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Thursday, February 1, 2018

Scripture Series: Greater is He Step Panel Card---It's Inspirational and Anything Goes at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone!  We have another bi-weekly Challenge that just started at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  Like always, you can enter as much as five entries per week as long as it's inspirational and family friendly.  Our featured Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) that  I used in my card today comes from 1 John 4:4 which says, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." 

In order to understand the context of this verse, it is essential to look at the verses preceding our featured verse.  1 John 4:1-3 tells us, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already." First, we need to know that this epistle (letter)  was written by John for Christian believers (primarily Gentiles). His audience, none other than the Body of Christ (The Church---the Called out Ones, Born-Again, John 3:3).  It's extremely important that we understand---not all of God's promises in His Word applies to everybody on earth 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 clearly tells us, "For all the promises of God are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him, our "Amen" is spoken to the glory of God.  Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come."  Knowing the context of a passage can help us effectively share the Word of God and avoid misleading or twisting the meaning of the Scripture.  Those who reject Christ will not have spiritual understanding about God, His ways and His Kingdom.  So, I would like to share what my Life Application Bible shared about our highlighted verses today.  As much as it was timely in the time of John and the Apostles, we find these verses applicable today.  So for all my fellow believers in Christ, it explains, "Do not believe the spirit, but test the spirits" means that we shouldn't believe everything we hear just because someone says it is a message inspired by God.  There are many ways to test teachers to see if their message is truly from the Lord.  One is to check to see if their words match what God says in the Bible.  Other tests include their commitment to the body of believers (1 John 2:19), their lifestyles (1 John 3:23-24), and the fruit of their ministries (1 John 4:6).  But the most important test of all, says John, is what they believe about Christ. Do they teach that Jesus is fully God and fully man? Our world is filled with voices claiming to speak for God.  Give them these tests to see if they are indeed speaking God's Truth.  The antichrist will be a person who epitomizes all that is evil, and he will be readily received by an evil world.  He is more fully described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 and Revelation 13.  The "spirit of the antichrist" is already here.  Those who reject Christ are unknowingly or consciously siding with the spirit of the antichrist.  It is easy to be frightened by the wickedness we see all around us and overwhelmed by the problems we face.  Evil is obviously much stronger than we are (compared to our human abilities).  John assures us, however, that God is even stronger.  He will conquer all evil---and His Spirit and His Word live in our hearts!

