Scripture Graphics #102

Now that I've reached 100... I'm going to have to relax my blogging a bit (as I mentioned in the spring). I haven't been able to sit down and schedule my Scripture Graphics posts for a while. If you're on Instagram or FaceBook, though, I usually post daily verses (when life is busy, I might skip a week then get back on it). Feel free to follow/friend me there. I'm very sad that I can't keep it up right now, but maybe in the future I'll get back on it? I loved sharing these and hearing your thoughts and what God had been doing in your life!!

So... the final Scripture Graphics post for right now...

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

We can either trust Jesus’ promise here, and accept His peace, or we can deny this truth and be fearful and afraid. Peace is there for us, but we have a choice in what to do with it.

Will we strive to be prudent and wise? To get and seek knowledge? We have the knowledge of God’s Word before us—but will we make the effort to apply it?

Share a verse!

Scripture Graphics #101

Fear and confidence don’t seem to lend a hand—unless it is this type of fear. Fear of anything else will never result in a strong confidence or refuge, BUT the fear of the Lord.

Which side best describes us? Do our hearts seek knowledge or do we instead stuff our appetite with foolishness? We cannot seek both.

An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire....He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. Proverbs 16:27, 17:9

The contrast of these two verses stood out to me: one who digs, one who covers. Even as believers, we can find entertainment in “digging up” rather than “covering up.” It is our natural state to unearth information (usually we don’t pursue “all the details” when someone is living a godly, upright life; but our ears perk up to scandals, sin, and evil), but God has not called us to do that. What if we worked as hard to cover in Love—as we did to unearth evil info?

Where are you reading today?

Scripture Graphics #100

Have we given much thought lately to seeking good? If not, then what are we seeking?

This one short verse packs some powerful reasoning. We now belong to God—thus, it is only right that we should do what pleases and glorifies God. Does this verse shape our life—or do we see no value in what God has done for us, and do not care about how we dishonor/honor Him with our lifestyle?

It was never the act of circumcision that meant something, but the act of obedience. There are many convictions (based on Biblical principles) where it’s not the *act* that draws us nigh to Christ, but the obedience. Are we more concerned about a list to check off and look good, or our hearts submitted to the leading of God?

He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. 2 Samuel 22:18-19

It does my heart good to remember that, no matter how helpless I feel or how strong the enemy is, my God is stronger. He is my stay (protection, support). It doesn’t matter what I am going through, my God is bigger.

Share a verse that you've recently read.

Scripture Graphics #99

Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?...They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Proverbs 8:1, 9

Sometimes, what makes God’s Word so hard to understand is our attitude. We don’t *truly* want to find knowledge, so we explain away verses instead of accepting them to be right. Is this our attitude toward God’s Word?

Spiritual maturity isn’t how much about the Bible that we know, but how we use it in our daily lives. One could quote whole books of the Bible, yet have animosity toward others and no love, peace, long suffering. Are we striving to just have a knowledge of God’s Word—or live it?

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. John 7:24

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. 1 Corinthians 4:5

We are not called to be judges amongst ourselves based in our preferences and opinions. So often, when we do, we judge only external issues that we see—ignorant of the hidden roots. These verses are a good reminder for me to rest the case in God’s hands—Who sees all details and knows all things.
(Note: this is not the same as turning a blind eye to Biblically-defined sin, but rather applying to things in life where we have formed an opinion or conviction extra-Biblical)

It is kind of a “cool thing” to speak violently. We use violent words in jest and exaggeration... but it is still proceeding from our mouth. This is not how a child of God (i.e. righteous man) should speak—even in teasing. Are we giving heed to the words of our mouth and judging them Biblically?

What Proverbs have you recently read?

Scripture Verses #98

We can deceive people in our worship, but God sees our heart—not just our words and actions. How often do we truly think of this during the day? (Because worship is not just limited to church-time)

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:8-10

Even there... There is no place too sorrowful, no place too hard, no place too confusing, no place too tempting, but God is there to lead and hold us. He thinks of us more than there are grains of sand (vs. 17-19). There is nothing that we can go through which He does not know of or won’t be there for. Even there... God is there.

