsaken us... and by doing so, perhaps help another who is facing a spiritually dry season in their lives too...

It's all in the name...

2011-02-26T12:06:00.000-08:00

Each card / project tells a story: Christians don't need to fear anything or anyone if they are being led by the Spirit of God.

God has given those who walk by His Spirit His Name to call upon in times of trouble. Our Abba, Father is:

Abba

Almighty God (’El Shaddai)

Alpha

Ancient of Days

Architect

Avenger

Bread of Life

Bridegroom

Buckler

Builder

Builder of All things

Builder of Jerusalem

Commander of the Army of the LORD

Compassionate and Gracious God

Consuming Fire

Creator

Creator of heaven and earth

Creator of the ends of the earth

Cup

Defender of widows

Deliverer

Dwelling Place

El-Elohe Israel

Eternal King

Everlasting Father

Everlasting God, Eternal God (’El ‘Olam)

Everlasting Light

Faithful Creator

Faithful God, God of Truth

Father

Father in Heaven

Father of Compassion

Father of Glory

Father of Lights

Father of the Fatherless/Orphans

Fear of Isaac or Awesome One of Isaac

Forgiving God

Former of All Things

Fortress

Glorious Father

Glorious Sword

Glory of Israel/Strength of Israel

Glory/Strength of Israel

God ('El, ’Elohim)

God and Father of All

God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

God of Abraham

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

God of All Comfort

God of All Grace

God of All the Earth

God of Bethel

God of heaven and earth

God of Hope

God of Israel

God of Love and Peace

God of Our Fathers

God of Peace

God of Seeing (El-roi)

God of Steadfastness and Encouragement

God of Your Fathers

God our Father

God our/my Savior, God of our/my salvation

God the Father

Godhead/Deity/Divine Being/Divinity

Gracious God and Merciful, Gracious and Compassionate God

Great and Awesome God

Great God and Savior

Great King

Healer

Heavenly Father

Help

Help/Strength

Helper

Helper of the Fatherless

Hiding Place

High and Lofty One

High Tower

Highest

Holy LORD God/Holy God

Holy One

Holy One of Israel

Home of Justice, True Pasture

Hope

Hope of Israel

Hope of their Fathers

Horn of My Salvation

Husband

Husbandman

I AM THAT I AM

Israel's Creator

Jacob's King

Jealous and Avenging God

Jealous God

JudgeJudge of All

Judge of All the Earth

Judge of the Earth

Just and Mighty One

Keeper

King (melek)

King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible

King of All the Earth

King of Glory

King of Heaven

King of Israel

King of Kings

King of the Nations, King of Saints, King of the Ages

King Over Jeshurun

King Over the Whole Earth

King, the LORD of hosts

Kinsman Redeemer

Lawgiver

Life (the)

Lifter of My Head

Light

Light of Israel

Lily of the valley

Lion of the tribe of Judah

Living God

LORD (Yahweh)

Lord (adonai, kurios)

Lord and Father

Lord GOD, Sovereign LORD

Lord my Savior

Lord of All the Earth

Lord of Heaven

Lord of Heaven and Earth

Lord of Kings

Lord, the LORD of Hosts

Loving God

Majesty in the Heavens

Majesty on High

Maker

Maker of heaven and earth

Man of War (Warrior)

Mighty One of Jacob

Mighty Warrior (Dread Champion)

Most High

Most High God (’El ‘Elyon)

My Glory

My God and/the/my King

My King from of Old

My Maker

My Song

My Strength

Nazarene

Omega

One Who Inhabits Eternity

One Who Lives Forever

Portion

Portion of Jacob

Portion of my Inheritance

Potter

Pride of Jacob

Prince (Śar)

Prince of Peace

Protector/Defender of Widows

Redeemer

Refuge

Righteous Father

Righteous Judge

Righteous One

Rock

Rock Eternal

Rock His Savior

Rock of Israel

Rock of My Salvation

Rock of Refuge

Rose of sharon

Ruler of All Things

Ruler, Sovereign, Potentate

Saviour

Saviour of All Men

Saviour of Israel

Shade

Shelter

Shepherd

Shepherd of Israel

Shield

Song

Sovereign

Sovereign Lord

Sovereign Lord (despotēs)

