Scripture Series: Manifold Grace of God Card---Join Us for Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

 Hello there, Crafty Peeps!  We started another Bi-Weekly Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW) a week ago and as always, we feature a Scripture Word Art that is free for you to download from the WAW site.  It comes from 1 Peter 4:10 which says, "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

What a wonderful verse.  I especially love the three preceding verses and the verse after to give it more context. So altogether, 1 Peter  4:7-11 says, "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.   Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."   I would like to share what my Life Application Bible wrote about these passages.  It says,  "We should live expectantly because Christ is coming.  Getting ready to meet Christ involves continually growing in love for God and for others.  It is important to pray regularly, and it is also important to reach out to needy people.  Your possessions, status, and power will mean nothing in God's kingdom, but you will spend eternity with other people.  Invest your time and talents where they will make an eternal difference. Our abilities should be faithfully used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment.  Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel that they have no special talents at all.  Peter addresses both groups in these verses.  Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them. Peter mentions speaking and serving.  Paul lists these and other abilities in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Ephesians 4:11.  Even as your seek to discover your gifts, if you see a need in the Church, seek to meet it. You may find gifts in areas you might not have guessed.  How is God praised  when we use our abilities?  When we use them as He directs,to help others, they will see Jesus in us and praise Him for the help they have received.  Peter may have been thinking of Jesus' words, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).  There is always something you can share with others that God placed upon your heart. None of us are worthless, each of us uniquely made with a purpose. 

Today is the start of early voting for the 2020 Presidential election here in Texas and if we think 2016 was crucial, this is by far the greatest fight of our lives as citizens of this country.  For nearly four years, the enemy of this nation (mostly from within) have shown us their nefarious plan to destroy our country.  They're not open for unity nor compromise but are bent towards getting their way at the cost of human lives and destruction of this nation.  Though they use "tolerance" as their mantra, their the most intolerant people in the face of this earth.  They'll use anything for their evil agenda and nothing is sacred to them.  They're a bunch of hateful and unhappy people who complains about everything.  They no longer discern good so they passionately promote evil.  How did they become like that?  Because they despise the God of heaven and earth and remove Him from their lives while ignoring the fact that it is God who sustains their daily existence.  They are so foolish in thinking that they can win against God and His purpose.  NEVER!  The ending of the story for every rebellious man who rejected CHRIST to their final breath is DEFEAT and TORMENT for all eternity!   Though Christ died for mankind, God honors the decisions of those who wanted to live eternally outside of His presence.  Those who love to be their own god will never be admitted in God's kingdom where Christ is the King.  However, those who acknowledge the LORDSHIP of JESUS CHRIST listens to His voice (His written Word) and aligns their thinking to what He says.  Everyday, we ask Him for direction from the littlest to the biggest decisions of our lives.  Because we are familiar with God's Word, we can differentiate between the truth and the lies.  His HOLY SPIRIT living inside of us reveals what is of God and to steer clear against the works of the enemy that promotes stealing, killing and destruction (John 10:10).  One of these days, I will cast my vote, not for the person or a party, but for God and His Word.  No man is perfect but given a choice, we must vote the closest to God's Will!  Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This verse has been one of the foundational verses in my life and one I refer to daily when making decisions. God's Word never fails. 

For this Card, I used an image from  Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps called "Let Them Eat Cupcakes" that  I watercolored using my Stabilo 68 markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Recollections, the flowers I layered are from Prima, the white nail head gems from Imaginisce and the brad from Recollections.  The Pink DP was stenciled with Dylusions flower design.  I used my Corner Chomper to shape opposite corners and Momenta die for the die-cut.  Lastly, I stitched all over the card panels.

