“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1

This verse has sustained me through my darkest days, when my future looked bleak and my fears wanted to drown me in hopelessness and self-pity. This verse is TRUTH and guidance from God. Living by faith can only happen when you transform your mind to the truth and open the eyes of your heart to the biblical WORD, and when you refuse to fear and instead fully submit to trusting God. When you let go of the dark selfishness of self-pity and replace it with the living light of Jesus Christ, you are living by faith!

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrew 11:1

NOW…faith is right NOW, not was, or shall be, it is right now. Immediately start living by faith! Constantly and actively live by faith!

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

SURE…faith is full confidence in God. Live in complete and total trust that God is who He says He is, taking God for His Word!

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

HOPE…hope is expectation of something better. Living in hope is not living in fear, but living in faith. Push those fears aside and take every thought captive, filling your mind with all things positive, beautiful, and of God!

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.“

CERTAIN of what we do not see…being positive about something that is not visible at the moment. Live as if you can see God standing by your side! Remember God’s great love for you and know without a shadow of a doubt that His plans are for your ultimate good!

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

2 Corinthians 4:18

When you live by faith, you are overcome with PEACE, not anxiety. You are either living by faith, or living by fear, living by faith or living by sight.

Living by faith means you are not just leaning heavily on the Lord, but you are submitting every possible outcome completely to Him. No matter what happens, you are CONFIDENT that the Lord still loves you and He will give you what you need to get through it.  Be SURE that He will be there with you and you will grow closer to Him as you endure. Know that if  things become difficult and you overcome, your Lord will show you how you can use your testimony to encourage someone in the same situation. It is not unimportant. It will not go unused or come back empty. It is all valuable and an asset if you give it to God and let Him show you His greater purpose. Read His Word and let it show you how to live by faith. If we are saved, faith is the only way for us to live!

• Faith is real. It is Christ alive in us! It is freedom from the chains of self-pity, fear, envy, jealousy, anger, addiction, unhealthy living, depression and a stagnant life.

“Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5

• Faith is receiving. Faith is giving all. Living by faith means resting in God while He does the work. “Faith is the rope tied to the bucket of reality, dipping itself into the fullness of God.” Lester Roloff
• Faith is the power to overcome, the key to joy, and a gift to treasure.
• Living by faith is a testimony for others, the bible alive and living, and glorifies God. Faith is seeing the unseen, believing the Word, and taking the steps that prove faith.

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6.

• Living by faith is victory, healing, endurance and a greater purpose.
• Faith produces the fruits of righteousness. Living by faith proves that God is sufficient. Walking in faith is pleasing to God, and the path to salvation & Heaven!

The way to live by faith is to look at Him who lived by faith. Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. Keep your eyes on Him,

“who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

I have seen and experienced first hand, faith in action. This transforming and powerful gift is free, and is your key to freedom, peace and the deepest joy! Receive it. Give it all to Him. Live by faith! This is my prayer for you.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

All glory to God,

The Love of God

This wonderful passage in the book of Romans speak to us so clearly of the love of God

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,

to them who are the called according to his purpose.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called:

and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again,

who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,

nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom 8:28-39

It is so easy to lose perspective and lose our understand of the reality and simplicity of the Love of God.  I pray that each one of us will allow this scripture to speak to our spirits and remind us of God’s unfailing and unfathomable LOVE….it has no limits or bounds – it never ceases and knows no end!

“Amazing Love how can it be – that you my King would die for me…”

Chris Tomlin

Linda Lucas

While designing my card for today’s Faith Art blog post, I wanted to use this sentiment “Glad Tidings of Peace” included in the new Glad Tidings stamp set because of the thoughts which that particular phrase brings to mind.  It seems as if the whole world is longing for peace but is unaware or not willing to go to the Prince of Peace to obtain true peace.

The angels declared the arrival of the Prince of Peace to the world on the night of His birth….

Luke 2: 13-14

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!

While thinking about that announcement of peace, I was drawn to a couple of my favorite passages that I meditate on when I am in need of peace or comfort…

John 14: 1 – 6

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 to prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to myself,

that where I am there you may be also.

Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

Jesus said unto Him, “I am the way, the truth, and the Life.

No one comes to the Father, except through Me.”

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Hebrews 13: 5-6

… be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

So that we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.  What can man do to me?“

**********

If you are going through a difficult time right now, I encourage you to turn to the Prince of Peace and meditate on these verses.  Our loving Savior is waiting for you and is able to give peace to your heart.

Glad Tidings of Peace and Happy New Year!

