From the East to the West
December 30, 2015So, if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:26-27
paper & lightning by Marta van Eck
Cherubim of Glory
December 29, 2015Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. Hebrews 9:5
The cherubim had their wings spread upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward each other; the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat. Exodus 37:9
For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim made a covering over the ark and its poles from above. 1 Kings 8:7
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. John 20:11-12
paper by Marta van Eck, wings by Createwings Designs (blended with paper by Optic Impressions)
Your People Will Volunteer
December 28, 2015This is the declaration of the Lord
to my Lord:
“Sit at My right hand
until I make Your enemies Your footstool.”
The Lord will extend Your mighty scepter from Zion.
Rule over Your surrounding enemies.
Your people will volunteer
on Your day of battle.
In holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn,
the dew of Your youth belongs to You.
The Lord has sworn an oath and will not take it back:
“Forever, You are a priest
like Melchizedek.”
Psalm 110:1-4
paper by Eena's Creation blended with my texture, cloud elements and page overlay by Marta van Eck
Hidden
December 27, 2015Seek the Lord,
All you humble of the earth
Who have carried out His ordinances;
Seek righteousness, seek humility.
Perhaps you will be hidden
In the day of the Lord’s anger.
Zephaniah 2:3
The name Zephaniah means "Hidden Of God."
paper by Holliewood Studios, elements: A Timeless Romance by Alexis Design Studio
Enter Your Chambers
December 26, 2015Come, My people, enter your chambers,
and shut your doors behind you;
hide yourselves for a little while
until the fury has passed by.
For behold, the Lord is coming out from His place
to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity,
and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it,
and will no more cover its slain.
Isaiah 26:20-21
paper by Holliewood Studios, cream foliage: Creative Victorian Designs, elements: A Timeless Romance by Alexis Design Studio
Keep Your Vows
December 25, 2015Make vows to the LORD your God, and keep them. Let everyone bring tribute to the Awesome One. Psalm 76:11
paper by Miss Behaving Workshop, textures by me
Obey the King
December 24, 2015Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would. Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants. His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it. Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble. Ecclesiastes 8:2-6 NLT
papers (blended) by Krysty Designs, foliage by Creative Victorian Designs, ribbon by Alexis Design Studio, texture by me
The Word Gives Light
December 23, 2015The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand.
Psalm 119:130
papers (blended) by Marta van Eck and Optic Impressions, texture by me
Way of Holiness
December 22, 2015And a highway shall be there,
and it shall be called the Way of Holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it.
It shall belong to those who walk on the Way;
even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.
Isaiah 35:8
paper by Marta van Eck, texture by me, elements: No Crow Zone by Kristmess Designs
One God
December 21, 2015Let all the world look to Me for salvation!
For I am God; there is no other.
Isaiah 45:22
kit: Winter Fantasy by MDesigns Creations
A Noble Theme
December 20, 2015My heart is stirred by a noble theme
as I recite my verses for the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
Psalm 45:1
paper by Marta van Eck; elements: Brad's Paisley stacked papers by Kristmess Designs; Holiday Crush Picks by Creative Victorian Designs
Perfect Through Suffering
December 19, 2015But we see Him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that He, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the Founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:9-10
paper by Marta van Eck, elements: Aunt Lily stacked papers by Kristmess Designs
Son of the Most High
December 18, 2015And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." Luke 1:30-33
papers (blended): Noel Bokeh by Helly Designs, elements: Sweet Evasions by Valentina Creations
God of Hope
December 17, 2015
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
paper by Marta Designs, elements by Creative Victorian Designs, Optic Impressions, Juno Designs and Mandy King
Covenant for the People
December 16, 2015Thus says God, the Lord,
who created the heavens mand stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people on it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
“I am the Lord; I have called You in righteousness;
I will take You by the hand and keep You;
I will give You as a Covenant for the people,
a Light for the nations,
to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
Isaiah 42:5-7
papers by Saskia Designs and Kristmess Designs (blended with color texture),
elements: Regal Elegance by Kristmess Designs
Who Has Known?
December 15, 2015Oh, the depth of the riches
both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God!
How unsearchable His judgments
and untraceable His ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been His counselor?
Or who has ever first given to Him,
and has to be repaid?
