The Relationship of Salvation

The Prodigal and Family

© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man Series

Welcome home. Luke 15:11-32

Once Saved. Always Saved?
Serious question, serious answer. From the very first days of my salvation I heard many people refer to this concept “once saved, always saved.”
So I decided to write a few of my thoughts on this statement and the question, “Once saved, always saved?”
From my perspective it has never been about whether Jesus changed His mind about saving me or being my Savior.
The question was more in line with my agreement to the received fact.
At any point in my walk with God, past, present or future, did I change my mind?
Am I walking away from God or toward Him?

God has promised to never leave or forsake me. Did He mean it? Yes
Did I mean it? Yes.

Am I backing up my decision with my obedience? 

Am I applying myself to the study of His word to show myself approved?

So, I ask myself, "Have I applied His teaching to my life?” Am I applying His word currently in my everyday decisions?”
His word is active and alive, am I actively participating in my relationship with God?
Once saved? Yes, I was once saved.
And because I am in a relationship with God through His son,Jesus Christ, I have committed myself to the nurturing of this relationship. 

Not of works, lest I boast, but an active relationship with Christ Jesus who shed His blood to set me free from all that would hinder me. 

In his love he has provided everything that I need, and I am receiving daily what He has provided, a new life in Christ Jesus.

Gratefully Saved,
~Debbie

Have you experienced a falling out, a falling away from your relationship with God?Do not despair, you can return unto your first love.
Repentance is a free gift from a loving Father, extended to all who will receive it.
Ask and receive. You have not, because you ask not.

Father God,
I have turned away from your original intention to bless me, to provide for me, to be in a forever relationship with you.
Forgive me, create a clean heart in me. 
Father God cause me to joy in your provided salvation once again. 
In Jesus name. Amen

Hebrews 13:5; Habakkuk 3:18

Ephesians 1:13  In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Ephesians 2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

John 14:23  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Hebrews 3:14  For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

*Edited from my original post - May 31, 2011 at http://wordparables.com

** If you click on the art or parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting. All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2019 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the KJV
Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com
Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

For The Joy Set Before Him

© 2019 Debbie Turner Chavers

The Last Supper was a glorious event, a gift to the world to celebrate in remembrance of Jesus Christ and the gift He gave us.
The bread and wine, the stripes and the blood of our Redeemer. Remember, it is for us that He died and rose again. Eternally grateful to He who sits on the throne. He who died and rose again, that we might have life eternal in Heaven. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Redeemer.

For The Joy Set Before Him

© 2019 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-man Series

Hebrews 12:2 

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

* Click on the painting to see it enlarged. On the title to be taken to the Art Parables website.

The treasured blessing of taking communion.
Can you see the shadow of the Cross?
We are loved.


Luke 22:1-23 
Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover.
And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.
And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.
And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
And ye shall say unto the goodman  of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
But, behold, the hand, of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing.

As I painted each one, it was almost as though I could see them. Take time to look at them, at yourself as his disciple. He loves each one of us in our uniqueness. Yet each one needed to be redeemed just as we did.

~Debbie



** If you click on the art or parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting. All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2019 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the KJV Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com
Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

The King in Thorned Splendor

The King in Thorned Splendor

© 2019 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man series

God is a great mystery. Our pearl of great price.
Our faith, a path to finding the depths of treasure hid in Him. I am on that journey.
When one finds a treasure there is a natural gut reaction to hoard what we have found.
Fear arrives with the knowing of the immensity of the value.
Yet God would have us tell the world.
To overcome the fear we must obey and allow the Living Water contained within the midst of us freedom.
Fear is a dam.
Fear is a thief.
Here is part of my search to find the eternal in the brief interlude that we call life.
It seems quite odd to me that anyone would value what I say.
So I have struggled to not be selfish, to overcome my disdain of the humbling required.
The root, pride.
God would have the garden of my heart, mind, spirit and soul free of all such impediments.
Therefore I must dare to be bold and cast my fear to the ground from which it came.
Treasure is carried in a vessel.
Each vessel different, yet each given gifts and beauty by the Creator.
I am learning how to carry and share the treasure of Christ Jesus within me.
I pray for understanding, strength, and the boldness to be what I can only imagine the Father has for me as I learn to do and to find His strength in the being.