MANIFOLD GRACE OF GOD

MANIFOLD GRACE OF GOD LAYERS

MANIFOLD GRACE OF GOD INSIDE

MANIFOLD GRACE OF GOD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Sentiments---ATG

Digi Choosday---ATG

Everybody-Art---Numbers (Bible verse)

Lemon Shortbread---ATG

(PIN)spirational---Photo Inspired

TTCRD---ATG

Colouring in Scrapland---ATG

Jan's Digi---ATG

PIP---ATG

Stamps & Fun---ATG

Angie's Digital---ATG

Dragonfly Dreams---Spooky and/or Cute

Lil' Patch of Crafty---ATG

Corrosive---ATG

We Love Chocolate---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Craft-Dee-Bowz---ATG

Craft Galore---ATG

Craftyhazelnut's---Pastterned Paper

Creative Craft---Spooky and/or Cute

LeAnns---ATG

Let's Craft and Create---ATG/Paper Ribbons

Love to Craft---ATG

Mix It Up---ATG/Distressing

Morgan's Artworld---ATG

Not Just Cards---ATG

Sognando---ATG + Pink

YSP---ATG

STAMPlorations---ATG with Stencil (Pink Panel has stencil design)

 

 

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 ten times in two weeks.  A great prize awaits our winner from our wonderful sponsor---Studio Katia Store ($35 gift voucher).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, meditate on the goodness of the Lord and share the hope you have to someone whom God placed in your path/heart before it's too late.  And don't forget---VOTE FOR GODLY VALUES!

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Friendship Series: Brewed to Perfection Card---Join our Bi-Weekly Challenge Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday...

 Hi everybody!  So sorry for the delay in posting this project I made for our Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  I don't have a card made that features our Scripture Word Art as I've decided to use the sponsor sentiments for my creation.  But if you visit the WAW site, you'll find several inspiration from my fellow DT's that featured it on their cards.  You can also download it there and use it in your projects.  Our Scripture Word Art comes from Mark 11:24 which tells us, "Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them".

Trust is something crucially important in any kind of relationship we pursue.  We often give reservations in trusting people depending on how well we know them.  I was brought up believing that trust can't be demanded but is earned.  And for me to put my life on the line for somebody (under life and death circumstances) without reservation, I would have to totally trust that person.  But the truth is, human beings are flawed and not one of us can honestly  say we didn't let anybody down.  We make promises we cannot fulfill and overtime, we end up hurting even the very ones we love the most.  That is why we cannot put our utmost trust to any human being.  The Only One whose faithful and true to all His promises is Almighty God, personified and embodied to us by the God-Man, Jesus Christ!  In John 14:8-14, "Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

God spoke and it came to pass.  His Word is powerful, unchanging and eternal.  John 1:1-5 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." In the Old Testament (after the Fall of Man), God Almighty have spoken His Word through His chosen people and the prophets.  He gave His Word and guided His people to His holy and just ways. By careful study, we can conclude that His promises point to the time when His Word comes to life (in the flesh) and will be witnessed by many.  Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the Word of God.  He was with God from the very beginning.  He became flesh to fulfill God's Word of redemption.  Jesus is the Word of God fulfilled.  Anyone who puts their faith (trust, believe, dependence) upon Him has the promises of the Father written in the tablets of their hearts and they are reliable and unchanging.  Numbers 23:19 clearly states, "God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?  I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it."  Yes, the Holy Spirit dwells inside of us to attest that Jesus Christ, the very Word of God is alive in us.  When we open our Bibles and study and meditate on God's promises, we are feeding our spirit with the promises of God so that when we pray and ask God for anything in accordance to His will and purpose, He comes through for us and we are sure He will deliver at His perfect time. When we confess and declare His Word, We are unleashing His power and authority over anything that seeks to destroy us. Hence, we can thank Him and express our gratitude over things we asked and prayed for even before they physically manifest.  When we know His Word, we know what to pray as God always answers to His Word.  It's not our emotions, the length or intensity of our prayer that God answers to.  He responds to His Word!

For this Card, I used an image from Stamping Bella called "Uptown Girls Clarissa and Camille with a Cafe" that I watercolored using my Stabilo 68 markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  I also added some white nail head gems from Imaginisce and some fancy and regular stitching. The sentiments are all from Stamp Simply Clear Stamps, "A Cup of Java" that sponsors this bi-weekly Challenge.  