For from Him and through Him
and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
paper and mist by Marta van Eck, photo corners and borders by Kristmess Designs
Rejoice in Hope
December 14, 2015Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2
paper by Marta van Eck, page border by BekahE, texture by me
Maker of Heaven and Earth
December 13, 2015This is what the Lord says:
“Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Could you build me a temple as good as that?
Could you build me such a resting place?
My hands have made both heaven and earth;
they and everything in them are mine.
I, the Lord, have spoken!
Isaiah 66:1-2a
papers (blended) by Marta van Eck, swirls: Get Your Skate On by Kristmess Designs
The Chosen One
December 12, 2015
Behold My Servant, whom I uphold,
My Chosen, in whom My soul delights;
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the nations.
Isaiah 42:1
Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him." John 1:32
kit: Indigo Sunrise by Mscraps Designers, papers (blended) by NBK Designs
My Chosen, in whom My soul delights;
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the nations.
Isaiah 42:1
Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him." John 1:32
kit: Indigo Sunrise by Mscraps Designers, papers (blended) by NBK Designs
Precious Blood
December 11, 2015
If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your sojourning; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 1 Peter 1:17-19
paper: Noel by Helly Designs, elements: Attimo by Valentina Creations (some colors adjusted)
paper: Noel by Helly Designs, elements: Attimo by Valentina Creations (some colors adjusted)
The Lord's Glory
December 10, 2015My glory I give to no other,
nor My praise to carved idols.
Isaiah 42:8
paper by Saskia Designs blended with my texture, elements by Creative Victorian Designs, BekahE Designs and Laitha's Designs (colors adjusted)
Fullness of God
December 09, 2015
For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His cross. Colossians 1:19-20
kit: Kristmess Cardinals by Kristmess Designs
kit: Kristmess Cardinals by Kristmess Designs
Salvation to the Ends of the Earth
December 08, 2015paper & elements by Optic Impressions
A Light for the Gentiles
December 07, 2015
Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as You have promised,
You may now dismiss Your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen Your Salvation,
which You have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a Light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of Your people Israel.”
Luke 2:28-32
paper: Noel Bokeh by Helly Designs, elements: Vintage Charm by Optic Impressions
Shine as Lights
December 06, 2015
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:14-15
Humility Before Honor
December 05, 2015
Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. Proverbs 18:12
kit: Chocolate Kisses by Kristmess Designs; template by Eudora Designs; chocoloate photo from Morgue File
Do So to Them
December 04, 2015Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:30-31
kit: Gingerbread Kisses, including borders by Kristmess Designs
Contentment
December 03, 2015But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:6-7
kit: Gingerbread Kisses, including borders by Kristmess Designs
Turns Away from Evil
December 02, 2015By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil. Proverbs 16:6
kit: Gingerbread Kisses, including Stacked Papers by Kristmess Designs
Pure and Undefiled
December 01, 2015Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27
kit: Gingerbread Kisses, including Stacked Papers by Kristmess Designs
A People Yet Unborn
November 30, 2015
Posterity shall serve Him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; they shall come and proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn, that He has done it. Psalm 22:30-31
kit: Gingerbread Kisses, including Stacked Papers by Kristmess Designs
The Word Saves
November 29, 2015
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21
kit: Gingerbread Kisses by Kristmess Designs (some colors modified)
Crucified with Christ
November 28, 2015
For through the law I have died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:19-20
kit: Chocolate Kisses by Kristmess Designs, template by Little Green Frog Designs (retired)
The Exchange
November 27, 2015
Do you ever worry? I think that if we’re honest, we all have to
answer ‘yes’ to that question. Things
happen every day that we have no control over.
Just watching the news could strike us with fear some days. Even if we feel safe from major disasters,
personal tragedies are common. No one
escapes completely–concerns about health, finances and other daily burdens
weigh us down.
How do we deal with it? We trust.
Whom do we trust? God. He’s the only One who is able to handle it
all and keep us in His perfect peace.
When Jesus died on the cross almost 2,000 years ago, He conquered the
world. When we place our trust in Him,
we have become conquerors as well.