What more is there for this mortal until Eternity?
~Debbie


** If you click on the art or parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting. All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2019 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the KJV.  http://biblegateway.com  is a resource you can use online.
Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com
Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

Catalyst

Weeping May Endure For a Night, 

But Joy Cometh in the Morning

© 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers Psalm 30:5 

There are catalyst in every persons life.


On June 12, 2019 I was told that my sister had died unexpectedly of a heart attack on the 11th.
Silence.
No more laughter with my sister.
Silence.
No more time or opportunities with her.
Silence.
Until Heaven.

Terri was my younger sister by 11 months.
My only sibling.
We were total opposites in almost everything.
I loved her, the gift of her.
No matter our difference of opinion on almost every subject in life, I was grateful that she was my little sister.
Grief is not always silent.
Silence is not always quiet.
Silence can reverberate with "Why?" or "I don't understand" and
"Help me, God."

And He has.

Loss is hard.
Each loss that has come has been a catalyst. A drawing nearer to my Redeemer.
My questions have not been answered, but as I obey, choice by choice I feel His peace bathe my mind, body, and spirit.
As I tearfully prayed about this loss, I heard the Lord speak to my heart.
He said to quit trying to figure out, the "why" and the "I don't understand."
My flesh wants to wail, to wallow, yet I have been told to acknowledge each fragment of grief with gratitude.
I am obeying.
God is comforting me in the process.
Moment by moment as I remember Terri, I verbalize and think about her with gratitude.
Even the difficult moments of our relationship.

I hope sharing this helps someone as they walk through their own grief process.

Father God, thank you.
~Debbie


Philippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.







** If you click on the art or parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting. All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2019 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references from the KJV.  You can resource at http://biblegateway.com
Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com
Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

Prophesy

Choices

© 1999 Debbie Turner Chavers

1 Samuel 10:6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shall be turned into another man.
And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.

These Old Testament verses brought my attention back to the New Testament promise found in Acts 2.

Acts 2:17-21 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see vision, and your old men shall dream dreams:
And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.


*Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit will change you if you will receive Him.
As you read about Saul and his journey to becoming a king, you can see how his anointing and obedience played out in his everyday life and choices.
Even though a change had happened within him, he hid from it.

We all have baggage we hide in. (1 Samuel 10:22)
COME OUT.
God will not force our repentance. We are given the choice to choose Him.

1 Samuel 10:1 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?

We too have been on a journey and God has sent His only begotten Son to anoint us to be a captain over his inheritance.
He has given you every good thing

We too have been made kings and priests unto our God.
Consider Revelation 1:5-6
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, washed us from our sins in his own blood,
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen

*Today you have a choice. You can receive the gift of repentance and change into a new creation.
 God will receive you.
Jesus said in John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me: and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Jesus said in John 20:21-23
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.



~Debbie






** If you click on the art or parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting. All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2019 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.
Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers
Scriptures taken from KJV

Poem: Marriage Through the Years

I wrote this poem for my husband, Timothy. We have been together 40 years. Married for 39 years.
So many hard days and happy days. Without God there would have never have been a marriage.
Without God we would be nothing and have nothing.
Only God can help two diverse people become one.
It is a difficult process, yet so worth the trouble. I pray that when you think it is over and you feel misunderstood that you will ask God for His peace that passes all understanding and His wisdom to guide your choices. There were so many times one or both of us wanted to quit.
To take our flesh and our feelings and leave. Yet each time over the years God would grant us the grace to forgive one another and grant another layer of maturity to cover our human failures.
I want to encourage you that there is a ripening of young love that can astonish you with its beauty if you will nuture it in God's presence.

~Debbie



Marriage Through the Years

The path lies before us. A gentle curve to the right, into the distance.
Where will we go from here?

We wandered, this boy man and I, over rocks
and through thickets of emotional splendor.

Leafy limbed we grabbed each branch
and swung with wild abandon.

Our youthful lust driving us ever onward.
A pulsating staccato beat that demanded more.
Always more.

Single file we had walked a narrow path together,
yet separate.

As we aged, the path opened and fingers twined,
kisses taken at the edge of loves grapevine.

We drank deeply and held one another
as we looked for the horizon.

