Declare the Goodness of God!

SNEAK PEEK at a part of May's release!  Cannot wait for tomorrow!

Hello again, ladies.
Last Friday, I had the opportunity to deliver a small message with some of the ladies in my local church.  We had a virtual "tea" and may I just tell you, what a thrill to see and hear these special ladies!!  It was only a 45 minute Zoom chat, but there was plenty of smiles to last me...at least until the Saturday. ;)
When God lays it on your heart to share something, you should.  That's why I want to share with you what He gave me to share on Friday.

This past year God has shown me over and over again that I need the Gospel. I've been a Christian for over 20 years and I still need the Gospel every day. I need Jesus to be a better mom, to be a better friend, to be a better wife, to be a better me.

The first thing God has been teaching me is this: The Gospel is for all people, whether you are a disciple of Jesus or one who has walked away or one who doesn't know who Jesus is, you need the Gospel.

The second thing God has been teaching me is this: The Gospel is for all people, whether you're interacting with a disciple of Jesus or one who has walked away or one who doesn't know who Jesus is, they need the Gospel.

Let's look a bit at something that I believe the Lord wants to say to all of us about that.  1 Peter 2:1ff says,

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
    a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone,”

8 and

“A stone of stumbling,
    and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

 WOW!  Did you see it?

If you have not rejected the Living Stone (that's talking about Jesus Christ) but instead, believe God is building you as a spiritual house to be "a holy and royal priesthood" you have power for impact to those around you.

But what does it mean to for us to be priests? Cuz, that's kinda different.
Back when Peter wrote this, when someone thought of a "priest" they would have thought of a Jew from the tribe of Levi, publicly ordained and anointed with oil, to be a minister and mediator between man and God by way of offerings and sacrifices.  I got to thinking and studying about this, and would submit that it's not so much the title of "priest" that Peter is emphasizing, but rather the lifestyle of a priest.  As Peter speaks, he doesn't say a word about being a Jew, or a Levite, dripping oil, handling the blood of sacrifice, or any such specific access to the Holy of Holies…

So, if that's not what he's referring to, what does he mean? Listen again to what Peter says of us…

1. a holy nation - Set apart, anointed not by oil, but the fire of the Holy Spirit.
2. a people for God’s own possession - in His service, working as a purposed part of His body of believers to keep the body functioning with Christ as head.
3. to proclaim

announce officially or publicly,

declare something you consider important with due emphasis

   4.     the virtues:  that's a strange word, so here's what virtues means:

behavior showing high moral standards

In face some of your translations of the Bible may say, "goodness," "excellencies," and "praises"

of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

At first, I couldn't see anything here that Peter is saying as having much relation to a priest's responsibility in the Old Covenant.  At least, I couldn't before I had this book, "Christ-centered Exposition in Leviticus."
Peter is telling us the purpose of our life in Christ.

How are we like the Levitical priests?

We are set apart and distinct representatives of God, that's true. What else?

He says, Proclaim…

Declare…

Make public the goodness and praises of God?  Did priests used to do that?

Priests, even in the strange garb and attire, turbans and all, announced God's virtues. Even as the ordained minister of sacrifices, handling the offering of an animal, blood, guts, and all, his proclamation would be, "the goodness of God."

Upon fulfillment of the sacrifice by the priest, someone - the one who brought the sacrifice and offering for sin, for guilt, for restitution, would be declared forgiven; covered; made right with and reconciled to God.  You can see that all over in the sacrificial system as written in Leviticus.

Their job pointed to the Messiah.  Jesus is the fulfillment of the law (Matt. 5:17)
We know that He was a Jew, from the Kingly line of Judah (Heb. 7, Rev. 5);  He was anointed by God the Father Himself (Matt. 3:17)
to be the High Priest and Mediator between God and man
(Heb. 7), offering Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of all people (John 3:16).  And, as Hebrews again puts it appears "for us in God's presence." (9:24)

The priest's were pointing to the Gospel! And what is the Gospel?  The spotless Lamb, Jesus Christ, was sacrificed for our sins, our guilt, to restore and reconcile us to God, that we would be declared forgiven! Covered! Made right in our relationship to God Almighty.  This is wonderful news!  This was wonderful news for the Hebrew children in the time of the Levitical system, and it's wonderful news for us, right now, in the 21st century!