[Jesus said] "I have said these things to
you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have
tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He
who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 And who is the one who conquers the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5
Jesus came to give us rest from our burdens. He was not talking about taking away every
problem we might ever face, but that He will take us home to be with Him when
this life is over–and while we’re here, He promises to help us through whatever
happens. So we can know that in the end,
all is well, because we know that He is in control. If we know that He is good and all powerful,
then we also know that we don’t need to fear anything that happens to us,
because He loves us. The wisest thing we
could ever do is to believe in and trust Jesus.
Let Him handle it. He is
able. “Come to Me, all you who are weary
and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn
from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the
mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all
your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
And I pray that you, being rooted and established
in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how
wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this
love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all
the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17b-19
The Bible is our instruction manual on how to
live in this world that is our temporary home.
We know what to do because the word of God says to pray
continually. We don’t even need to know
exactly what or how to pray if we are truly born again, because God has adopted
us as His dear children and given us His Spirit to help us. It’s an unbelievably favorable exchange for
us–we give something we need to get rid of (our worries) and He gives us what
we desperately want and need (His peace).
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every
situation, 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 And He who searches hearts knows what is the
mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according
to the will of God. Romans 8:27
The best part is that God is pleased with this
exchange! We are not annoying Him in any
way to ask Him to work on our behalf and even expect Him to. That is exactly what He wants us to do–to
acknowledge our helplessness and that only He knows what is best. To submit
our will to His, because He is perfectly capable and we are not. To recognize that everything He does or
allows is for our good, out of His love for us.
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in
the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put
their hope in His unfailing love. Psalm 147:10-11
But in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes,
I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from His sanctuary; my cry to Him
reached His ears. Psalm 18:6 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10 You keep him in perfect peace whose
mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so
that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in My
name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14
Now this is the confidence we have before Him: Whenever we ask anything
according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we
ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for. 1 John 5:14-15
Sadly, most of us at one time or another have
asked things from God without a single thought about what His will is on the
matter. We ask for what we want
according to our own desires, then wonder if God hears or cares about us when we
don’t receive our request. This couldn’t
be further from the truth. He cares too
much to give us what we asked according to our faulty understanding and
knowledge when He has perfect knowledge and understanding, and His will is
always best. Our greatest desire should
be to please Him, so what we ask for should reflect that. Our goal in making our requests should be to
receive something we need to serve Him better, not to presume to know better
than He does what is good for us. You
ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend
it on your evil desires. James 4:3
It pleases God to lavish His love on us. When we acknowledged our sinful state and
need for a Savior, placing our trust in His Son, He made us His children. But to all who believed him and accepted
him, Jesus gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12
Look at how great a love the Father has given us that we should be
called God’s children. And we are! The reason the world does not know us is
that it didn’t know Him. 1 John 3:1
We could never do anything to earn God’s love or
even deserve it. It’s a gift. However, we can show our appreciation by
doing what He said He expected of us in the Bible. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us,
we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because
we keep His commandments and do what pleases Him. 1 John 3:21-22 The first and most
important thing He expects is to believe.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who
comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those
who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
In fact, this is love for God: to keep His
commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God
overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our
faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that
Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John
5:3-5
We want peace, right? We want to feel safe and secure, cared for
and loved. We have all of that if we
have Jesus. So what will be our
response? God tells us in His word what
it should be. Flee from youthful
passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those
who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22 But the fruit of
the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
This dying world says that God changes with the
times, and that much of the Bible is irrelevant for today. That is simply not true. We should continue seeking to do good and
behave as a child of God until He takes us to be with Him. This is not always popular, but we each have
a choice to make–the one that affects honors our eternal Creator and Savior, or
the one that pleases our sinful self and this temporary world. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday
and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 For
it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will,
than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:17 Religion that is pure and undefiled before
God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and
to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27
God values peace as well, and we are meant to
reflect His beautiful nature–He will reward us richly if we do. Anyone who says that God doesn’t expect
anything of us is horribly mistaken. Pursue
peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the
Lord. Hebrews 12:14 So if you are offering your gift at the altar
and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift
there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and
then come and offer your gift. Matthew
5:23-24 And this commandment we have
from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. 1 John
4:21
When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, He
causes their enemies to make peace with them. Proverbs 16:7 In just a little while, the wicked will be
no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land
and delight themselves in abundant peace. Psalm 37:10-11
Want to stay in God’s on “good side?” We can, by His power inside of us. Relying on His strength the only way to
overcome our sinful nature and live in a way pleasing to Him. Continue to work out your salvation with
fear and trembling, for it is God who is working in you, enabling you both
to desire and to work out His good purpose.” Philippians 2:12b-13
If we love God, we should love what He loves. Most importantly, we would never reject the
Father’s unimaginably great gift of His Son to pay the penalty for our sin so
that we can receive eternal life. If
you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart
that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart
one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is
saved. For the Scripture says, “Whoever
believes in Him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:9-11 Anyone who believes in Him is not
condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he
has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God. John 3:18
Then we will want to read the Bible (not a “special”
version or supplemental material claiming to be from God) to find out
what is important to God and put ALL of our trust in Him. That is the ONLY way to have true peace. Wait and rest in the assurance that He loves
you and knows what is best, and when is best, if ever. Great peace have those who love your
law; nothing can make them stumble.
