Scripture Series: Like a Watered Garden---Join Us for Another Inspirational/Anything Goes Challenge at Word Art Wednesday!

Hi there, Crafty pals!  Here to highlight my inspiration project for our newest Challenge at Word Art Wednesday (WAW).  As always, we feature a Scripture Word Art  that you can download for free at the WAW site.  It comes from Isaiah 58:11 which says, "And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."  What a wonderful passage pertaining to  those who truly seek and obey the Will of God and not doing things out of selfish ambitions and worldly praise.  Isaiah 58 deals with "True Fasting" in the sight of the Lord.  I would like to share what my Life Application Bible shared concerning this chapter for it truly blessed me.  It says, "True worship is more than a religious ritual, going to the temple everyday, fasting and listening to Scripture readings.  These people missed the point of a living, vital relationship with God.  He doesn't want us acting pious when we have unforgiven sin in our hearts and perform sinful practices with our hands.  More important even than correct worship and doctrine is compassion for the poor, the helpless and the oppressed.  We cannot be saved by the deeds of service without faith in Christ, but our faith lacks sincerity if it doesn't reach out to others.  Fasting can be beneficial spiritually and physically, but at its best, fasting helps only the person doing it.  God says He wants our service to go beyond our personal growth to acts of kindness, charity, justice and generosity.  True fasting is more than what we don't eat; it is pleasing God by applying His Word to our society. 

As believers (Born-again, John 3:3) of the Lord Jesus Christ, each of us are walking in different levels of FAITH as influenced by our encounter and responsiveness to the Word of God.  To put our faith (trust, believe, adhere, cling, depend, reliance) into something means that we are ready to put our lives on the line for something bigger than ourselves and for a cause much bigger than what this world can offer.  So, it's very important for the OBJECT of our faith to be Tried, True and Unchanging.  Malachi 3:6 says, "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."  The Lord created everything through His spoken Word.  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."  JESUS is the "Word of God" (Logos/Word---the expression of the thought or the totality of the message of God to man).  John 1:14 testifies to this Truth when it says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." We are so blessed by the Written Word of God (the Bible) and the historical evidence of the life, ministry and the finished work of Jesus Christ at the Cross (personal revelation of God in Christ) to know that we are planted on a Sure Foundation.  The natural revelation of the Lord (things we see around us) declare His undeniable power and glory.  We have proven in time that what He said would happen---happened!   You see, the currency of heaven is FAITH.  Hebrews 11:6 clearly 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."  But how do we acquire faith?  It is not earned by prayer, fasting nor doing good works.  Sometimes, we even pray for the Lord to increase our faith.  While it may sound good, but God already revealed to us how we can access "FAITH."  Romans 10:17 (AMP) says, " So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ."  The level of study/commitment/obedience you give to the Truth you hear (exposure to the Word of God) determines the level of faith/maturity/growth that influences/directs your life.  Contrary to what the world dictates, obedience to His Word is valued by Almighty God.  Anyone who adds or subtracts from God's Word deceiving many is destined for eternal damnation.  God is looking for people who will take His Word to heart and wholeheartedly apply it to honor Him and serve others.  Any exterior signs of spirituality without the right motive to obey God's Word are nothing but filthy rags in the sight of our Lord.  Matthew 24:35 says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."  If the Word of God (Jesus) is going to be with us forever, would it be beneficial for us to live this life for Him and by Him?

For this Card, I used an image from Stamping Bella called "Petunia Gets a Piggy Back" that I watercolored with my Stabilo 68 markers.  The base is an A7 pre-cut card, the lacy border was created with  an MS Punch and the metallic gems are from Imaginisce.  I also added some glitters to the image using Stickles (Crystal) and incorporated some stitching all over the card.  Simply beautiful!

 LIKE A WATERED GARDEN

 LIKE A WATERED GARDEN LAYERS

 LIKE A WATERED GARDEN INSIDE

LIKE A WATERED GARDEN WITH ENVELOPE-BOX

This Card is entered into the following Challenges:

Ellibelle's---Summer 

Sunny Day Crafting---Animals

Crafty Addicts---ATG/Pets 

Craft Rocket---Summer 

Crafting with Attitude---ATG 

Star Stampz---Summer is Here 

2 Crafty Critter---ATG with Critter

A Bit More Time---ATG 

A Perfect Time---ATG

Card Mania---ATG 

Classic DT---ATG 

Country View---Summer Garden 

Crafteezee---Summer 

Crafts Galore---ATG 

Crafty Animals---ATG with Animals 

Crafty Girls---ATG 

Creatalicious---ATG with No Patterned Paper 

Create and Inspire---ATG

Hope you enjoyed my featured project today at WAW...I am looking forward to see your projects linked to our Challenge.  You can include the free Word Art in your projects to link,  but not a requirement.  You can submit any inspirational, uplifting, family friendly creations (up to 5 each week) for more chances to win our prize from our sponsors this week---The Project Bin ($15 GC) and Iralamija (Digi Stamps). Everything we hear and see should always be brought to the approval and/or correction of the infallible Word of God---Jesus Christ!  He is the Author and the Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).