Scripture Series: Trust Ye in the Lord Center Step Card---Join Us for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, everyone!  Here to share the card I made for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) featuring the Scripture Word Art (you can download for free at the WAW site) found in Isaiah 26:4 which says, "Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." As we come into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ (Born-Again, John 3:3), it is important that we know why we believe what we believe---Who we are and what we have in Him!  When we make life-changing decisions (getting married or even buying a house), we have to know the ins and outs of what we're getting into, right?  Some of those decisions could be emotionally driven but once you've settled, you need a clear understanding of the actions you took. My Life Application Bible shared a very important explanation surrounding our highlighted verse which I'm sharing with you.  It says, "Isaiah 26 is a psalm of trust, praise and meditation.  Once more, God revealed the future to Isaiah.  We can never avoid strife in the world around us, but with God we can know perfect peace even in turmoil.  When we are devoted to Him, our whole attitude is steady and stable.  Supported by God's unchanging love and mighty power, we are not shaken by the surrounding chaos (See Philippians 4:7).  Do you want peace?  Keep your thoughts on and your trust in God.  At times the "path of the righteous" doesn't seem smooth and it isn't easy to do God's will, but we are never alone when we face tough times.  God is there to help us through difficulties, to comfort us, and to lead us.  God does this by giving us a purpose (keeping our mind centered on Him, Isaiah 26:3) and giving us provisions as we travel.   God provide us with relationships of family, friends and mentors.  God gives us wisdom to make decisions and faith to trust Him.  Don't despair, stay on God's path.

Have you heard about a couple of famous Christians recently denouncing their faith on social media? One of them was a former Pastor and wrote a book about marriage before sex which became a best seller.  After a couple of weeks of his divorce to his wife of many years, he came over social media to renounce his faith and apologize for everything he wrote on his book against homosexuality and have recently participated in Canada's Pride Parade.  You can find more of this story HERE.   The other guy is a worship music writer, singer and active member of Hillsong.  He wrote many of the songs that is sang in many Church worship today.  Read more of him HERE. Every time I come across anyone denouncing their faith in Christ for whatever reason, my first reaction is sadness and concern not only for the people involved but for the many people that are following them gullible enough to be influenced to follow the same path.  Truth be told, there are many Christians struggling with their faith but to announce it to the world using social media platforms and proudly declare your rejection of Christ (The very One who opened your eyes to the Truth and gave you a new life) is diabolical.  Why?  Because apart from Christ, there is no other Savior.  Anyone who tasted and seen the grace, love and freedom that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ but turn around and trample on God's Only Son is tragic.  I can't think of a word that can best describe the abomination of such an action.  Let's face it, there are many people in the Church that are not rooted in the Word of God.  Some Pastors water down the Gospel or avoid critical topics so as to please people. And there are many other so-called Christians that attends Church with superficial things in mind.  If their favorite Pastor is not assigned to speak, or they find the style of music boring or there's not adequate facilities for their children to play or meet other kids, they don't show up or leave.  It seriously makes me wonder if they genuinely encountered Christ on a personal level and if they understand the depth of their relationship and commitment to Jesus Christ and His promises to us.    Surely, the Bible speaks of many trials that would come to believers that are designed to test our faith. Many throughout history and to this day are losing their lives in a horrendous way because they believed God and the Truth they received.  They are not rich in material possessions and had to rely on God for safety and provision---just to live another day.  If our faith is NOT grounded in  the infallible (unchanging) Word of God, we have no foundation to stand on.  Just because something didn't work the way you wanted/planned and He didn't wave the magic wand to answer your request does not mean God is unreal.  And not because you don't understand something about life and nobody in your Church taught you about suffering, eternal judgment and why Sin and Death are present in this world as people die in famine, sickness and diseases, does not mean that God is unreal.  God provided all the answers in the Scripture.  So if you need understanding, seek first the order of the Kingdom of God which is in His Word.  Study, do a research and listen to respected ministers in Apologetics yet also careful to investigate on the teachings you hear, making sure they line up with God's Word.  Personally, I only support one's Truth claim after confirming it with the Word.  This is a constant process that believers must undergo especially with all the media fake news we see daily.  I have doctrines that were enhanced with greater revelation through study.  And there are those that I found to have very little basis on God's Word.  Whoever I am listening to, I take only what is good (sound Biblical doctrines) and discard the garbage.  I don't follow or give my allegiance to any person.  What draws me to a person is the presence of Christ in his/her life.  I would like to describe myself as a modern-day BEREAN!  If you are attending a Church where the Word of God is watered-down, leave that Church and find one that feeds their flock with all the nutrients of God's Word.  Wanting to be filled with the Truth of God's Word in not a superficial need---it is a MUST for every believer!

In this day and time, it is so important WHO we place our trust on.  Yes, I love my family and friends but they are people that can be emotionally unstable at times.  Only God is unchanging (Malachi 3:6, Numbers 23:19, James 1:17) so I must rely on Him at all times. As we live in the last of the Last Days, God warned us in His Word of the "Great Apostasy" (Falling Away).   Read more HERE.  This should not surprise us.  Let us hope that God's grace and wisdom  touch these people that they may find the error of their ways.  As we hear more of this happening in the future, we are to continue to pray and keep grounded in the Lord so as not to fall into the same trap.  Here are some verses I would like to share with you today:

"And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away."  (Luke 8:13)

"For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”(2 Peter 2:20-22)

"You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability." (2 Peter 3:17)

"For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned." (Hebrews 6:4-8)

"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

For this Card, I used an image from Wild Rose Studio called "Bella with Friend"  that I watercolored using Distress Inks.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches center step design.  I  used several embossing folders from Darice and Park Lane, Nestabilities for the scallop frame and leaves punch from Fiskars.  I layered some flowers and brads, both from Recollections. I added some glitters from Stickles (Crystal).  Finally, I stitched all over this card.  I'm happy with the result.

TRUST YE IN THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD

TRUST YE IN THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD LAYERS

TRUST YE IN THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD INSIDE

TRUST YE IN THE LORD CENTER STEP CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Gem of a Challenge---ATG
Allsorts---Feminine
Crafty Friends---Add Embellishments
Colour Crazy---Coloring
Scrapper's Delights---ATG
2 Sisters---Anything with the letter "S"  (I got "Scripture")
A2Z---ATG
Creatalicious---ATG/Humour
Morgan's Artworld---ATG
Not Just Cards---ATG
Scribbles Designs---Include a Sentiment
Sweet Stampers---Dies and/or Punches
Creative Crafters---ATG
Tinker Dream---Sentiment
Worldwide DT---ATG


Time for me to go!  Please make sure to visit us at WAW and link up the projects you make out of our free Word Art although not mandatory.  You can link up any inspiring, uplifting, family-friendly projects, up to 5.  Our wonderful sponsor this week is Newton's Nook Designs ($20 GC). So, head over to WAW and show us your wonderful projects.  Enjoy your week.  Always remember to trust in God alone and the power of His Word.  All things will pass away but His Word will not!

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