- "This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the LORD God made the earth and the heavens." Genesis 2:5 (NIV)
- "He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, " Psalm 95:4-5 (NLT)
- "The earth mourns and withers, the world fades and withers, the exalted of the people of the earth fade away. The earth is also polluted by its inhabitants, for they transgressed laws, violated statutes, broke the everlasting covenant. Therefore, a curse devours the earth, and those who live in it are held guilty. Therefore, the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men are left." Isaiah 24:4-6 (NASB)
- "The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead, and to reward Your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear Your name, both small and great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth." Revelation 11:18 (BSB)
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Planet Earth Symbol
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Unity and Beauty Of The Bible
We take the Bible into our hands, and examine diligently its different sections, delivered in different ages of mankind. There is a mighty growth in the discoveries of God's nature and will, as time rolls on from creation to redemption; but as knowledge is increased, and brighter light thrown on the Divine purpose and dealings, there is never the point at which we are brought to a pause by the manifest contradiction of one part to another. It is the wonderful property of the Bible, though the authorship is spread over a long line of centuries, that it never withdraws any truth once advanced, and never adds new without giving fresh force to the old. In reading the Bible, we always look, as it were, on the same landscape; the only difference being, as we take in more and more of its statements, that more and more of the mist is rolled away from the horizon, so that the eye includes a broader sweep of beauty. If we hold converse with Patriarchs occupying the earth whilst yet in its infancy, and then listen to Moses as he legislates for Israel, to Prophets throwing open the future, and to Apostles as they publish the mysteries of a new dispensation, we find the discourse: always bearing, with more or less distinctness, on one and the same subject: the latter speakers, if we may use such illustration, turn towards us a larger portion than the former of the illuminated hemisphere; but, as the mighty globe revolves on its axis, we feel that the oceans and lands, which come successively into view, are but constituent parts of the same glorious world. There is the discovery of the new territories; but, as fast as discovered, the territories combine to make up one planet. There is the announcement of the new truths; but, as fast as announced, they take their places as parts of one immutable system. Indeed, there is vast difference between the Epistles of St. Paul, and the Psalms of David, or the Prophecies of Isaiah. But it is the difference, as we have just said, between the landscape whilst the morning mist yet rests on half its villages and lakes, and that same range of scenery when the noontide irradiates every spire and every rivulet. It is the difference between the moon, as she turns towards us only a thin crescent of her illuminated disk, and when, in the fullness of her beauty, she walks our firmament, and scatters our night. It is no new landscape which opens on our gaze, as the town and forest emerge from the shadow, and fill up the blanks in the noble panorama. It is no new planet which comes traveling in its majesty, as the crescent swells into the circle, and the faint thread of light gives place to the rich globe of silver. And it is no fresh system of religion which is made known to the dwellers in this creation, as the brief notices given to patriarchs expand in the institutions of the law, and under the breathings of prophecy, till at length, in the days of Christ and His apostles, they burst into magnificence, and fill a world with redemption. It is throughout the same system for the rescue of humankind by the interference of a surety. And revelation has been nothing else but the gradual development of this system, the drawing up another fold of the veil from the landscape, the adding another stripe of light to the crescent, so that the early fathers of our race, and ourselves on whom ''the ends of the world are come,'' look on the same arrangement for human deliverance, though to them there was nothing but a clouded expanse, with here and there a prominent landmark, whilst to us, through the horizon losing itself in the far-off eternity, every object of personal interest is exhibited in beauty and distinctness. Melvill
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Is your art ministry . . . Christian?
The Top Ten Signs That Your Art Ministry Is Merely Self-Medicating
- The contributors are defensive. Artists are more worried about themselves, their pocket books, their living conditions than they are interested in spreading the gospel. In other words, if you have to stop reading this list at number 1., you may be a little too defensive?
- The community is insular in nature. The art ministry is primarily focused on their own people and their own agenda instead of interacting with other congregation members and pulling in non-church goers into their program. “Outreach” means that you are always looking to share the Gospel message with people outside of your own group. This is one of the primary reasons God leaves us here on planet Earth. Sharing Jesus’ love with the lost is the one activity that you will not ever be able to do again, once your body/flesh has died.