Spring of Living Water, Fountain of Living Water

Strength of His People

Strong Deliverer

Strong Fortress

Strong Refuge

Strong Tower

Stronghold

Stronghold of My Life

Sustainer of my Soul, Upholder of My Life

The Almighty (Shaddai)

The Alpha and the Omega

The First and the Last

The LORD Is Peace, (Jehovah-Shalom, Yahweh-Shalom)

The LORD is There (Jehovah-Shammah, Yahweh-Shammah)

The LORD of Hosts (Jehovah-Sabaoth, Yahweh-Sabaoth)

The LORD Our Banner (Yahweh-nissi, Yahweh-nissi)

The LORD our Righteousness (Jehovah-Tsidkenu, Yahweh-Tsidkenu)

The LORD Who Sanctifies You (Jehovah-M'Kaddesh, Yahweh-M'Kaddesh)

The LORD, the King

The stone the builders rejected

True God

True Pasture

True vine (the)

Truth (the)

Upright One

Very Great Reward

Who was and is and is to Come

Way (the)

Word (the)

Wonderful

Yah

Yahweh (older pronunciation Jehovah)

Yahweh Provides (Yahweh-yir’eh, Jehovah-jireh)

Zealous God

So there's absolutely no need to fear!

Tomorrow, tomorrow...I'll love ya tomorrow!

2011-02-20T11:25:00.000-08:00

Created in DSA 2

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 76 where the theme is to create a green card / project. The text which Peggysue chose this week is an unusual text, i.e. Exodus 8:9-11 "Moses said to Pharaoh, 'I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile.' 'Tomorrow," Pharaoh said. Moses replied, 'It will be as you say, so that you may know there is no one like the Lord our God, the frogs will leave you and your houses, your officials and your people; they will remain only in the Nile.'"

Peggysue shares that there is one word which stands out in the passage above and that is the word "tomorrow". When I read Peggysue's message this week, it reminded me of another text, i.e. the one which I have shared in my project above, i.e. Now is the acceptable time; Now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Perhaps you are on the verge of giving your life to Jesus... but not just yet! Please don't put it off until tomorrow... the next day... or the next... next week, next year even... You don't know what tomorrow may bring.

"Now is the acceptable time; Now is the day of salvation." Tomorrow or any time after may just be too late...

P.S. You can read Peggysue's message

HERE (recommended)

Enough is enough!

2011-02-14T04:48:00.000-08:00

Project 2 created in DSA 2

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this card into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 75 where the theme is to create a KISS (keep it straightforward and simple) project. This week's SSIC Challenge is based on Hebrews 13:5 "Be content with whatsoever you have for God has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." This has to be one of the most simplified projects I have made in a long time but I'm pleased with it none the less...

This is my second entry for the challenge this week because I wasn't content with my first entry!!! I thought my first entry was way too fussy and cluttered considering the challenge is to keep our project(s) straightforward and simple... However, this week's challenge text did have a very important spiritual lesson to teach...

Whilst dealing with an overly fussy project, I was reminded through the text in Hebrews 13:5 that Christians are admonished to "be content with whatsoever you have". The word 'content' actually means 'contained'. When I thought about the word 'contained', I was reminded that anything which is contained is generally found in one place and not scattered all over the place. Now consider this in terms of the Christian life and we could say that "we have all we need for life contained in Jesus and we don't need to go outwith Him to find peace, joy, fulfilment, etc".
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Less is more!.
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We've all seen paper crafting projects which have way too many fancy trimmings and embellishments added and if only the crafter had left certain pieces off, their project would have turned out much better. It's the same with our lives... if only we would learn when enough is enough and stop accumulating this world's embellishments and temporary frills and realise that we have every blessing and beauty for life contained in our Lord Jesus Christ. Any more than this, and we could end up complicating and ruining our lives.

Contain yourself!

2011-02-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

Each card / project tells a story: Love this little digital stamp by Mo Manning (Digital Pencil Too). She is such a talented artist.

