February 25, 2016

Release of Bible Gateway Plus


Bible Gateway is a great resource for listening to scripture as well as for research and learning God's word. Recently they updated and released this great resource with "new features."
To receive a one month free preview check out the link provided.
You can learn more about the benefits of this by clicking here.

With your Bible Gateway Plus membership, you get:
  • In-depth Bible study resources like the NIV Study Bible, the NKJV Chronological Study Bible, the Abridged Expositor's Bible Commentary, and many more.
  • Over 40 books, with access to new books as they're added.
  • An ad-free Bible Gateway experience.
  • Risk-free, 30-day trial—you can cancel any time.
  • Quick and easy sign-up.




**If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting. All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James Version.

February 14, 2016

Dominion



© 1999 Debbie Turner Chavers

Have you ever noticed that we are given dominion over spirits and earthly things, but we are not to dominate one another? To enslave others by our choices or lifestyle. We are called to serve one another. Matthew 20:25

The Lord has given us dominion to manage our life here on the earth. We have been given dominion by the power of His name. Mark 16:17 and Psalm 8:1-9, 1 Peter 4:11
Consider the spirit of the gift we have been given (1 John 4:6) versus the spirit of this world. ( Ephesians 2:2).

Luke 10:19-20  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you: but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.


We are to be submitted to God first in all things. We are not to manipulate one another by our own desires. We have been set free in Christ Jesus. We are no longer bond servants to sin, people, or lifestyle choices. 
Each person is responsible to control themselves and answer to God. We were granted self-control (temperance) by the Holy Spirit, not remote control.


Many years ago I found myself in a situation where I had to prayerfully consider if my actions would be as unto the Lord or if I was being manipulated by the situation and people involved. After prayerful consideration I realized that : submission and manipulation were different issues. If we submit unto God then His word clarifies the power struggle and its source. 

~Debbie



1 Corinthians 6:12  All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 

James 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Genesis 1:26-28 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Psalm 8:1-9
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babes and suckling a hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visited the him?
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!






** If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.

All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2016Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible which can be accessed online http://biblegateway.com Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

February 04, 2016

Jesus or "Mr." Jesus

© 2004 Debbie Turner Chavers
Amos 3:3



More than a few months ago, I attended a teaching sermon and made copious notes with reference to who had spoke. Making a lot of notes is normal for me. It is my habit to write the name or initials of the one who spoke. But on this particular occasion, instead of writing the initials of the speakers, I found myself writing the name of the teachers as Mr. And Mrs....instead of Brother and Sister ?.

Once I left the teaching session, I pondered why I had written my notes in this manner.  The teachers appeared to be a brother and sister of mine, in Christ, so I was puzzled by my written note formality.
As I thought on it, I realized that I had verbally acknowledged their kinship in Christ, but mentally, I knew there was not an established relationship between us, which transferred to my notes.

This train of thought led to a further pondering of initial salvation and the formality and informality of our eternal relationship with Jesus Christ and our heart acknowledgement of  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

So...here is my note written on my pondering.
I sensed my initial written formality was similar to my experience at a family reunion introduction.  A gathering where you know that those that are present, are kin to you, but you do not KNOW them.

I noted an initial salvation experience can be similar as we pursue a relationship with Christ.
As we walk out our salvation in Christ Jesus, our initial response might look like my class notes.

Formality exists until we KNOW one another via shared experiences, time spent together, conversations shared. Intimacy is built and moves from formality to informality.

So at first, there is a general acknowledgement of the Savior as "my savior."
A heart response of acknowledgement, a first look at His Beauty, a timid checking Him out.
Which may be followed by the thoughts..I am not sure, but I want to believe... Is He for real?
Will He love me?
He seems to be beautiful to me.
But what about His character?
Will He change?
Can I count on Him?

If we commit, we can make relational progress by lingering in His presence to get to know Him better by reading His word and praying.
Communication is vital to every relationship.
Salvation has occurred, but our knowledge of the gift and relationship received has yet to be understood and proved in reality.
If we choose to linger in His presence, our many questions of His beauty and character become clear.