- Education is treated as though it is unimportant because your leader may have very little of it himself. Excellent leaders, educated or not, will always surround themselves with educated, sober minded people. In self-medicating ministry, those who are not qualified either spiritually or intellectually are consistently appointed to positions of authority. This is because they will comply to every little whim and complaint of the members, instead of focusing on the greater agenda of Christ. Not only is it the most obvious tactic used by Satan to defeat ministry, it is also the most damaging. In other words, he uses it because, my friends, it works to defeat growth. Everyone hopefully understands that God sometimes appoints under-educated peoples to authority because He qualifies them Himself. So asses your leaders effectiveness based upon scripture, if his or her agenda has fallen under speculation. Spiritually led leaders behave with humility, faith, and uncanny resourcefulness. If your authority figure neglects to appoint informed people to tasks that are dependent upon important knowledge base, because he is afraid of looking less educated himself, he or she may very well be nailing your ministry’s coffin lid shut. Don’t be surprised to see secretive smirks and hear resounding sighs of intolerance emanating from his or her lips. Spiritually led leaders are more concerned for their people than they are for their own reputations. They will not hide their lack of education and they will not glorify it either, if they’ve got it. They will seek those who have biblical wisdom and experience to make their ministry work better.
- Artists are not expected to own up to their own sins? Creativity does not replace piety. While it is true none of us are saved by our own piety, to lack serious commitment to respecting biblical counsel or law is a sign of pride. Proud people never sacrifice* for those who are thirsty for forgiveness. God resists pride in His people and He will resist your ministry if it focuses too much on you and too little on the needs of others. God meets our needs by allowing us to fulfill the needs of others. In this occupation a Christian will find peace.
- Living the Gospel message in front of others is discouraged. Are artists in your ministry embarrassed by innocence or unabashed conduct for the causes of ministry? Sometimes, in fact, many times, artists believe that those congregation members who do not perform well enough should be excluded from participation in a ministry altogether but this is incorrect thinking according to scripture. What scripture teaches is that leadership roles should be appointed by God and/or godly council, membership roles are given freely to whomever will serve with a happy spirit ripe with enthusiasm for God’s forgiveness. Would you be embarrassed by an infant who doesn’t yet know how to walk? Of course not. But many artists do treat their less successful colleagues with contempt when their work doesn’t measure up to a particular standard. The correct estimations of performance should be measured by the level of authority given the person in terms of provision to the whole of God’s community. In other words, if an artist is struggling, give him provision and support, but don’t hand him a job that is dependent on his success in order for your ministry to thrive for the sake of many.
- Exhibits are created in order to flatter the artists first and perhaps God, second, maybe? Artists are often treated unfairly in the world, this is true. They long for a supportive, caring, attentive family. Every Christian community should grow and learn to appreciate it’s members equally. Unfortunately, we are sinners and sometimes in our neediness we become obsessed with our own success because we believe that it will insulate us from tragedy. But as Christians, we need to understand that our security is primarily in Jesus, not in worldly perceptions of our own creativity. Jesus is the giver of all life and the true lover of human souls. When you join into His “church” you have already been justified by His love. You do not need to be superior to others in order to have creative value. As His child, you are free to focus your energy on growing for and with His heavenly kingdom and when the time is right, He will give you more to do. Spend your earthly days flattering God and in this you will find the most wonderful home any person could ever want or dream of.
- Other congregation members don’t interact with your art ministry’s members much. This is a pretty obvious sign that your ministry is self-medicating. People will take an active interest in those who show interest in them. This is true for both saints and sinners alike and because it is true for both groups, it is considered one of the most obvious signs of both success and defeat. The scriptures cannot be taught if people do not engage one another in conversation or community activity. God loves a moving target.