I am entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 75 where the challenge is based on Hebrews 13:5 and the theme is to create a KISS project (i.e. keeping it straight forward and simple) using only one layer. Oooooh, I love my layers and so this was a bit of a challenge for me this week.

The Christian sign language...

2011-02-06T05:45:00.000-08:00

Each card / project tells a story: I dug out this little digital stamp at the weekend and thought I would use it in my project for the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 75 where the theme is based on the following text:

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

1 John 3:18

We all know how easy it is to love those who are easy to love but what about loving those who do us wrong? What about loving those who hurt us and spitefully use us or try to trip us up simply because we profess to know and follow Christ? How do we go about loving them?

Well first of all, it may help to realise that God's love (agape love) isn't a feeling! Rather, it's a command which involves us giving something of ourselves...

For God so loved the world that He gave His only son

that whosoever believes in Him should not perish

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

... Giving is going to cost us... it isn't cheap!

"Giving is the 'Christian's sign language'

which those who fail to hear God's Word - or refuse to do so

simply cannot fail to read"

(Quote by W McCallum)

Agape love may cost us our pride, i.e. humbling ourselves to obey God regarding doing kind acts towards those who have hurt us, e.g.

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you...”

Agape love may cost us our time, i.e. praying for that someone who despises and treats us badly, e.g.

“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

For some, it may cost the ultimate sacrifice (as it did our Lord Jesus). I am reminded of Jim Elliot, Missionary to the Auca Indians who literally gave his life to bring the love of God to those who would end up spearing him to death.

"He is no fool who GIVES what he cannot keep

to gain what he cannot lose"

(Quote by Jim Elliot)

Jim gave his life for Christ's sake and one day he will receive his rewards in glory.

Likewise, when we do good to those who are anything but good to us, God gives us the opportunity to store up rewards in Heaven...

"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

Matthew 5:12

Don't you just love how God works all things together for our good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:23) - even people who are the opposite of loving towards us!

The still waters of God's Word

2011-01-30T06:48:00.000-08:00

The Pap of Glencoe
Scrapbook page created in DSA 2

Each card / project tells a story: I am happy to share something of the beautiful mountainous scenery on the west coast of Scotland where I originate from. The photo above was taken early in the morning and if you look closely, you will see the moon almost directly above the 'Pap of Glencoe' mountain.

I am entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 74 where the theme is based upon Psalm 23. The challenge is to create a project which incorporates the colours 'green' and 'blue' into the design.

I was delighted when I saw Psalm 23 on the SSIC blog site today... I love this Psalm... it has so much to teach us about the Lord and His tender, loving care towards us.

One verse in particular stood out to me today... "He leads me beside still waters..." (Psalm 23:3)

Do you know that weary and long travelled sheep will not drink from running water - no matter how thirsty they are! However, lead them alongside a still, quiet stream and they will drink very contentedly from such. This set me thinking... if a shepherd knows his sheep well and is aware of all their intricate needs - how much more is this true concerning the Good Shepherd of the sheep?

He leads me beside still waters...

Q. Are you traveling a long and wearisome road through life? Jesus knows and He also knows exactly where the soothing waters of His Word are to be found. He will lead you alongside their water banks where you can be refreshed and restored as you drink from His Word...

The Good Shepherd may lead you alongside a church, a small convention or even a simple web page, etc... or there again He may just simply lead you alongside the still waters [of His Word] in your old living room chair. One thing is for certain - there are refreshing waters to drink from and Jesus will lead you in their way... praise God :D

Flying high

2011-01-09T13:14:00.000-08:00

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this scrapbook page into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge No 71 where the theme is to create a card / project which incorporates 'wings'... I have chosen a familiar text: Isaiah 40:31 for my project.

This particular text is one which is very encouraging...

A couple of interesting facts re: an eagle's flight and sight:

Quote: "The eagle's eyesight is especially remarkable. With vision about five times sharper than our own, an eagle can spot a target as small as a rabbit up to a mile away [whilst soaring high in the sky]. In addition, an eagle has excellent depth perception due to the overlap, of the right and left fields of vision" -- info from Eagle Facts

The Bible teaches us that those who wait upon the Lord (i.e. those who spend time with God in prayer, study of His Word, fasting, patiently listening and watching for God, etc) will rise up with wings as an eagle... Now God does not literally mean that we will fly like an eagle but He is drawing attention to a couple of remarkable attributes concerning the eagle in flight and comparing such with His spiritual promise to those who wait upon Him, e.g.