Psalm 119:165 Wait for the LORD;
Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. Psalms 27:14
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the
Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 Trust
in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in
all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs
3:5-6
If it seems as though our prayers are not being
answered, then we might question whether the requests we made were within God’s
will. Or we may need to examine
ourselves and see if we are honoring God with our lives. He is more concerned with our right
relationship with Him and the big picture than with temporary concerns. If we always put Him first in all
ways, in everything, we can be assured that we are in His will and He is
working it all out for the best. And
we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who
love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
If we stray from His truth or get distracted from
loving Him wholeheartedly, then we can expect Him to deal with us in whatever
way He needs to in order to do accomplish His good purpose in our life. In fact, it should trouble us deeply if we “get
away” with anything for very long. If
you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then
you are illegitimate children and not sons. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time,
but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and
righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:8, 11 However, there is
nothing He will not forgive except rejecting His Son. We need only ask, and turn from our
sin. If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you;
go and sin no more." John
8:11b Jesus never approved of
deliberate sin–an effort is expected.
Those who are born of God do not desire to dishonor God by making a
habit of sin. We may think our sin is
not as bad as someone else’s, but actually all sin is against God and we are
each individually answerable to Him. God
will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, and He will provide a way
out so that you can endure it. 1
Corinthians 10:13 Submit yourselves
therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for His
seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of
God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the
children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God,
nor is the one who does not love his brother.
1 John 3:9-10
For the time that is past suffices for doing what
the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies,
drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised
when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they
malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the
living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:3-5
God knows what He is doing. He is perfect in every possible way,
including His timing. If we honestly know
Him, then we should have no doubts, questions, criticisms or concerns about His
ways. Those very ways are the ones we
should strive to make our ways. For
as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your
ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9 But the wisdom from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits,
unwavering, without hypocrisy. James
3:17
He values peace just as much, no more, than we
do. His wisdom results in everything we
should want, if we would just have the sense to accept and follow His way. He loves us.
We can trust Him. Then justice
will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness abide in the fruitful
field. And the effect of righteousness
will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust
forever. Isaiah 32:16-17 There is no fear in love; instead, perfect
love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who
fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:18-19
He doesn’t leave us to try to reach His high
standards on our own. It’s
impossible. He is the only One
who can enable us to succeed and help us to overcome our selfish nature. For to set the mind on the flesh is death,
but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that
is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to
God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot
please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the
Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ
does not belong to Him. Romans 8:6-9 “If you love Me, you will keep My
commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another
Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot
receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He
dwells with you and will be in you.
John 14:15-17
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more
than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within
us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all
generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 Now may the God of
peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body
be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He
will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians
5:23-24
Now may the God of peace, who brought up
from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—with the blood of
the everlasting covenant, equip you with all that is good to do
His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus
Christ. Glory belongs to Him forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
Jesus concisely summarized His commandments to
us. If we do what He said, we will have
obeyed all of them by doing two simple things.
We do them not to save ourselves, but out of obedience because of our love for Him for who He is and everything He’s done, including saving us
(if we have believed and confessed in Him, surrendering our will and making Him as Lord of our life). He finished
it–we’re free from being enslaved from sin, from the punishment we
deserve, from trying to earn God’s love and acceptance. Our walk in this life, carrying our cross, is
to meant to be a walk in His footsteps.