- There is plenty of ‘back stabbing’ or ‘gossip’ happening between members, or even worse, members do this secretly to seekers.* Does this really happen. Yes, unfortunately I have witnessed it from both a distance and from a very personal and uncomfortable, close proximity. It is our sin nature that tempts us to triumph due to another persons demise. Remember the conflicts between King Saul and David? Remember how uncomfortable David felt at becoming a king at the expense of his sovereign and his best friend, Johnathan? Let me just advise here that it is very important to a Christian how they come into privilege, authority, or recognition. They may not have any control over the circumstances, but they will always feel a bit too uncomfortable with it. This is a sign of humility. A sign meaning that The Holy Spirit who is indwelling him or her is not letting the sinner get away with false pride. So, a Christian thinking leader is usually too self-conscious to gossip about others let alone alienate a seeker.
- One or two individuals are given too much authority. A good missionary always invests energy in replacing himself with another who is just as qualified, if not better qualified. Good missionaries are also happy to have very helpful people about them. They look forward to going home to be with God and they also worry for those they will leave behind. It is in their nature to wish to replace themselves no matter how satisfied they are in the place God has appointed them to serve. This is because they are cognizant of God’s worth. They understand that only He can fulfill their deepest longing. Earth in all her glory is not capable of meeting the missionary’s need. If you are an inexperienced artist in God’s family, you are a missionary waiting to be born. You are more than just an artist, you are an artist with a different destiny.
- Exceptions to standard practice are made because artists are thought to be too exceptional? As artists, we are not above the practice of understanding how we might improve a practice or methodology. We are living, thinking beings that are constantly evolving in the truest meaning of the word. Because God puts His Spirit in us, we are capable of improving our sin nature and adapting our dreams to enhance and provide for His Kingdom. But, if you never ask yourself these kinds of questions, how will you ever be equipped to give more away for God? People think that artists are the very least inhibited among Christians. In my experience, they can be more self-loathing than any other member of a congregation.
- Ministry and Art by Jeanne Torrence Finley
- The Christian Artist in Ministry
- Art needs the church: How to create artisan communities
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Save The Lost
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Thursday, February 4, 2016
Global Missions
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Saturday, May 30, 2020
The World Affliction..
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Wednesday, December 8, 2021
The Star
THE STAR.
The world was wrapped in darkest night,
Men groped about in search of light;
And feeling oft like one that's blind,
They sought a glimpse of light to find.
And while they sought with mind intense,
The darkness seemed to grow more dense
When, sudden, in the heavens afar,
Appeared a brilliant, trembling star.
It threw such light upon the earth,
The planet seemed to have new birth;
It shone on mountain, vale and brook,
And penetrated every nook.
It drove men from their sinful lair,
They could not brook its steady glare;
But gave to timid souls a sense
Of safety, rest and peace intense.
And it was warmth as well as light,
It brought much cheer and stayed much blight;
It gave us food and raiment too,
And fell upon the earth like dew.
Sweet flowers sprang up to greet its birth,
A rainbow spanned the wondering earth;
The angels sang with mighty voice,
" There's light on earth, let all rejoice;
This is the star of Bethlehem!"
And earth replied, Amen ! Amen !
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Christian Symbols for Chrismon Crafts
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| Samples of the Christian/Chrismon patterns found in the following collection. |
- About Christian Symbolism
- Best Guide to Chrismons for Christmas
- "Worship Without Words" by Patricia S. Klein
- More Christian Symbols at Color The Bible
- What Symbols Are Used for Both Christ and His People?
Patterns for Christmas Trees or Specifically Chrismon Trees: I have included both ancient and contemporary patterns here now. Print out the explanations and scriptures for teaching and sharing with your church members this coming Christmas/Advent season and craft meaningful ornaments that point to the Messiah!
- Babe In The Manger Symbol
- A 16th Century Pomegranate Design for Chrismons
- Four Sun Symbols for a Chrismon Christmas Tree
- A Simple Fleur De Lys
- The Magen David Symbol
- A Tudor Wild Rose Design
- A Tudor Rose Medallion including stem and leaves
- Three Rings Represent The Trinity
- Grape Patterns for Chrismon Trees
- The Passion Cross or the Calvary Cross
- The Peacock Symbol
- The Greek Cross Chrismon Pattern
- Sheaves of Wheat for a Chrismon Tree
- The Cross of Glory Chrismon
- The Escallop Sea Shell
- Trinity Emblems With The Name of God in Hebrew
- Olive Branch Chrismon Pattern
- Cross of Constantine Pattern - two versions
- Italian Lamb of God for Chrismons
- The Phoenix Rising as A Christian Symbol
- The Divine Hand of Christ Chrismon
- The Fish Symbol or ICHTHYS
- The Eagle With Her Eaglets Chrismon Symbol...