When we wait upon God, He spiritually raises us above our circumstances by expanding our spiritual vision and depth of perception, i.e. He grants the ability to 'spiritually see' [with the eyes of faith] things we wouldn't normally see / perceive unless we were waiting upon Him.

What a wonderful promise to start the year with.

Soar high sisters :D

Get dressed and prepared for the day... God's way!

2011-01-02T12:50:00.000-08:00

Postcard created in Digital Scrapbook Artist 2

Each card / project tells a story: As Christians enter another new year, may we be mindful that we are in a spiritual battle which does not stop for any special occasion or holiday... The battle we face is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in high places... therefore, if you haven't already done so, get dressed and prepared for the day - God's way...

Significant

2010-12-19T03:31:00.000-08:00

Photo taken 18 December 2010

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this scrapbook project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 70 where the theme is to create a card using an inchie theme. The challege is based upon Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."

This particular text and story found on the Stampin' Sisters in Christ blogsite today reminds me of something I wrote some time ago...

Please read 1 Samuel 17

..1 Samuel 17: 45-47

David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied ... today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air ... and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel ... it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands."

Personal testimony

For almost 2 years (2 years at time of writing - going on 3 1/2 years at this present time), my husband and I have faced a situation which is intimidating to say the least. Without going into great detail, we are in a situation where we are very much a minority facing a powerful majority... it is most definitely an intimidating situation (outside of faith that is)!

The passage of Scripture regarding David and Goliath is one which I draw comfort from... I just know that David would most definitely understand how my husband and I have felt in our own situation... furthermore, we are not the only ones to have faced this giant called 'intimidation / discouragement'... but let us now take a look at the little shepherd boy, David and see what we can learn from his life and experience regarding such...

... If you read 1 Samuel 17:28, you will find that David's very own brother, Eliab tried to intimidate and belittle him with words of discouragement and accusation - and this was even before David faced the intimidating giant, Goliath.
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..."Now Eliab his oldest brother heard [David] when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” (1 Samuel 17:28).

Eliab misunderstood David completely and was angered by what he saw as David's 'pride' and 'insolense'. After all, who did David think he was? Was he foolhardy or was he trying to impress people with a public display of bravado? The truth was - no one really believed David could take on mighty Goliath and live - it wasn't just Eliab who doubted... everyone believed that David was dilluded - not to mention insignificant when it came to comparison with the mighty Goliath - but in fact the truth was God had other plans because David was not facing this giant alone!

What David's brothers, King Saul, Goliath and both the Philistine and Israelite armies all failed to realise was that although David was but a lad, God's favour lay with the teenage shepherd boy. David dared to believe the God of the impossible... and the impossible was about to be unfolded before their very eyes...

God had birthed David with faith to believe Him for victory over Goliath... and when God plants a seed of faith to believe Him for the impossible - nothing... NOTHING... ((((( NOTHING ))))) can stand in the way of God's plan! The enemy may try to sow seeds of intimidation into our minds through circumstancs. Discouragement may also come to us through 'well intentioned' people and may even come via our family or 'Christian family' even... but despite this, we need to remember that when God is for us - no matter how many are against us or how difficult our situation appears to other - we are those who are in the majority...

A few days ago...

A few days ago, someone spoke words of discouragement to me concerning our present situation. They probably didn't realise it but their words started to grow seeds of doubt and intimidation in my heart and mind! I walked away from the conversation upset and downcast and asked the Lord to help me forgive my friend. I doubted very much that they realised the power of discouragement and intimidation which lay in their speech as they spoke what 'they believed would happen' (or else I doubt they would have said what they did) but I just knew I had to forgive them and let go of all the discouragement their words caused...