We are to be changed on the inside to be like Him, because that is the will of our Father. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 This is exactly what we should want more than anything–because we love Him and belong to Him–He is our all in all.
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is
this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind
and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as
yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31
By this we know that we have come to know
Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know
Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not
in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been
perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in
Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 1 John 2:3-6
So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had
believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples
of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32
Is there anything that could be considered too
much for God to ask of us? The One who made the entire universe and everything in it loves us! He provided
the means of peace between us and Himself, all of His own doing–an unfathomably
precious gift to us. And yet, He asks
nothing more than that we love, serve, honor and obey Him. We are here to glorify His great and holy
name with our lives by showing our love for Him and shining his light of truth on the world. What a privilege!
For a child will be born to us, a Son will be
given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will
be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the
throne of David and over His kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with
justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of
hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7
Lovingkindness and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Psalm 85:10 Therefore, since we have been made right in
God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ
our Lord has done for us. Romans 5:1
Good news!
We don’t have to worry! Isn’t
that a relief? I sure think it is. Such a relief that I want to share this Good
News with everyone! I’m so thankful,
aren’t you? This is true freedom. “I am the way, the truth and the
life. No one comes to the Father except
through Me.” John 14:6 If the Son sets you free, you will be free
indeed. John 8:36
Let the peace of Christ rule in your
hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with
these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in
harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2
Corinthians 13:11
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make
His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His
countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
Available as pdf download on side bar.
Credits: stained glass photo from Morgue File (edited), hands w/frames by Hummie's World
Credits: stained glass photo from Morgue File (edited), hands w/frames by Hummie's World
Make Known His Deeds
November 26, 2015
With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.
And you will say in that day:
“Give thanks to the Lord,
call upon His name,
make known His deeds among the peoples,
proclaim that His name is exalted.”
Isaiah 12:3-4
kit: October Daze Stacked Papers by Kristmess Designs
Sing Praises
November 25, 2015
I will sing of lovingkindness and justice,
To You, O Lord, I will sing praises.
Psalm 101:1
kit: Autumn Tweethearts, including stacked papers by Kristmess Designs
Triumphal Procession
November 24, 2015
But thank God! He has made us His captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now He uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 2 Corinthians 2:14
kit: Autumn Tweethearts, including stacked papers by Kristmess Designs
Blameless Way
November 23, 2015
My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me. Psalm 101:6
kit: Autumn Tweethearts, including stacked papers by Kristmess Designs
Blameless Heart
November 22, 2015with a blameless heart.
I will not look with approval
on anything that is vile.
I hate what faithless people do;
I will have no part in it.
The perverse of heart shall be far from me;
I will have nothing to do with what is evil.
Psalm 101:2b-4
kit: Autumn Tweethearts, including borders by Kristmess Designs
Never Weary
November 21, 2015Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
Isaiah 40:28
kit: Autumn Tweethearts by Kristmess Designs; template by Little Green Frog Designs (retired)
Pay My Vows
November 20, 2015
What shall I render to the Lord
for all his benefits to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord,
I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.
Psalm 116:12-14
kit: Autumn Tweethearts by Kristmess Designs; template by Little Green Frog Designs (retired)
Be Separate
November 19, 2015
What agreement has the temple of God with idols?
For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,
“I will make My dwelling among them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be My people.
Therefore go out from their midst,
and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch no unclean thing;
then I will welcome you,
and I will be a Father to you,
and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,
says the Lord Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
kit: November Daze stacked papers by Kristmess Designs
The Race
November 18, 2015
[God’s reply to Jeremiah's plea for the wicked
people who are persecuting him to be judged.]