Mountains behind us, hills ahead.
Whispered directions as we joined heads.

For two are better than one
as God has said.

The path lies before us, a gentle curve to the right into the distance.
Where will we go from here?


© 2018 Debbie Turner Chavers

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Matthew 19 :4-6
And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Genesis 2:22-25
And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they both were naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





** If you click on the art or parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting. All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2019 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the KJV http://biblegateway.com
Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

 Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

Thirst No More

Are You Thirsty?

© 2006 Debbie Turner Chavers

Good morning! I am inviting you to study, to ponder God's word in John 4 with me today. I journaled my study over several mornings and here is the condensed version of my study.
If you thirst to know the LORD, He will meet with you and by your invitation He will fill you with His Living water. He longs to reveal His truth to you. To meet your every need. You are loved, He has always loved you. Ready? Let's begin to ponder His good word to us.

```````````````````````````````

In a world where sorrow and need is abundant it is a gift to know that there is a well of salvation that never runs dry and is available to everyone.
Are you thirsty? I was.
I longed to have Living water and a relationship with the LORD.
I jumped through the hoops of good works and tried to be good.
I concluded with the Preacher (Ecclesiastes) that after all the self-effort I was still thirsty.
After trials and error, I recognised the fact that there is hope.
Hope that beckons to the unbelieving and the believer.
A revelation that we can trust the LORD.
That if we are thirsty, we can sip and drink deeply from loves inexhaustible supply.

We all long for help in areas of perceived need, yet the majority of mankind is not sure why we feel this innate sense of lack.
Most of life is filled in some manner by the pursuit of work and worldly pleasure.
The grasping at life straws to fill time and bank accounts.
All pleasure is momentary and addictive in that it demands more from the recipient than it gives.
Simply put, the well of mans pleasure runs dry.
The well of pleasure takes and takes and yet it is never filled.
I too have gone this route and from experience I know there is a better Way.
There is a well of salvation that never runs dry.
A hope that is pure, proofed by and in Heaven.
We may drink deeply and be satisfied forever more.

As I considered this thought process I began reading John 4. The scripture accounting of the woman at Jacob's well.
Starting at verse 6 my attention was arrested by the statement:
Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

Jesus revealed a need to someone who was not expecting to be called.
Someone who questioned.
Someone who thought they had the answer.
Until..Jesus reasoned with them and revealed Truth.

Jesus told the woman in verse 10 "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that sayeth to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Jesus used a natural need to highlight a supernatural revelation.
If you are thirsty, God will open your eyes to the provision which is right before you.
Just as as Hagar was shown in the Old Testament, so we can be shown that which is right before us.
(Genesis 21:19 And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water...)
Then we can use our dipper, our bucket to receive this Living water by faith.

We see Isaiah 1:18 in the conversation that is happening between the woman at the well and Jesus, the Messiah.

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:
Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

As we continue to read chapter 4 of John, you can see how Christ reasoned with her compassionately.
Jesus sums up her life choices in few words, yet the validity of his summation causes her to declare to him, "Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet." (verse 19)

As they reason together, the woman questions what she perceives, by what she has known previously..."Our fathers.." she states.
Jesus then plainly tells her that he is the Messiah.
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (Verse 26)

The revelation of truth and the promise of provision draws the woman to the well of salvation.
Verse 15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come here to draw.
Her response was natural. Our need to be provided for is natural, yet Jesus was revealing her deepest need. Our deepest need. A well of water springing up into everlasting life. (Verse 14)

Jesus told us that any well that we drink from that is not sourced from the Living water that He gives, will leave us thirsty again. (Verse 13)

Are you thirsty?
Ask Jesus to give you Living water.
To cover you by His shed blood and to fill you with His Holy Spirit.

~Debbie




John 7:37-39
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)








** If you click on the art or parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting. All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2019 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture references taken from the KJV
Click on these links to read or see more of my work
http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com
Follow on Twitter
@ArtParables
@DebbieTChavers

Sweet Encouragement