You see, these timely verses from 1 John 4:1-4 both warned and comforted me as I was reminded of the things I saw at the first ever State of the Union (SOTU) address by our POTUS, Donald Trump, last Tuesday night.  I thank God for all the great accomplishments He made possible through our President that helped our country rise economically while restoring faith and love for God, family and our nation, I applauded the many men and women who sacrificially placed themselves in harms way just to save others from danger.  I rejoiced in the courage of one North Korean man who fled from tyranny and injustice showing the crutches he used in his journey to freedom.  There were many others that shared stories of bravery, courage, resilience in tragedy, success and hope.  I also had my share of disappointment when the POTUS talked about a proposal to offer DACA (Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals) Amnesty to more than 2 million illegals and a path to citizenship for the so called "Dreamers" in exchange for the Wall funding which I believe is a step in the wrong direction.  But hey,  I take my concerns to the Lord!  If there's anyone who can change a man's heart, it is God!  But my story does not stop here...As I watched the full coverage of the SOTU, it is crystal to me that the spirit of the antichrist have completely saturated one political party.  It is disgusting to see these so-called leaders of this nation display utter disrespect, gross hatred and despicable selfishness proudly displayed/broadcast for all Americans to see. With few exceptions, they (as a group) made it clear there's nothing good to be expected of them.  On things that matter to every American such as millions of jobs created, higher wages, employee bonuses, low African-American and Hispanic unemployment rates, securing our border, respect for our flag and national anthem, destruction of the Islamic State (ISIS), lower prescription drugs, fighting opioid epidemic, recognizing Israel as Jewish capital and "In God We Trust" among others, they refused to stand/applaud (show any kind of respect).  What they succeeded to do is this---to show (without a shadow of a doubt) that they are anti-God/Christ, anti-American/people and anti-Trump--- in that order.  It's appalling to see how deranged they'd become, allowing themselves to be filled with satanic hatred.  Call it harsh but there's no other way to describe it!  They can no longer distinguish between right from wrong and  utter darkness filled their hearts.  I'm not saying this to build up the other party.  No individual is perfect. But as a group who truly hates America and everything it stands for---it's undeniable!  If you are a God-fearing individual who loves your country and are thankful for your blessing as a citizen of this nation, go and watch this SOTU VIDEO and see for yourself.  Only spiritually blind people (have no reverence for Christ) can look at these ungodly politicians and agree with their behavior.  Somebody asked me (with sarcasm),  "How do you know who are the ungodly and liberals" from the politicians at the SOTU.  I answered with Matthew 7:17-20 which says, "Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."  I submit to you that the primary reason we see these blind and rotten politicians today is because these people first rejected/denied Christ.  They exchange the knowledge of God to advance their careers---pursuing riches, power and fame.  Proverbs 2:6 says it all, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."  Should we put the blame on those who elected them to office?  But you see, the deceived elects another deceived. The blind leads another blind.  The only cure to their terminal disease---the knowledge of Christ!  As believers, we are to continue to share God's Word, refuse to be bullied by the left's rhetoric, elect and support God-fearing men and women to office or if called by God---run for office ourselves and continue to fight for what is right in the sight of God.  There is a reason why today's believers are called at this time and age.  By the grace of God, let us raise up our voice, shut the lies with the Word of Truth, pray---take charge---and conquer! Hey, we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus!  Whose with me?

For this Card, I used the stamped images from Hampton Art and colored them with my Touch Five and Prismacolor markers.  The card measures 4.25 x 5.75 inches.  The colored CS used are from Paper Studio, the glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and the nail head gems from Imaginisce.  I also ran this card through my sewing machine for those fancy stitches.  It's my first time to try this card style and would like to thank the inspiration VIDEO from Dawn's Stamping Thoughts.  She has a lot of videos on different card styles that I will surely try in my upcoming projects.  So much fun!


 GREATER IS HE STEP  PANEL CARD


 GREATER IS HE STEP  PANEL CARD FLATTENED (For Mailing)


 GREATER IS HE STEP  PANEL CARD MESSAGE SPACE


GREATER IS HE STEP  PANEL CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX


This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Sweet Treats
As You Like It---Fave Way to Add Stitching (Real of course)
Cards for Galz---Think Pink
CRAFT---Three of a Kind (Clouds/Nail head Gems)
Crafting with Attitude---ATG
Little Miss Muffet---ATG
Star Stampz---Valentine/Lots of Pink or Red
Crafty Creations---ATG
Crafty Gals Corner---ATG
Inspiration Destination---ATG
Simon Says---ATG
A Bit More Time---ATG
A Perfect Time---ATG
Classic DT---ATG
Crafts Galore Encore---ATG
Crafty Awesomeness---ATG
Crafty Girls---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG/Love
Createful Heart---ATG/Add a Heart
Digistamps 4 Joy---ATG/I Love You
Eclectic Ellapu---ATG
Love to Craft---ATG
Scor-Pal---More than One Score
Not Just Cards---ATG
One Crazy Stamper---ATG
YSP---ATG 
Worldwide Open DT---ATG 


Make sure you join us at WAW Challenge.  You can use the free Word Art in your creation and link it to our Challenge but is not a requirement.  As long as it's family-friendly, uplifting and inspirational, you can enter up to 5 times each week.  Our Challenge winners will be awarded wonderful prizes by our awesome sponsors---The Project Bin ($15 GC) and Imagine That! (Digis).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, cheer up as we meditate on the name of Jesus today.  There is power in His Name and it's available to everyone that believes.

