Hebrews 11:1 is known as the Faith verse. It says that "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible (Hebrews 11:1, 3NKJV). We have several instances in the Bible where people took their eyes off God and allowed fear to drive out faith. The first one that comes to mind is Peter as he walked on the water until he took his eyes off Jesus and put them on the storm,. Another was when Ruth and her family left their home in Palestine and went to a foreign country during a famine. Then we have Abraham who presented Sarah as his sister because she was so beautiful, and he was afraid he would be killed for her.
Let's always remember when we are faced with a frightening situation to keep our eyes on Jesus. This will drive away the fears.
Fear imprisons, faith liberates; fear paralyzes, faith empowers; fear disheartens, faith encourages; fear sickens, faith heals; fear makes useless, faith makes serviceable. (Harry Emerson Fosdick)
Walls of Christian Art
Let others see Jesus in you. As ambassadors for Christ who bear his name as Christians, we must strive continually to become more and more like Jesus Christ, our ultimate example. This is reflected most dominantly in our lifestyle and in those things on which we place greatest importance.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Strength Thru Adversity (Thorny Flesh)
We suffer adversity of all sorts (death, illness, natural disasters, divorce, loss of job, etc.) because we live in a fallen world. In Scripture, Paul lamented over his adversity, which he described as a thorn in the flesh, and he asked God three times to remove it:
(2Cor 12:7-10 NASB - Emphasis added)
"Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!
Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong."
The following poem describes Paul's response to this suffering and how we can also be sustained through our adversities. Call on God who loves you, maintain your faith in Him, and rest in His promise to always be with you.
THORNY FLESH
Apostle Paul said his flesh had a thorn
This doesn’t seem to have left him forlorn.
He said he had been sustained by God’s grace
To finish running the Christian race.
We don’t know the nature of the beast.
Three times Paul asked God for a release.
God didn’t remove the thorny device.
He simply said, "My grace will suffice."
Though this problem was not taken from him,
Paul is still one real biblical Gem.
He spent his life relating God’s Plan;
Much Gospel is written by this man.
In this, many of us relate to Paul.
Our flesh also has more than one shortfall.
Although our ‘thorn’ may cause us to frown,
We simply cannot let it get us down.
The same Grace which sustained Apostle Paul
Still remains if on God we will call.
God, You know my flesh is ‘thorny’, too.
Help me still do what you would have me do.
Robbie J. Huffman
Keep your focus on Him. His grace and mercy are even stronger in our time of need.
(2Cor 1:3-4 NASB)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
(2Cor 12:7-10 NASB - Emphasis added)
"Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!
Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong."
The following poem describes Paul's response to this suffering and how we can also be sustained through our adversities. Call on God who loves you, maintain your faith in Him, and rest in His promise to always be with you.
THORNY FLESH
Apostle Paul said his flesh had a thorn
This doesn’t seem to have left him forlorn.
He said he had been sustained by God’s grace
To finish running the Christian race.
We don’t know the nature of the beast.
Three times Paul asked God for a release.
God didn’t remove the thorny device.
He simply said, "My grace will suffice."
Though this problem was not taken from him,
Paul is still one real biblical Gem.
He spent his life relating God’s Plan;
Much Gospel is written by this man.
In this, many of us relate to Paul.
Our flesh also has more than one shortfall.
Although our ‘thorn’ may cause us to frown,
We simply cannot let it get us down.
The same Grace which sustained Apostle Paul
Still remains if on God we will call.
God, You know my flesh is ‘thorny’, too.
Help me still do what you would have me do.
Robbie J. Huffman
Keep your focus on Him. His grace and mercy are even stronger in our time of need.
(2Cor 1:3-4 NASB)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Prodigal Son
Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son is described in Luke 15:11-31. I consider my son as my prodigal son. Though I hope he is not going hungry or craving hog slop, he is in a "far and distant" place unknown to me and separated from me physically and emotionally. Lord, you know I pray for him often, though I do try to rest assured he is in Your care. However, uncertainty and concern for him, as well as a longing to see and be with him, continues to return. Help me, Lord, to completely and totally let this go and just know that Your will is being done. Since Your will is always in my best interest and always brings honor and glory to you, that should be enough. http://www.mcssl.com/content/170710/43002.jpg
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
New Eternal Life in Christ
"life suxs and then u die so XXXX the world and lets get high...lol...i dont even smoke but some days i wish i did"
The above quote was taken from a Facebook post. I try to never preach to someone unless they express an interest, but I felt this person needed to know she can have a better life in Christ. Christ offers all of us the free gift of a new life. All we have to do is accept this gift by:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins. (repent)
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Him as your Savior.)
If you would like to pray to receive Christ or just to discuss, please post a message and let me know how to contact you.
All of us are born into sin (Romans 3:23), and our sin separates us from God. Fortunately, God sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, to bridge this gap between us and God by dying on the cross for our sins.
- Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
- ...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23b)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
10 Commandments in Psalm 19
One of my favorite verses is Psalm 19:14 which reads in the New Living Translation: "May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, My rock and my redeemer."