BREWED TO PERFECTION CARD

BREWED TO PERFECTION CARD LAYERS

BREWED TO PERFECTION CARD INSIDE

BREWED TO PERFECTION CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Colour Crazy---ATG

Crafty Catz---ATG/Add Gems and/or Glitter

Creative Fingers---ATG

Pattie's Creations---ATG

Aud Sentiments---ATG with Sentiment

Lavinia---ATG

Crafty Creations---ATG

Creative Moments---ATG/Funny

Double D---Colorful

Paper Funday---ATG/Autumn

Crafty Sentiments---ATG

Digi Choosday---ATG

Lemon Shortbread---ATG

TTCRD---ATG

Artsystamper---ATG

Colouring in Scrapland---ATG/Home Decor

Crafting Happiness---ATG

Jan's Digi---ATG

PIP---ATG

Simon Says---Use Your Fave Stamp

A Bit More Time---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

Artistic Stamper---A Stitch in Time

Classic Design---ATG

Craft-Dee Bowz---ATG

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Createful Heart---ATG

Lets Craft and Create---ATG/Bestfriends

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

QKR---ATG

Sognando---ATG

Crafting Challenge---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 several times in two weeks.  A great prize awaits our winner from our wonderful sponsor---Stamp Simply Clear Stamps (Stamps and/or Die-cuts).  So excited to see what you come up with.  Anyway, meditate on the goodness of the Lord and rely on His promises.  Expect only wonderful things from Him each day.  His presence in us enables us to do the impossible.

Ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Find out how on the sidebar...

Encouragement Series: Stencil Fashion Card Set---Visit 613 Avenue Create and Join Our Anything Goes Monthly Challenge...

Hello everyone...I'm here to feature my card for our 613 Avenue Create Anything Goes, September Challenge.  I went on my own with Anything Goes while the other DT's  tackled the optional twist which is "Add a Charm."  I've had this fun stamps for a while but it's only now, I am able to use them. I love it!  I hope you join us and have some fun crafting and creating.

Each day we live is a blessing from the Lord.  I do feel like every second counts as the Word of God and His prophesies are unfolding before our very eyes.  Ungodliness  gives birth to lawlessness and lawlessness gives birth to anarchy and terrorism.  Jesus clearly tells us in John 10:9-10, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Those who remain outside of the Gate and refuse the safety of the Good Shepherd are exposed and are part of the world that is ruled by Satan. If you are not seeing that daily these days, then you might have been deceived---desensitized from seeing the truth.  When you no longer desire facts for complete understanding, instead rely on fake media's stories and narratives to shape your opinions and downgrade God's Word to your own interpretation just to satisfy your emotional and social prejudice, you have been corrupted!  

But there are those who entered the gate of salvation through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Though we may be living in this world, we are not of this world.  We are no longer under the command of the evil one and Jesus has given us authority and weapons of warfare in His Word to defeat the wiles and schemes of Satan.  A true disciple (beware of the fakes) of Jesus Christ does not prioritize their emotions and their own opinions over issues but seek the mind of God by obeying His Word. Following God is not easy and it comes with a hefty price, believe it or not.  At some point, have you honestly asked yourself  this critical question. "If my physical well-being is at stake, will I be willing to follow Christ unto death?"  Now, many would say "Yes" but just the Covid-19 pandemic alone along with draconian measures of local leaderships have already shown us what many so-called Christians would give up to preserve their existence.  I am not against common sense, hygiene and safety but I can't honestly tolerate fear.  How can I?  The Bible said, God numbered our days (Psalm 139:16).  He has determined our days (Job 14:5).  Our life is in His hands (Job 12:10).  He can lengthen our days (1 Kings 3:14).  He is our life and He blesses the faithful with many years (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). And if we perish, there's even greater PROMISES in store for the faithful.  These promises of God are eternal and should propel each and every believer to go and do the work He entrusted us without fear.  For if we truly believe God exist and He is in charge and in control of everything, we would face the giants of this life boldly because we know we are spiritually armed and charged by God to annihilate the works of the enemy to set the captives free.  Just like in the days of Noah, the door to the Ark (grace) will shut.  Just like in the days of Lot, God will execute His judgment to this fallen world. All of us who have been saved by faith in Jesus Christ and have received the promises of God when we entered the narrow gate of safety have so much work to do to share the Good News of salvation.  While there is time, lets do the work---Body of Christ!