Later that day, as I was heading for home, the thought came strong and clear into my mind to "speak faith words"... I thanked God for reminding me that it is not what others think or say that matters - but rather what He thinks and says that actually matters...
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"Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God..." (Romans 10:17)

... I started to think about the words from a passage of Scripture which God spoke to me many months previously (when our trial first began). I thanked and praised God for reminding and encouraging me through this passage which the Holy Spirit brought to my mind again... I began to speak the passage of Scripture out loud. "WHY?" you may well ask... and my answer is because God's Word teaches us that, "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God..." (see Romans 10:17) and so what better way to 'hear' God's Word than to speak it out and listen to it (also putting ourselves under the ministry of faithful ministers/pastors, etc all helps regarding such)...

NB At this point, I would like to make it very clear that I do not speak Scripture out loud for any 'magical' purposes (that's mere delusion) and nor do I believe in the 'name it and claim it type ministries' which are abounding today (that's deception); however, I do speak Scripture out loud in order to:

1 Hear it (as mentioned afore) because I firmly believe that listening to Scripture helps to build up faith in our Father (Romams 10:17).

2 Help me focus upon God and not my problems

3 One more thing I would like to add is that it is worthwhile noting that David practiced 'speaking faith words' also, e.g. 1 Samuel 17: 45-47 (see words in italics below)...

David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied ... today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air ... and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel ... it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17: 45-47).

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...As I continued to walk home, I started to remember even more passages of Scripture which have been an encouragement to me over these past two years (some of which I have included on 'In Step with the Lord') and I began to meditate on these things and speak them out loud also because if anyone needed faith building at that moment in time - it was me! However, I also kept thinking back to what my Christian friend had said earlier that day!

Speaking to God in prayer and speaking God's Word out loud are definitely steps in the right direction - but this is not enough...

... The next day, I was feeling even more discouraged and downcast! I was still praying. I was still speaking Scripture out loud but a cloud of discouragement remained over me! I kept thinking back to the words of my friend. Then the thought dawned on me - I could choose to let discouragement take hold on my heart or I could choose to step out in faith and focus on the Lord instead....

... I chose the latter thankfully... i.e. just as David chose to ignore the intimidating words and situation which faced him and instead focus upon the Lord - so I choose to do so also! Yes, like David, our situation looks impossible 'in the eyes of others' but through the focused lense of Scripture, I can see things more with God's perspective, i.e. "WHEN GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?" (see Romans 8:31); also, "God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28).

... Are you facing an intimidating situation? Has someone spoken words which have left you feeling small, discouraged and frightened? If so...

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REMEMBER: whenever intimidation and discouragement strike:
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1 SPEAK TO GOD IN PRAYER,
2 SPEAK FAITH WORDS (i.e. God's Word as described above) and finally...
3 STAY FOCUSSED UPON GOD

...then watch the giant of 'intimidation/discouragement' take a tumble...

Who needs encouragement?

2010-12-12T03:08:00.000-08:00

Scrapbook page created in DSA 2

Each card/project tells a story: I am entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters Challenge No 69 where the theme is to create a card / project which uses encouraging words as it's theme.

This past week I have looked back upon a few journal entries which were written some time ago. I love to record things which the Lord teaches me and quite often look up such teachings when in need of spiritual encouragement. I believe this is good practice because God often directed the children of Israel to remember (i.e. reflect/look back upon) the way He led His children in the past. I believe He did so to encourage and strengthen them in the fact that He is the same yesterday, today and forever... It is my hope that you will be encouraged as I share one of my past journal entries with you regarding this truth...

Journal entry is based upon 1 Samuel 30:1-19

Perhaps you’ve had ‘one of those days’ when the washing machine has broken down, or the car won’t start, or maybe the children have been playing up again and you feel like screaming . . . perhaps worse still, you've had a bad doctor’s report or you've just heard that you are going to be made redundant before Christmas, or some other dilemma faces you...

Before you read any further, if you haven’t already done so, please take a little time to consider reading David’s plight as recorded in 1 Samuel 30:1-19 . . .
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Talk about stress!
...

Everything was going against David. His family had been kidnapped, his home destroyed and all his possessions were stolen; added to this, his comrades were whispering against him and considering having him stoned to death. Putting it mildly, David was NOT having a good day!

What would David’s men do next... and what was David going to do?