In meditating on Psalm 19 this morning, I noted verses 7-10 is very descriptive of the 10 Commandments and other commands of God. The verses use six nouns, six adjectives and six verbs to describe the laws and commands of the Lord. Take a look at these and focus especially on the six verbs as they describe the benefits of the Law:
In meditating on Psalm 19 this morning, I noted verses 7-10 is very descriptive of the 10 Commandments and other commands of God. The verses use six nouns, six adjectives and six verbs to describe the laws and commands of the Lord. Take a look at these and focus especially on the six verbs as they describe the benefits of the Law:
- reviving the soul
- making wise the simple
- bringing joy to the heart
- giving insight to life
- lasting forever
- honey dripping from the comb
Can you locate the nouns and verbs?
Friday, March 12, 2010
Power of Words
In my devotional time this morning, I meditated on a recent sermon by the pastor of my church, Highland Baptist Church, Florence, Alabama, Dr. John Brock, about the Power of Words. I need to be reminded often of this, because it is so easy to let our tongues get out of control.
One of my favorite scripture verses is Psalm 19:14, which says, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." I pray this verse often. By renewing our minds and letting the Holy Spirit control our tongue, we can use words to encourage and comfort others, as well as praise God and testify of his goodness and mercy. How much better this is than using angry or belittling words to cut people down, idle gossip which is always hurtful, or constant complaining instead of a joyful spirit.
Note Item #9 from the following Carpentree "10 Commandments for Our Family" framed art:
• Every home should have these words of wisdom from Scripture.
One of my favorite scripture verses is Psalm 19:14, which says, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." I pray this verse often. By renewing our minds and letting the Holy Spirit control our tongue, we can use words to encourage and comfort others, as well as praise God and testify of his goodness and mercy. How much better this is than using angry or belittling words to cut people down, idle gossip which is always hurtful, or constant complaining instead of a joyful spirit.
Note Item #9 from the following Carpentree "10 Commandments for Our Family" framed art:
Price: $145.00
Size: 21x25
Frame: Blackened bronze
Size: 21x25
Frame: Blackened bronze
Item #: 22870
Artist: Carpentree
Scripture:
Artist: Carpentree
Scripture:
Description: Verse: The Ten Commandments for Family
1. We will seek and worship only the Lord our God.
Great is the Lord and worthy of Praise...One generation will commend His works to another. They will tell of His mighty acts. Psalm 78:4
2. We will make our family a priority.
Seek First God's will in our family, and the other things will come as He desires. From Matt. 6:33
3. We will speak to one another with kindness and love.
Like apples of God in settings of silver is a kindly word spoken. From Proverbs 25:11
4. We will worship the Lord together and keep the Sabbath Day holy. O Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God. Psalm 95:6
5. We will honor each member of this family as God's special gift.
Live in harmony with one another; Love, Be sympathetic, compassionate and humble. Bless one another so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8
6. We will encourage each other with words, attitudes and actions. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God is Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 3:20
7. We will be faithful to the ideals and values of our family.
Two are better than one. If one falls down, the other can help him up . A cord of three strands in not easily broken. Ecc.
8. We will not take joy from one another.
Above all things, put on love, which holds everthing together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14
9. We will speak the truth in love.
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14
10. We will be grateful and content with the blessing God has bestowed on our family.
Learn to get along happily whether you have much of little...for we can do all things through Christ who strenthens us. Philippians 4:11, 19
• Burnished, brass frame
• Top mat features soft pattern and an arch-cut opening/Liner is taupe
• Brass embellishment adorns scripture art
• Dimensional space between top mats and art.
1. We will seek and worship only the Lord our God.
Great is the Lord and worthy of Praise...One generation will commend His works to another. They will tell of His mighty acts. Psalm 78:4
2. We will make our family a priority.
Seek First God's will in our family, and the other things will come as He desires. From Matt. 6:33
3. We will speak to one another with kindness and love.
Like apples of God in settings of silver is a kindly word spoken. From Proverbs 25:11
4. We will worship the Lord together and keep the Sabbath Day holy. O Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God. Psalm 95:6
5. We will honor each member of this family as God's special gift.
Live in harmony with one another; Love, Be sympathetic, compassionate and humble. Bless one another so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8
6. We will encourage each other with words, attitudes and actions. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God is Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 3:20
7. We will be faithful to the ideals and values of our family.
Two are better than one. If one falls down, the other can help him up . A cord of three strands in not easily broken. Ecc.
8. We will not take joy from one another.
Above all things, put on love, which holds everthing together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14
9. We will speak the truth in love.
May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14
10. We will be grateful and content with the blessing God has bestowed on our family.
Learn to get along happily whether you have much of little...for we can do all things through Christ who strenthens us. Philippians 4:11, 19
• Burnished, brass frame
• Top mat features soft pattern and an arch-cut opening/Liner is taupe
• Brass embellishment adorns scripture art
• Dimensional space between top mats and art.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Why Did You Name Your Dog Shalom?
Here he is now:
I wanted to name him something that reflected my own nature or something important in my life. I gave this important decision a lot of thought. As have most people, I have had a few trials in my life, and I have come to treasure and protect my sense of peace and well-being, both of which come from my love for the Lord as a part of the Fruit of the Spirit, along with other fruit. As I thought on this, I decided the Jewish word for peace that is commonly used as a greeting would be appropriate. So...I named him Shalom. Whenever people ask me why I would give my dog such a name, I am given another opportunity to witness about the goodness of God and the peace He gives that surpasses understanding.
I pray you will experience His Peace today, in spite of any problems going on in your life today.
www.wallsofchristianart.com
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