Last night I observed a wonderful thing about honey. If you put several teaspoons of honey in a bowl and cover it with several teaspoons of water and swirl, an amazing thing is revealed. As you swirl the water rapidly over the honey it will image / return to its original honeycomb shape.
As I did the experiment I was reminded of the scripture in 2 Timothy to stir up the gift of God within me because our DNA is in the image of God.

Persevere. Stir up. Press forward into your destiny.

~Debbie

Genesis1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

2 Timothy 1:6-7
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.



** 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 © 2019 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James Version bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com
Click on these links to see and read more of my art and writing
http://artparables.com
http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Twitter. @DebbieTChavers @ArtParables

Bandage? Or Bondage?

A Captive Set Free

© 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers 

Water-Man Series

Everyday we have an opportunity to experience healing through the Word of God.

When our thinking is out of order it plays out symptomatically in our spiritual, emotional and physical health.

You have the ability to choose. You know this.

You can be bound in bondage or bound with healing bandages.

You can be wrapped in a cloak of sin or a robe of righteousness.

You choose.

~Debbie

Luke 5:31-32 

And Jesus said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Romans 8:15

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba Father."

** 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 © 2018 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James Version bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com
Click on these links to see and read more of my art and writing
http://artparables.com
http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Twitter. @DebbieTChavers @ArtParables

Love

Bridge of Happiness

© 2018 Debbie Turner Chavers

It is easy to be "in love" from a distance. "In love" love is fluffy, fragile, and full of self.
Yet "true love" needs to be experienced in the trenches of  daily life struggles.
The high and low moments of living where love stretches and covers.
"In love" elevates the emotions. "True love" elevates the beloved.

Love
~Debbie



Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.










** 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 © 2018 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James Version bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com
Click on these links to see and read more of my art and writing
http://artparables.com http://wordparables.com http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Twitter. @DebbieTChavers @ArtParables

Adventure Awaits

Every road leads somewhere. Where are you going?

Straight ahead? Adventure awaits. Whether you step off the road or follow the well defined, well traveled road ahead. Adventure awaits.

It waits. Get going. 

~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 © 2018 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James Version bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com

Click on these links http://artparables.com  or  http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Twitter. @DebbieTChavers @ArtParables

Tides and Psalm 89

1/2 Hearted Obedience,

Double-Minded Man 

© 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers

My thought processes this morning is on tides. The going out and coming in of tides.
Life seems to have this kind of pattern. The pushing forth and pulling back spiritually in our daily life.
Manifested by the tidal pull of the way of the world and the ebb and flow of steadfastness to our Redeemer.
The favor and faithfulness of God is ever present, yet we seem to flow in and out in rhythm with His Presence. Some days it is easy to resist the negative pull of the "old creation."  We chose wisely, we worship and we follow God closely.
Yet strife, lack of attentiveness and unexpected storms seem to slow our roll as our faith and faithfulness ebb.
We must learn to establish a sea wall, one of faithfulness, built on the solid Rock of Christ Jesus.
Our time spent with God gives us fullness of joy, waves of joy unspeakable, yet uttered by those found in Christ.
God is dependable, sure, and steady. God is the Rock of our salvation. He is never double-minded.
We on this earth must learn to be the same.

~Debbie




* Psalm 89:26 He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.



** 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 © 2018 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture references taken from the King James Version bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com
Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com
Twitter  @DebbieTChavers @ArtParables

RISE

Child of Light Risen
© 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers
John 11:21-26
Water-man Series

The world wants to move that which is dead from place to place.
God desires to resurrect the dead.
Rise!
In the name of Jesus.
Rise.


~Debbie



* John 11:25 -26
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

** 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 © 2018 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture references taken from the King James Version bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com
 Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Twitter. @DebbieTChavers @ArtParables

Poetry: Shoes of Peace

Can Two Walk Together, Except They Be Agreed?

© 2004 Debbie Turner Chavers

Amos 3:3

Shoes of Peace

Following the Worthy One
In shoes of peace

The road ahead is broad