For these Cards, I used images and sentiments from Dina Wakley from the sets "Fashion Forward" and "Handwritten Sentiments."  The size is A2 and the stencils came from Dylusions and Tim Holtz Collection.  Simply elegant.  

STENCIL FASHION CARD SET

STENCIL FASHION CARD SET WITH ENVELOPES

STENCIL FASHION CARD 1

STENCIL FASHION CARD 2

STENCIL FASHION CARD 3

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Crafty Catz---ATG/Add Gems and/or Glitter

Creative Fingers---ATG

Pattie's Creations---ATG

As You Like It---Fave Stencil and Why? (I love the Tim Holtz because it's very versatile)

Aud Sentiments---ATG with Sentiment

Lavinia---ATG

Time Out---Be Adventurous

Crafty Creations---ATG

Creative Moments---ATG/Funny

Mod Squad---Step Up Your Stencil

Paper Funday---ATG/Autumn

Crafty Sentiments---ATG

Digi Choosday---ATG

Lemon Shortbread---ATG

TTCRD---ATG

Tuesday Throwdown---ATG

Artsystamper---ATG

Colouring in Scrapland---ATG/Home Decor

Crafting Happiness---ATG

Jan's Digi---ATG

PIP---ATG

Simon Says---Use Your Fave Stamp

A Bit More Time---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Craft-Dee Bowz---ATG

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Daisy Chain---CAS

Love to Craft---ATG

Love to Scrap---ATG

QKR---ATG

Sognando---ATG

Crafting Challenge---ATG

This is it for now, guys.  Make sure to join us at our neighborhood---613 Avenue Create---for an Anything Goes Challenge.  If you want to be challenged, take on the Optional Twist.  But there's really no reason for you to miss it. Can't wait to see what you create. Remember to trust the Lord Jesus Christ always!

Ready to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Find out how on the sidebar...

Scripture Series: One Body in Christ Fancy Fold Card---It's Anything/Inspirational Goes at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, Crafty friends! We have a new Challenge happening at Word Art Wednesday (WAW). As always, we feature a Scripture Word Art that you can download for free at the WAW site.  So, our inspiration Scripture for this Challenge that I featured in my card below comes from Romans 12:5 which says, "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

Romans 12 talks about how Born-again (John 3:3) believers are supposed to conduct ourselves in a fallen world.  Though all human beings live in this world, all of us that gave our lives to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ no longer belong to this world (ruled by Satan).  The very moment we confessed our sins and made Jesus our personal Lord and Savior was the very day we became citizens of the kingdom of God.  We died from ourselves and went from self centered to Christ centered. At the Cross, Jesus won the victory over Sin and Death and by faith (trust, dependence, belief, reliance) in His finished work (His death, burial and resurrection) at the Cross, we were saved.  His victory became our victory.  He made us One in/with Him as He is in/with the Father.  He sealed that deal by giving us His Holy Spirit (the power of God) to enable, empower and direct us to fulfill every purpose that God Almighty has predestined us to do from before time when He created us with different talents, abilities and unique personalities.  These various gifts that God uniquely placed upon every believer,  when used in obedience to the Word of God, are meant to move in fluidity in edifying and equipping the Body of Christ (Church, Ekklesia) to accomplish His Great Commission for the salvation of many souls.  In Mark 16:15-16, "He (Jesus) said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."  We are members of One Body in which Christ is the Head.  Just as the human body have different parts, we are to function as part of His Body in accordance to the assignment He placed upon our hearts.  We need every part of the Church to stay where the Spirit of God specifically anoints us to operate---all in accordance to His Word to work harmoniously and effectively.  Each one equally important to God and to one another, no matter how big or small the responsibility we are tasked to accomplish.

