#biblescripture

[womanwarriorofgodww59]

#wallpaper

[inspired-word]

On this 4th of July, this book speaks to what this day is about https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Chauncey+Navarro+One+nation+under+God&i=stripbooks&crid=O43U6BB9A35L&sprefix=chauncey+navarro+one+nation+under+god%2Cstripbooks%2C180&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

[activelife2024]

ActiveLife

[feedingtheflockministry]

The Key to Forgiveness | Learning to Let Go of Hurt | Jonathan Evans

In this video, we explore the topic of forgiveness. Forgiving someone who has hurt us is one of the most difficult things we can do, but it is also one of the most healing. We hope that by watching this video, you will be inspired to forgive those who have wronged you, and in turn, find peace and healing in your heart.

[livinglifeagainblog]

Prayer of the Day

Heavenly Father, I come before You seeking the tranquility that only You can provide. Help me to embrace forgiveness, so that I may release burdens that hinder my peace. Guide my heart to find solace in Your Word and to cultivate a mindful connection with You each day.

As I journey towards inner peace, may Your spirit surround me, filling my life with calmness and joy. AMEN.

[affirmedinchrist]

Morning prayer, affirmations, scripture and recommended worship song

[gentlespiritgirl]

To be present we need to be in His presence 🍃

Let us not become so wrapped up in the preparations or plans that we don’t recognize the value of what’s before us.

In His presence we have all we need.

”As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.

”Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.

But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

”But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭38‬-42 📖✨

[ronaldanthony4]

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favoured one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Then Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord! Let it be unto me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

(Luke 1:26-38)

-----------------------

As an artist who loves exploring different themes, creating Christian art during Christmas is both a joy and a spiritual calling. This year, amidst the bustling preparation for my main nativity artwork, I was drawn to a particular biblical moment—the Annunciation. The story of the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary to announce that she would bear the Son of God has always been a profound event. It encapsulates not only divine intervention but also human courage and faith. Inspired by this, I poured my heart into crafting a piece that captures the essence of this sacred moment.

For this artwork, I decided to use James Tissot's famous painting, "Annunciation," as the foundation. Tissot's work has always intrigued me because of its detailed historical references. His rendition of Mary’s house, inspired by the plan found in the Church of Annunciation in Nazareth, exudes authenticity. Trusting his artistic research, I chose to adopt his background for my piece. The composition, with Gabriel on the left and Mary on the right, adheres to traditional artistic conventions. It provided a solid structure for me to work on while allowing room for my interpretations.

One significant deviation in my artwork is Mary’s appearance. While Tissot portrayed her in a heavily cloaked manner with fair skin, I reimagined her with dark skin and black curly hair. This decision stemmed from my desire to achieve historical accuracy. Mary was a young Jewish woman from first-century Nazareth, and she likely had a Middle Eastern complexion. For her attire, I drew inspiration from William Ladd Taylor’s nativity artwork. I depicted her in a simple white robe, and a nightgown, reflecting her humility and modesty. Unlike Tissot’s Mary, shrouded in layers, my Mary is more accessible, more human—a young woman startled by the unexpected presence of an angel.

The setting in my artwork suggests the event occurred at night. I imagined Mary resting when Gabriel suddenly appeared, radiating a divine light that illuminated the room. This detail is drawn from Luke 2:9, which mentions the glory of the Lord shining brightly. The stark contrast between the dark surroundings and the angel’s glow symbolises the breaking of divine light into the ordinary. This interpretation emphasises the humanity of Mary and the sudden, unexpected nature of the angel's visitation, making the scene more relatable to viewers. The use of light and darkness in the setting adds depth and symbolism to the artwork, enhancing the overall impact of the narrative.

The character design for the angel is a blend of artistic license and traditional depictions. It is important to note that the angel in my artwork should not be confused with a cherub or a seraph, both of which have more detailed and superior descriptions in the Bible. The angels mentioned in the Gospels are often portrayed as young men dressed in white (Mark 16:5, Luke 24:4, Acts 1:10) and be like lightning (Matthew 28:3), which inspired the glowing, radiant look I gave him. Although angels are commonly depicted with halos, I decided against it, acknowledging its pagan origins. Instead, I focused on other elements that conveyed his heavenly nature. The flowing robes and ethereal wings added a sense of grace and divinity to Gabriel's character, while the subtle use of gold accents hinted at his celestial origins.