The Old Testament is the foundation of the New Testament and Jesus’ teachings. We cannot accept Jesus’ teachings then reject the Old Testament (specifically mentioned here: Genesis-Deuteronomy, which covers creation, the world-wide flood, confusion of languages, Israel redeemed from Egypt, and the law—God’s standard for holiness). If we believe Jesus to be true, then we’d better believe the Old Testament, because He endorsed it.

What Old Testament promises comfort you as a New Testament believer?

Scripture Graphics #97

This verse speaks of eternal life, yet it made me wonder: do we live as though God is God only of life once our time on earth has ceased? Is He only “profitable” for securing our home in heaven? Or do we see Him as Lord of our life? Yes, we can comfort ourselves with the eternal hope and security of our everlasting God, but He is just as real here on earth as He is in heaven. Do we live unto Him or barely give Him a fleeting thought in our busy times?

In a time when events hadn’t gone as they thought it should, they were confused, fearful, and mourning, Jesus’ Words comforted and assured them. When we refuse to listen to God’s Word, we refuse to find a balm for our needs—our confusion, fear, mourning, and even guilt, questions, and unbelief.

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22

Job 23:10-12 compares God’s Word to food—our need for daily nourishment. Here, it ties God’s Word in with life and health. A healthy lifestyle is one with proper nourishment and activity. We can eat that which is good for our bodies, but unless we couple it with activity and exercise, our bodies will not be properly nourished. So it is with God’s Word. We can feast on it with sermons and devotional books and reading Scriptures, but unless we do some spiritual exercise (i.e. apply and obey), that which we have “eaten” will not be properly digested (and thus benefit our spiritual bodies to its fullest extent). Have we grown lazy in our exercise? Have we failed to keep God’s Word ever before us, to follow it?

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. John 3:21

The workers of evil avoid the truth of God’s Word (vs. 20), but on the contrary, those who do truth seek out God and His Word. This applies to our life in various forms: our means of salvation, the physical and spiritual work we do, what motivates us. Even in our “non-spiritual” work, we can seek the Light or reject the Light by our attitude, actions, and thoughts.

What verse has recently taught you something?

Scripture Graphics #96

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Luke 15:8-10

Do we put as much time and effort in seeking lost souls as we do in temporal things? What we give our time and effort to reflects what is important to us. Are we joining the crowd, rejoicing over lost souls found? Or are we indifferent, our eyes clouded by focusing on temporal things?

Our eyes sometimes focus on whether we have “much” or “little” compared to others—in gifts, talents, possessions, or responsibilities. What if we spent as much time focusing our thoughts and energy on being faithful?

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. Luke 17:3-4

We like to make excuses for our behavior with, “Well, if they weren’t like that, I wouldn’t be like this.” Take heed to yourselves. “If they only did this, my life would be easier.” Take heed to yourselves. “This is the tenth time they say they’re sorry for the same thing. I’ll believe it when I see changes.” Take heed to yourselves.
We are responsible only for the actions and attitudes of one person: ourselves. As long as we’re looking at the shortcomings and failures of another, we are not taking heed to ourselves.

When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall...The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. Proverbs 29:16, 25

No matter what goes on around us, we have certainty in God and His plans. Are we allowing temporal things to shake our trust?

Share a verse that recently really stood out to you.

Scripture Graphics #95

So very grateful for new, day-by-day mercies for whatever the day holds!!

There are times in our lives where the walls crumble, when aspects of our lives are unruly, when we seem to lose control and things come in and out of our hearts and minds which do not please God. In essence, the walls need to be built back. And, like with every building project, it takes energy, time, and labor. We need tools such as prayer, God’s Word, praise, and hymns. We need diligence to capture every thought, turn humbly to God, seek His help, and obey Him. Without these materials and tools, the walls of our Spirit will stay broken down, bringing damage to us and others.

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? - Luke 12:16-21

When we refuse to seek God and “lend back to Him,” God can take it away from us. There are so many points in this passage: honoring God with our first-fruits, seeking Him vs. leaning on our own understanding, living for Him vs. hoarding our time and profit to ourselves, and the power of God to over-ride our plans. Where, in this list, are we like the rich man?