Where nary a soul one meets
Who hasn't heard of the sorrow
led by weary, laden, rebellious feet

Where Christ is calling
Your baggage can be carted
on the broad way,
but must be dumped
to walk the narrow path

To take hold of a life worth living
To yield a furrowed field
and all your plans askew
To journey an adventure
where His mercy is ever new

But ..
the path is narrow
Where my Savior tarried and made the Way
Two can go together,
yet One must hold the other

Hands held and followed close
Eyes fixed on the horizon

The path..
Where mercy flowed
Where weary travelers left their load

Discarded their stains and woe
Following Christ and..
Away they go

~© 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers

Cleansed and Redeemed

Initial sketch 

© 1996 Debbie Turner Chavers

John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Isaiah 30:21  And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Ephesians 6:15  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Matthew 7:13 -14 
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate: and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Revelation 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing



*First posted at http://debbieturnerchavers.com in 2016


** 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 © 2018 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

Twitter. @DebbieTChavers @ArtParables

Recognition: The Flame of Fame

1/2 Hearted Obedience

© 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man series

Today decide.  
Who will YOU serve?  
Yourself or the LORD?
We are to have singleness of heart toward our Redeemer.
All we have and all we are is due to God.
He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to pay in full for our redemption.
Do not fear the emptying of self. 
For God will fill you to over flowing with His Holy Spirit if you will receive Him.
There is a fear in those gathered in mankind of a usurpation. 
Rightfully so, because someone HAS taken our place.
Jesus Christ has taken our place and borne our transgressions away.

Men of flesh and bone fear failure and possess a strong need for recognition.
This desire for recognition can strip a person of giving back to God the enablement that He gave to us.
We cling to our gifts with soulful remorse, acknowledging only minutely the value received.
We strive to hang on to our gifting, instead of letting go.  
Our heart of pride recognizes the gift within, but quickly shuts the box and ties the bow as though we have not seen His glory.
What are we thinking? 
What are we doing?
We carefully guard our perceived value, intending to be paid well...for that which we have been freely given. The gifts we have received were Paid in Full by our Redeemer.

We are His children.  A witness for God in a lost, deceived and dying world.
No man knows the day or the hour of Christ's return. 
Be found faithful, be diligent.  
He gave all for you and I.  
Can we give less? 
Consider John 10:10 which says "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

A house divided can not stand. 
We are the tabernacle of God.  
The Lord calls us to wholeness in Him. 
Work and give, while it is yet day.  

John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

Matthew 21:28-45


Church, Bride of Christ Jesus, Be about your Father's business.
~Debbie


Matthew 10:8  Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Revelation 21:6  And he said unto me, It is done.  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Isaiah 45:13  I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

Behold the Man,The Word Became Flesh

© 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers

Hebrews 9:11-14  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot  to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Acts 15:16-17  After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.





* Original body of my post from my blog in 2016 and rewritten for today.
** 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 © 2018 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


  Twitter. @DebbieTChavers @ArtParables

Persevere, Slow and Steady

Fishing Vessel

© Debbie Turner Chavers

God honors His word and I know He will speak particularly to you through His Word.
Ask the Lord and receive clarification for prayer and things concerning you.
God will direct your path, your plans, and your prayers.
I asked the Lord some questions concerning path, plan, and prayer and was told by the Holy Spirit this admonition, "Slow and Steady."
He reminded me to remember the storm at sea when Jesus was "in" the boat.
Jesus said "Peace, be still" as the waves and wind raged.
We are to say what He said.
Our prayers are repeats of the Word of God.
God honors His Word.
His Word will not return void.

Read
Mark 4:37-41.
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 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? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?


Read Mark 5:1-20 to gain clarity as Jesus advanced toward delivering the one being tormented.
The demonic.
I am sure there was at least one who prayed for the one possessed with an unclean spirit.
More than likely, more than one prayed for him.

The storm before the deliverance was fierce BUT no match for Jesus, the Prince of Peace. 

Remember Jesus and the disciples were headed to the country of the Gadarenes.
Regardless of the time or place, remember Jesus is in the Boat. And yes, He cares for you and is able to deliver the one with the unclean spirit.
The goal of the storm and the associated chaos is to sink the boat, aka. YOU.
Your prayers, your path, your footsteps that are ordered by the Lord are part of His plan for you as a chosen child of God.
