Tag: Graphics Design

Scripture Graphics #34

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
This verse evokes deep gratitude. Jesus Christ suffered separation from God (Matt 27:45-46) so that we, as His children, will never be separated from God!
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:12
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Recently, I have found myself to be more faithful to ask others to pray, than for me to pray myself. For example, I see a potential hard day and ask, “Please pray for me;” yet I have neglected to pray myself. While it is not wrong to share prayer requests, at times we need to check our own prayer life.

– Am I praying about all things? Or do I get wrapped up in the challenge of “solving this myself?”
– Am I being diligent to pray daily? Or do I pray only when trials come my way?
– Am I praying instead of worrying?
– Am I praying for others?
– Are my prayers infused with praise to God?
And the list can go on.

How grateful I am that my sanctification and assurance of God dwelling with us is no longer based on our faithfulness to fulfill a ritual! The whole of Hebrews 10 is a good parallel passage, but here’s one verse: “For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Heb 10:14)
I read this after reading Exodus 32. The children of Israel, not content to wait for Moses to give them God’s Word, fell into gross sin. 

Does our steadfast faithfulness to God waver when there is silence? If we do not see Him work or hear direction from Him, do we turn to a “God-substitute” (today it is not graven images, but many things can steal our attention and affection)? Or are we faithful to wait, certain that His ways are best, even in the silence?

Where are you reading in your Bible this week?

Scripture Graphics #33

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:20
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Have we limited our thanksgiving this year already? Have we started out thankful only for the things that make us feel comfortable? Or are we making the point to give thanks in ALL things?

Throughout history, God has revealed Himself more and more. The children of Israel knew Him as Jehovah, but by the Names Messiah and Emmanuel (at this point), He was not known unto them. This gives us just a glimpse of the vastness of our God! And to think, I am born in an era where His Word is complete and revealed, so I can see how God has made Himself known to us!
How often I have read this, wishing I had a visible pillar of God to guide me! I do have an eternal pillar of guidance though: the Holy Spirit. Just like God never removed the pillar of cloud or fire, He never removed this pillar from my life. However, I can grieve it (Eph 4:30) and quench it (1 Thes 5:19). So if I am not seeing this pillar guiding me, I need to evaluate myself — am I even seeking to be filled with the Spirit?
Take – the armor of God is available to us every day, but it is our responsibility to take action so that *we* have the armor of God on us.
Withstand – “stand against, oppose”
Stand – “a prolonged form of a primary; to stand”

With the armor of God, we are not only able to stand against the devil, but we are able to stand firm and not lose ground. This cannot be done in our own strength, but must be done through the power of God (verse 10). Have you thought about spiritual warfare today and prepared?

Now it’s your turn: share a verse! 🙂

Scripture Graphics #32

Published on by Amanda Tero1 Comment
One of the passages I will never lack the need of reading.

In thinking about the relationships surrounding us, in what ways have we yielded to the sins in verse 31? Contrariness, how do we need to repent of those sins and work to apply obedience to verse 32?

Are we actively trying to follow God? Or do we just hope that our life will somehow be like Him without putting any effort there? If we’re hardly thinking about following God, are we satisfied there? Or are we making changes so that we can better follow God?
“And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?” Genesis 50:19
Joseph refused to condemn his brothers or use his position of leadership to make his brothers “pay.” He didn’t have an exalted view of himself, but understood his place under God.
So what about when we refuse to forgive, or desire harsh condemnation on someone else? Is this, in a way, wishing we were in the place of God instead of turning over all righteous judgment to Him?

Something that is grown must be cultivated, if it is to be healthy. Taking that idea to spiritual growth, how are we cultivating grace in our lives? Are we cultivating our knowledge of Jesus Christ? And finally, for what goal? So we can check off the list that we are “better Christians”–or so that God is glorified?
What verses have stood out to you in your Bible reading this week?

Scripture Graphics #31

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
Genesis 22:7-8 – “And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. “
This is such a beautiful picture of our salvation. Sin must be paid for, a sacrifice must be made. However, instead of requiring our lives to pay for our sin, Jesus Christ came to provide Himself for our substitute. Just like Isaac went free while the lamb was sacrificed, so we can be free because of Jesus’ sacrifice. What if Abraham had said, “No, I won’t receive that ram as a substitute?” It would be absurd. So it is when one reject Christ’s substitution.

When was the last time we gave thought to walking worthy of God’s calling? When did we last think about lowliness? Meekness? Long-suffering? Forbearance? Endeavoring to keep unity?

How are we applying this list to our relationship with church members? With family members? With friends?