In 1 Samuel 30, we find that there are 2 reactions recorded in this passage which relate to the different ways David and his men dealt with this stressful situation:

(1) The first reaction recorded is: “…the people [David’s comrades] spoke of stoning him [David], because the soul of all the people was grieved” (1 Samuel 30:6a).

Understandably, David’s men were upset! Their wives, children and possessions had been stolen by the Amalekites (a fearsome and terrible tribe) and all this happened whilst they were away from home fighting alongside David for his cause. These men had every right to be upset; however, it is not long before we find that many of David’s soldiers move on from being upset to playing the ‘blame game’ and they start blaming David for the situation they find themselves in. These soldiers emotions are running high (1 Samuel 6a). They are not thinking straight or logically at this point. They are battle weary having just returned from their latest conquest and they are exhausted.
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Sometimes, we can find ourselves in overwhelming situations and feel worn out from life’s strains and stresses; likewise during such times, our ‘feelings’ can cloud our better judgement and we can end up blaming others and/or making unwise decisions if we act in the moment or dwell on our emotions. It is never wise to make decisions when we are angry or tired. The Word of God tells us in Proverbs 29:11 that "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control."
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A better way

(2) On the other hand however, we find a very different reaction from David...
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David is in the same situation as his soldiers (only added to his problems is the fact that certain of his soldiers are also considering stoning him to death!). David is definitely having his fair share of problems . . . however, all is not lost because we soon discover that unlike these particular soldiers who fretted, feared and allowed their feelings to cloud their better judgement, David chose to remain faithful to God by “encouraging himself in the Lord.” (see 1 Samuel 30:6b) and he did so in the following 3 ways:

Firstly, David stayed upon the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6b)

David was facing a difficult and dangerous dilemma and yet he did not crumble under the pressure of such and lose his faith; rather he remained ‘stayed upon the Lord’. David did not focus upon his situation or his feelings; rather he took his eyes off both and focused solely upon the Lord and this is what would give him the strength to endure. I reckon the Hymn writer Frances Havergal understood this well when he penned the famous old Hymn which tells us:

Stayed upon Jehovah

Hearts are fully blessed

Finding as He promised,

Perfect peace and rest.

Secondly, David spoke faith words (1 Samuel 30:7)

"Bring me the ephod. . ." (1 Samuel 30:7) - David knew that when he requested the ephod to be brought to him that the priest (and anyone else gathered around at the time) would know that he was placing his trust in the Lord to give him direction. David was not ashamed to own His Lord; nor was he ashamed that others would know Whom he trusted his life to. When David asked for the *ephod, he was in fact affirming his trust in God’s guidance and by doing so he was speaking words which contained faith in God's guidance.
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I wonder, "What kind of words do we speak when undergoing trials and difficulties?" Do we speak words of faith and hope or are we afraid to tell others that we are trusting in the Lord? Speaking faith words in difficult situations is a testimony to those around us (i.e. those who are watching our lives during trials and difficulties); it is also a testimony to those in the spiritual realms (i.e. the Heavenlies). Added to all this, speaking faith words also affirms our trust in the Lord which in turn 'strengthens us in Him. I just love this snowball effect!

Thirdly, David sought the Lord for guidance (1 Samuel 30:8)

Unlike certain of his fellow soldiers, David did not rely on his feelings and neither did he rely on the other men who still stood with him to influence him in his thinking! Rather David sought the Lord for guidance as to what he should do next, e.g. So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” (1 Samuel 30: 8).

Our Lord Jesus left us this very same example. Whenever Jesus was about to face any life changing situations, difficulties or decisions, He turned aside and sought the Father's will in prayer first and foremost.
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The rest is history...
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This takes us to the outcome of this passage of text found in 2 Samuel 30. What happened in the end? Well, the rest, as they say, "is History!" The Lord directed David in his decision making; David and his mens' families were rescued out of the hands of the Amelekites and returned home safely. Added to this, the Lord spared David's life from the hands of those who were plotting to kill him. "Great result", however I do not doubt that a very different example would have been recorded in the Word of God if David had not “encouraged himself in the Lord”.
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This whole episode has made me consider: "What will life record about each of us?" Fretful, fearful and faithless whenever difficulties touch our lives? I truly hope not! It is my honest prayer that we have each been encouraged and/or challenged by this account of David’s testimony and that we too will be found to be faithful via “encouraging ourselves in the Lord.” thereby walking in step with the Lord whatever stressful situations enter our lives - both now and always.
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Note:
* ephod - we do not have the OT priest's ephod today for guidance in important matters but we do have the Great High Priest's Holy Spirit to guide via His peace. God's peace will rule in our hearts if we are walking on the right path and He will remove His peace otherwise.