- "IHS" Plus a Crown Pattern for Chrismons
- Lion and Palm Leaves Chrismon
- The Lion Symbol
- Saint Andrew's Cross Chrismon Pattern
- Seraphim in The Throne Room...
- The Gospel Cross Chrismon
- The Descending Dove or Divine Dove Symbol
- The Thistle Symbol
- A Cross Confirmation Banner by Kathy Grimm
- An Epiphany Star Pattern for a Chrismon Tree
- Davidic Harp Chrismon Patterns
- Ancient Laurel Crown Symbolism
- The Virgin Holding Baby Jesus Chrismon
- The Latin Cross Pattern
- The Crown Symbol for a Chrismon Christmas Tree
- Sword Symbols in Chrismons
- Planet Earth Symbol
- Ancient Woven Cross Pattern
- The Creator's Hand Symbol
- Trinity ring symbols from the catacombs...
- The Anchor/Cross Symbol
- Combined Triangle, Trinitarian, Dove Symbol - multiple trefoil designs here
- Dove With Olive Branch Symbol
- An Inhabited Cross Chrismon
- Embroider a Red Rose to Represent Christ's Passion
- The Open Bible Chrismon
- The Savior's Anchor Symbol
- Chalice Pattern No. 1 for Chrismons
- Luther's Rose From 1530
- Lamp Symbolism for Chrismons
- Two Sacred Heart Symbols
- The Crown of Martyrdom
- The Trinity Fish Symbols
- Three Pelican Chrismon Symbols
- The Heart Symbol for Chrismons
- The Creator of Souls Chrismon
- Cherubim Chrismon Pattern
- A Shamrock Chrismon Symbol
- Bell Symbolism for Chrismon Ornaments
- Three Crown of Thorns Chrismon Patterns
- Early Trinity Symbols in Chrismons
- The Divine Three In One
- The Seven Candles Symbol
- Crosses from The Christian Celts
- Three gold patterned papers for Chrismon crafting
- The Eagle is The Gospel of St. John's Symbol
- The Ox is The Gospel of St. Luke's Symbol
- The Man With Wings is The Gospel of St. Matthew's Symbol
- The Lion is The Gospel of St. Mark's Symbol
- A Simple Swiss Bell Pattern
- Three additional fleur-de-lys patterns for Chrismons...
- The Ark Symbol
- Stone Tablets from Genesis
- The Keys To The Kingdom Symbol
- The Ox Symbol
- The Ark of The Covenant Symbol
- The Trinity Knot Symbol or The Triquetra
- The Passover Symbols
- The Bishop's Mitre or Miter Symbolism
- The Tower of David Symbol
- The Fountain of Salvation Symbol
- Prayer Symbolism for Chrismons
- Symbols of Instruments for Music Inspired Chrismons
- The Church As A Ship Symbol
- Lilium Candidum Symbol of The Annunciation
- The Daisy Symbol for A Chrismon Tree
- The Agnus Dei Symbol With 7 Seals
- Gladiolus Symbol for ''The Word Made Flesh''
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| Sample Chrismon craft projects from my family Christmas blog. I've linked to these below. |
- Craft Easy Nativity Star Ornaments
- Make a Vintage 1950s Popsicle Stick Angel
- Craft an Ornament of The Baby Jesus in His Manger
- A Triquetra Knot Chrismon, Cut from A Sherensnitte
- A Manger Scherenscnitte Pattern by Kathy Grimm
- Craft a Communion Cup for The Chrismon Tree
- Craft Tear Drop Shaped Chrismons with Shells
- Craft An Anchored Chrismon Cross
- Craft a Papier Mâché Chrismon Candle
- Craft a Dove Chrismon, Symbolic of The Holy Spirit
- Craft the Three Nails and a Fish Chrismon
- Craft baby Jesus in a walnut shell
- Handmade Pearl Ornament
- Craft a beaded cross
- A Sheave of Wheat Chrismon
- The Open Bible Chrismon
- DIY the Prophet Jonah and Whale
- Chrismon Tree Video by Bishop Andy Doyle
- Light and Life - a service of Christmons
- How to video for Chrismon bell
- How to video for an angel
- How to make a pearl flower - these would look nice on a Chrismon tree
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Camp Coffee Announcement
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Saturday, April 28, 2018
A Star Come Out of Jacob
"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth." Numbers 24:17 (ESV)
- Did Balaam Prophesy Concerning the Messiah?