I love what My Life Application Bible shared pertaining to Romans 12:1-6.  It says, "When sacrificing an animal according to God's law, a priest would kill the animal, cut it in pieces, and place it on the altar.  Sacrifice was important, but even in the Old Testament God made it clear that obedience from the heart was much more important (1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 40:6, Amos 5:21-24).  God wants us to offer ourselves, not animals as living sacrifices---daily laying aside our own desires to follow Him, putting all our energy and resources at His disposal and trusting Him to guide us. We do this out of gratitude that our sins have been forgiven.  God has a good, pleasing and perfect plans for His children.  He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds, living to honor and obey Him. Because He wants only what is best for us, and because He gave His Son to make our new lives possible, we should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices for His service.  Christians are called to "not conform any longer to the pattern of this world," with its behavior and customs that are usually selfish and often corrupting.  Many Christians wisely decide that much worldly behavior is off limits for them.  Our refusal to conform to this world's values, however, must go even deeper than the level of behavior and customs---it must be firmly  planted in our minds---"be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  It is possible to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn and arrogant.  Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed.  Healthy self-esteem is important because some of us think too little of ourselves; on the other hand, some of us overestimate ourselves. The key to an honest and accurate evaluation is knowing the basis of our self-worth---our identity in Christ.  Apart from Him, we aren't capable of very much by eternal standards; in Him, we are valuable and capable of worthy service.  Evaluating yourself  by the worldly standards of success and achievement can cause you to think too much about your worth in the eyes of others and thus miss your true value in God's eyes.  Paul uses the concept of the human body to teach how Christians should live and work together.  Just as the parts of the body function under the direction of the brain, so Christians are to work together under the command and authority of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Ephesians 4:1-16).  God gives us gifts  so we can build up His church.  To use them effectively, we must  (1) realize that all gifts and abilities come from God;  (2) understand that not everyone has the same gifts; (3) know who we are and what we do best; (4) dedicate our gifts to God's service and not to our personal success; (5) be willing to utilize our gifts wholeheartedly, not holding back anything from God's service.  God's gifts differ in nature, power and effectiveness according to His wisdom and graciousness, not according to our faith.  Our role is to be faithful and to seek ways to serve others with what Christ has given us.

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions called "Live Laugh Love" that I watercolored using my Stabilo 68 markers.  The base is white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The DP's are from Paper Studio, the layered flowers from Prima and the brads from Recollections.  Some of the leaves are die-cuts using Spellbinders and some are punched with an MS punch.  I also used washi tapes from Tape Works, glitters from Stickles (Crystal) and ran some panels through my sewing machine for some wonderful stitching.  I always wanted a space for a personal message from the sender so, I created a side slot to accommodate a message tab.  Love it!

 

ONE BODY IN CHRIST FANCY FOLD CARD

ONE BODY IN CHRIST FANCY FOLD CARD LAYERS

ONE BODY IN CHRIST FANCY FOLD CARD MESSAGE PULL TAB

ONE BODY IN CHRIST FANCY FOLD CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Art Impressions---Quick and Simple

Gem Of a Challenge---ATG 

Colour Crazy---ATG

Krafty Chicks---All Occasions

Lavinia---ATG

Crafty Gals---Summer Fun

Creative Moments---ATG/Pretty Papers

House that Stamps Built---ATG

Simon Says---ATG

Createful Heart---ATG

Girlz Creative---Girlz

Not Just Cards---ATG

Scribbles Designs---Great Outdoors

Sparkles---Use at least 3 Patterned Papers

Sweet Stampers---Outdoor Fun

Creative Crafters---ATG

Wordlwide 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.  Great prize package to be won from our wonderful sponsor--- Stix 2 Anything.  Always remember that every believer is important to the Body of Christ and none of us are without talents and gifts to contribute to the Body.  God placed us at this time when many have succumb to darkness and the hope and light of the Gospel is the only cure. Time is running out!

