Scripture Series: Your Love May Abound Card---Be Inspired by Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Good Wednesday morning, everyone!  It's time to highlight another Scripture Word Art (free to download) for this week's Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  It comes from Philippians 1:9-10 and it says, "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ."  This was part of the letter (epistle) sent by Apostle Paul to the Church at Philippi  to thank them for the gift they sent him while he was in prison in Rome.  Notice that even in his difficult situation, he wanted to strengthen these believers by showing them the true joy, peace and freedom that comes from Jesus alone.  He wanted to encourage them in their faith---that they continue their walk despite the many hindrances that aimed to slow down their work for God.  I am speechless at the dedication and faith that the Holy Spirit imparted through the life of Apostle Paul. I am convinced that it is solely by the abiding presence of God upon his life that he was able and therefore we are able to encourage others in the face of trials.

Anyway, I would like to share what I read from my Life Application Bible regarding the aforementioned  verses as it blessed me a lot.  It explains, "Often the best way to influence someone is to pray for him or her.  Paul's prayer for the Philippians was that they would be unified in love.   Their love was to result in greater knowledge of Christ and deeper insight (moral discernment). Their love was not based on feelings but on what Christ has done for them.  As you grow in Christ's love, your heart and mind must grow together.  Paul prayed that the Philippian believers would "discern what is best"---in other words, that they would have the ability to differentiate between right and wrong, good and bad, vital and trivial.  We ought to pray for moral discernment so we can maintain our Christian morals and values.  Hebrews 5:14 emphasizes the need for discernment."  The "day of Christ" refers to the time when God will judge the world through Jesus Christ.  We should live each day as though he could return at any moment."

Now more than ever, these Bible verses are so applicable to us---believers (Born-again, John 3:3)!   I don't know about you but I am seeing a radical separation between those who are truly for God, the pretend Christians and the unbelievers in our world today.  The time has come when one can no longer pretend.  It's either you are with God or you're not!  When it's no longer a matter of opinion but our faith and conviction would require a sacrifice/price.  When it becomes a MUST to stand up against the bullies of our time whose aim is  to suppress the Truth and make everyone submit to their filthy lies and perverted ways.  Are we ready to stand for Truth and Justice and bond together as believers of Jesus Christ? Are we willing to let go of our trivial differences, instead encourage one another to be joyful in every circumstance, even when things are not in our favor?  When we feel like complaining or no one else rejoices?  I hope and pray we stand boldly through the power of God!  I am so grateful to know how this battle between good and evil ends...Belonging to the winning side, I always have a reason to rejoice!

The other day,  I remember having a discussion with my hubby how America needed TO UNITE in order to overcome the horrors we are in today. We hear that everyday from many people---on TV, radio, campaigns, speeches and prayers.  But this is what the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart in the midst of that conversation.  That kind of unity will not come from all peoples of America.  Consider God's Word in Daniel 12:10 which says, "Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand."  Furthermore, Revelation 22:11 also reveals, "Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy."  Simply put, the ungodly will always seek to harm the people of God and will do everything they can to destroy the Godly heritage of this nation.  If we want to see true change, TRUE BELIEVERS (The Church) MUST UNITE IN AMERICA!  Not every Church that says they believe in Christ is genuine.  Those who buckle under the pressure and are preaching a different doctrine other than what the Holy Scripture teaches for their own gain does not belong to the faith.  This is where we need to discern (through knowledge of God's Word) what is excellent and sincere to rid of the fake and mediocre.  They must be exposed accordingly and if their hearts are still right with God, they can be restored.  IT IS TIME!  Let us pray and organize together... Get out of the four walls of our Church and get together with other Churches for a common goal---to glorify the Lord, declare His praises and pray for the state of our nation.  My family and I are excited to do just that as we unite with other believers in praying for our nation in Austin, Texas on April 26, 2016 at the Decision America Tour 2016 with Franklin Graham.  Check his website if you want to participate in the upcoming tours near your city.  We are ready to see the power of God manifest in His Body (Church)!  I hope you'll join us too...

For today's Card, I used an image from Art Impressions Stamps called "Dare to be Fabulous" which is exclusively distributed by Hobby Lobby.  I paper-pieced and colored the image with ProMarker /Prismacolor/Spectrum Noir markers.  The base is an A7 Kraft (pre-cut)  from Paper Studio, the DP's from Recollections and DCWV and the Washi Tape from Tape Works.  I added three white brads from Recollections and a couple of white nail head gems from Imaginisce.  Lastly, I stitched all over this card.  

                                                YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND CARD

                                            YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND CARD LAYERS

                                           YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND CARD INSIDE

                                    YOUR LOVE MAY ABOUND CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Add a Brad/Eyelet
Crafts Galore---ATG
Craft Your Passion---ATG
Crafting from the Heart---ATG
Crafting with Friends---ATG
Crafty Calendar---ATG
Crafty Sentiments---ATG
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
TTCRD---ATG
Cre8tive Hands---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
2 Crafty Girls---ATG
Brown Sugar---ATG
Lacy Sunshine---ATG
Cupcake Inspiration---Picture Inspiration
Dare 2BArtzy---Polka Dots
Great Impressions---Ladies Night
Robyn's Fetish---Add a Sentiment
Stamping Sensations---One for the Girls
Corrosive---Girls, Ladies, Women
Artistic Inspirations---ATG with Optional Twist
Crafty Boots---Use a Sentiment
Melonheadz---Girly
Not Just Cards---ATG
OLLCB---Words, Words, Words
Our Crafty Corner---ATG
Paper Nest Dolls---ATG
Where the Heart Is---ATG/Sparkle and Bling

Don't forget to join us at the WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art this week to make a project and link it to our Challenge although it's not mandatory.  You can also link other projects (up to 5) as long as it has uplifting/inspirational messages.  Our sponsors this week are Heartfelt Creations ($25 GC) and My Artistic Adventures (Digi Images).  Have a blessed day and remember to always be grateful and hold on to the promises of God in your life no matter what.  Let the Holy Spirit comfort you with God's Word and empower you daily as you share the hope you have with others.