Staying on The Ancient Path- Psalm 27

This is the next installment of  my Artsy-devotional video series on Staying on the Ancient Path.  Here I share what has happened to me in the last 3 months and how it’s like a huge boulder that has dropped on my path. The boulder is called breast cancer! Your "boulder" might be called another name, but it's still a boulder! Although it's large, God puts opsticals like this in our path in order for us to climb them, grow and learn from Him. God said that the path will not always be easy, but He also said that He will always be with us, strengthen us and be a light for us through the troubled times.

The devotional is on Psalm 27 when King David was hunted by the Philistines and by King Saul. Although he had a lot of people wanting to kill him, he also had a lot of people who were with him and helped him. Most importantly, he had God on his side.  I used Psalm 27:1 as the inspiration and quote for the page.

     "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

As I started making the page, it was all impromptu. I really didn't know what to do. But, as I started, it all flowed out and I end up making a pocket and putting the verse on a bookmark type card to insert in the pocket to remind me that if I have God in my back pocket, I don't have to be afraid!

Staying on the Ancient Path -Love

Staying on the Ancient Path Devotional Art Journal - Using 2 Peter 1:5-8 to continue on the journey by adding the final ingredient to our faith - love. 

We are discussing the meaning of how much God loves us by personalizing John 3:16, ”For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” and see that God loves us (each individual person) so much that He sent His only Son to take our place and make the payment for our sins so that we can have eternal life with Him through faith.

We also take a close look at 1 Corinthians 13 - the love chapter in the Bible where this Agape, self-sacrificing love is described to us so that we can understand how we can love others.

To make the journal page we collage a picture from a magazine and a vintage bird print with the verse 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now abideth, faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (Love).”

We collage and embellish it on a piece of one of my botanical gel prints. 

     We wrap up this study in 2 Peter with verse 8, where it says that if we add and practice these 8 ingredients to our faith, we will be fruitful, joyful and effective in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Christian walk.

 2 Peter 1:5-8 - “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Additional verses used:

Galatians 5:22-23-”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

1 Corinthians 13:1-8- “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”

1 John 4:7-11-”Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

Staying on the Ancient Path -Virtue- The 10 commandments

2 Peter 1:5-7 gives us some things to add to our faith so that the Lord can bless us in our lives and family.  

"...Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity."

In this video, I am focusing on the first one, virtue (a good moral character, to have excellence in all things). The best place to start is at the beginning- the 10 Commandments, given in Exodus 20.  We discuss a little on each one.  This gives us a good start and it also teaches us a little about God and what He likes and dislikes.  I pray that this will encourage you to continue to do the things that God likes and stay on that ancient path of good.

Staying on the Ancient Path - Taking the first Step - Gospel

"Heaven is a gift" tract is read and gives the gospel message.

Also, the story of Abraham and Isaac when God told Abraham to offer his only son

as a burnt offering on the altar and how God provided the Ram as a substitute.

This story gives a clear picture of what Jesus did for us on the cross.

The Fragrance of Christ

" But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume.  As far as God is concerned there is a sweet, wholesome fragrance in our lives. It is the fragrance of Christ within us, ..." (2 Corinthians 2:14-15a -New Living Translation for better understanding.)

I have been using essential oils now for the last year or so.  I love to be able to use these oils to naturally support me in many ways, both emotionally and physically.  For example, if I need some calmness, I drop some lavender and other oils in a diffuser and it fills the room with a wonderful aroma that just melts all the stress away. Each one has special uses and smells. Whether to create calmness, or to purify the air, each oil has special qualities.  There are many options. 

When I read this verse I instantly thought, wow, we can be a diffuser for Christ!  When we walk into a room or converse with someone, they should be able to sense that we are followers of Christ, both in our manner and conversation.  I have sensed this many times when meeting new people. 

What is the Fragrance of Christ?

1.  To walk in Love:

"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. (Ephesians 5:2)

2.  To be a person of prayer:

In Exodus 30:34-35 it tells us what spices were used for the incense altar in the Tabernacle where the priest would pray.  Frankincense was one of those ingredients.  Among other benefits, it promotes a spiritual and meditative connectiveness.  It was a sweet smell before the Lord. 

"And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray:..."  (Matthew 14:23a)

3.  To be humble and obedient:

"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:8)

4.  To be meek and gentle:

"Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ,..."                            (2 Corinthians  10:1a).    

5.  To be a light:

"I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

These are only 5 of many fragrances of Christ that we could follow.  Just like the essential oils that you could use,  each one is worthy of further study so that we can effectively diffuse the fragrance of Christ where ever we go.

Looking Ahead

As I start this new year, I know that God already knows what will happen. It's wonderful to know that He has it all under control in His will. I will continue on as He leads.

I found this great poem in a simple frame hung on the wall of the Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary classroom, where I attend classes to finish what I started over 40 years ago and get my bachelor's degree in Christian Education. It really spoke to me and I hope that it will be an encouragement to you as well. (The poem is like a prayer to God.)

Looking Ahead

I'm looking ahead to those things that

You will have me to do,

Those places You will have me to go,

Those things You have purposed for me.

I'm looking ahead with power,

strength

and determination

Knowing that the past is behind me,

the present is before me,

and the future awaits me.

You know what's ahead of me

You have prepared the way

You have straightened the crooked paths

and smoothed the rough places

Stumbling blocks will become instruments

in Your hand for my good

and Your purpose

Detours will serve as opportunities to tell

others about You.

I can look ahead

because You are my Guide.

by

Louvenia Lee Aka Love Lee

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Note: Picture is a photograph I took at Deerfield Beach, FL in the early morning.