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Scripture Series: Strength Among the People Card---Join Us for Anything Goes/Inspirational Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

 Hi there, friends!  This post is coming out really late.  Just been busy these past few days.  But I would like to share with you my inspiration project for this bi-weekly Challenge happening at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, we are featuring a Scripture Word Art that you can download for free at the WAW site.  Our highlighted verse today comes from Psalm 77:14 which says, "Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people."

As the Presidential election draws near, there is not a shortage of bad news upon bad news and chaos upon chaos not only in our country but all around the world.  It is obvious that the mainstream media who were once bringing a balance news to the people in the absence of political opinions have made it their quest to promote every news that capitalizes on stealing, killing and destruction to move people as far away as possible to what promotes life, freedom, patriotism and love for God.  Everyday, there are wonderful news out there that can unite and promote respect and love among human beings but the media pundits are purposely ignoring, killing and burying them to oblivion to promote unrest and further divide people to every issue they can come up with.  Nowadays, I often see/hear people quoting Matthew 12:25 in their social media comments. This verse tells us, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand."  Satan used division for ages to destroy nations, families and relationships to achieve his purpose---to destroy and deceived many souls and rob them of knowing their Savior.  And because America is so divided in our day, many are foreseeing our downfall.  But if you take the time to study Matthew 12 and look into the context of the interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees, the subject is about the (holy and rigteous) kingdom of God and the (unholy and perverted) kingdom of Satan.  JESUS RULES in God's kingdom and all His subject reveres Him and follows His statutes.  Satan's kingdom are filled with rebels and self centered souls that are divided among themselves.  Let's see what Jesus told the Pharisees who accused Him of driving out demons by using demonic power in Matthew 12:26-33.  Jesus said, "If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit." 

I would like to share what My Life Application Bible's explanation shared regarding Matthew 12:24-30.  It says, "The Pharisees had already accused Jesus of being in league with the prince of demons (Matthew 9:34).  They were trying to discredit Him by using an emotional argument.  Refusing to believe that Jesus came from God, they said He was in league with Satan.  Jesus easily exposed the foolishness of their argument. In the incarnation, Jesus gave up the complete and unlimited use of His supernatural abilities.  But He still has profound insight into human nature.  His discernment stopped the religious leader's attempts to trick Him.  The resurrected Christ knows all our thoughts.  This can be comforting because He knows what we really mean when we speak to Him.  It can be threatening because we cannot hide from Him, and He knows every selfish motives.  At Jesus' birth, Satan's power and control were disrupted.  In the desert Jesus overcame the devil's temptations, and at the resurrection he defeated Satan's ultimate weapon---Death.  Eventually Satan will be constrained forever (Revelation 20:10), and evil will no longer pervade the earth.  Jesus has complete power and authority over Satan and all his forces.  It is impossible to be neutral about Christ.  Anyone who is  not actively following Him has chosen to reject Him.  Any person who tries to remain neutral in the struggle of good against evil is choosing to be separated from God, who alone is good.  To refuse to follow Christ is to choose to be on Satan's team. "

Wow, if we examine the state of our country through these verses, the very reason why we are divided is because we are surrounded by Satanic people who are bent to see the destruction of our country.  They took over major pillars of our society and planted their despicable globalists agenda.  We see their confusing and insane policies, views and arguments daily and unless you are operating in Godly wisdom and common sense, you can be easily deceived to agree with their perversion of truth.  But they have to contend with the true and faithful believers (Born-again, John 3:3) of the Body of Christ who boldly stand for God's Truth---unwilling to compromise.  Not everyone who attends a Church building or call themselves Christians are true believers.  Those whose lives are fully surrendered to Christ and obeys His Word agrees on the unifying power of the Gospel. One King, One Ruler, One Kingdom in Jesus Christ alone and His Word is eternal and unchanging. We obey what He says is right and hates what He says is wrong.  We have nothing in common with the rebels of this world for we have been redeemed by our faith in the finished work of Christ at the Cross.  This division is necessary in order to separate and identify the good from evil.  Those who would boldly stand for righteousness and those who would compromise for false comfort and security.  One day, Jesus will return for His people (Rapture of the Church) and everyone "left behind" will willingly worship Satan and receive the mark of the Beast as the wrath of God pours (Tribulation Period) upon the ungodly.  Revelation 20:6 tells us, "Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years."  To all of my fellow believers, never take your eyes away from Jesus Christ!  No matter what happens, consider His faithfulness written in His Word and all that He accomplished on our behalf in fulfillment of His promises.  Meditate upon them always while anticipating His eternal promises of a life in His presence filled with light, righteousness, peace, joy and love.  