Peter says,

"Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

We are priests, not of the Levitical priesthood; but of a royal priesthood.
We are priests, not serving an earthly high priest, but under the rule of a perfect heavenly high priest.
We are priests, not by name, but by lifestyle.

We are priests, partakers in a holy calling, having tasted and seen that the Lord is INDEED GOOD, commissioned to declare the goodness of God - the praises of God - the mercies of God - the grace of God - the love of God.  Peter writes that
We have been chosen.

We have been forgiven.

We have been set apart.

We have become priests, in God's service, to proclaim and declare God's goodness - the Gospel.  And,  as we have encountered it in our lives, and as we know it to be completely needed in our world around us.  Like we agreed on before, we need this good news and we all know people who also need this good news!
News is for sharing.  News is for proclaiming.  This news of God's goodness is our declaration today! The Gospel is for us to give to others that they too may

1. Taste and see that the Lord is good
2. Come out of darkness into light
3. Become a people of God
4. Obtain the mercy of God
5. Become a priest under Christ
6. And declare the goodness of God to more!

I pray this was good for your heart and soul.  God's word is living and active, and I'm so excited that we have this good news to share with all people!

Much love,

Deeds

Stamps Used:
Begin Again (Sneak peak!)
Rebecca Script

Rest, You're in Good Hands

How lovely is your dwelling place,

O LORD Almighty.

I long, yes, I faint with longing

to enter the courts of the LORD.

with my whole being, body and soul,

I will shout joyfully to the living God.

Even the sparrow finds home there,

and the swallow builds her nest

and raises her young----

at a place near your alter,

O LORD Almighty, my King and my God!

How happy are those who can live in your house,

always singing your praises.

Psalm 84:1-4 NLT

 

I love the imagery these verses painted in my head.  The Psalmist longs to be in the house of the Lord, so much so that he envies the sparrows and swallows that built their nests in the eves of the tabernacle.  These birds have found safety to raise their young in God's house, more-so than in the wilderness. 

How wise we would be, if we followed the example of the birds who build their homes and raise their young near the alter of God.  We can find peace and comfort when we nestle in close to the Father.  We can find rest in the nail-scarred hands of Jesus. 

Page Details:

 I started this page by masking off the limb and stamping one of the birds on the page from the Beautiful Birds set.  I found a photograph of a hand online and printed it the size I thought it needed to be to hold my little bird.  I added some line detail to the hand picture and placed it behind my bible page and adjusted the placement, until I was happy with it.  Then I traced the lines I had made on the picture on to my bible page.  I added a nest for the bird to sit in and used watercolor to color in the image. I decided I wanted to add color to the back ground, so I used watercolor to smoosh all over the page.  I really, REALLY over-wet this paper!  I added color, then dried and added more...several times.  I stamped the title using the Art Deco Alpha and words from the Bitty Mini Alpha and Women of Praise sets.  When I finished that, I felt like my page needed something on the right.  I remembered seeing Amy White, who is also on the design team, do this nifty trick of stamping on vellum and using it to create reverse images of your stamps.  So, I could have the same bird stamp facing the opposite way!  Yay!  Thank you, Amy!  So I stamped out the image and colored it and glued it on to my page.  

I love how it came out and it's such a lovely reminder to seek and find rest in the hands of the Lord.

Until next time, catch up with me on Instagram @simplyjillsjourney.