Stepping Out Into the Unknown

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you .When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;..." Isaiah 43:2-3a

We took our little granddaughter to the beach for the first time a couple months ago. Her mom dressed her in a cute pink poka dot swimsuit and covered her head to toe in sunscreen and topped her off with a pretty white hat. She loved it! The water was perfect for a baby- it was calm and at low tide. When she got close, she went straight in to check it out. I tried to imagine what she might have felt as she looked out at the large unending ocean in front of her with brand new eyes. Unknown. Ever moving. Scary. Yet, pretty. Unaware of the dangers, she took that step of faith and found it to be refreshing! She sat down and splashed, picked up sand and threw it back in. What fun! But, we were close behind, watching her every move and ready to step in to help her if she needed it.

As we venture into unknown territories: a new job, moving to new places, graduation, college, decisions on many different things. If you have a relationship with the Lord Jesus and He is your heavenly Father, remember that He is always with you– ready to listen and answer your prayers and help you along. You are not alone. Therefore, sit down, splash, have fun and keep trusting!

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Note: Picture is an oil painting of my granddaughter that I painted for my Daughter's Birthday.

Christmas Dove

Last Sunday my husband and I visited a retirement facility where he was invited to speak at their chapel service. He spoke on the history of Hanukkah and how it connected to Christmas. Did you know that there is a connection? A great article on this subject is in The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry archives at http://foi.org/thelightshinesbrighterstill Many Jewish people, who live there, heard the message over their Television. The Chaplin and his talented wife beautifully decorate the common areas with Christmas Trees, winter scenes, wreaths and angels. The most notable is their beautiful manger scene, displaying all the Christmas story figures and the entire town of Bethlehem.
I was drawn to the Christmas tree near the entrance of the Chapel. It had just 2 ornaments repeated all around the tree. One was a merry-go-round horse and the other was a flying dove holding a star and a heart. It was so pretty. It inspired me to paint this picture that very afternoon.
Jesus is:
The Prince of Peace- symbolized by the Dove. Philippians 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The Light of the World – Symbolized by the Star-John 8:12 “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
The Gift of Love - John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
These are only 3 of the many names of Jesus. I pray that you will all have that wonderful Peace, Light and Love given by God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!

Note: Visit us at www.PraiseExpressions.com for a free download of this picture in size 5x7 for use in your home. While you are there, explore all the great inspirational gifts available and more!

A Window...

Lets you see inside… out… and satisfies your curiosity…
Gives a view…
Lets light shine in…out…
Reflects and casts shadows…
Protects against the elements- rain, snow, wind...
Let’s air in… and out
Can relax…or alarm
Creates the mood…
Is a place for cats to sit…for birds to rest or lay their nests
Is a perfect place to put a potted plant…
Of opportunity
Of heaven
In nature
Of hope.

(If you can think of any more, please leave them in the comments below!)

(Picture on the right: My kids back in the Chicago days.)
Unusual windows always catch my interest. A couple of years ago, when Peter and I visited England, we found out that the designer of the lobby of one of the old hotels in London was the same man who designed the main lobby and ornate staircase of the Titanic. Since we were walking by, we had to see it for ourselves. The resemblance was there right away! (We had seen it in the movie…) The ornate stairs were lit by the natural glow of light coming through these beautiful windows. Each one had a different emblem on it: a Crest, a flowered heart and a cross.
The crest reminds me of family and honor. All my actions reflect on my name and family. The flowered heart reminds me of compassion. May I always have compassion for those in need. The Cross, which I was delighted to see, reminds me of my faith. May I always be a “window” in which the light and love of Jesus can shine through.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

On another day, while visiting the Lawnswood Cemetery in Leeds, I took a picture of this window, as it gave me a spooky feeling. It reminds me of the seed sown among the thorns in the parable of the sower.

“And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:19

What a contrast to the staircase windows above! I know I don’t want my life to reflect a window like this. Lord, help me keep the “window” of my mind and heart clean in your Word!
Amen.
(Photographs will be available for download at www.PraiseExpressions.Com)

How my Faith Journey Started: "For we walk by faith, not by sight:" 2 Corinthians 5:7

Well, I finally took a step into the Blog zone! It’s pretty scary, if you ask me. For one thing, I’m a pretty shy, quiet person. Always been, since I was a kid. But, the Lord has been teaching me to act on His gentle leading. So, here I am!

My journey started many years ago when I was young. Because of the faithfulness of my dear Mother in exposing us to the Word and good Bible teaching, I learned that I was lost and had a sin nature that needed to be dealt with in order to have fellowship with God. (Ecclesiastes 7:20) I didn’t know if heaven would be my home after I left this earth. But, one night, after a youth meeting where the gospel was explained clearly, I realized that God loved me so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus, to suffer and die to pay for my sin and give me eternal life. Even if I was the only person on this earth, God would have still done this for me. That’s how much He loves me. (John 3:16) I accepted this gift and now I know that if I should die, heaven would be the next place my eyes would behold when they open. (I John 5:13) But, he didn’t do this for just me. He did it for the whole world – which includes you! Read more about how you can know for sure you have eternal life in heaven at www.PraiseExpressions.com/heavenisagift.html

As I follow the Lord Jesus Christ, I view each day as a daily walk with Him. This world is not my home, I’m just pass’n through. Like old Abraham, we are looking for “a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:10). It’s an exciting faith journey. Sometimes, it’s a tough path with many rocks, and stones in the way. But, most of the time, it’s pleasant, joyful and sunny. I come from a happy family. Every time we get together, we laugh. My husband finds humor in a lot of things. I love that about Him. He has been my companion on this journey since our marriage. We have traveled a long way since then, leading us into full time ministry with The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (http://www.foi.org/) and are continuing on together, till we see the Lord face to face! (I Corinthians 13:12)


(Photograph taken by Sarah Cardenas of http://www.brighthousephotography.com/ )