A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Hi Friends!
Today, we're in Ecclesiastes 3. When I was studying this passage, I came across an explanation of verses 1-8 that I'd like to share with you. The source is gotquestions.org.(https://www.gotquestions.org/time-for-everything.html) It says:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is a well-known passage that deals with the balanced, cyclical nature of life and says that there is a proper time for everything.In this passage, the Preacher (Solomon) says that there is a time for every matter in life. He illustrates this truth by juxtaposing opposites: fourteen pairs of contrasting activities as examples of how life is comprised of various seasons. A straightforward reading of the passage reveals several concepts:

First, the timing of our activities is important. Killing someone (Ecclesiastes 3:8) is generally considered evil and a crime, but that may change during a time of war, when defending one’s country can be considered a noble act. Dancing (verse 4) may be appropriate during a time of celebration, but it would not be appropriate for a funeral. Both our actions and the timing of our actions are important to God.

Second, these seasons in which certain pursuits are proper are appointed by God. His plan for life involves a variety of experiences and activities. Weeping may be part of life, but life is not all weeping; laughter has a place, too (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Construction is good in its time, but sometimes deconstruction is necessary (verse 3).

A key to this passage is found a few verses later: “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). The proper activity at the right time, bringing about God’s purposes, is a beautiful part of God’s overall plan. A tapestry, viewed from the back, seems a chaotic and unlovely work; but the maker of the tapestry has a wise purpose for the placement of each thread.
Third, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 serves as a bridge between the first two chapters and the section that follows. People are to accept each day as a gift from the hand of God (2:24–26). Why? Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 explains it is because God has a reason and a time for all things. People may be ignorant of God’s timing (3:9–11), but they are called to enjoy life in the present (3:12–13) and trust in God’s sovereignty (3:14–15).

God offers much wisdom in the saying, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” God is sovereign. Our activity in this world is meaningful as we rely on His wisdom, His timing, and His goodness.

Page Details:

I used the following Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps sets: Time Well Spent, Bold &Outline Caps, Consider the Wildflowers, Wood Backgrounds, Messy Stamped Alpha, With Love Alpha, and Sweet & Simple Alpha. Time Well Spent has clock hands; so you can make a clock out of anything! So cool! Time Well Spent is the June Stamp of the Month. You can get it for FREE with a $75 order. I used the wood background and painted the center with black acrylic paint. I embossed the numbers, and then stamped the clock hands in silver. I love SNSS alphas! If you don't like your own handlettering, or just want something different, alpha stamps are a great option. The new Bold & Outline alpha is great because you really get 2 alphas in one. You can use the solid or outline images alone, intermingled (as I did on this page), or outline the solid letters with the outline ones. It's such a versatile set as you can get so many different looks from it.

Have a blessed week! Andrea

Crafted by the Creator

For it was you who created my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I will praise you
because I have been remarkably and wondrously made.
Your works are wondrous,
and I know this very well.
               Psalm 139:13-14

How amazing is procreation?  That a couple of cells come together, multiply, and form a completely unique life?!?  How can that be anything but a miracle from God!

Each of us were hand-crafted by God for a special purpose.  We have a role that no one else will ever have.  He created us with special gifts and talents, to use in the fulfilment of His plan. 

How can you find your purpose?  Look to the Bible and talk to the Father.  He will help you find your way.  

Thank you Lord, for the unique purpose we are created for. I pray we glorify you! -Amen 

Page Details:

I already had an entry for this verse in my Illustrating Bible:

I decided a tip-in was the perfect way to journal it again, from a different prospective, and I was able to do some journaling on the back of the page.  I created my tip-in using Canson Watercolor paper.  I blended Distress Oxide Inks on the page to make this vibrant background and then traced a silhouette of a baby in the womb. I painted the image with black acrylic paint.  I used the new With Love Alpha and Mini Grunge Type Alpha to stamp out my verse. This is my new favorite alphabet combination!  I punched the edge with the We R Memory Keepers punch board, using the gold spiral punch and it fits perfectly in the spiral binding of the Illustrating Bible.

Here's what it looks like all tucked in its place!

The stamp sets I used:

I would love to connect with you on Instagram.  You can find me @simplyjilljourney

Until next time, I wish you many blessings,

Jill

Leaving and Camping...

Hi friends,

Have you ever read a list in the Bible that repeats similar information over and over again and just skipped to the end? I know I have, but I need to be reminded that all these details are in Scripture for a reason.

In Numbers 33 there is a record of all the places the Israelites left and camped on their journey from Egypt to the edge of the Promised Land, and while all these names of places may seem irrelevant to us today, the repeated refrain of 'they left... and they camped...' got me thinking about a couple of important things.

Firstly, the Israelites went where God let them. They were willing to pack up and leave when God moved them on. I think the camping imagery is great here, as there is a constant element of being in transistion, not settling down, but always being ready to move. Secondly, the presence of God went with them to all these places, protecting them and providing for them. It is a good reminder that no matter where the will of God may take us, the grace and protection of God will always be upon us.

