great-smoky-mountains

Our Faith Will Carry Us Through

It seems our hearts are so very heavy lately with the killings, the protesting, and the hate that we see in our world. Then we watch the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and other areas around our beautiful country being destroyed by fires, most of which were arson. It is no wonder we feel a sense of despair.

2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Yet in the mist of all these things we still need to have faith, faith in the goodness of people but mostly faith in our God, our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. If we look into God’s Holy Word we find that many who loved the Lord have had to face hardships and trials in life.

Go with me to Hebrews Chapter 11 and let us read of some great examples of faith and how they overcame through their faith.

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (What an awesome testimony to know we have pleased God)

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (We to should always be looking for this city whose builder and maker is God)

11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises (Jesus Christ is that promise), but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (This world is not home but just a place for us to get ready to go home to be with our Lord.)

14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

(John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.)

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshiped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. (God, the Father)

28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: (For it was not yet time for Christ to be born but they still believed)

40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Genuine faith perseveres to the end. True faith continues to believe the truth. God saved this better thing, or the fulfillment of the promise, for this age. Without the new covenant, Jesus Christ,  even the mightiest champion of faith from the Old Testament could not be made perfect. Yet through Christ we all can be made perfect.

Just as all these held their faith in God we also in these trying times need to cling to God and His promises for us. For it is through our faith that we are made perfect in Jesus Christ and will one day receive our Heavenly Home.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I don’t know what tomorrow holds but this one thing I am assured of I know who holds tomorrow, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Him we can always trust.

Snow From God

Snow falls lightly
from the sky up above
softly falling down
like the feather of a dove

each snow flake is different
like each one of us
falling to the ground
like snow often does

it’s steals away breath
this brilliant thing
so pure and refreshing
like the songs angels sing

they sing for remembrance
of God and his Son
throwing down these white tokens
to say winter has begun

white is for birth
the birth of baby Christ
white is for hope
that things are alright

each flake that falls
from the sky up above
is a gift from God
telling us we are loved

Snowflakes

Circ’ling down in brilliant whiteness,
Sett’ling here upon the ground;
Blowing now about the bushes,
Making patterns straight and round.
 
Perfect beauty, perfect whiteness
Now assails my clouded sight;
Spread unbroken o’er the mountains,
Sparkling brightly in the light.
 
Microscopic detailed order;
No two flakes were e’re the same:
All designed in sep’rate order;
Who this wondrous tho’t can frame?
Who decreed this awesome order,
Who these details tho’t and planned?
Who made clouds to grace the heavens,
Spread the snowflakes with His hand?

 

Jesus Christ and God the Father,
And the Spirit, three in one,
Planned and formed, decreed and ordered,
Till this blessed deed was done.

fall-sunday

A Lukewarm Church World

Revelation 3:14-22

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Spue means to expel large quantities of (something) rapidly and forcibly, vomit.)

As I watch what is happening in our world today and among so much of the church world I have to wonder if we are not now as the church at Laodicea. We know the world in general has become indifferent to what is right and what is wrong. Their actions speak to the fact the world does not care what God says is right and wrong. The world has come to a place where they believe they can do as they please and there will not be repercussions for their actions. I am saddened when I see so much of church world having the same attitude.

The church, as God’s people, are not to be or act as the world does but we are to be a light to the world, showing and telling those in the world of God and what He says is right and wrong. Yet I see and hear so many Christians saying there is nothing I can do to change what is happening. As long as we are indifferent and unwilling to move for the Lord I will agree nothing will change, but that is the only part I agree on. The truth is we as God’s people are the only ones who can make a difference in what is happening in our world. Each one of us together just as James, John, Peter and Paul did can make a difference in our world.

So my question is this, “Are we in the church age of Laodicea?” Have we allowed ourselves to become lukewarm through simple laziness and becoming too comfortable with our blessings our Lord has blessed us with? Has our indifferent allowed Satan to overtake us?

In Revelation chapter 3 verses 14-16 Jesus tells the church he is very displeased with them. Have you ever drunk lukewarm water? It is nauseating. The Lord is saying the church has become as lukewarm water to Him. It is distastefully sickening to Him, to the point He will spue it out. (expel it).

As we read on into verse 17 Jesus tells us why the church is in the saddened state it is in.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

The Lord blesses us with so many wonderful blessings (riches) in life. Yet so many forget where those blessings come from and feel they don’t need the Lord anymore. When we become weak Christians comfortable in our worldly comforts and turn away from the truth of God’s Word we may have all we need physically but spiritually we have become wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked and our works have become worthless in the eyes of the Lord.

Our world, the age we now live in has forgotten Christ is Lord. It has forgotten Christ will one day return to judge this world.

God is calling his people to part of his army; an army (church) that will stand up for Him,  an army (church) that is on fire for him, full of the Holy Spirit following his Word and not the ways of the world, an army (church) willing to reach out to a lost and dying world. A church willing to stand for him in this hour we live in.

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire (refined, purified), that thou mayest be rich (spiritually rich in Christ); and white raiment (made pure), that thou mayest be clothed (spiritually clothed in Christ), and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear (that we not be found as one not covered with the blood of Lamb); and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve (clean up and open your spiritual eyes), that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Jesus says repent, get rid of the impurities you have allowed to creep into your lives, become clean again, clothed spiritually in the Holy Spirit, covered with the blood of the Lamb. Open your spiritual eyes and see the truth of God’s Word and repent.