Jill 

 

 

Serve Him

David assigned the following men to lead the music at the house of the Lord after the ark was placed there. 1 Chronicles 6:31

Hello Friends!
I hope you are well. Today, I am in 1 Chronicles 6. It's one of the chapters that lists genealogy, specifically regarding the tribe of Levi. In addition to the lists of names, it speaks of assignments that segments of the Levites would fulfill. Some would be gatekeepers, some would care for the physical building and instruments once the temple was built, some would be music leaders, and those in Aaron's line would be priests. I wonder if all these men thankfully and graciously served in their assigned roles. I mean, the priests were looked up to, they led they sacrifices and worship. They were important in human eyes. The music leaders probably didn't have it too bad. They were to praise God with music. Sounds good to me. The gatekeepers...probably not the top job everyone wanted, but definitely important. What about the men that had to care for the building, the custodians? Were they appreciated? They should have been if they weren't. Can you imagine keeping the temple area clean? Here's my point, to God every single one of these jobs had a purpose in keeping His house holy. And every single job was just as important to Him as another. It's only in human eyes that we tend to rank jobs.

For believers today, we need to be willing to serve God wherever He puts us, even if that means we're serving in a not so glamorous way. And not only do we need to do it, we need to do it joyfully and with a thankful heart.

• Romans 12:4-8, "Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness, do it gladly."
• 1 Corinthians 12, the entire chapter, is about serving in different capacities. Paul tells us about spiritual gifts and how the body of Christ works together best when each person serves in the capacity God wants him in.
• 1 Corinthians 12:5, "There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord."
• 1 Corinthians 12:18-19, "But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants it. How strange a body would be if it only had one part!"
• Ephesians 4:16, "He (Christ) makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love."

God assigned the Levites different jobs in the temple. And God gifts believers today in different ways so that we can serve in different areas. Serve joyfully in whichever part of the body you are serving! Every job is important, even those that may seem insignificant, and serves a purpose in completing God's plan.

Page details: I used the following Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps sets: Your Story, All Your Heart, and Vintage Love. I used a Micron pen to shadow the letters of "serve" and "heart." I used watercolor crayons for the background and images.

Have a blessed week! Andrea

Plant, Water, Grow...

Hi friends,

My gardening skills are pretty rubbish, I have to be honest! I have a habit of forgetting to water plants and I don't have any interest in digging, weeding, planting or pruning. I like the idea of a garden, but not the work required to produce a decent one! But here's the thing - even if I planted carefully and watered diligently, the actual growth that happens when a seed becomes a flower or fruit cannot be attributed to me - it is the creative power of God in operation.

The same is true of spiritual fruit and growth. We have a responsibility to plant and water. That means preaching the gospel and teaching truth from the Word of God and praying for people and demonstrating God's love through acts of generosity and kindness. We have been given a variety of gifts that God uses to plant seeds and water those already planted. But even when we do those things and use our gifts for God's purposes, we cannot claim credit for any growth that happens. That is a miracle of God's creative power at work by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul realised this and urged the Corinthians not to attach special significance to him or Apollos or anyone else. He realised that they were simply servants who planted and watered at God's direction, but it was God who caused the seed to grow. Our allegiance is only to God, not to humans, no matter what role they may have played in our birth and growth in Christ. We can be grateful to those who plant and water, but only Jesus is worthy of our devotion as our Lord.

I used the paper piercing technique on this page, stamping the images from Pretty Potted Florals onto a variety of patterned paper then cutting out the flowers and pots and gluing them over the same images that I had stamped on the page. I coloured the leaves and stems with coloured pencils. The verse was stamped with a combination of Print Blocks Alpha, Bitty Minnie Alpha and Trust in the Lord. Here are the sets I used:

Let's plant and water in the ways we have been gifted to do, but let's not take the credit for any growth that may happen - that's all down to the grace and power of God, and for that he deserves our praise!

Be blessed...
x Amy x

Wear the Right Clothes

Welcome back, friends! I’m so excited to be back with you today for part 2 of my Running the Race series. If you missed part 1, I encourage you to go read it here. Today, we’re going to look at tip #2: Wear the Right Clothes. 

I despise shopping for clothes. DES-PISE it. But when I started running, one of the earliest lessons I learned was how important the right clothing was. Were my shoes supportive enough for the impact? Were my arms free to move? Did I wear enough or too many layers? Having the right clothing could easily make or break even the shortest run. As Christians, the way that we are dressed and present ourselves to others can make or break our testimony. The way that we suit up every morning will define how well we are equipped for the battles that we will face. So are you wearing the right clothes? Let’s look at what scripture says. 