This page and message is one that means a lot to me personally at the moment as we contemplate a potential move away from all that is comfortable and known, but very much feeling that God is leading us in it. Whenever I think about the difficulties surrounding the move, I have to remind myself that God who calls us is faithful to protect and provide for us, and that our responsibility is simple obedience.

I used the new With Love Alpha set on this page for the words 'left' and 'camped' and used Bitty Minnie Alpha for the other words, then stamped the text from the new Grace so Amazing underneath (the perfect message for this page!). I stamped the cute caravan from Happy Camper and coloured with watercolours and sponged some yellow ink in the sky to create a sun effect. Here are the sets I used:

I hope you are encouraged to step out and go wherever God may be leading you (even if it isn't a move of physical location, sometimes it's another move of obedience that God is requiring). And remember: wherever God guides, he provides.

Be blessed...

x Amy x

Yahweh Tsidkenu - the LORD our Righteousness!

Hello Tuesday folks!

How are things coming in the new year?  There's a feeling of excitement when I think of passing not only from one year to another, but from one DECADE to another.  It's like the Lord has given us another start of starts - a fresh beginning that could potentially usher in more of His glory!  I don't know if that's doctrinal, as I'm unable to find anything that supports this in the Bible.  But I DO know that the Lord is a God of beginnings.  A God of startING.  The One who promotes turning and returning to Him at all times.  
With that in mind, I am praying for a love for Him that supersedes all others in my heart.  A love for Him that will guide me fruitfully, productively, and purposefully in being renewed day by day for His glory.  Leaning daily on His the effectual work of the Gospel, I am promised everything I need "for life and godliness," for His glory. (2 Peter 1:3)  Additionally, forming habits of praying to Almighty God has the reward which is far greater than I can anticipate or think, for His glory! (Ephesians 3:20-21) 

Here's to 2020!

I did something a bit different in my Bible journaling today.  In addition to the page I colored with watercolor, stamps and a tag, I made a duplicate tag to put into a "loved" Bible which I'm giving to a young lady in my youth group.  

It's been awesome to be able to learn something in God's Word and transfer it over to a compact Bible.  Today's insert for the smaller Bible is simply a tag with similar Gospel encouragement on the back.  (Stamps I used for the whole project are listed below)

I'm working in Jeremiah today.  Why Jeremiah?
Well, it all started with Matthew 10:21, actually.  Reading up on the "rich, young ruler" caused me to search out studies and commentaries on such a verse, which brought me to a wonderful sermon by George Whitefield.  Within this sermon is a well-rounded understanding of the righteousness of Christ, which touched a bit upon the account of said young man in Matthew.  His main focus was in Jeremiah and on the substantial, satisfactory covering of Righteousness provided in Jesus Christ:
"'Behold, the days are coming,' declares the Lord, 'when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.  In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’" (vv. 5-6)

Around the Advent/Christmas season, there was a lot of talk about this Heir to the throne of David; a Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Everlasting Father; a Son born to a virgin whose name would be "God saves."  When doing a live Facebook feed back in December, I was thinking on how appropriate it truly is to continue reading about and thinking on these things, primarily as it pertains to preaching God's goodness and Gospel over our lives.  

There is a lot packed into these 2 verses, one of which is the expectation of a coming King - Jesus Christ - who will execute judgment, heal the land, restore the Kingdom.
But until then, there is something else of HIGH and WONDERFUL importance tucked away for us.  Something that keeps.  Something that holds.  Something that carries until our King returns.
"The Lord Our Righteousness."  
I used to think that the names of God were neat; the fact that He had multiple titles meant that He is that much more, better and greater than we are.  Truth is, that does make Him more, better, greater, wonderful, and the wonder of this this name, "Yahweh Tsidkenu," means so much more than I believe we're able to grasp!
Note: I urge you to hop onto the Sacra Via Scripture and Art Journaling facebook group to see the full live, if you can!

 I don't want to mince words, and I certainly don't want to mishandle the Word of God.  When we speak in terms of the Gospel, it's important to get the truths firmly established for the sake of victorious living as a Christian!  I pray that the Lord will touch you when you read the section of Scripture above and even save time to study it.
Saying all of that, I do pray that the Lord has laid this in front of me, that I should share:
If you are in Christ, HE IS YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Nothing can be further from the Gospel than to say to a follower/believer of Christ, "we must pave our own way; we must pay our own debt; we must do; we must be; we must have..." These are lies crafted by our adversary in an attempt to see us falter and despair as a witness and light for Christ.
When God came as a man - Jesus - taking on the form of humanity, this condescension was a midway point between God's initiation of our redemption plan back in Genesis, and Jesus' final victory over Satan and his forces.  IT WAS MIRACULOUS!  So glorious, all heavenly hosts sang, "Hallelujah" as they heralded the birth of that Christ child!

