Freedom 2024 word of the year- impromtu journal page

I've decided to have a word for the year for 2024.  It's the word - Freedom!  It's been popping up a few times recently and it would be a good word to use to focus my mind on.  There are 3 verses that talk about freedom that I want to think about:

Galatians 5:1-
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

It's talking about how Jesus made us free from our sins with his death on the cross and resurrection. We don't need to try to pay for our sins by doing all kinds of work and religious things.  He gave it to us as a free gift.  We can now worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

2 Thessalonians 3:1
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

The Apostle Paul wanted to be able to preach the Word of God freely and that it will spread throughout without any hinderance and be effective.  I pray that same prayer for me.

Revelation 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

A beautiful verse at the end of the Bible, showing that God wants everyone to come to Him, freely.  He wants to be involved in your life and help you and give you eternal life, if only you will freely come to Him.

Watch as I create an art journal page, with these thoughts in mind... 

Think on These Things - Praise

Think on these things from Philippians 4:8 - an ArtsyUs devotional series.  We are making an art journal page, using paint and collage while focusing on the word, “Praise”.  There are so many things to Praise the Lord for: His goodness, mercy and grace… I pray this will help you focus on His goodness all around you and cause you to stop and Praise Him!

Philippians 4:8  (KJV)

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Think on These Things -A Good Report

 Think on these things - Philippians 4:8 - We are focusing on the phrase, "A Good Report" in this ArtsyUs devotional series.  We are learning about Ruth, in the Book of Ruth in the Bible.  Her story involves a couple of good reports.  I encourage you to read the book.  It's very short.  The story is so good and has a happy ending.  As you hear good news or report of someone this week, write or text them a note of encouragement.  I know it will go a long way to make them feel special and you will feel good also.  Blessings!

Think on these things- Philippians 4:8 Artsy Devotional Series Pure

Think on These Things- Philippians 4:8 Artsy Devotional Series - PURE

Treasure in Earthen Vessels

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 

2 Corinthians 4:7 

(Read 2 Cor. 4:1-7)

I recently saw a demonstration on pottery where the artist said,

”I like to play with dirt!”

Never really thought of pottery in that term before…

Peter with the pottery restoration.

Today, pottery is so beautifully finished with glazes of different colors and styles.  The pieces can last for many years. But, in ancient times, clay vessels were used much like we use paper plates today.  Used once, then thrown away. Very little value, if any, was put on them.  Today, archaeologist find volumes of pottery shards on their digs. Very rarely they’ll find a clay pot in tact.  My husband participated in a dig where he found 3 Roman pots in tact! He was the star for the day! Everyone stopped their digging and came over to see!  They let him hold it and take pictures with it.  But, they wouldn’t let him keep them!  Shards, on the other hand, were plentiful. After making sure there was no significant inscription on them, he was permitted to take some home. Part of his training was pottery restoration.  It’s like working an ancient jigsaw puzzle with shards to reconstruct the pottery.   Unique pieces got a place in the museum showcase.  All others were stored away, rarely to be seen.

In this passage we are pictured as earthen vessels (clay pots); made of dirt, cracked, humble and ordinary. Not a likely place to store a treasure.  Yet, God, who created the light to shine from the darkness, has chosen to shine the light in our hearts and to use us to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory and the gospel of the Lord Jesus to others who are still in darkness.  What a treasure!

Our human weakness is not a barrier for the power of God.  God uses ordinary people.  It is because we are blessed with this wonderful treasure that we should have boldness and confidence to live for the Glory of God.

Note:  Thoughts inspired by a sermon on “God’s Glory in our Witness” by Dr. Erwin Lutzer of Moody Memorial Church in Chicago. 

Being in the Presence of God Brings on a Reaction

I was listening to an inspirational song, where the songwriter tries to imagine what he would do when he sees Jesus face to face in heaven.  Would he stand or would he fall on his knees?  Would he sing Hallelujah or just be silent?... It’s a beautiful song.  It got me thinking; does the Bible give any examples of people’s reaction, when they came into God’s presence?  Here are a few that I found.

In the presence of God:

• Adam and Eve hid themselves, after they disobeyed God in the Garden (Genesis 3:8).
• The people were afraid – When Moses went up the Mountain to meet with God and they heard the thunderings and saw the lightning flashes and smoke. (Exodus 20:18)
• Ezekiel fell on his face (Ezekiel 1:28)
• All men will shake (Ezekiel 38:20)
• Jonah fled (Jonah 1:3)
• People feared (Haggai 1:12)
• Isaiah saw his own unworthiness and said, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.” (Isaiah 6:5)
• The Apostle John fell at his feet as dead (Revelation 1:17)
• The people, who had rejected the Lord Jesus Christ were standing and waiting to be judged from the books at the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11-12)

These examples sound like it’s a very scary thing to be in God’s presence.  For sure, we must have reverence before Him.  Yet, there is comfort in knowing that if we know and abide in the Lord, we can feel safe.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High 
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; 
My God, in Him I will trust.” (Psalm 91:1)

We can also experience fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore in His presence!

“You will show me the path of life; 
In Your presence is fullness of joy; 
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

How can we “know” Him?  The only way is through The Lord Jesus Christ. 

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” (John 14:6)

Jesus told us that we need not be afraid.  He has prepared a place for us in Heaven.  Not only can we imagine, but with joy look forward to seeing Him face to face!

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:1-3)