Do not give up. Do not give in.
Remember the one with the Legion.
The one waiting for deliverance and his call to go and tell as a Delivered one.

Remember, persevere,slow and steady.
We are in His peace, for He is in us and Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
So...slow and steady.
Moving as God directs by His Word through the Holy Spirit.
Be still when directed.
Peaceful and peace filled.


My husband has a saying about warfare and soldiers which the Holy Spirit expounded to me many mornings ago.
About friends aka fellow soldiers who are in the fox hole with you as the battle rages.
The Holy Spirit used Tim's analogy to show me a truth.
The Holy Spirit said no soldier would enter the battle without his armor on in the field,  whether he was trenched in .. ie in the foxhole or walking about.
For such is natural mans war.
The man and woman of God must put on the Armor that was issued and stay dressed in it.
Are we spiritually armored as listed in Ephesians 6?
Indeed, the armor has been issued, but are we dressed on purpose in the armor received?

If not, then the foxhole is but a rabbit hole.
WE are NOT rabbits.

We are the Redeemed of the LORD
And
We SAY so.

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 © 2018 Debbie Turner Chavers.
Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture references taken from the King James Version bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com

Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com
Twitter. @DebbieTChavers @ArtParables

Negative Repentance

Cast Your Cares

© 2014 Debbie Turner Chavers

Repentance is normally a cleansing act of contrition. There is a desire to repair that which is broken. Yet, negative repentance is "As a dog returneth to its vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly."

This is in reference to returning repeatedly back to a place of hurt. An example would be an offense administered by another to you.
The vomit being the return, or the oral dissection of the wrong, or the thinking and mulling over of the wrong.
Every time we turn to it, we are repenting of our deliverance from it.

This negative repentance is a spirit of error and perverseness that seeks to cloud our judgement and steal our joy.
Do not cast aside, the peace and freedom which God has granted in and through Christ Jesus to you.

It is disobedient to dwell on that which is not pure, lovely, and of good report.
We are to think on those things,the pure, the lovely. We are soldiers who wear our helmets of salvation, taking every thought captive. 
If we allow ourselves to wallow in the wrong done, it puts us in opposition to the good that God has given through His Holy Spirit and His Word.

Allow God to heal your hurt.
Obey Him.
Refrain from returning to vomit.


The scripture before and after 2 Corinthians 10:5 states our weapons are spiritual not fleshly and follows with a promise in 2 Corinthians 10:6
"And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience,( when your obedience is fulfilled.)

Expect deliverance.

In Philippians 4 we are admonished to stand fast in the Lord. The peace of God is promised in obedience to Him.
Verse 7..And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Give each care, each hurt to God.
And leave it there.

~Debbie



Proverbs 26:11 
As a dog returneth to its vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

2 Corinthians 10:4-6 
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.


Philippians 4:8 
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.



** 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 © 2018 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.

Scripture references taken from the King James Version bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com
Click on these linksto read more at http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com
Twitter. @DebbieTChavers @ArtParables

Bible Gateway Celebrates 25th Anniversary

On 25<sup>th</sup> Anniversary, Bible Gateway Has Been Viewed More Than 14 Billion Times

Most Popular Online Bible Search Engine and Bible Reading Website

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (August 1, 2018) – Celebrating its 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary, the world’s most visited Christian website, Bible Gateway (BibleGateway.com; @BibleGateway) has been viewed more than 14 billion times by people using more than one billion devices.

“To give some perspective to that astronomical statistic, one million seconds equal 11.5 days, one billion seconds equal 31.75 years, and one trillion seconds equal 31,709.8 years,” says Rachel Barach, general manager, Bible Gateway. “Our mission statement is ‘To honor Christ by equipping people to read and understand the Bible, wherever they are.’ What an honor and privilege to be able to serve so many people around the world during the last quarter-century, doing just that.”

Bible Gateway was created in 1993—when the World Wide Web was just beginning—as an internal Bible research computer tool for students at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Today it ranks number one on global search engines, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., and is home to more than 200 Bible versions in more than 70 languages—a trusted resource for people in more than 200 countries who rely on it every day for all their desktop and mobile device Bible reading, listening, studying, searching, comparing, and sharing needs.

What people the world over search for in the Bible on Bible Gateway varies throughout the year, but generally remains constant from year to year. An interactive visualizing graph lets users explore how cyclical some queries are, often repeating every year around the same time each year (for example, the word “love” being searched in the Bible around Valentine’s Day in February).