24 comments:

  1. Great fold love the images and fancy stitching
    Carol x

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  2. What a beautiful card Jo Ann - like you we have politicians who have denied God - praise him that he is in control, despite what (ungodly) man thinks!
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  3. Wow! I love the layers and colors on your card! Such a beautiful scripture! I love your envelope too!!! Awesome!

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  4. A beautiful design, Jo Ann! Love the hot air balloons and the bit of glitz! Thank you for sharing this with us at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge!

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  5. What a great card so bright and happy with super images and colouring..
    Thank you for sharing with us over here today at the Classic Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

    Chrissy DT   http://classicdesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/...


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  6. What a lovely card, and such an inspiring sentiment, too! Thanks for joining in at CRAFT Challenge!

    love Mags B x

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  7. Beautifully designed project. Great work. Thank you for sharing with us over here at "A Perfect Time To Craft" and best of luck with your entry.

    Annette DT for http://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.com.au/


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  8. Back again, and again just fantastic work. I love it.
    Thank you for sharing with us here today at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

    Annette DT Registered Owners/Admin for World Wide Open Design Team Challenge



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  9. This is beautiful! Thank you so much for entering our ATG challenge at Createful Heart Digis & Designs this week. We hope to see you next time too!
    Hugs,
    CHDD DT
    Scrapbookingmamaw {My Blog}
    Createful Heart Digis & Designs
    createfulheartcards.blogspot.com

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  10. Your creations continuously blow me away. Another gorgeous card! Thanks so much for joining us at Art Impressions!

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  11. A fab card, love the design and your colouring is brilliant.
    Thanks for joining us at CRAFT this week.
    Hugs Sheryl DT member xx

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  12. Fabulous card design. Thank you for sharing with us at the C.R.A.F.T. Challenge. - Myrna DT

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  13. Beautiful card and colouring and very thought provoking text. Thank-you for joining us at the Crafts Galore Encore Anything Goes February 18 Challenge. Good luck! Denyse x

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  14. This is gorgeous love the design Thank you for sharing with us over here today at the Classic Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

    Michelle DT Owner/Admin for http://classicdesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/...

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  15. Lovely work. Beautifully done. Adorable. Love the colouring. Thank you for joining us at Eclectic Ellapu this month. Hope to see you back here again soon. Judy DT

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  16. Great project. I love the folds. Thank you for joining us at Inspiration Destination, good luck!!! Patricia

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  17. Fabulous designed card!
    Thanks for sharing with us at Your Scrapbook Place
    Shell ~ DT

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  18. So well done! Thanks for sharing with us at Eclectic Ellapu!

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  19. Thank you for sharing your colorful, inspiring, fun card with us at Love To Craft

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  20. This is a wonderful creation with great attention to detail and perfect for our ‘ANYTHING GOES with an optional twist of LOVE challenge. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. Good luck.
    Hugs
    Desíre
    {Digistamps4Joy DT Member}
    {Doing Life – my personal blog}

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  21. Such a beautiful creation! Vibrant and colorful!
    Thank you for joining us at Digistamps4Joy challenge.
    Best of luck with your entry.
    Xoxo Olga DT member

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  22. Oh wow! This is awesome! Thank you so much for participating in our 'More than one fold' challenge at Scor-Pal!

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  23. Gorgeous card! I really love this unique step card, and the way it folds. Beautiful work.
    Crafty Hugs,
    Ruza - SPDT

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  24. A wonderful card!
    Thank you soo much for taking part in our "anything goes with optional love / anniversary / thinking of you” challenge over at Creatalicious & good luck in the draw.
    Hope to see you again in our new challenge as well…

    Hugs,
    Melanie
    (DT-Coordinator Creatalicious Challenges)

    (DT Crafty Friends)

    (DT The Sketchy Challenges)

    (DT Stempel-Magie)


    PS: Sorry for the late comment, life had been very busy these past weeks…

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