What promises are you claiming today?

Scripture Graphics #94

And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course… there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
(Luke 1:8, 11)

Zacharias was doing his duty, being a faithful priest, when God chose to answer his prayer (vs. 13-14). If this couple lived today, they may have become bitter against God, or stopped going to church, because their prayers over the years had been unanswered. But not Zacharias and Elisabeth. They were faithful to God, even though God hadn’t answered their prayer for a child. And, in time, God honored their faithful dedication and gave them a son in their old age—John, the forerunner of Jesus. Are our desires so powerful that they prevent us from staying faithful to God when they go unanswered? Or do we keep diligent to serve God, even in the midst of unanswered prayer?

“But so much the more went there a fame abroad of Him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” (Luke 5:15-16)

A Christ-like attitude seeks more of a unified connection with God than the laud and praise of men or a following.

Also, from another angle, Jesus never let the demands and busyness of people’s needs interfere with His alone-time with God.

Our standard is God—not what other do, how others treat us, or what we feel like doing. God’s mercy is greater than the heaven is high (Psalm 103:11), is cloaked in everlasting kindness (Isaiah 54:8), is rich and coupled with His love (Ephesians 2:4), and cleanses away our sins to remember them no more (Hebrews 8:12). Do we extend this type of mercy toward others—especially those who misuse us (vs. 32-35)? Maybe if we meditated a little more on God’s mercy, it would help us to extend more mercy.

God never promises bountiful provision, but He does promise substantial provision. Are we content with our “food and raiment” and day-by-day provision? To ask for more than our actual needs may not be wrong—because God Loves to bless His children—but focusing on more often reveals a lack of faith and trust in God’s ability to sufficiently provide. Do we doubt that God will provide like a loving Father (vs. 9-13)?

“Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” Luke‬ ‭12:24‬

Share a promise from which you get comfort.

Scripture Graphics #93

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
(Luke 9:23-24)

And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
(Mark 10:29-30)

God’s ways are not our ways. Where we see loss, He sees an opportunity in which to bless us, He is not trying to steal good things from us. Rather, He is longing to bless us—and not just in heaven, but now, here on earth. Do we cling to that which is temporal and refuse to follow Him—thus robbing from ourselves the very blessings He wants to give us?

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
(Mark 11:22)

Faith is a big thing today. We are often exhorted to “have faith.” Have faith, and it will all turn out. Have faith and hope for the best. But what is the object of our faith? Faith in anyone or anything but God is misplaced faith. It’s not just about how strong our faith is, but about how powerful our God is. So, do we have faith…IN God?

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Mark‬ ‭12:30-31

We know these verses well, which sometimes lead us to quote or read them in a hurry. But have I stopped to truly ponder these words? “All” is all—every part, completely, wholly. Jesus describes more though: ALL our heart, soul, mind, strength. That should leave no part in me for self-love, self-exaltation, selfishness. Above that, our love is to go next in line to our neighbor (according to the Good Samaritan parable, “neighbor” means anyone who crosses our paths). This powerful, all-consuming love for God and others can be overwhelming—because I know my selfishness and shortcomings. But God has not given us the command without help: “but the fruit of the Spirit is love...” He is ready to help us love—but first, we need to realize how we lack love and how we need His help.

What attitude do we have when others violate God’s Word? Are we grieved because of the neglect of God’s Word, or does a fleshlier attitude take place?

What well-known verse has taken a new meaning for you lately?

Scripture Graphics #92

“And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.” Mark‬ ‭4:24

This verse comes after the parable of the Sower’s seed (vs. 3-20). Though it definitely applies to receiving the Word for salvation, receiving God’s Word also links to spiritual growth. If we do not accept and apply what God reveals to us, why would He give us more? The question then is not, “am I going to church and reading my Bible?” But, “Am I being obedient and applying what I hear?”

“And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” Mark‬ ‭4:38-40‬

The first words from the disciples’ lips were, “Carest Thou not?” It is easy to view trials and storms as an example that God does not care for our individual lives, when instead, He is allowing them to grow us in our faith. When faced with storms, we shouldn’t ask, “Do You even care what I’m going through?” But, “What do You want me to learn about You in this storm?”