If you remember back in the garden of Eden, there was a rebellion in the heart of man (and woman) which led to "the fall."  The encounter with our enemy left Eve in a confused state of mind, believing in some way God had shorted or deceived her.  After our parents refused to obey God, there was a resulting shame, guilt and overwhelming sense of nakedness, both literally and spiritually speaking.  This new awareness caused them to hide from that familiar voice they'd originally connected with peace up to this point.  (Genesis 3)
Hidden.
Covered up.
Less exposed.
More concealed.

Futile in the attempts to clothe themselves, they could not hide from Omniscience.
Constrained by His love for them, God made clothes for His image-bearers by way of the very first blood sacrifice.
God covered them.
God clothed them.
God did it.

This was the beginning of a long line of animal sacrifices that would need to be made to atone for sin, as mentioned in the Old Testament writings.  But these, of course, would never be satisfactory or sufficient for all sin, transgression and iniquity in man.
God knew He would provide Himself, for Himself, the very Lamb that would take away the sins of the WORLD!  The Sacrifice would be satisfactory.  The Substitution, pleasing.

Jeremiah speaks highly of this One who would live and die to be the Savior of the whole world.  He calls Him a "Branch" from the royal lineage of David.  One who would bring justice, peace and hope to all of Israel.
Skip ahead roughly 650 years...

The slaughtering of this Holy Lamb of God exacted the wrath of God laid up for humanity for our rebellion.  God turned His face away from the cross, that He may not behold all the sin, death and hell hanging on that tree.  "Once and for all..." scripture tells us, did Christ bleed, die and raise, closing the gap between God and man.  (Hebrews 10)

What a wonderful Savior!
Do you know what this means?
This means that upon believing that Jesus indeed took even YOUR sins to the cross with Him, you are officially covered by the adequate clothing made by God Himself!  The spotless skin of the Sacrificial Lamb conceals you.  You are transformed into a new creature, never to be the old again!  You are clothed in HIS righteousness forever and ever, and there is nothing that can strip you of such a garment!
George Whitefield suggests that Christ's Righteousness is the "very garment" that we don as the Bride of Him who created us!
I love that picture, but then again, I'm a sucker for elegance and imagery. :D Plus, it makes even more sweet the Hymnal lyric, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness!"
Amen??

I'm sure I am not doing the sermon or the Scriptures justice of all that this means.  There is so much joy here.  So much peace here.  So much hope, love, victory!
Friend, we battle daily the "flesh" that weakens our witness.  We battle daily the enemy that haunts our minds.
There's a special prayer that J.D. Greear puts out for us to pray that embodies the Gospel:

 - In Christ there is nothing I can do that would make You love me more, and nothing I have done that makes You love me less.
 - Your presence and approval are all I need for everlasting joy.
 - As You have been to me, so I will be to others.
 - As I pray, I'll measure Your compassion by the cross and Your power by the resurrection.

As we pray it over ourselves often - daily, even - the weight of doubt, shame, defeatedness or discouragement lifts.  We are free in Jesus, to live like Jesus.
God covers us.
God clothes us.
God did it.

Live in victory! We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Rom. 8:37).

Much love,
Deeds

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Grace Upon Grace

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth... And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." - John 1:14-16

This Advent season, I read "The Dawning of Indestructible Joy" devotional book by John Piper. Boy, was it good! The reading for December 25th, Christmas Day, was titled Grace: The Dominant Note of Christmas and it went along so perfectly with the brand new Grace So Amazing January stamp set, I just knew I needed to journal it. Isn't God good like that?! 

Grace is the dominant theme of Christmas. The barn, the manger, the angels, the shepherds, the wise men -- it all comes down to one thing: grace. While the gospel of John does not contain the traditional Christmas story found in the other gospels, the story and purpose of Christmas is weaved throughout the book. After quoting John 1:14-16, John Piper has this to say:

"So the eternal Word of God took on human flesh, and in that way the divine Son of God - who never had an origin, and never came into being, and was God, but was also with God - became man. and in doing this, he made the glory of God visible in a wholly new way. And this divine glory, uniquely manifest in the Son of God, was full of grace and truth. And from that fullness we receive grace upon grace.

That is the meaning of Christmas in John's Gospel. God the Son, who is God, and who is with God, came to reveal God in a way he had never been revealed before. And in that revelation, the dominant note struck is race: from the fullness of that revelation of divine glory, we receive grace upon grace."

Christmas is the human embodiment of grace to a fallen world. Christmas is for salvation. Salvation for you and for me. The birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus provides an inexhaustible supply of grace and truth to the whole world. It never runs out. It's grace upon grace upon grace upon grace - forever. 

  

I used the Grace So Amazing, With Love Alpha, and Folk Art Snowflakes stamp sets to create this page and coordinating journaling card. Just stamps and ink, that's it! Easy peasy, but full of great content and reminders to embrace the grace that has been given to me by the Joy of Christmas. 💙 

  

I pray you cling to the grace that has been provided to you every day this week. 

With love in Christ, 

Janelle

@journalingjoy