Your Shoes
I was only a few weeks into running when I started experiencing shin splints. It hurt. It was discouraging. It made me completely re-evaluate how much I really wanted to run. But then someone told me to go to a specialty shoe store and get fitted for shoes. The people there would evaluate my feet and my stride and put me in a pair of shoes that were not only designed for running, but designed for my foot type. Almost instantly, the pain was gone. My feet were supported and I was able to move pain free. The foundation that I had on my feet laid the groundwork for my training. Having a solid, supported foundation under me is what me stronger, more able to complete the task ahead of me. 

The foundation of our spiritual race starts with our feet. Are we standing on a firm foundation? Are we rooted and grounded in the Word of God? Do we use His words to solidify us when the ground gets shaky? Are His words tucked away deeply in our souls so that we have the solid support we need when the impact starts? A runner’s shoes are designed for repetitive stress. It is vitally important that whatever is taking the brunt of that stress is able to withhold it for an extended period of time. Jesus spoke about this in Luke 6 when he told the story of two men: one who built His house on the rock and the other who built his house on the sand. The one whose house was built on the rock was able to withstand the storm. When the rain came and the floodwaters rose, the one whose foundation was firm stood strong, but the other was washed away. Our foundation matters. Our shoes matter. What we choose to take the impact of our race matters. As we are running through life, we are going to encounter battles, uphill struggles and treacherous terrain. The support that we have under our feet is going to determine if we will make it through the struggle. The Word of God is strong. It is solid. It is secure. And when we use it as our foundation, we can know beyond a doubt that what we have chosen is solid and secure. We know that we can place our hope and our trust in Him, no matter what the course looks like. Christ and His Word is the support system that we must put on our feet every morning when our feet hit the floor. 

Your Outer Garments
Once your shoes are chosen and are ready for you each day, the next decision to make is what clothes to put on. 

I don’t know about you, but I hate the cold. Seriously, I would rather it be 100 degrees than 30, and when I signed up to run the Mississippi Blues Half Marathon it was torture knowing that it was taking place in one of the first weeks of January. No, there was no snow or ice (we don’t get that much down here, praise the Lord!) but it was still cold. And I didn’t like it. I was so tempted to wear 2-3 layers just because it was going to be cold and still dark at the starting line.  But the wisdom of the experienced runners came to my rescue again when I was told to dress like it was 20 degrees warmer than it really was. Because the fact of the matter is this: when you start to run, things are going to heat up. And if you are wearing too many layers, you are going to want to get rid of them. That extra clothing can be like baggage. It weighs you down and ties up energy that you need to run well. And likewise, clothes that don’t fit well are like baggage. It’s so frustrating to be wearing things that are either too loose or too tight and that you are constantly trying to adjust.  I learned very quickly that just because it looks cute in the store or on someone else, does not mean that it is practical for racing. 

The author of Hebrews 12 addressed this exact thing when he said to lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely in order to run well. When your hands are full of baggage, they are bound; they are chained to things that are ultimately going to distract you from meeting your goal. When you are running and are trying to sport the most popular ideas – making more money, climbing the ladder at work, being a Pinterest-perfect mom, you are going to waste valuable time and energy carrying the weight of those things and trying to prove your athleticism to everyone else. But guess what? Christ didn’t call us to fit in. Christ didn’t call us to be “of the world”. He called us to be holy. To be different. To be more like Him. Why?  So that we could point others to Him!  Lay aside those weights and focus on what matters: good form, controlled breathing and consistent stride. Throw aside those things that are hindering you and focus on following the ultimate pacer: Jesus.  Learn what it feels like to run free. Learn what it feels like to run after Christ. Don’t try to get ahead – stay in stride right behind Him. Follow Him. He knows the course. He knows what things are up ahead and the things that you will face. Trust that He is going to lead you in the direction that you need to go and don’t challenge that (talking to myself, here!). Point others to Him by the way you choose to clothe yourself. It’s all about freedom!   

