Scripture Series: Those that Seek Me Card---Time for Another Bi-Weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

It's Wednesday and time for another bi-weekly Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, we feature a Scripture Word Art that and you can download for free at the WAW site.  Today's verse comes from Proverbs 5:17 which tells us, "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."  God revealed to us a significant portion of who He is in this verse.  He is a loving God and He acknowledges those who love Him back.  The earlier we learn about the love of God, the better we will know Him, ourselves and our purpose in this world.

John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Jesus' finished work at the Cross is the greatest demonstration of God's love for all of mankind. Not one man is free from the bondage of sin (Sin Nature) as all men came from Adam.  Romans 5:12 declares, "Therefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Many believed that man can escape eternal damnation by doing good works in their lifetime without fully understanding that there is nothing mankind can do on our own to break free from that Sin Nature (originally found in the very heart of Lucifer) that we inherited from Adam.  I tell you the truth that these people had been duped big time and unless they open their hearts to the wisdom of God and accept what Christ accomplished at the Cross as the only way to freedom from sin's bondage, they will share the fate of Satan and his cohorts.  Only God can free us from the bondage of sin and death which all acts of sin springs forth and ends up in death (spiritual, physical and eternal deaths).  That is why Jesus emphasized this compelling Truth to Nicodemus in John 3:3, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."  I pray that the Spirit of God gives you wisdom that you will understand the very importance of this profound verse in every man's life.  We came into this world through physical birth and that automatically places us under Adam.  We don't teach the babies and toddlers to lie, bite, fight or to be selfish but they do it anyway which is proof of the Sin nature planted in the hearts of every man.  Religion, devotion, good works and intentions along with many other ways of man are not going to save us.  God who is all knowing knew that from before time and provided for us the ONLY WAY of escape!   JESUS is that WAY and He completed our redemption through His death, burial and resurrection (His finished work at the Cross known as the  Gospel).  

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 says, "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive!"  We all came into sin just by being born in Adam but does Christ work at the Cross automatically made all humanity free from the sin nature we inherited from Adam?  No, not automatically!  Yes, God's gift is free but one needs to open up his arms to receive the gift. You see, to be in Christ requires faith (reliance, adherence, believing, sticking to) in what Jesus has done for us.  It requires the giving up of our own will and allowing God to direct us to His own purpose.  It also requires giving up control of ourselves and to be under the control of the Holy Spirit.  Not our will but His be done.  For many of us, we have to unlearn what we've learned through the religion/way of thinking we grew up in with its culture, mentality, traditions that come against the Word of God.  And with that, many of us had to suffer persecution of many kinds coming from our very own families and friends.  To follow Christ requires a decision  to live each day by the faith of Christ, to abide in His Word and carry out the purposes God has called us to do.  God loves all of mankind that He gave everyone a chance to step up in faith so that they can see clearly the Only Way he has provided through His Son.  But as stated by our WAW featured Scripture Word Art, He has a special place for those who responds to His love which includes every benefit the Cross has won for us both now and forever.  There's no special formula to be born again in Christ.  It only requires a decision driven by faith in what Christ already accomplished on our behalf.  If you want to do that today, I would be happy to help you become the newest member of God's family by making this prayer your own unto God.  Right after you prayed, get into the Word of God and I suggest you start by reading the book of John (in the New Testament) in order to learn about who you are and what you have in Christ.  Blessings to everyone who answered the call.

"Heavenly Father, I come to you today acknowledging that I am a sinner and have done so many things that broke your heart.  I confess all of my sins to you and I ask that you cleanse me from all of them.  I believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross on my behalf and that His blood washed me clean.  I accept Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior and ask the Holy Spirit to dwell inside of me to help me live my life for Him.  This I pray in Jesus Name.  AMEN!"

For this Card, I used an image from C.C. Designs called "Tawny" and colored it using my Touch Five markers.   The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I also incorporated a couple of embossing folders for my panels from Darice.  I added some glitters on the image using Stickles (Crystal) and some Liquid Pearls (White Opal).  Lastly, I ran the panels into my sewing machine and this project is done. 

 THOSE THAT SEEK ME CARD

 THOSE THAT SEEK ME CARD LAYERS

 THOSE THAT SEEK ME CARD INSIDE

THOSE THAT SEEK ME CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafting by Designs---Add a Sentiment
Creative Moments---ATG/Twist
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Crafty Addicts---ATG/Autumn Colors
Kraftin Kimmie---Make it Sparkle
A Bit More Time to Craft---ATG
Just Keep On Creating---ATG
Artistic Stamper---Patterns
Card Mania---Let it Shine
Classic DT---ATG
Crafts and Me---World Cardmaking Day
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG/Optional Let's Celebrate
Digistamps4Joy---ATG/Optional Create Your Own Background
Not Just Cards---ATG
One Crazy Stamper---Fall/Winter Fun
Petal Lu---ATG
Your Scrapbook Place---ATG

Hope you enjoyed my featured project today at WAW...I am looking forward to see your projects linked to our Challenge.  You can include the free Word Art in your projects to link,  but not a requirement.  You can submit any inspirational, uplifting, family friendly creations (up to 5) for more chances to win our prize from our sponsors this week---The Flying Unicorn ($25 GC) and The Cutting Cafe (Cut Files). Always remember to call on Jesus 24/7 if you need someone to talk with.  He is always willing to listen and is able to meet everyone whose heart is seeking after Him.