“If you have raced with runners and they have worn you out, how can
you compete with horses? If you stumble in a peaceful land, what will you do in
the thickets of the Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5
This verse has amazing relevance to our times,
which is not surprising, since God's word is timeless just as He is. I think if we were to re-phrase Jeremiah 12:5
for today, it might look something like this:
My people who are called by My Name - if you are
already weary from fighting in My army during easy times when the battle has
just begun, if (unlike Jeremiah was) you are not strong enough to withstand the
pressure from this fallen world to deny Me when the "punishment" is
to be "unliked" in social media for having an unpopular but biblical
opinion or stance, then how will you stand up for Me when there is a REAL
consequence - whether catastrophic financial ruin, imprisonment, physical pain
or even death? If you remain quiet while
My Holy Name and My Truth are attacked by the "wisdom" of men even
though you have freedom to defend them, how will you suddenly become courageous
and speak up during a time when you are no longer permitted by law to do so?
This world we live in does not equate truth with
love anymore. Then we will no longer
be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of
new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies
so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth
in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of
his body, the church. Ephesians 4:14-15 They're in rebellion against God and prefer
to embrace their own version of "truth". For the time will come when people will
not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will
gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears
want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn
aside to myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4
The moment a viewpoint is expressed by anyone
that clashes with theirs, that is the end of their "tolerance" as
well as your freedom of speech and religion in their selfish, unenlightened
minds. The person without the
Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but
considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they
are discerned only through the Spirit. 1
Corinthians 2:14 For God’s wrath
is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people
who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known
about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. Romans 1:18-19
They think that believers are ignorant and
stupid, but God says otherwise. Do
not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of
this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the
wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He
catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the
thoughts of the wise are futile.” 1
Corinthians 3:18-20 He says that the beginning of wisdom begins with
knowing Him. Thus says the Lord: “Let
not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his
might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast
in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who
practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these
things I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24
For the message of the cross is foolishness to
those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written: “I will destroy
the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the
philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21
For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him,
God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who
believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach
Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but
to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and
the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,
and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you
were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not
many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the
foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of
the world to shame the strong. 1
Corinthians 1:18-27
God desires a humble and penitent heart trusting
only in Him. He detests pride. Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Psalm 40:4 My son, if you will receive my words and
treasure my commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline
your heart to understanding; for if you cry for discernment, lift your voice
for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for
hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover
the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that people who are considered wise by this
world’s standards know better than what you learned from the Word as a follower
of Christ. But even if our gospel is
veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing, among whom the god of
this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not
see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
Do we want to be popular or do we want people to
hear about and receive salvation? If
you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because
the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a
murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a
Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 1
Peter 4:14-16 God says that to be friends with the world is to be His
enemy. You adulterous people, don’t
you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore,
anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4 He forewarns us to expect that
the world will not accept us or our message.
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world
would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer
part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates
you." John 15:18-19 I have given them your word, and the world
has hated them, because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not
belong to the world. John 17:14
Shall we obey the world when they tell us that
our message is not welcome and to keep it to ourselves? What did Jeremiah choose to do? He willingly suffered persecution for the
Lord. Peter and the other apostles
refused to remain silent even after being jailed for it. “We gave you clear orders not to teach in
Jesus’ name,” he said. “But you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching...” Peter and the other apostles replied, “We
must obey God instead of men!” Acts
5:28-29
This life is not about us. We are here to glorify God by serving Him
faithfully the entire time we have. This
life is short. Do we keep in mind
that the gospel is about eternity?! Whoever
believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see
life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
John 3:36 The world wants “freedom” from God, not realizing
that He is the only Way to have true, everlasting freedom:
For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in
regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the
things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of
God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. Romans 6:20-22
There can be no higher goal than making sure that
we all know God and what He wants–how to please Him–because He is the
only One worthy of being our top priority. The earth and everything in it, including
everyone, belongs to Him. He made
it. He maintains it. He has a good, perfect plan for it. He will not fail. He never has.
His success does not depend upon us in any way. He gave us free will to decide whether we
will choose to please Him or ourselves.
It is our privilege and honor to lay down the free will He gifted us
with and take up His instead, serving Him alone with everything we have to
offer. Only by doing so can we bring Him
honor and glory, for which He will reward us.
No man ever won a race on foot against a horse at
all, let alone during troubled times and over rough terrain. What is God talking about in that verse at
the top? I believe it's this: Just as
with everything, God is not deterred at all by the opposition to His
will. Nothing ever takes Him by
surprise. He wants those of us who are
His to be prepared to stand firm, relying on His strength in this
race. His pleasure is not in the
strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord
delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.