For some reason, I always remembered these verses as separate — the subject of not being tossed about, and the subject of speaking truth in love. But, they are connected (and are part of a longer passage that is good to read as a whole).
Before we can speak the truth in love, we must grow in God’s Word ourselves so that we are not tossed about with various doctrines contrary to God’s Word. As previous verses imply, part of our responsibility in this is to be under the pastor God has given us (verses 11-14). As other verses in Scripture teach, we are also to study God’s Word for ourselves.
As a new year dawns, what better time to make a commitment for two things? 1) Being faithful in church (not just going, but listening and learning). 2) Being faithful to *daily* read and study God’s Word.

What have you read from God’s Word this week? Any special verses you’re clinging to?

Scripture Graphics 30

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I wonder just how much neglecting the story of creation has led to things like abortion — and even devaluing life itself. There is something awe-inspiring about man’s creation that leads to God’s wonderful plan and command of procreation. But if one thinks that we evolved, what special value has life? If humans didn’t even start out as being humans, in the world’s eyes, then no wonder they believe that the babe in the womb is not a living person. How important the truth of creation is!

God saw. Not only did He see man’s actions, but more importantly, He also saw their hearts and thoughts.
And when He saw them, He didn’t say, “Well they’re not really *that* bad” or excuse it with, “That’s just how man is.” The evil grieved Him (vs. 6) and He sent His judgment through a flood.
If we understand how God views sin from the beginning of time, it will help us to understand His standards, instead of us explaining away our sin.

“And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel…and there Abram called on the name of the LORD….Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.” Genesis 13:3, 4, 18
Why did Abram’s and Lot’s stories end up differently? Abram had also gone places he shouldn’t have, yet God brought him out without the drastic affect like Lot had. I think the answer is in these verses: Abram continually sought God every step of the way. Can that be said of us? Or are we, like Lot, pitching out tent toward the world instead of toward God?

These two concepts are amazing to meditate on. Though spoken to Abraham, we see through Scripture that these promises weren’t exclusively for him. God is our shield and our exceeding great reward. Is this enough for us?

I love how, in many Psalms, the Psalmist is so overwhelmed, yet by the end of the Psalm, He is reminding himself of God’s character — how He hears prayers, is merciful, faithful, the list goes on. 
If we pray, but never lose that sense of being overwhelmed, are we truly coming to God and *casting* our cares upon Him? Or are we telling Him our troubles, yet still clinging to them, not certain He’ll hear or help? Such shows a lack of faith and knowledge of God. Because He *does* hear the prayer of His child and He does help, according to His wisdom.

Scripture Graphics 29

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If this was the description of a nation that displeased God, could it not apply to an individual?

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15
If we took just this verse, we would all have different definitions of what the “love of the world” entailed, and it would lead us to live lifestyles abstaining from certain inventions, maybe even people, and places. However, the next verse defines the love of the world that tempts every single person — no matter what era or nationality: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” This is what Eve yielded to. It is what Satan tempted Jesus with. It wasn’t about them abstaining from things physically, but about their spiritual focus and obedience to God.

This is Jesus’ purpose for coming packed in a one-verse explanation: so that He could give us understanding for us to have a relationship with God, eternal life.

Scripture Graphics 28

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“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17-18
Basically, though all livelihood was destroyed, he rejoiced in the Lord and His salvation. How often do menial things keep us from rejoicing in God? Things that, in a month, we’ll forget about — yet today we allow it to steal our joy and keep us from rejoicing.

Scripture Graphics 27

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This verse still applies to us as believers. We can make the right choice and choose to hear God’s Word (through preaching and daily Bible reading), but unless we take the next step and keep/apply it, we will never see change in our lives (note: the fruit isn’t always visible; it may be the fruit of the Spirit, working in our hearts and bringing love, joy, peace, etc.).

Are our eyes truly fixed on Christ? Or have we let our eyes wander, where our focus is on ourselves, our problems, our struggles, our inadequacies? Looking there will lead us only to be destitute. But looking to Christ and *fixing* our eyes on Him will bring the renewal that only He can.

Scripture Graphics 26

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What kind of “child” are we? Submissive and obedient to our father?
What kind of “clay” are we? Soft and moldable in the hands of our maker?

Praise the Lord that He extended His salvation to the Gentiles so that we, also, can have light!

“And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Luke 4:6-8
Jesus didn’t deny satan’s reign over the world’s power and kingdom, but He didn’t get involved in a debate. He silenced satan on the authority of God’s superseding power.
Also…it is amazing to read Jesus’ response to satan, realizing that this was the very reason satan rebelled against God.