- "The Star Out Of Jacob" (PDF)
- Christus: There Shall a Star Come Out of Jacob (Mendelssohn)
- Abraham's Family Tree - Jacob descendant of Abraham
Saturday, January 14, 2017
Banner for your "Answer Department"
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Monday, June 22, 2015
"Walk Humbly with Me"
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Wednesday, June 14, 2017
An Inhabited Cross Chrismon
- "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, In the city of our God, His holy mountain. Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion in the far north, The city of the great King. God, in her palaces, Has made Himself known as a stronghold." Psalm 48:1-3
- "And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband." Revelation 21:2
- "But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:16
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Christ Bleeds for The World
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Monday, October 14, 2024
Thou Shalt NOT Preach This!
To all ministers of God's words, God's Holy Word (The Bible), which may not , unfortunately be your own... It brings me great anxiety and grief that so many of you have fallen by the wayside given the political climate of this country. And for those of you who have a problem with me because I am a woman posting this opinion, look to the scriptures to see Deborah and the necessity of her life's struggle to understand where I am at this moment in my own life... I would have loved to have lived in a world where I could in good faith, live for my own interests without the burden of meddling in yours. I do not covet the minister's life; indeed I am very familiar with it. However, too many preachers have been silent for far too long.
- You shall not preach to the masses that it is o.k. to worship at the altars of lesser gods. If God delivers your congregants from any other belief system or addiction, He does not want his flock to return to these over and over and over. He wants the cycle of addiction broken and he wants his sheep to worship only at a righteous and Holy altar. A listing of verses for those pastors who no longer understand that God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit are Holy. (Leviticus 11:45, Deuteronomy 32:4, 1 John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:15-16 , 2 Timothy 1:9-10)
- You shall not preach to the masses that it is o.k. to make idols of anything that is not God.
- You shall not preach to the masses that it is o.k. to call on the name of the Lord in order to entertain or insult the most Holy God.
- You shall not preach to the masses that it is o.k. to forget the Lord God on the day that has been set aside in the week to remember His blessings, to pray and worship and to also rest from their earth-bound labor.
- You shall not preach that it is o.k. to forget to honor one's parents. Treat them with kindness and mercy until their deaths so that their children may prosper in the place of their birth or within the blessings God has given for their security on earth.
- You shall not preach that it is o.k. to murder others. That includes people that you don't agree with or like.
- You shall not preach that it is o.k. to commit adultery just because you or other people haven't learned to control your/their flesh.
- You shall not preach that it is o.k. to steal anything that doesn't belong to you. Give unto God what belongs to Him for the safe preservation of a soul. Give unto the government what belongs to them for the safe preservation of order. Mark 12:17, Matthew 22, Luke 20.
- You shall not preach that it is o.k. to lie about your neighbor's beliefs or actions! Nor is it o.k. to lie about your own. Bearing false testimony is a sin against God.
- You shall not preach that it is o.k. to look at your neighbor's stuff and want it enough to steal it for yourself. Ask God for His favor, if it is just and beneficial according to God's will, He will supply your needs. Your neighbor is everybody human on the planet.
and remember . . .
Jesus has said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.'' This kind of ''love'' is called respect in English translated from the Greek.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Jesus, The Cross Bearer
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