You will begin to notice the peace, the tangible peace that is always in His Presence.
You note the firm, calm way that He gathers and holds your attention.
How His every move is premeditated. Nothing catches Him off guard or unaware.
Pastor Joseph Prince has said that Jesus Christ is velvet and steel. I love that analogy.
I have found that to be true in my relationship with Christ.

So are you on a first name basis with Jesus or is He "mister" to you?

As you pursue a relationship with Christ Jesus, the level of your affection increases as you realize your needs and His ability to meet them. This getting to KNOW him will bring you from an acknowledgement of "Mr" to all that He is.
The attributes of a loving family, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit become known as he reveals his name and nature to you, as ABBA Father, Counselor, Provider, everything that you will ever need.
As the intimacy of your relationship grows, your love language grows as you learn more of His character response in everyday life.
Your life.

So maybe.....Jesus Christ is still a first name title to you. I want to encourage you to commit yourself to a loving reality of eternal restoration for that which ails you, every unmet need, all eternal emptiness filled.

Step beyond the boundaries of unknown, untested, not wanted, not loved into the fullness of
YOU ARE LOVED.
You will be eternally grateful at the family reunion.

~Debbie


John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and ye have seen him.




**If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.

All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography copyright © 2016  Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

February 03, 2016

SSMT 2015 with Beth Moore and Siesta's

© 2006 Debbie Turner Chavers



This past year, I started a year long attempt at memorizing specific scriptures with other women from around the world.  We all joined together online at Living Proof Ministries..aka Beth Moore's website.
It was a joyful journey of dependence on the Holy Spirit to help me remember "in application" and assorted sticky notes visually!
On December 15, 2015 we were to give our 24th verse and to share abit of our journey.  I have included my last post on the LPM blog from SSMT 2015 below.

Psalm 20:7 has been a familiar comfort over the years and it seemed fitting to be the last verse for my year long endeavor.  This week-end, the LPM siesta's gathered together to hear Beth speak, celebrate their milestones, and rejoice in a blessed task accomplished.
I was not able to attend the conference, but I rejoiced in the gathering of all the ladies who were present to celebrate.  I am sure it was amazing to hear the laughter and grateful praise of a group of women who love Jesus.
The paragraph below was what I wrote on Beth's blog.
I find it easy to be reminded of His Word, but more difficult to memorize it.
I rejoice in the fact that as I have read and considered His Word over the years, He has always been faithful to remind me just like He said He would. Like everything else in my relationship with Christ...as I practice, He teaches me.

~Debbie

John 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.





My online entry at Beth's blog...


Debbie, Tennessee

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.  Psalm 20:7  KJV

The study of the Word always gives me a serious push towards less of me and more of Him. I have suffered life without the gift of God, Living Water, and I never want to be without it again.(John 4:10)
In the natural all things shrivel without water. But Living Water shrivels the carnality of man and refreshes, builds, and strengthens the spirit in man.

I do not know whether I will be able to attend the January gathering but it has been a blessing to gather here on these entries. I was always amazed as I read the entries posted during the same time period as my own. More often than not, the word written before and after my own entry would be a comfort or a word spoken in due season for me. 
Beth Moore, thank you for providing this learning platform for your sisters. Sisters (Siesta's) thank you for the fellowship of Gods word shared in your own journey. It blessed my journey.
We are lifetime learners of the grace of God. As I typed my entry just now, I saw my daily/ year planner in front of me on my desk.
I am going to transfer my scriptures from this memorization time to a single page in my 2016 planner.  Each of these scriptures were quickened to my understanding as a word in due season throughout this past year.
His Word sews up the broken places and knits me anew. And like a favorite sweater, I want to wrap up in the comfort and beautiful tapestry of His Word given, as I continue to pursue my relationship with Him.
A blessed new year to all.
May the LORD bless us, keep us, may His face shine upon us, be gracious unto us, lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace. In Jesus name. Amen.

~Debbie




** If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.

 All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible which can be accessed online http://biblegateway.com Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com