So, friends, when you wake up in the morning choose to clothe yourself with strength and dignity. Put on the belt of truth and grab a bottle of the living Water. Put on your shoes of readiness and get ready to run. Every day is a new day, a new course, a new chance to show the world what the Christian life is like. Dress well and run that race. We’re almost to the finish line!

Have a great weekend!
Jennifer
IG @lifeintherace

Crafty Details
I started this page with some pink and yellow watercolors on the bottom of the page. I then used a stencil and Picked Raspberrry Distress Oxide to add some polka dots to the background. On cardstock, I stamped out a girl from Girl Power and colored her with my Prismacolor pencils. On the same piece of cardstock I stamped the letters for “strength” and “dignity” with PrintBlocks Alpha and then cut them out. The remaining words are stamped directly onto the page using BittyMinnie Alpha. I then glued all the pieces down and added a date stamp and prayer at the top. 

God is Gracious

So…Leviticus.  

I think there's something to be said about Leviticus.  I know what I've said in the past about it: can't I just skim it?  What point does it serve for the modern disciple of Jesus Christ?  How does it speak to us and should we be concerned with it?  What's the governing principle and purpose we could potentially take away?  Are there any?

Well, the answer to all of those questions is wrapped up in the overarching truth that ALL scripture is God-breathed, profitable and instructional, correctional and beneficial.  (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

In fact, even more overarching - if that's possible - and perhaps more helpful to our theology involving all of scripture is that ALL of the Bible is telling ONE. BIG. STORY.

As post-Acts disciples of Jesus, we understand that the New Testament is a new covenant.  It's exhaustive in defining the true follower of Jesus - how a true disciple should look in light of our salvation by Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection from the dead.  AMAZING GRACE!

But as I heard Jen Wilkin once say in her message at Proclaim Truth 2020: "The Old Testament points toward the New; and the New Testament tips its hat toward the Old." 
What's she saying is, as much as we behold the New Testament, it is just as essential to follow the story of God through the Old.  It is just as impactful, necessary and beneficial to get a sense of God, His purpose, His plan, His ways, in the Old Testament. 
As we tackle the New Testament writings, it is profitable for us to understand the Old as it pertains in continuity and connection!  You can't understand one without the other; there's no way to understand the whole story of scripture if the entire Bible is not taken into consideration.

So…Leviticus.

In Leviticus, there is a familiar theme that I don't think we recognize as we're reading the repetitive statements of "he shall bring his offering," and "and the priest shall burn it on the altar."  The requirements for a "guilt offering," a "sin offering" a "restitution offering," etc., are remarkably similar. 
One must bring the appropriate sacrifice which will be made by the priest at the altar.  The animal of such a sacrifice must have particular qualities.  Parts of the animal will be used for sacrifice (namely the blood which was to be spilled on the altar), parts for burning completely, parts for the priest to use.

But whatever offering was coming for whatever transgression was made, it always required a costly sacrifice. 

I am far from understanding all the implications of Leviticus as it relates to my relationship God and His plans for a better life for mankind. 

I am bewildered at the enormous amount of detail that the LORD speaks to Moses, so the people could be reconciled to Him in a right relationship.  It's truly a lot to digest.

But I'm clear on one thing about the ever-becoming-endearing book of Leviticus in scripture: God is gracious.

God is gracious?

In Leviticus?

Excitedly, I confess that what was once a mundane read in my yearly Bible plan, is now one of my favorite books to work through!

I don't know how better to emphasize the connection of Leviticus to its importance in our lives; our understanding of its pertinence and significance.  I believe its God -breathed scripture and what I'm seeing is the foreshadowing of something much bigger, better, perfect and complete.  Jesus.  Jesus our perfect, ultimate, final sacrifice for sin!

But how does it show us that God is gracious?

Ahh, I am so glad you asked. 
In the book of Leviticus, there are explicit details of ways to break fellowship with God; different forms of sin that replace a harmonious connection to the LORD Almighty with brokenness.  Mentions of intentional and unintentional; guilt and restitution.  Over and over…and over…and over… and over. 
Think about this:

God is holy. Holy, holy, holy, to be exact.  This holiness is a divine and set apartness that separates God from everything else in creation.  As holy, He defines the truth and standard of all things: love, existence, boundaries, relationships, sin, right living, etc.