Gabriel’s beardless, youthful face signifies his glorified state. I gave him blonde hair and blue eyes, a nod to traditional artistic depictions of angels, even though these features are just guesses since only vague descriptions from the Gospels are available. The overall effect was a portrayal of Gabriel that was both familiar and unique, capturing the essence of his angelic nature while also leaving room for interpretation. The wings, however, are not present in this depiction, since the only angels that have been mentioned to have wings were the cherubim, seraphim and the four living creatures and there's no indication in the Bible that the messenger angel like Gabriel has wings.

The colour choices in my artwork are also symbolic. The off-white colour of Mary's linen robe signifies its earthly origin, contrasting with the angel's purely white attire, which symbolises its heavenly provenance. This visual contrast underscores the divine-human encounter, highlighting the sacredness of the moment. The whiteness of the angel's outfit not only represents purity but also serves as a visual cue to the heavenly realm from which the angel hails. The use of colour in this way adds depth and meaning to the scene, enhancing the overall spiritual impact for viewers.

In creating this artwork, I aimed to capture the essence of the Annunciation, a moment of profound significance in the Christian faith. The scene is not just a historical event but a timeless message of hope, faith, and divine intervention. As I worked on this piece, I was reminded of the power of art to convey deep spiritual truths and to inspire reflection and reverence. The Annunciation, with its themes of divine election, purity, and the promise of salvation, continues to resonate with believers and non-believers alike, reminding us of the enduring relevance of this biblical narrative.

As I worked on this piece, I reflected on the humility and faith of Mary. Here was a young woman, likely in the age of consent in ancient times, being told she would carry the Son of God. Her response, as recorded in Luke 1:38, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word," is a testament to her strength and trust in God. I tried to capture that mixture of awe, fear, and acceptance in her posture and expression. Her raised hand, meeting Gabriel’s gesture, signifies her willingness to embrace this divine calling despite her initial trepidation.

The process of creating this artwork was both challenging and rewarding. Balancing historical accuracy, artistic interpretation, and spiritual symbolism required careful thought and research. Yet, every brushstroke felt purposeful, as if guided by the story itself. This piece is a prelude to the nativity artwork I am preparing to upload on Christmas Eve. While the Annunciation sets the stage for the miracle of Christ’s birth, the nativity captures its fulfilment. Together, these artworks celebrate the incredible story of God’s love and the people who played a role in His divine plan.

In conclusion, my rendition of the Annunciation is a labour of love, a blend of historical accuracy, artistic license, and spiritual reflection. It is a tribute to the masterful works of James Tissot and William Ladd Taylor, as well as a personal interpretation of a timeless biblical event. As I prepare to unveil my nativity artwork on Christmas Eve, I am filled with a sense of awe and gratitude for the opportunity to explore and express my faith through art. May this artwork serve as a reminder of the divine-human encounter that changed the course of history and continues to inspire generations.

[womanwarriorofgodww59]

#wallpaper

[inspired-word]

“I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ.” --The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, p. 385.

George Washington said;

“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.” --The Writings of Washington, pp. 342-343.

John Adams said:

“Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God … What a Utopia, what a Paradise would this region be.” --Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, Vol. III, p. 9.

John Hancock said;

“Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. … Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us.” --History of the United States of America, Vol. II, p. 229.

Benjamin Franklin said;

“Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshiped.”

[activelife2024]

ActiveLife

bits&pieces

[feedingtheflockministry]

The Passing of Our Beloved Honey Bear and How God Walked Us Through It

On July 11, 2023, after a long life of 12 1/2 years, my wife and I made the heartbreaking decision to have our golden retriever Honey Bear put to sleep. She reached a point of bodily pain and discomfort due to several tumors that kept growing all over her body (including on those extra sensitive areas), sores that were no longer healing after treatment, urinary tract infections that continued to come back shorty after they were treated causing terrible discomfort and pain, no longer wanted to go for walks, no longer wanted to play with her toys, she had extreme difficulty getting up, her fur was falling out, and started leaving some bits of food in her bowl or not eating her food until later (which was never the case before).

Honey was an amazing companion. From the moment I laid eyes on her as a small puppy (with low blood sugar and worms tucked away in a corner opposite her litter), to picking up groceries, tons of walks, playing tug, running around in the snow in Houston of all places, watching me cook, hanging out with us on the patio or pool side on her blanket, and lived with us in several apartments throughout her life. She was the constant in our lives despite the constant changes we experienced throughout the last twelve years. She was like a daughter to us. So making the decision to end her life was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in all my 46 years of living.