Along with a new sweepstakes every month with high-value print Bibles as prizes, the website MyBibleGateway.com (#MyBibleGateway) is the hub of the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary celebration where enthusiasts tell what Bible Gateway means to them; such comments as:

"Encouragement. Bible Gateway is instant access to what my soul needs most - to hear from God through his Word."

"Convenient access. Bible Gateway is not only easy to find the passage or verse you need, but to share it with social media, text, or email."

“God has been faithful these last 25 years and we’re excited about how he will continue to use Bible Gateway to further his kingdom and help people know and share his Word,” says Barach.

Bible Gateway is device friendly, so that no matter what size device a person uses when visiting the site—desktop, tablet, smartphone—the screen is maximized for optimum viewing. And in the months to come, visitors to Bible Gateway will see a refreshed new design to the site.

The award-winning free Bible Gateway App for both Android and iOS allows people to read more than 90 Bible translations and listen to more than 20 audio Bibles, in addition to taking personal notes, highlighting text, starring favorite verses, follow Bible reading plans, enjoy night mode Bible reading, and much more.

The just-released free Bible Gateway Bible Audio App lets users listen to a variety of Bible translations, choosing from multiple audio narration styles; navigate quickly anywhere in the Bible; speed up or slow down playback to listen to the Bible at their own pace; and listen to the Bible while reading the very text that’s being narrated.

Among Bible Gateway’s many convenient features are the abilities to:

·         create a free account to select personal preferences

·         become a member of Bible Gateway Plus to benefit from additional acclaimed Bible study books

·         receive the free Visual Verse of the Day

·         access more than 200 Bible versions in more than 70 languages

·         benefit from free Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and encyclopedia

·         search for Bible verses using Emoji

·         listen to audio readings and productions of the Bible

·         comprehensively search the Bible using keywords, phrases, topics, and themes

·         display & compare up to five Bible translations side-by-side at once

·         read translator footnotes within the context of Bible verses

·         highlight and favorite Bible passages

·         write notes while reading Bible verses and save them to a personal account

·         easily share Bible verses with friends using Twitter, Facebook, email, and print

·         sign up for customizable Bible reading plans

·         select from more than 60 email and online devotionals

·         learn personal Scripture Engagement principles and techniques

·         discover new books and read Bible-related articles and interviews on the Bible Gateway Blog, named the #1 best Bible study blog on the web by Feedspot.

The top-10 keyword searches on Bible Gateway are:

1. love

2. faith

3. peace

4. hope

5. joy

6. prayer

7. holy spirit

8. grace

9. healing

10. forgiveness

The top-5 Bible verses searched and shared by users of Bible Gateway are:

1. John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

2. Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

3. Philippians 4:13 - I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

4. Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

5. Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

The top-10 countries searching Bible Gateway are:

1. United States

2. United Kingdom

3. Canada

4. Mexico

5. Philippines

6. Columbia

7. Australia

8. South Africa

9. Brazil

10. India

It appears tropical vacationers and resort tourists enjoy browsing Bible Gateway. Out of more than 200 countries and territories, the geographic location that spends the most time (on average) on Bible Gateway is Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten, part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, comprising two separate countries, divided between its northern French side (Saint-Martin), and its southern Dutch side (Sint Maarten). Sudan in northeast Africa is the country that statistically spends the least time on Bible Gateway.

About Bible Gateway

As the Internet’s most visited Christian website, Bible Gateway (https://BibleGateway.com) seeks to equip people to read and understand the Bible wherever they are. Millions of visitors from more than 200 countries regularly come to set up personal accounts and freely read, hear, search, study, compare, & share the Bible in 200+ versions & 70+ languages; read our daily Blog; subscribe to 60+ devotional email newsletters, verse-of-the-day, & Bible reading plans; and download our free award-winning Bible app. Bible Gateway offers Bible study opportunities with its membership service Bible Gateway Plus – which begins with a 30-day free trial (https://www.biblegateway.com/plus/) – and Bible Gateway online learning video courses (https://zondervanacademic.com/bible-gateway/). See Bible Gateway’s newsroom: https://www.biblegateway.com/newsroom.

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** 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 © 2018 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.

Scripture references taken from the King James Version bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com
Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com Twitter. @DebbieTChavers @ArtParables