The disciples’ hardened hearts prevented them from believing the power of God—even though they were eye-witnesses of Jesus’ miracles. Our hardened hearts can affect us too. We have 66 books of testimonies of God’s power, love, mercy, justice, judgment, and commands. Do our hearts believe, or are they hardened?

How often do we do daily, menial tasks with our heart focused on serving the Lord? How many tasks do we truly do “as unto the Lord?” Is our eternal perspective tainted by temporal, selfish desires, lusts, and pleasures?

What verse has kept you going today?

Scripture Graphics #91

“And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew‬ ‭4:3-4‬

Jesus Christ *was* God’s Son—His only begotten Son—yet satan asked “IF Thou be the Son of God...” We are the adopted children of God, and satan still accuses us, “If you’re *really* God’s child, really born again...” Though Jesus’ temptation was not doubting His salvation, the answer He gave should help us when we are faced with that struggle: live by the Word of God. Satan wanted Jesus to do an action, Jesus pointed to faith and trust in God’s Word. Doubts of salvation are often fueled by “Did I *do* enough?”—but it’s not about “doing enough” but by trusting in and living by the Word of God.

“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.” Matthew‬ ‭8:2-3

What a beautiful picture of cleansing—which applies both to salvation and sanctification. Jesus is ready and willing to cleanse us if we but ask Him. And when we do ask, He cleanses us immediately (1 John 1:9).

There is great comfort in this. Not only do we serve the same God as Abraham and all of the believers in Scripture, we also serve the eternal God—assurance of life after death.

“But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?” Matthew‬ ‭26:8‬

In others’ eyes, this woman’s decision to pour her entire alabaster box of ointment on Jesus was nothing but a waste. In Jesus’ eyes, it was no such thing. The others saw no purpose, Jesus saw a good work.
Today, our decisions in following Jesus might look to others like a waste—but they are not the ones we are following, and in eternity, they do not determine our rewards. Are temporal opinions preventing us from following the Holy Spirit?

What verse are you clinging to today?

Scripture Graphics #90

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. (Jude 1:16)

These are characteristics of the ungodly (vs. 15), yet why do we leave these areas in our lives unchecked? Maybe we need to refocus.
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude ‪1:20-21‬)

What great assurance—that this is in Whom we have entrusted our lives eternally!

When we start to believe that all things were created for *our* pleasure, it steals our desire to give to God all glory, honor, and power, Only when we have a proper view of ourselves and God will we truly give Him the glory, honor, and power He deserves.

What are you working on memorizing right now?

Scripture Graphics #89

For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
(1 Samuel 1:27-28)

How often do we have a deep desire, beg of God, receive it, then selfishly hoard it? Hannah did no such thing, and it was her very own child! God’s blessings on us should enable us to give more back to Him and bless others, but do we selflessly give back to God or selfishly cling tightly to what we have?

How many people try to do good things and follow the commandments—yet neglect to believe in Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation! This is the most important commandment for us to obey!

These verses bring out just three aspects of God’s love:
- God loved those who did not love Him
- God gave what was most precious to Him, to demonstrate His love
- By His love, God atoned (appeased) our sin
And this is how we are to love: by extending love to those who do not extend love to us, by giving what is valuable to us for others (be it ourselves, our time, our money), and forgiving others’ sin against us.

And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god. They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And they carried the ark of the God of Israel about thither.
(1 Samuel 5:7-8)

It is amazing…the enemy of God knew exactly Who was punishing them and bringing judgment, but today, many Christians lay all of their afflictions at the hand of satan. Yes, sometimes trials are sent by satan (look at Job), or the affect of another’s sin (Joseph), but we tend to neglect examining ourselves to see if maybe God Himself sent this punishment because of our sin. In the Philistines’ case, they knew it was God, yet their solution was not humility and repentance before God. They “removed themselves from the presence of conviction.” Even as believers, we can do the same by neglecting God’s Word, neglecting church, avoiding Godly friends, and spending more time with worldly friends who convince us that “sin is okay.” Are we like the Philistines?

How has God's Word challenged you this week?