Whiter than snow

2010-12-05T05:32:00.000-08:00

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 68 where the theme is to create a card / project that is white with the splash of red... the challenge is based on Isaiah 1:18.

This past week, Scotland has been hit with the most snow on record for over 20 years. The most beautiful of landscapes appear even more spectacular and even old, broken down buildings, etc look beautiful covered in this stunning winter blanket.

Isaiah 1:18 Come now and let us reason together," says the Lord, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Just as the snow in winter covers broken down buildings and makes them look acceptable and beautiful in appearance - so too the blood of Jesus makes sinners (who are broken down in their sin through repentance) acceptable and beautiful in God's sight. This may come as a shock to many, however such is the power of Jesus' blood atonement. .
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God's Word teaches us that "...there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the spirit" (Romans 8:1). This is a text which has been going around in my mind this past week and it reminds me that the world would have the children of God believe that we can never be forgiven our sin(s). The world may talk about our sin to others or even cast it up to our faces but God's Word teaches us that such condemnation does not come from Him but from 'the flesh'. If we have confessed and repented of our sin, then we need not heed what others (i.e. the flesh) believe because we live not according to what others think or say but rather according to a new set of principles (i.e. God's principles) which are spiritual life and truth and give us a new way of living and thinking.
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Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the father but through me."

Thank God for the precious blood of Jesus
which cleanses repentant sinners from sin.

Joy despite difficult circumstances

2010-11-28T05:52:00.000-08:00

Each card / project tells a story: I am entering this project into the Stampin' Sisters in Christ Challenge No 67 where the theme is based on "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13. The challenge this week is to create a card / project which delivers encouragement...

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

What does this mean?

The "all things" does not mean that we can lift a ton weight with our little finger, or jump off a building and fly; nor does it mean that we can plan to do anything we like and God will ensure it happens!

Rather, the "all things" which Philippians 4:13 refers to is anything which God's Word teaches His children to obey, e.g. honour your father and your mother, pray without ceasing, sing praises to God, etc.

Sometimes, due to our circumstances, it may be difficult to obey God's teachings... I think particularly in regard to singing praises to God when all around us seems to be falling apart...

A fair exchange!

Have you noticed that during difficult times a "spirit of heaviness" seems to rest upon us? Well, God's Word offers relief for such times because it teaches us that God gives us "...the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness", e.g.

"The Lord has anointed me to preach good things to the depressed, the afflicted, and the humble. To heal the broken hearted, set the captives free, and open prison doors for those who can’t get out of bondage. To give to them who mourn, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." (Isaiah 61:1,3)

Don't get down - get dressed!

A 'garment' is something we put on... but how do we put on the "garment of praise" spoken about in Isaiah 61?

We can do this by looking up our favourite hymns, choruses, CD's, etc and singing along with them (despite our initial feelings)!

When we begin to praise God in the midst of our sadness, the power and promise of God's Word is released and the spiritual atmosphere in our home and surrounding environment begins to change from one of heaviness to one of renewed hope and joy in the Lord; this in turn strengthens us to face our situation and keep on keeping on...

Last week, a theme which stood out to me was one concerning God giving David "songs in the night" e.g.

"Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the LORD will command his loving kindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." Psalm 42:7-8. (See also Psalm 77:6 & Job 35:10)

We all need "songs in the night" [i.e. songs during the dark and difficult situations we may face]. Such songs help to encourage and strengthen us in our faith and cast off depression.

If you don't have a favourite hymn, chorus, poem, etc, ask God to give you one which will help encourage you and focus your attention on Him. He will bring a song / or songs to your attention which will be just right for you.

Blessings

Wendy M