Tag: Graphics Design

Scripture Graphics #44

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
The progression here: desire, seek, teach. If we end our night with our heart set on God and desiring Him, then He will be the first thing we seek in the morning. In other words, preparation for morning Bible time starts the evening before. If we squander our evening to where we are exhausted and rushed in the morning, how does that prepare us to seek God?

“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word…And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:4, 7
God’s Word increased, followers of God multiplied. But that came after the dedication of prayer and the ministry of God’s Word. Also, it came after men were faithful to do their part–some of the men weren’t ministering in the Word, per se, but were serving tables. What if they hadn’t been faithful? God uses every part of the body in many different ways.


“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:7-8
It takes courage and strength to obey God’s Word in the midst of the world. Yielding to the pulls and beliefs of the world proves our lack of courage and trust in God.

“And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:” Joshua 7:20
If Achan had just waited, he could have rightfully received his garment, silver, and gold. Impatience and greed may provide us short-term enjoyment, but waiting for God to bless in His time is always far better than “what we missed out on” before. Is there something we just can’t wait to have? Be patient…not an Achan.

What Old Testament character have you learned from?

Scripture Graphics #43

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

“That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:20
If someone were to look at us, what would they say is our “life?” Some sport, hobby, work, fandom, or source of entertainment? Or could they clearly see that GOD is our life — our love, Lord, passion, obsession, focus?

In many churches, pastors try to “preach boldness” into their congregation. In some groups, people push their members to be bold. But how often are we exhorted to pray sincerely for boldness? It is possible to force ourselves to be bold for Christ, but that does not always mean that we have the boldness OF Christ. Like anything else, what we do in our flesh may last a little while, but will soon fade away.

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Do we let the “daily afflictions” wear us down, or do we daily approach the throne of God to find grace to help in time of need? Is our focus only on the difficulty of today’s temporal trouble, or are our eyes fixed on the hope of Jesus Christ and His eternal promises?
I needed the reminder of these verses today!


What has God been teaching you this week?

Scripture Graphics #42

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments

For Israel, what enemy could be harder to conquer than a nation under which they were slaves? God miraculously brought them out of the tyranny of Egypt, and He would bring them to victory over other nations. Now, paint that as a spiritual picture: what greater, more miraculous victory is there than Christ redeeming is from death and sin? And if He has done that which is impossible with men, how much more does He have power to do anything else?
There is nothing wrong with taking joy in what God has blessed us, in acknowledging the ways in which He has indeed blessed us.

“Perfect” (H8549–tamiym) – entire, also integrity, truth; without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerity, sound, without spot, undefiled, upright, whole.
In context, this verse comes immediately after warnings of witches, wizards, familiar spirits, etc. (vs. 10-11), which are abominations in God’s eyes (vs. 9, 12). If our desire is to be completely blameless before God, then why do we use these abominations as entertainment? We wouldn’t dare entertain ourselves with movies and books about sodomites or blatant adulterers, but there is more in Scripture displaying the abomination of witchcraft than sodomy. So why do we accept it more? Are we truly striving to live “perfect” in Christ?



“And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven.” Deuteronomy 29:19-20
How do I respond to a warning from God’s Word? Do I see myself as “above” God’s correction, or do I fear Him and obey?

What is your favorite Old Testament book?

Scripture Graphics #41

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

What a glimpse into the heart of God! Yes, He said this of Israel, but He never changes, and verses in the New Testament (such as 2 Peter 3:9) prove His desire for all mankind.


The definition for “whole heart” is “the whole heart, used widely for the feelings, the will, and even intellect; likewise for the center of anything.” If I am seeking God with my feelings, will, and intellect, then I will be more likely to let God run my life, and less likely to let my life be run by my feelings, will, and intellect.


This verse has been on my mind lately as I’ve been seeing a lot of debate about “what a Christian should and shouldn’t do.” It is our duty to seek God for what is “good” and to follow that.


Do we cling to hope in God, even when days are dark, prayers seem to go unanswered, and life gets tough? Added to that, does our praise grow more and more–or do we stop praising when the road gets rough?

What verse are you memorizing this week?

Scripture Graphics #40

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

If my heart is FIXED (set up) to sing and give praise, then unplanned events or people’s words should not “ruin my day.” If my heart is set on singing and praising God, then no matter what comes my way, I will be able to rejoice. The question, then, is: is my heart fixed?

This verse is situated in the middle of verses of trouble, enemies, and crying out to God. Never is there an excuse to stop seeking God.

“Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” Deuteronomy 4:5-6
We see this truth throughout Scripture: wisdom and understanding is directly linked to how diligently one keeps God’s Word. It’s not just about knowing God’s Word, but about doing it.


What a beautiful thought: that no matter what happens, God Himself holds our soul in life and keeps us from moving. If that alone doesn’t make us want to praise Him more!!
What verse has been a good reminder for you this week?

