Hi there, friends! This is a very late post for our current challenge and you have a day left to join but a new one is starting this Wednesday at Word Art Wednesday (WAW). As always, we are featuring a Scripture Word Art
that you can download for free at the WAW site and while there, view
all the wonderful cards/projects the DT's made using the featured
Scripture. For our existing challenge, our highlighted Word comes from 2 Timothy 2:4 which says, "No man that warreth
entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him
who hath chosen him to be a soldier."
I hope you all noticed that we are living in an environment of deception where many no longer recognize wrong from right and right from wrong. Isaiah 5:20-21 says, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for
light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for
bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their
own sight!" Without Jesus, His Word and our obedience to His instruction leading our lives, we would all fall in the trap of this world's blanket of deception. Let's take for example the recent Robb Elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Like similar incidents that happened in the past, the social media deceivers/influencers of our day went after the weapons rather than the motive and mental condition of the attacker. It's like clock work. I never heard a thorough discussion/news/reporting by the mainstream media on the background, lifestyle, orientation of the criminal and how to spot people with lunatic tendencies and effectively secure our schools from them and their kind. Instead, they have to go after our second amendment right to bear arms with the intent to strip every lawful gun owners the right to protect themselves from harm that could come to their homes or their communities (including their schools) from the lunatics, criminals or government overreach. They argued that "guns are the problem." My challenge to them is this: Show me a gun that would fire itself! Truthfully, I can live peacefully in a gun warehouse for as long as no one with an evil intent breaks in and uses any of the weapons to harm me. Likewise, a kitchen knife will not cut and prepare cooking ingredients by itself unless utilized by a cook with the motive to prepare a good meal for his family or his customers. I hope it is clear with us believers in the Lord (Born-again, John 3:3) that it is the intent/motive of a person that causes harm or good and not merely the objects. God showed us that while a rock is used by Cain to kill Abel, God didn't vanish the rocks from existence, did He? He however dealt with Cain.
So, what is the significance of a clear understanding of the Scripture with regards to our attitude towards such despicable attacks to our communities and our second amendment right to bear arms? While we comfort victims/families and do whatever we can to help people in their time of grief, we however can't allow ourselves to be emotionally overtaken as to give up logic and the protection secured for us by our constitutional amendments. Satan's agenda involving stealing, killing and destroying (John 10:10) is actively carried out by his demonic armies since the beginning of time and it uses darkened minds to advance their master's goal. They don't mind "killing" the vulnerable so they can "steal" the rights of the lawful and God-fearing citizens in order to "destroy" everything that God started in this beautiful land. But aside from their bad and fake acting of concern, you will know them by their fruits! For it's the same party that shouts injustice on the killing of school children are the same party that demands "abortion" in and out of a selfish mother's womb. Behind all of them is Satan and they don't have a bit of concern for any of our children. They fight to expose children from such a young age to every manner of perversion till they lose their minds and commit despicable things. Ask the Lord to open your "true" eyes. They're the new breed of predators out to kill and use our children like perverts. If you cannot see the true agenda there, then I can only pray for God's mercy to touch you that you may see again.
For telling the truth, I have been insulted, cursed, mocked and called many names. But I set aside all emotions and I continue to walk boldly into the enemy's camp because I have a clear understanding of the goal, purpose and the victory that awaits everyone redeemed by the blood of Christ. I speak when God wants me to speak and withhold when God wants me to withhold. I'm far from perfect but I know God can use me. I also know that when God calls me, He equips me. The only issue is whether I would allow myself to be slowed down by my fear or emotions. As a soldier in the mighty army of God, I can't! There's just too much at stake. I would like to share what My Life Application Bible imparted with regards to our highlighted verse today. It says, "As Timothy preached and taught, he would face suffering, but he should be able to endure. Paul used a comparison (2 Timothy 2:3-7) with soldiers, athletes and farmers who must discipline themselves and be willing to sacrifice to achieve the results they want. Like soldiers, we have to give up worldly security and endure rigorous discipline. Like athletes, we must train hard and follow the rules. Like farmers, we must work extremely hard and be patient. But we keep going despite suffering because of the thought of victory, the vision of winning, and the hope of the harvest. We will see that our suffering is worthwhile when we achieve our goal of glorifying God, winning people to Christ, and one day living eternally with Him."
