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.
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