The week leading up to her last day I continued to asked The Lord if He was willing to heal my dog that He would, but instead of healing her He counseled and comforted me through it with the scriptures. He started by reminding me of the death of Moses in Deuteronomy 34:1-8. Showing me that death must come, but we that have control over another individual’s life should not allow them to suffer in pain, agony, sickness, distress, and physical deterioration after the love and devotion they showed us through their lives. We should plan for it if we can and give them a wonderful last moment, lasts days, or last weeks. For Moses had all his strength and strong eyesight when that day came. Afterwards The Lord personally buried his body. For The Lord only buried Moses in all of the scriptures. Moses also got to see the Promise Land from a mountain top on his last day, and Honey got lots of treats and got to go to special places during her last week. Just before she was put to sleep she got to eat a chocolate covered donut.

The second passage He reminded me of was a story He told to King David through the prophet Nathan in order that David could unknowingly pass judgment on his own actions with Bathsheba and being responsible for her husbands death. Through the story He showed me that He sees the love and strong bond we share with our closest pets. For He even uses it in His story for David to judge. So remember that when someone says dismissive things like, “It’s just an animal” or “it’s just a dog so move on and get another one”. Yes, getting another puppy can distract you from the heartbreak and grief somewhat, but no dog no matter how sweet they are is a replacement for the one you sent to your Heavenly Father’s house.

The third scripture came from one of King Solomon’s proverbs that says, “A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel.” A righteous man regards the health of his animal and acts accordingly. Even if that leads to making life ending decisions. For a wicked man will not do this for their animal, but will ignore the problem and continue to feed their animal while turning a blind eye to their suffering.

The forth passage came from John’s gospel about Jesus’s childhood friend Lazarus getting sick and dying. He arrived four days after he had died with the intention on healing him. When Jesus came He saw everyone mourning and weeping including Lazarus’s sister. Before He resurrected Lazarus He also wept. Why did He wait? Why didn’t He just say to those that delivered the message to Him about Lazarus being sick, “Go your way friends, for this hour Lazarus is healed”? We must remember that The Lord does everything for a purpose. That purpose is never for evil against us, but for prospering us in the way of righteousness and growth.

Lastly, the passage of scripture He reminded me of was, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” This is a promise from Him. For He sees us when we mourn and He comforts us through others around us, and by the Holy Spirit. For we are never alone when we are in Christ.

If you are going through a loss of a beloved fur child my heart goes out to you. You will always remember them and think of them fondly. Grieving for your beloved fur child is completely understandable, and by no means should anyone make you feel stupid for doing so.

Scripture passages:

Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land—from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacobwhen I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.” And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is. Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over. Deuteronomy 34:1-8

Then the LORD sent Nathan to David. And he came to him and said, “There were two men in a city, the one wealthy and the other poor. The wealthy man had a great many flocks and herds. “But the poor man had nothing at allexcept one little ewe lamb which he bought and nurtured; and it grew up together with him and his children. It would eat scraps from him and drink from his cup and lie in his lap, and was like a daughter to him. “Now a visitor came to the wealthy man, and he could not bring himself to take any animal from his own flock or his own herd, to prepare for the traveler who had come to him; So he took the poor man’s ewe lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 2 Samuel 12:1-4

A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel. Proverbs 12:10

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. John 11:33-35

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

[byfaithmedia]

Truth 🙌🏻

[affirmedinchrist]

Affirmations from Ephesians

[rammamak]

『你們得救在乎歸回安息；

你們得力在乎平靜安穩；

你們竟自不肯。』

(以賽亞書 30:15 和合本)

"In repentance and rest is your salvation,

in quietness and trust is your strength,

but you would have none of it."

(Isaiah 30:15 NIV)

[alandemoss]

Defending Your Integrity: What Jesus Taught Us About Truth, Humility, and Righteousness

In a world that often pushes folks to be aggressive and look out for number one, Jesus reminds us that defending our integrity means leaning into truth, showing humility, and standing firm in righteousness. Instead of raising our fists, Jesus invites us to uphold our integrity through these important principles: 1. Live Truthfully Jesus lays it out plain and simple in John 8:31-32: “If you hold…