Psalm 147:10-11
It’s a fight against evil that we are unable to
see. The Holy Spirit is not visible to
our eye, but we can see the beautiful fruits of His life-giving work in and
through us. "The wind blows
where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes
from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the
Spirit." John 3:8 The power of
the evil "ruler of this world" is also invisible to us, but we can
see the effects of it. God tells us the
only way to walk in the victory He has already won:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the
strength of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be
able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle
against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor
of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all,
to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,
and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your
feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all
circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all
the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the
Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all
perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that
words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of
the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it
boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians
6:10-20
We can usually tell a lot about what is in a
person's heart, and therefore who they belong to, by their actions and
attitudes. By this the children of
God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice
righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. 1 John 3:10 The children of God are told not to behave
the same as wordly people do: With
the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they
are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far
from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their
hearts against Him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful
pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that isn’t what
you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have
learned the truth that comes from Him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature
and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23
Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new
nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. 25 So stop telling
lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the
same body. Ephesians 4:17-25
Satan always tries to impersonate God, but he has
no good in him whatsoever, so his fruits are rotten to the core. Jesus said to them, “If God were your
Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of My
own accord, but He sent me. 43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is
because you cannot bear to hear My word. 44 You are of your father the devil,
and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the
beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.
When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the
father of lies. 45 But because I tell the truth, you do not believe
me. 46 Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not
believe me? 47 Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you
do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 8:42-47
Satan’s goal is to destroy us in order to hurt
God, because we were made in God's image.
(Genesis 1, 2) He does it by
encouraging us to doubt what God really said and by tempting us to sin (Genesis
3), by twisting scriptures and even calling into question God’s existence. Satan knows he can’t win against God, but he
knows how much God loves us–so he tries to bring us low so that we'll dishonor
God, our loving Maker and Redeemer. Satan lost the war almost 2,000 years ago. And having disarmed the
powers and authorities, Jesus made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over
them by the cross. Colossians 2:15 Yet, he persists in fighting these battles in
order to do as much damage as possible before his time is up.
“How you are fallen from heaven,
O shining star, son of the morning!
You have been thrown down to the earth,
you who destroyed the nations of the world.
For you said to yourself,
‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above
God’s stars.
I will preside on the mountain of the gods
far away in the north.
I will climb to the highest heavens
and be like the Most High.’
Instead, you will be brought down to the place of
the dead,
down to its lowest depths.
Everyone there will stare at you and ask,
‘Can this be the one who shook the earth
and made the kingdoms of the world tremble?
Is this the one who destroyed the world
and made it into a wasteland?
Is this the king who demolished the world’s
greatest cities
and had no mercy on his prisoners?’"
Isaiah 14:12-17
The very thought of evil, invisible forces sounds
pretty scary, but remember this battle is not to be won by our efforts and
strength, but by our Lord's almighty power.
My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can
reach me. Psalm 62:7
Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to
me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the
name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have
defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand ... that all the earth
may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know
that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's,
and he will give you into our hand.” 1
Samuel 17:45-47
When the servant of the man of God rose early in
the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all
around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He
said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those
who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes
that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and
behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around
Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17
And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants
of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be
afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not
yours, but God's. You will not need
to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the
salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be
afraid and do not be dismayed.” 2
Chronicles 20:15, 17
We are meant to love our neighbors as ourselves,
but be careful who you link arms with in this race. Are they going to lift you up closer to God,
or are they going to bring you down, drawing you away from God and His perfect
will? A scoffer seeks wisdom and
finds none, but knowledge is easy to one who has understanding. Leave the
presence of a fool, or you will not discern words of knowledge. Proverbs 14:6-7 Do not be bound together with unbelievers;
for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has
light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a
believer in common with an unbeliever?
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
This old hymn sums it up very nicely as well (see my post here for the layout I did for it):
"How goes the battle?" O, watchman, tell! Look from yon heights, where the pilgrims dwell! Are they walking humbly where Jesus trod, And faithfully keeping the truths of God? Trav'ler, behold the pilgrim band! See! They are nearing the heav'nly strand; Some fall out by the way, but the host presses on; In Jesus' strength they conquer, When the victory is won.
(Available in pdf download on side bar.)