God is relational.  In the beginning, we see in creation that He set up the perfect place for something with the imprint of His image to subdue - rule and keep.  In this relationship, God set the precedent of relating to Him and doing what is right.  With the intent on "becoming like God, knowing good and evil," man disobeyed the loving, protective Lord, consequently causing a fracture in creation, and all things to fall from perfection to an inherent corruption.  Sad stuff.  Man has never had a perfect relationship with God since.  However, this is the part where we can say,
God is gracious.  Because sin would mark every person ever made (except Jesus the Beloved Son of God), God knew there would be necessary rules of engagement between people.  In Leviticus you can see how He defines and details all the ins and outs of God-loving, God-following people.  It's intense.  So intense, it's impossible.  It's IMPOSSIBLE. Those sacrifices that we talked about above were not things to do - it was God's temporary plan of reconciling a sinful people to Himself.  The repetitive script of the one bringing offering, the priest in his duties, and the forgiveness that would then be granted is God reaching out to humanity for relationship. 
It was a GRACE to understand what separated people from a Holy God.
It was a GRACE to bring a sacrifice to offer for restitution.

It was a GRACE to bow in humility, recognizing how badly we need Him.
It was a GRACE to offer worship in this mode.

It was a GRACE to be forgiven and restored to peace with the LORD.

God is GRACIOUS, even in His holiness and justice, to reach down into humanity giving us a foreshadowing of what was to come: the ultimate sacrifice; the perfect sacrifice; the final sacrifice; the unconditional love; the extended forgiveness of sins once and for all: JESUS CHRIST.

This is why we read the Old Testament.  It's the part of the story without an ending, until you get to the New Testament where Jesus breaches the walls between man and God for one final sacrifice, nullifying all sacrifices from then on, bringing about peace between God and man forever, and re-establishing a connection to all who believe on His name.  WOW!

God. Is. Gracious!

I'm spellbound.  I'm humbled.  I'm in awe.

What are your thoughts?  What do you think about Leviticus?  Maybe the next time you read it, you'll look at it through the lens of the Gospel wherein God tells His story of love, hope and grace.

Much love,

Deeds

Scribble Flowers: https://bit.ly/3aiw9evArt Deco Alpha: https://bit.ly/3eusXzr
Texture Tile 1: https://bit.ly/2RLkTAy
Bitty Minnie Alpha: https://bit.ly/3eFbSmK
Classy Script Alpha: https://bit.ly/2yk9oJR

This Jesus

"But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words.... 

Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel an foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.... 

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses."

Acts 2: 14-47

I think it's safe to say that Peter was passionate, driven, and committed follower of Christ. When he went in, he went all in. And he was all in for Jesus. 

• Matthew 26:33, "Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended."
• John 13:37, "Peter said until him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake."

But then we all know what happened after that. When put on the spot, he denied having any relationship with Jesus. How heartbreaking for Peter, how heartbreaking for his friend and Lord. 

Thankfully, Peter's story doesn't end there. He has a personal conversation with his risen Lord and Savior and Peter's life is forever changed. He steps into a leadership position with the followers of Christ and in Acts 2, he has the opportunity to give the very first gospel message. 

Honestly, Peter's exposition in Acts 2 gives me goosebumps. This Jesus of Nazareth - HIM! - He is the one the scriptures told about. The Messiah, The Savior of the world. Peter clearly and passionately gave the gospel message and 3,000 souls were saved. THIS JESUS. 

Jesus gives hope. The capture and death of Christ purchased our life and freedom. This moment of sadness gave us eternal joy of heart and life. He changed Peter and he can change you. 💙

********

I had some fun playing with acrylic paint and stamps on this page. I painted, splotched, and splattered acrylic paint all over the page and then used the Messy Stamped Alpha, Texture Tiles 1, and Texture Tiles 5 stamp sets to illustrate the theme "This Jesus."

    

I encourage you to read Acts 2 and be encouraged by the truth of the gospel message today. 

Love in Christ, 

Janelle

@journalingjoy