Jessica

In Luke 2:1-20 we find what is commonly known as “The Christmas Story”….it is a summary in one easy to read chapter that gives us all the details of God’s amazing plan for mankind. While it only takes a few minutes to read the text is well worth the time taken to read it from start to finish.
This week as I was preparing for my first Faith Art Friday contribution I was struck by verse fourteen which reads:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.“

I thought I would dissect this verse and just take some time to get a better more precise understanding of what it REALLY means. I began by identifying key words that really jumped out at me throughout the verse. I found three in particular that were of great interest.

Glory is defined as – worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving
Peace is defined as – freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions
Good will is defined as – a kindly feeling of approval and support : benevolent interest or concern
(all definitions taken from Merriam-Webster.com)

Now if I take those same definitions and replace the words in the verse with them we have:

“Worshipful praise, honor and thanksgiving to God in the highest,

and on earth freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions,

kindly feelings of approval and support: benevolent interest or concern toward men.”

I could not help by feel a sense of calm as I read through this over and over….God knows how busy we allow this season to become. Between seeing family & friends, shopping for gifts, decorating our houses, numerous additional functions, plays, services and “good deeds” we are often guilty of not stopping to focus…to focus on THE reason for the season. I felt this verse was an awesome reminder of exactly that. That not only is Jesus the gift God has given us and for that gift we ought to give GLORY or worshipful praise and honor and thanksgiving to God for. In addition to Salvation the ultimate gift that Christ gives us, he also brings us PEACE – freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions…and in turn we are to share GOOD WILL by feeling kindly, and sharing a true benevolent interest or concern about our fellow man…so while we are busy shopping, creating, wrapping and trimming gifts, let us take a moment to reflect on THE GIFT we all have to share with those around us this season, JESUS CHRIST,

“And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6b

–
Keri Lee Sereika
www.pinklemonade.typepad.com

Gloria in Excelsis Deo

Christmas brings with it the traditional Hymns and Christmas Carols – there is none more traditional than the wonderful Hymn written by Johann Sebastian Bach – Gloria in Excelsis Deo, otherwise known as the Angelic Hymn or The Doxology. My inspiration for Faith Art Friday was this majestic Hymn.

Angels we have on heard high

Sweetly singing ore the plains

And the mountains in reply

Echoing their joyous strains

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Come to Bethlehem and see

Christ whose birth the angels sing

Come adore on bended knee

Christ the Lord the newborn King

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria in excelsis Deo

See him in a manger laid

Whom the choirs of angels praise

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid

While our hearts in love we raise

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Gloria, in excelsis Deo

Gloria in excelsis Deo

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:14

Amen and amen!

As we get caught up in the festivities and yes, sometimes the frustrations of a busy Christmas season it’s a good time to slow down and focus on our many gifts from God.

One of these gifts is also a commandment…

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the Lands!

Serve the Lord with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

Psalm 100:1-2

God wants us to live and have a life of abundant joy! He loves us and after all, He is our Heavenly Father. What Father doesn’t wish a joyful life for his children!

I pray you all will walk the path of life with God in abundant joy and His protection  wherever you go during the Christmas season and always.

Bye for now…have a joy filled day!

Diana

Mini Wreath by Laura Campbell

Children count the days until Christmas with joy and excitement! We can catch that contagious enthusiasm and spread it around to others as we are busy with holiday preparations. Christ is Christmas, His birth and resurrection are the reasons for the greatest celebrations the earth has ever known! When we understand the full magnitude that we are the recipient of the gift of God’s son, our gratefulness overflows with desire to give. Let’s allow our daily actions to  reveal the character, love and spirit of Christ that dwells within us!

The best way to celebrate His birth is to first make Him the center of your life, accepting Jesus as your Savior. Where your heart is, so there is your treasure. And from that abundance of treasure we can give generously and freely!

The Five Best Christmas Gifts

Forgiveness

Letting go of resentment and bitterness by forgiving someone, or our self is a magnificent gift! Christ asks us to share the gift of forgiveness that He gave us, even while we were still acting against Him. The bonus of this gift is that once forgiveness has been given, it can bring peace and freedom from the bondage and burden of the traits of unforgiveness. Forgiveness can be given regardless of the severity of pain caused or the lack of change or repentance on the part of another. It is a gift you can present to yourself that can enhance the quality of your entire life and spill out onto others in the form of compassion and love.

Kindness

We are called to love each other as we would like to be loved. To treat our neighbor, our co-workers, our boss, our relatives as we would want to be treated. Extend a hand, give a minute of your time, send a card, bring cookies, let someone get in front of you in line, give someone that parking spot,  listen attentively, say “Merry Christmas” to strangers. Act like Jesus despite your desire to put anger, busyness, or yourself first. Even minor kind gestures and acts can have a major impact on someones day and can encourage them to do the same for someone else. Little acts of kindness are gifts that keeps on giving!