For this Card, I used images from Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz called "Bird Crazy" and the frame image is from Recollections.  Both are colored using my Hobby Colour and Prismacolor markers.  The base is a white CS, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches square card.  The embossing folder for the background is from Darice and the Washi tapes are from Tape Works.  Lastly, I added some fancy stitching to this card.  Simply cute!

 

 

STRENGTH AMONG THE PEOPLE CARD

 

STRENGTH AMONG THE PEOPLE CARD LAYERS

 

 

STRENGTH AMONG THE PEOPLE CARD INSIDE

 

 

STRENGTH AMONG THE PEOPLE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

 

This Card is entered into the following Challenges: 

Crafty Creations---ATG

Crafty Gals---Summer Fun

Ellibelle's---Something Beginning with "B" (Bird, Branch)

Simon Wednesday---Oh So Cute!

Paper Funday---ATG/Back to School

Crafty Sentiments---ATG

Digi Choosday---ATG

Lemon Shortbread---ATG

TTCRD---ATG

Crafting Happiness---ATG

Jan's Digi Stamps---ATG

PIP---ATG

Path to Positivity---Exploring the Fantastical

Paper Girls---Emboss Like a Boss

Dragonfly Dreams---ATG

Dare 2B Artzy---ATG

Lil' Patch of Crafty Friends---ATG

Corrosive---ATG

2 Crafty Critter---ATG with Critter

A Bit More Time---ATG

A Perfect Time---ATG

Artistic Stamper---ATG

Classic Design---ATG

Craft Dee BowZ---ATG

Crafts Galore Encore---ATG

Crafty Animals---ATG

Creatalicious---ATG

Createful Heart---ATG

Love to Craft---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 prizes from our awesome sponsor---Hello BlueBird (Prize pack).  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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Scripture Series: All Should Come to Repentance Card---Join our Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hello everyone, Sorry for the very late post... I'm here to share the card I made featuring our Scripture Word Art for our Word Art Wednesday (WAW) current Challenge.  Like always, you can download it for free at the WAW site if you want to use it for your projects.  It comes from 2 Peter 3:9 which says, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

Now more than ever, we see the prophetic Word of God unfolding before our very eyes.  The Lord didn't leave us out of His divine plan and although He didn't go into specific details on when things are going to take place, He placed the Holy Spirit inside every Born-again believer (John 3:3) to give us wisdom and understanding to know the time and the season we are in based on His written Word. Luke 12:54-56 tells us, "Then Jesus turned to the crowd and said, “When you see clouds beginning to form in the west, you say, ‘Here comes a shower.’ And you are right. When the south wind blows, you say, ‘Today will be a scorcher.’ And it is. You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times." By observing God's natural creation (both seen and unseen) we can find some much needed clues that would give us insight on how a day is going to progress.  One of the first things I check (aside from time) when I wake up each day is the weather.  Since I am a night owl and sleeping for a good part of the day, I placed some dark colored curtains on my bedroom window to make sure daylight wouldn't bother me in my sleep.  The moment I wake up, I look at the sky to see how gloomy or sunny it is.  This helps me in deciding what direction and actions to take that day---even my clothing to wear.  When my family spends time outdoors and realize dark clouds forming, I'm usually not bothered until it's accompanied by strong winds, thunder and lightning.  All these warns me to seek shelter immediately.   Many (if not all) of us are aware of the physical/environmental clues that could prepare us for what's coming although many choose to ignore.   How I wish I could say the same when it comes to  people's awareness of the spiritual part of their existence.  The truth is those who haven't received Christ as their Lord and Savior are spiritually dead (no connection with God) since the Fall of Man and therefore follows the lead of the prince of this world---Satan.  These people think they are wise but no idea how deceived they truly are.  They love "virtue signaling" but no idea what Godly virtues are.  So, when you listen to their issues and arguments, they don't make any sense and are far-fetched from what they claim to be fighting for.  