Jesus does not call the church to repentance for his sake but ours because he loves us.

Isaiah 55: 2-3 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Hebrews 12: 7-11 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they (our earthly Father)verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he (the heavely Father) for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (we will have communion with each other).

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Jesus says I stand at your hearts door knocking, pleading for you to hear my voice and ask me again into your heart and life. Then when we hear him and allow him to clean us up, he promises, “I will come to you and walk and talk with your daily.”

There is great reward in this life and our eternal life if we will listen to his Word, stand strong for the Lord and not allow this world to turn us away from him.

Jesus pleads listen to me before it is too late.

jesus-is-the-light

My latest painting called “Jesus Is The Light”

John 12: 35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.

First time I’ve gotten out my paint brushes in years.I had forgotten how much it relaxes me to paint. Much thanks to a friend who inspired me start painting again.

God Bless to all my wonderful friends.~Jeanette

autumn-gate

Enter Into The Gates Of His Rest

Do you ever become troubled by the trials and heartaches of life? It is 1:30 in the morning and my heart is heavy for those I love. For my brother-in-law who is battling cancer. For my daughter and grandchildren who are hurting because someone they love has given up on life again. For my son-in-law who is in a dark place in his mind and spirit. For family and friends who are sick and hurting. For a nation that has drifted so far away from God and His truth. I look around at the heartaches and know that the only hope we have is in Christ. He is the answer for all our trials and heartaches if we will just call upon Him and trust Him to direct our path.

I know I am not the only one out there whose heart is heavy for those they love and for the trials they are facing. My prayers are lifted up for each of you as I know you also will lift me and my loved ones up in prayer. Jesus said we are to cast all our cares upon Him for He cares for us. Our peace is only found in Him and I know, I know without a doubt that He holds each of us in His hands.

So let us praise our Savior Jesus Christ for His love, forgiveness and comfort. Let us thank Him for always being there. No matter what we face in life we know without a doubt that we will never face it alone. In His promises we can always find security and comfort. Let us enter into the gates of His rest.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Matthew 11:28-29 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Amen and Amen! God Bless each of you, my friends. ~Jeanette

Autumn

There’s a crispness in the air that greets the morning sun, a feeling of anticipation, a new day has begun. Harvest days are ending, winter is drawing near, yet in between is surely the most special time of year. They call it Indian Summer, and it seems to fit the bill, for it’s as if the Lord took a feathered brush and painted all the hills.

Now as I sit contented, atop of one of these, a book in hand to pass the time, the sound of a gentle breeze, I can almost imagine an Indian child upon this mountaintop, looking down at the land of her forefathers, lost within her thoughts for in every persons lifetime some heartache may occur, but on these hills in quiet solitude, God helps us to endure. So I say that the eyes are a window, beauty is found within the soul, and upon the hills of Autumn, that are strewn with red and gold.

© Julie L. O’Connor

Of all the seasons Autumn has to be my favorite. As I watch the foliage change it is as though our Heavenly Father took a paint brush and painted all the hills and valleys in wondrous colors galore. As I breath in the crisp morning air and look into the clear deep blue sky I stand in awe of the glorious colors of Autumn against it’s Heavenly hue.

What a wonderful time to be in the wonder of color the Father has provided for our enjoyment. A special time to walk the hills and valleys while talking with our Heavenly Father, drawing ever closer to Him as we commune with Him and meditate upon His Word. 

Psalm 104:24 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Psalm 104:30-34 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works. He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.

Yes, I will be glad in the Lord for He is my joy and peace!! 

Have a blessed season my friends. ~Jeanette

 

 

 

This Life Is Full of Blessing

This life is full of blessing
You Lord have given more
I have a lovely dwelling
And family I adore

This life is full of blessing
Delicious foods to eat
Trees and flowers growing
Their beauty is so sweet

This life is full of blessing
More than I really need
Love and peace abounding
It’s time to plant Your seed

This life is full of blessing
Enough for me to share
With those who have nothing
To let them know I care

This life is full of blessing
Freedom in Your grace
My soul is ever soaring
As I wait to see Your face

This life is full of blessing
To You I give my praise
For the gift of life everlasting
I’ll savor through endless days

Eternal life is the greatest blessing
To dwell with You on high
With all the saints worshipping
As Your feast draws nigh.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for all the wonderful and endless blessings of life You so freely bestow upon us. Most of all Thank You Father for the promise and hope of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus Name. Amen

May God Bless each of you. ~Jeanette

 

 

sweet-memories

Sweet Memories

Sweet memories clutter my mind,
Though distantly I can see,
A glimmer in the mirror of
My mother, but it’s only me.

How she gathered eggs,
in her White apron so tenderly
Or her homemade biscuits and gravy
For my brother, sister, and me.

A grandmother’s smile
For all the world to see
I’m in her loving arms as
She gently cradles me.

A special aunt whose gift
Of praise, for only me to see
Who sang that sweet lullaby
In the Sweet Bye And Bye for me.

I gather sweet memories of
Days I’ll always see
in my mother’s so many faces
Who are all a part of me.

She touches a child’s life
For a brief moment you see
For we’re to pass it on
A part of you and me.

So many special faces
And collective memories
We humble ourselves before you
Lord, and give special thanks
For our Mother and Thee.

Such sweet memories of days gone bye. ~Jeanette

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