Smiles

Look directly into someones eyes and give the gift a big genuine smile! A smile can pick up the spirit of a stranger who is having a hard day. It can help to heal, foster compassion and empathy, encourage, bring security, and connection. When appropriate, add a wink, it’s like putting extra whipped cream on a dessert! Every time you see someone as you walk through the room, smile! Give a for-no-reason smile as a gift to a checkout clerk, a passing mother and child, the driver in the car next to you at the stoplight. No matter how down you may feel, you can “fake it til you make it” as smiles are contagious and become better with more use. Let the spirit of Jesus shine through your smile this Christmas!

Time

The best time spent is time with God. Give Him some of your time every day of your life. Praying and reading your bible is the best way to get to know him. Learn about Him and you’ll learn more about yourself and others. You can talk to God in the midst of hectic or calm situations. Every stoplight that holds you still for a moment, pray and talk to God. Make Him the first one you go to for every question, concern and praise, no matter how tiny or how huge. Make Him the center of your life and you can know the deepest relationship with eternal significance and lasting joy!  And give your time to other people. Give a moment to hear a child’s story, have coffee and listen to someone share, serve those in need or hurting, sing in the choir, drive for the elderly, volunteer at school or a non-profit organization, make a meal for someone, share family photographs with long distant and lonely friends and family, tuck your children in every night as if you are not in a hurry and stop whatever you are doing to give love to your family every time they walk in the door. Giving time sends the message of love, and love rewards both the giver and the recipient.

Love

God has shown us how to love and has given us all His love through His son, Jesus. The bible is rich with words of wisdom that gives us power, knowledge, truth, guidance, and love. These are among an endless list of special treasures He presents to us, if we will only accept them. The beauty of love is that every human being needs it and it’s a free, sustainable and green resource that builds and grows the more it’s given away. It’s as good to give as to receive. And it is the first and greatest commandment.

“Love your God with all your heart,

and with all your soul

and with all your strength

and with all your mind

and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Luke 10:27

Celebrate in a BIG way this Christmas and generously give the BEST gifts! Give the gift of forgiveness, kindness, time, and smiles and wrap each one with love! You will be giving the perfect gift and spreading the true reason for the season!

Merry Christmas!,

“You are God’s chief creation,

and you are here for His pleasure and His glory.”

Beth Moore

So, whether you eat or drink,

or whatever you do,

do all to the glory of God!

1 Corinthians 10:31

It seems as soon as the calendar moves to the month of November we start making lists of things we need to do.  Whether it is cleaning projects before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving menus, Christmas card lists, and finding the perfect Christmas gift for those we love…there are a lot of lists in our life.  As we near the hustle bustle of the holiday season, let us not forget to give thanks for the most precious gift of His son, Jesus Christ, who was born to die for the sins of mankind…

I Corinthians 15:57:

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

One of the many things on my list this year is creating gifts and home decor for friends and family.  I altered this frame and hope to make more this holiday season…

Noel is French for Christmas…

During this season of Thanksgiving, let us always be thankful for His ultimate gift to mankind, which is indeed the true meaning of Christmas.  He was born to die that we might live.

A song our church choir sings each Christmas season is Born to Die, by Ron Hamilton.  The chorus says:

Born to die upon Calvary

Jesus suffered my sin to forgive;

Born to die upon Calvary,

He was wounded that I might live

Oh Taste and See that the Lord is Good!

Psalm 34 is a rich song of thanksgiving and praise, and a call to trust in the Lord and walk in His ways. “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!” This card celebrates the sweet and abundant blessings we have in the Lord through the Lord Jesus Christ in whom all of God’s promises to provide for His children, now and for eternity, are yes and amen!

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! But what does it mean to take refuge in the Lord? Refuge in the Lord is found only in the Lord Jesus Christ. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Throughout Scripture, the Lord promises to deliver all who will call upon Him, all who will turn from their sins and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.” I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”

“The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” And for those who are the redeemed, this Psalm is a great reminder of the rich blessings that are ours in Christ: He delivers us from our fears, from condemnation, from the guilt and power of sin, from the wrath of the Father. Instead He daily loads us with the benefits of salvation, including adoption into the family of God, eternal life, an inheritance in heaven, sweet fellowship with the saints, and so much more!

“Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!”

Praying you have a blessed day. May you find refuge and joy in the Lord!
–
Jan Marie Ennenga
recreations4him@gmail.com