Cling to Him
August 30, 2015
On my bed I remember You;
I think of You through the watches of the night.
Because You are my help,
I sing in the shadow of Your wings.
My soul clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:6-8
papers (blended) by Marta van Eck, elements from What Dreams May Come by Mystique (retired)
The Lord's Plans
August 29, 2015The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen." Isaiah 14:24
background paper by Marta van Eck, kit by Valentina Creations
Be Joyful
August 28, 2015
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 NLT
Someone I know recently shared about how she changed her prayers from pleading with God to thanking God. That reminded me of a few years back when I kept feeling a check in my spirit every time I started to say "Please God watch over my children and keep them safe," and rather, I felt the need to instead say, "Thank you God for looking after my children and keeping them safe." The message that I felt in my heart was that if I begged God to do things that He already does, it was suggesting that He is not trustworthy, that He doesn't already do those things, that I was somehow a better parent than Him because I wanted these things that He wouldn't do unless I begged Him? What an absurd train of thought! Each time that I caught myself and changed the "please" to "thank you," I felt a sense of peace. It became a change in attitude that helped me to trust God in more and more situations and remember to always be thankful for what God has done and for who He is.
The point is not about taking God for granted, but rather acknowledging that He is good and faithful. He had answered that same prayer for my children's safety so many times in the past that there was no reason to continue worrying over it, especially when viewed in light of the fact that they belong to Him, not me. He certainly loves and knows them better than I ever could, is with them at all times even when I am not, and knows what is best for them beyond my capabilities. Praising Him for what He's done and for what He does is not taking Him for granted, but showing gratitude and accepting his control over everything.
"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:9-11
When Christians fall into the trap of worry, it calls into question the goodness, faithfulness and trustworthiness of God. We of all people should be confident of God's true nature and character, and stand firm in our faith when facing the troubles of the world. How else will those who don't know Him see what He's like?
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence." Jeremiah 17:7
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house." Matthew 5:14-15
I have been blessed by being used by God to provide for my children's earthly care in many ways--but at the end of the day, He is the One who really provides for us all. We do not become God's children until we are born again and adopted into His family through believe in His Son who redeems us, but that does not change the fact that each of us belongs only to Him. He owns the earth and everything, including everyone, in it.
A psalm of David. "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him." Psalm 24:1
"Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'" John 3:3
"But to all who believed him and accepted him, Jesus gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12
"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship." Galatians 4:4-5
kit: Shine by Createwings Designs
Justice is Before Him
August 27, 2015Though you say you do not see Him, justice is before Him, and you must wait for Him. Job 35:14
papers (blended) by Marta van Eck, clusters by Valentina Creations, grasses by Mystique (retired)
Like a Whirwind
August 26, 2015For behold, the Lord will come with fire
And with His chariots, like a whirlwind,
To render His anger with fury,
And His rebuke with flames of fire.
Isaiah 66:15
papers (blended) and page border by Marta van Eck
Will of God
August 25, 2015
“For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.” Philippians 2:13
“Outside the will of God, there is nothing I want.
And in the will of God, there is nothing I fear.”
—A.W. Tozer
kit: Not a Princess by Marta van Eck
Nowhere to Hide
August 24, 2015
For His eyes watch over a man’s ways, and He observes all his steps.
There is no darkness, no deep darkness, where evildoers can hide themselves.
Job 34:21-22
paper by Marta van Eck (lens flare added in PSE12)
The Spirit Gives Understanding
August 23, 2015I thought, ‘Age should speak;
advanced years should teach wisdom.’
But it is the Spirit in a person,
the breath of the Almighty,
that gives them understanding.
It is not only the old who are wise,
not only the aged who
understand what is right.
Job 32:7-9
paper by Marta van Eck
What Is To Come
August 22, 2015
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Isaiah 64:10
paper: Marta van Eck (blended with stock photo); elements by Valentina Creations
Rejoice Always!