When we inquire, study and obey God's Word, not only are we given wisdom and understanding but God also strengthen and empower us to make decisions in accordance to His perfect will and purpose.  As a result of such intimacy with God, we're not easily persuaded by FEAR and the arguments of man which we best know today as FAKE NEWS.  In the Church, the fake news are called "FALSE TEACHINGS.  We are to steer clear of these "wind of doctrines" concocted by Satan himself that perverts God's truth.  Ephesians 4:14-16 says, "Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." As believers, we know that we have the Holy Spirit and His Word inside of us and we possess the incredible message of the Gospel (death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ) that is God's power to conquer every darkness.  The treasure that we found in Christ is so priceless and will never lose its value both now and forever.  True believers are not afraid of losing their earthly life for the sake of the Gospel for what immediately awaits us is eternal  life in the presence of our Savior.  Since this is true, we fight for God's righteousness in this world in order to share the Gospel of salvation while we're still alive and the opportunity is still available.  Christian persecution (torture and martyrdom) in the countries hostile to the Gospel is so real that if we don't work to preserve our constitutionally protected freedom here in the United States, we'll pay the highest price to share the Gospel or cave in/deny your faith in Christ. I pray that we stand with Jesus---no matter what!  

 

Finally, I would like to share what My Life Application Bible had to say about our highlighted verse quoted at the beginning and featured in my card creation.  It says, "In the last days" scoffers will say that Jesus is not coming back, but Peter refutes their argument by explaining God's mastery over time.  The "last days" is the time between Christ first and second comings; thus we, like Peter, live in the last days.  We must do the work to which God has called us and believe that He will return as He promised.  God may have seemed slow to these believers as they faced persecution every day and longed to be delivered.  But God is not slow; He just is not on our timetable (Psalm 90:4).  Jesus is waiting so that more sinners will repent and turn to Him.  We must not sit and wait for Christ to return, but we should live with the realization that time is short and that we have important work to do.  Be ready to meet Christ anytime, even today; yet plan your course of service as though He may not return for many years."

For this Card, I used an image from Art Impressions and watercolored it using my Stabilo 68 markers.  The base is Kraft, cut and scored to make a 5.5 inches squared card.  Using my Corner Chomper, I shaped 2 corners of the card.  The DP is from Recollections, the nail head gems from Tulips and the glitters from Stickles (Crystal).  For a final touch, I ran some panels into my sewing machine for some stitching. 

ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE CARD

ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE CARD LAYERS

ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE CARD INSIDE

ALL SHOULD COME TO REPENTANCE CARD WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Colour Crazy---ATG with Colored Image

Creative Fingers---ATG

Art Impressions---Cards for Kindness (Made an Inspirational/Encouragement Card)

Aud Sentiments---ATG with Sentiment/s

Lavinia---ATG using Rubber/Clear Stamps

Time Out---Inspired by Words

Crafty Creations---ATG

Creative Moments---ATG/Citrus colors

Paper Shelter---ATG

Simon Says---Fave Tool (My Heating tool to set the gems)

Paper Funday---ATG/Back to School

Crafty Sentiments---ATG

Digi Choosday---ATG

Lemon Shortbread---ATG

TTCRD---ATG

Artsy Stamper---Sentiment All

Crafting Happiness---ATG

Jan's Digi---ATG

PIP---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 each week.  Our wonderful sponsor is Heartfelt Creations ($25 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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