success or failure

Peaceful Reflections - Sold

My daily manna verse was from Luke 1:35-48
Reading this familiar story these points grabbed my attention.

37 “For no word from God will ever fail.” – Angel

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

45 “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” – Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit

Where did Mary get such faith?

Is Elizabeth always filled with the Spirit?

Do angels still come with messages?

This first question had me turn to Isaiah 55 vs 11 “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” – declares the Lord

I’m off to dig a little deeper. Please feel free to share your thoughts or knowledge.

dare to be bold

"Boldness"

*Each painting in my Sunflower Series has a verse from the Psalms on the painted sides. No frame needed.

“When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.” Psalm 138:3

Many times while reading the Bible…you run accross words not in your normal vocabulary or that you just want to look at more.

BOLD – as an artist, I think of this as something that stands out, draws your attention or defies the norm.

STOUTHEARTED – I’m used to stout in my BIL’s brewing conversations and think of heavy and to me…not tasty. M-W says courageous and stubborn.

Are you stubborn for the things of God?

Are you courageous when He tells you to step out?(Others say I have courage…why do I feel like a wimp?)

Are you bold in sharing your spiritual journey?

God’s word isn’t just nice fluff. There are many challenging sections asking us where we really stand. When reading good and bad…if it tugs at your heart, ask God, “Am I like that?”

unfolding gives light

"Unfolding"

Each painting in my Sunflower Series has a verse from the Psalms on one of the painted sides. No frame needed.

UNFOLDING –
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130

In a conversation last night I was remembering how only the children’s sermon made sense when I started at chuch in my 30’s. I would read the Bible, it seemed like it was still in Greek and Hebrew, I kept reading and each time…more would make sense. (lightbulb goes on…but more needed!)

When you continue in God’s Word, new discoveries will unfold as the Spirit brings further understanding. I think God’s Word speaks what we need – when we’re ready to hear it. (I keep trying to rush things.)

“No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him
but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”
1 Corinthians 2:9-10

stale bread

If you are a foodie, you might turn an old loaf into great croutons. (…making me hungry.) Or like my gram, feed the critters. I think grocery basics have changed. Used to be milk, eggs, bread, and coffee. With storm prep I read some weird facebook lists.

What’s on your list of must haves for the day?
How about your soul food?

“Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

I’m finding new things in my reading lately. The days I don’t read make me wonder… “What did I miss?” Today I finished Luke and this hit.

“Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45

I remember tucking the Bible away because it was too confusing. Thankfully He continues to renew my mind!

Get yours out some more and see what new things it will share.