Scripture Graphics #39

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

How often do complaints slip out of our hearts and mouths, without stopping to consider that God hears us…and that ultimately, we are complaining against the One Who allowed our circumstance?

Contrast this though with Psalm 69:30-31:

“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.”

How can we glorify God in our lives? By praising Him — not just about the good things, but about everything.
“The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God, Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.” Deuteronomy 1:30-34
Fear and doubt are synonyms of distrust and unbelief. How much more faithful do we want God to be, so that He can have our full trust? He created all things…yet we struggle to trust in so many small things!

If we struggle giving thanks to God, maybe we just need to be reminded of Who He is and the great power He holds.

What have you learned from God’s Word this week?

Scripture Graphics #38

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
What a good example for us to follow! How many things — even “good things” — do we jump into without first seeking God? Do we think we should prosper, if we have *not* begun with seeking God?
It doesn’t matter how often I read this verse, I always need the reminder. What I need wisdom for today may not be what I needed wisdom for yesterday, yet when I ask God, He is always faithful to supply the wisdom I need.
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:25
I know that I need the reminder to step back and evaluate what I’m letting come out of my mouth (and texts and emails, letters, blog posts, etc.). Are the words I’m saying building others up, or sending sparks? There is no excuse of, “Well, no one listens to me anyway.” Someone is listening. What are they hearing?

We will always battle with our flesh, but “He giveth more grace!” With every struggle we face, God is there to give us His help, if we seek Him in humility.

Now it’s your turn! What’s a verse you read this past week?

Scripture Graphics #37

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
“Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens;
and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
Thy righteousness is like the great mountains;

thy judgments are a great deep:
O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.
How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God!
therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house;
and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
For with thee is the fountain of life:
in thy light shall we see light.” Psalm 36:5-9
Take this passage phrase by phrase and just meditate on it. God used metaphors of things we have not fully explored — what greater way to express the vastness of Himself to us?

“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.” Leviticus 20:7-8
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
The call to holiness is never revoked for New Testament believers. Yet how often do we hear it preached? How often do we examine our daily lives and hold our lives against God’s Word to see if every manner of our conversation (“behavior”) is holy according to God’s definition? When was the last time we sought God’s help in this area? (For it is God Who sanctifies us)

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,…Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” Hebrews 10:19, 22-24
All that we do for God must be grounded in Christ’s work on Calvary. It is only through the blood of Christ that we can draw near, have full assurance of faith, have our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, hold fast without wavering, and minister to others. Any of these actions not founded in Christ and His salvation will not stand.
Also, sometimes as believers, we will be tempted to trust in these works alone (“Have I done enough?”), and do not fully trust in the sufficiency of Jesus’ blood and sacrifice for us. Doing this, we will not have full assurance of faith.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen….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.” Hebrews 11:1, 6
What verses have you been clinging to this week?

Scripture Graphics #36

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
Reading Psalm 31 this morning blessed my heart. These are just a few of the beautiful verses — I encourage you to read the whole Psalm. “In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: … For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. … But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand: … Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!” Psalm 31:1, 3, 14-15a, 19
In our age of Christianity, have we become slothful in our luxuries? Bible lessons are spoon-fed to us — but do we study God’s Word for ourselves? We can access Scripture on almost any device when we need it — but do we memorize and hide it in our hearts? We live in freedom — but do we abuse it with living carelessly? Are these reasons why Christianity often appears little different from the world?
“And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation….I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people….And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.” Psalm 35:9, 18, 28
What begins in our heart will overflow into our speech. If we are not joyful in the Lord and praising Him in our hearts, how can we expect the overflow of our lips to be thanksgiving and praise? If we are not giving thanks and praise verbally, then let us search our hearts: are our hearts praising God?

What’s a verse you read this week?

Scripture Graphics #35

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
“Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.” 1 Chronicles 28:8
I am doing a word study on seeking God and I found this verse interesting.
First, seeking God is not to be private (“I’m not going to tell them I have to pray about this; after all, they won‘t understand.”)

Secondly, when we seek God, are we seeking Him with the means He has provided (His Word)? I have heard of several Christians who claim they are seeking God and “feel closer to Him,” but they haven’t touched their Bibles in days or weeks. It is through His Word that God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4). To be truly seeking God, we must also be seeking His Word.

This verse applies to a national level, but also a personal level. To receive the end result (forgiveness and healing), we must observe the entire process: be humble, pray, seek, turn. Often, we will do the first three motions, but refuse to change our ways…which then begs the question if we were *truly* humble.
“And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.” Hebrews 1:10-12
This is a neat passage to meditate on…
– How can one have full faith in our unchanging, sustaining God, if one does not embrace Him as Creator?
– What a neat metaphor of the new heaven and new earth!

No matter what temptations (tests) we face today, our Lord is ready, willing, and able to succour (aid, relieve) us! If that doesn’t give an extra boost of encouragement for the day!
What verse has encouraged you this week?