GOD LOVES YOU! Wow, such wonderful words to hear. We (believers) love to tell our family and friends such profound statement but only few of our recipients could understand the depth of this truth. We kept saying it that others thought they were meaningless expression. Very few actually stop to really hear what the love of God is all about. And when that happens, many Christians could not provide an accurate and Biblical explanation for it. That is sad!
John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." There is nothing much greater than a love that one graciously extends to a person/people that purposely wronged him. Here's the story: God created man (male and female) and gave them life, power and dominion. He was their Father. God made them pure, holy and righteous knowing no sin. But they allowed themselves to be tempted when they listened to the lies of the enemy. Since then, everyone born in the bloodline of Adam (all humanity) lost their position of authority. Their spiritual connection with God was severed (spiritual death). They become enemies of God and there's nothing they could do to change the outcome brought by the Sin Nature (nature of Satan) which also brought Death (spiritual, physical and eternal). But God had a plan way before time. God's Only Son, Jesus, would come to redeem us from the curse of Sin. Only a Man without Sin, untainted by Adam's sin could redeem humanity. Jesus willingly gave His life at the Cross to set us free from Satan's bondage. From the time Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of a virgin (untainted by the seed of man), His purpose was to offer up His life that everyone who would place their trust in Him would be in right standing with the Father. If they believe in their heart and confess (boldly in agreement) with their mouth God raise Him from the dead, they are saved. They are no longer in bondage with Satan but are born-again into the kingdom of God's dear Son. Romans 5:7-9 says, "Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!"
The Bible is so important for in its every page are God's instructions to His people. We need God's Word to direct us in this world that is dominated by the enemy. We are to share the Gospel to the world so that many would be saved. Many are still living in darkness and they too need the light of God that we received. The truth is every person (believers and unbelievers) will die (physical death) one day unless Rapture takes place where believers who are alive in Christ will be caught up in the air to be with the Lord forever. God will turn their mortal bodies into glorified bodies that can never be destroyed. Yet while we are still here, we remind ourselves of God's love for us and continue living this world through faith in His written promises. Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Today's world is engulfed with fear as it deals with the Covid-19 pandemic. Sad to say but many so called "believers" are consumed by the same worldly fear and uncertainty. Though we have lots of examples in the Scripture of God's mighty works and miraculous power and how He takes care of His people, many of us think and behave like the world. We forgot His promises and are hiding from this giant named Covid-19. We heard of the deaths and are consumed by the statistics the media and so called "experts" are feeding us. We act like the ten spies that shared bad report regarding the Promised Land that poisoned many others with fear and unbelief. Only two men (Joshua and Caleb) of the twelve spies refused to capitalize on what their eyes saw and gave giants that lived there credit. They remembered God's promise of victory even through impossible situations/conditions. However, like before, we have many fearful believers today. Not only are they hiding from the giant, but they too are the ones openly criticizing/persecuting those who (like David) would bravely face the giant . They are upset with the fact that others don't cower over the "possibility" of death. No matter what reason they give, the core reason for them acting that way is obvious. THEY ARE AFRAID OF DEATH! They must have forgotten the Book of Job which showed us that God is in control of our lives (He alone can say when) and nothing happens to us unless He allows it. God told us "not to fear/do not fear" 365 times in His Word. One for each day of the year! Nothing is too hard for God. He never leaves us nor forsake us. We are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. No weapon formed against us shall prosper! Why have they forgotten the promises of God? Oh them who have little to no faith! Seriously, they have to REPENT of their unbelief for the enemy is laughing at them. They have to turn back to God and be free of the cage they created for themselves!
For this Card, I used an image from Bugaboo Stamps and the sentiments are from our WAW sponsor this week, Stamp Simply Clear Stamps, in their "Farmhouse All Occasion Greetings" set. The card is an A2 size and I had to make an envelope to coordinate with the card. Very simple because I just want the message to shine.
GOD LOVES YOU CARD
GOD LOVES YOU CARD WITH ENVELOPE
AAA Cards---CAS with One Image and Optional TV Inspired
Double Trouble---Spring Things
Jan's Digi---ATG
PIP---ATG
Creative Sketchy---Flower/s
Not Just Cards---ATG
Sweet Stampers---CAS
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 winner will be awarded a wonderful prize from our awesome sponsor---Stamp Clearly Clear Stamps (2 stamps or Stamp and Die-cuts). So excited to see what you come up with. Anyway, live every minute of your life fully trusting in the Lord, both physically and spiritually. Never ever trade joy that will last for all eternity for momentary pleasure.
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What encouraging words Jo Ann - and a stunning card - love that you let the sentiments really take the eye so beautifully
ReplyDeleteStay safe
Blessings
Maxine
Such a Clean and Simple inspirational Creation! Thank you for sharing your encouragement of faith in these times we are all experiencing and sharing it with us at Jan's Digi Blog Challenge. Stay safe, Stay In and Stay Healthy...
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jan
(Owner & Illustrator of Jan's Digi Stamp Shop)
wauw heel mooi
ReplyDeletebedankt voor het mee doen
groetjes jolanda bongers
dt creative sketchy girls
Great CAS card, Jo Ann, and such lovely words of reassurance. Thank you for playing along with us at Double Trouble Challenge #55.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn- What a beautifully CAS card! Love the image and layout. And your handmade envelope-WOW! Thanks for entering JDS Blog Challenge #11. Be safe.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jan (owner/illustrator- Jan's Digi Stamps Shop)
Hi thisi is a gorgeous card. I love the monochrome design. Thank you for joining us at Not Just Cards Challenge Blog April Anything Goes Challenge. Hugs Jackie DT
ReplyDeleteVery pretty card for difficult times. Thank you for playing at AAA Cards.
ReplyDeleteLove your card - the offset top piece draws the eye to the flowers. Thanks for sharing with us at Double Trouble :)
ReplyDeleteI believe I loved READING your blog more than your lovely card! Your card is inspirational, for sure, but your words, God's Word, is life giving. Thanks for sharing both with us at PIP Challenges!!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Such a lovely image, with a very powerful message. Thank you for sharing with us at Double Trouble!
ReplyDeleteMelanie
Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.
Annette DT / Admin / Registered Owner for https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/
CAS and pretty card...love the center gems in the flowers, sparkly and colorful. Thanks for sharing with us at Double Trouble.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty card! Thank you for playing at AAA Cards!
ReplyDeleteA very striking card, love the monochromatic colour scheme. Thanks for playing at AAA Cards, hope to see you join in with future challenges too. Keep safe, stay home and craft instead.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful card.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining us at the Sweet Stampers and i hope to see you again.
Hugs
Very pretty card. Love the sentiment. Thank you for sharing with Double Trouble Challenge #55.
ReplyDelete