August 21, 2015
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
kit: Life Mecanic and Add On by Paprika
template: Steph Designs challenge template for Scrap & Friends
Ascribe Righteousness
August 20, 2015
I will fetch my knowledge from afar;
I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
Job 36:3
elements from The Ark; papers (blended) by Marta van Eck
Once Slaves to Sin
August 19, 2015
But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:17-18
Please read the entire chapter of Romans 6 so that you can see that the point is not that we are free TO sin, but that we are freed FROM the desire to sin because we have died to our old sinful selves and become a new creation in Christ (if indeed we are born again and He lives in us.) When we consciously yield to the Holy Spirit, He will convict us of our sin and help us to turn from it on a daily basis. We will all stumble, but we will get back up and try again--not stay there, unbothered by our sin.
Do not conform 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
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8
For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. Philippians 2:13
You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. Romans 8:9
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is in you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 2 Corinthians 13:5
Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that Jesus appeared in order to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen Him or known Him. 1 John 3:4-6
Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 2 Timothy 2:19
papers (blended) by Marta van Eck
Empty Things
August 18, 2015
And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing. 1 Samuel 12:21
papers (blended) by Marta van Eck
Boundary Lines
August 17, 2015
Lord, You are my portion
and my cup of blessing;
You hold my future.
The boundary lines have fallen for me
in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
Psalm 16:5-6
kits by Marta van Eck
One Spirit
August 16, 2015
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13
kits by Marta van Eck
Fire on the Earth
August 15, 2015
I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Luke 12:49-50
papers (blended) by Marta van Eck
Secret to Contentment
August 14, 2015
I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. Philippians 4:12
kits: Summer Journal and Country Love by Etc. by Danyale
Keep My Words
August 13, 2015
He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me. John 14:24
kits: My Everything elements by Mandy King, Almost Spring papers by Silvia Romeo, Love Bugs papers by Connie Prince, wordart by Word Art World
Lack Nothing
August 12, 2015
Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed. Proverbs 28:27
kit: Ohana by Biograffiti
Fruit of the Fig Tree
August 11, 2015
He that keeps a fig tree will eat of its fruit and he that is watchful of his Master will be praised. Proverbs 27:18
kit: Spwing Wabbits by Kristmess Designs
Turn Away From Evil
August 10, 2015
"And God said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’" Job 28:28
kits by Kristin Aagard, overlay by Marta van Eck
The Lord is Everywhere
August 09, 2015
"Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the LORD. "Do I not fill heaven and earth?" declares the LORD. Jeremiah 23:24
kits by Joanne Brisebois and Jofia Designs
Loyalty Divided
August 08, 2015
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. James 4:8 (NLT - Please note that is the general idea behind the phrase "double-minded" in other translations.)
kit: Black & White by Sue Cummings
Do Not Be Anxious
August 07, 2015
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
kit: Aunt Lily by Kristmess Designs; template: challenge freebie by M & M Designs
Abides
August 06, 2015
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John 4:15-16
kit: A Little Dream by Jen Yurko, extra hearts by Createwings
Endures to Eternal Life
August 05, 2015
"Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” John 6:27
kit: Black & White by Sue Cummings
They Do Not Know Me
August 04, 2015
They bend their tongue like a bow;
falsehood and not truth has grown strong in the land;
for they proceed from evil to evil,
and they do not know Me, declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:3
kit: (retired freebies); bow by Marta van Eck
Angels Unawares
August 03, 2015
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2
photo from Morgue File
context:
Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Hebrews 13:1-17
related:
The angels referred to in the verse at the top are those that Sarah and Lot did not know were angels in the following passages:
And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate. They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.” Then the men set out from there, and they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way. The LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” Then the LORD said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.” So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD. Genesis 18:1-22
The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant's house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. Genesis 19:1-3
Steadfast Love
August 02, 2015Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. Psalm 63:3
elements by Valentina Creations; overlay by Marta van Eck; images (blended): Morgue File
The Lord Alone
August 01, 2015
The pride of man will be humbled
And the loftiness of men will be abased;
And the Lord alone will be exalted in that day,
But the idols will completely vanish.
Isaiah 2:17
kit: Peacocks on Parade by Kristmess Designs, template by KimB Designs