For these Cards, I used an images/sentiments from our sponsor, Stamp Simply called "Delighful Dahlias" and "Pretty Poppies." The white A7 card base is from Paper Studio that comes with an envelope. The DP's are also from Paper Studio, the nail head gems are from Imaginisce and I ran it through my sewing machine for added dimension.
THAT HE MAY PLEASE HIM CARD
KINDNESS CARD
THAT HE MAY PLEASE HIM/KINDNESS CARD SET
THAT HE MAY PLEASE HIM/KINDNESS CARDS WITH ENVELOPES
Crafting Happiness---ATG
Get Creative---At least two Patterned Papers
Jan's Digi Stamps---ATG
Use Your Stuff---ATG
Corrosive---ATG
We Love Stamping---ATG
Gem of a Challenge---ATG
Allsorts---ATG/Sun, Sea, Sand
Crafty Calendar---ATG
Taylormadecards4u---ATG/Red, White and Blue
Beyond the Blue---Flowers
Crafty Catz---ATG
Creative Fingers---ATG
Pattie's Creations---ATG
Cards 4 Galz---Two or More Patterned Papers
Krafty Chicks---Stamp Act
Ellibelle's---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 this week. A wonderful prize
awaits our winner from our lovely sponsor for this Challenge---Stamp Simply ($20 GC).
So excited to see what you come up with. Anyway, meditate on the
goodness of the Lord, rely on His promises and resist the lies of this world. Value your God-given rights!
Ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Find out how on the sidebar...
Wise words Jo Ann - as you say, no gun can fire itself, or knife harm unless it is welded by a hand! We don't have the 'gun lobby' etc that so divides your land, but there are folk becoming vocal about them here, all the same. Truly it is only in Christ that we can have peace and wholeness
ReplyDeleteLove your cards - they are very pretty
Blessings
Maxine
These are gorgeous card with a unique and lovely design. Thanks for sharing with us at the Jan's Digi Stamps Challenge, we love seeing everyone's wonderful projects.
ReplyDeleteDonna
Admin for Jan's Challenges
So nicely done Jo Ann. Love the woodgrain paper and really unique designs! Thank you so much for sharing with us this week at Allsorts challenge as well as my Crafty Wednesday challenge!
ReplyDeleteOh very cool with that woodgrain background! Thanks for joining us at Beyond the Blue!
ReplyDeleteA lovely display of cards and matching envies, thanks so much for sharing and joining in with our June theme at We Love Stamping challenge and also this weeks Allsorts theme.
ReplyDeleteB x
Beautiful card,love your papers, thanks for sharing with ua ay Cardz 4 Galz.xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your uplifting and spiritual creations with us at Jan's Digi Blog Challenge. God is much needed here during these disturbing times. Join us again. Good Luck and Happy Crafting.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Jan
(Owner & Illustrator of Jan's Digi Stamp Shop)
Great creations - love the colour scheme. Thank you for joining us at Cardz 4 Galz xx Lynda/Loopyloo DT
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful cards! I love the wood grain paper. Thank you for joining us at Get Creative Challenges!
ReplyDeleteErin-DT
https://www.instagram.com/dailydoseofcrafts
Two really lovely cards. Thanks for joining us at Cardz4galz. Love Dawn x
ReplyDeleteLovely spiritual cards. Love the way you have stitched on them. Thanks for joining us at Pattie's Creations Design Challenge.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea and so well put together.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at Jan's Digi Stamps Challenge.
Helen x
DT
Beautiful cards Jo Ann - love the woodgrain paper.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for joining us for our Lil Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge #183 sponsored by All Dressed Up Stamps.
We hope to see you again soon,
Lou DT xo
JemLou Productions
Pretty cards. Thanks for joining in with us at Crafty Calendar Challenge, Sarah - DT
ReplyDeleteGod has given to you a great gift Jo Ann!. I love the tapestry you've placed on your cards. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for the compliment and encouragement. You're right, Bro! We can do all things through Christ...In Him, all things are possible!
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