A Place to Sit

Waiting To Be Filled

© 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers

Yesterday, a sentence formulated in my thoughts that stopped me in my tracks and led me to sit down and study God's word for further clarification.
God has said," Come now, and let us reason together." (Isaiah 1:18)

For your consideration...

The seduction of witchcraft, aka. an anti-christ spirit seeks to self-elevate. To seduce one into thinking that they are "important" in an unholy way.

As a child of God, the Holy Spirit seeks to fill every space within us with the knowledge of God.
So that we can be a vessel filled and used for the Master's purpose.
The Holy Spirit is at work within us to elevate the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ in our understanding.

To open the eyes of our understanding. (Ephesians 1:18)
To clearly reveal to us that we are to be seated in and with Christ Jesus, the Messiah, not above or beyond Him.

Example:
In Daniel 4:30 king Nebuchadnezzar shows forth his seduction.
The king spake and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

**This lifting up of self is followed by judgement, the kings abasement and then restoration.

King Nebuchadnezzar was chastised and restored according to God's mercy.(Daniel 4:37)
God's desire is not to destroy but to open the eyes of our understanding as to our place in Christ Jesus.

Daniel 4:34  And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:

Daniel 4:37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. 

Chastening seems grievous at the time but it is administered by He who loves us.
Look at the root word in chastening..chaste.
The desired result is a purity of intention, a return to our first love.

Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby

Isaiah 53 is a testimony to the lengths that God has gone to deliver us from seduction and our love of self.
There is nothing in man that is intended to be exalted in himself and his efforts.
We must not allow ourselves to be seduced by self love that seeks to displace Jesus Christ on the throne of our hearts and minds.


~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. 

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

Click to read    A Simple Prayer  




** 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 © 2017 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

Bitter Before Sweet

Bitter before sweet.  Most of daily life in one way or another reminds me of scripture. Lately I have considered the process of dehydration.  In our daily walk with God it is all about hydration!  Receiving the life giving water of The Word, staying full of Him and His Spirit.
But the beautiful blueberries I was working with reminded me of pride, a work of the flesh.
The opposite fruit of what God desires to be manifested in His children.
Pride can be very deceiving, but when heat is applied it manifests in its element.
So I consider the blueberry and the dehydration process to shrink its appearance and the bringing out of a different form of beauty in it....wrinkles and all!

I am dehydrating blue berries and the smell in the house is terrible.
The berries are beautifully plump and need to be reduced to the size of a raisin.  
I have always thought blueberries smelled delicious, but I have only smelled them when they were fresh or after the drying process.
The process to reduce them to dried has been smelly.
I have been dehydrating them with forced warm air in a table top dehydrator for hours.

The berries still appear plump in appearance but their pleasant aroma has changed for the worse!
Because of lack of progress I have transferred them into a shallow tray in the oven on 325 degrees.
Raising the temperature has increased the productivity of dehydration and the berries are actually starting to smell better!
Reminds me of discipline...aka...Godly correction.
Strange.
Sometimes our attitude is like this fruit.
It appears on the surface quite beautiful, but when a little heat is applied, stink is evident!

But do not despair, God will make all things beautiful in His time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

2 Corinthians 2:14-15  Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish.

~Debbie

*Originally posted in 2015 at my blog http://wordparables.com


Proverbs 27:7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

Hebrews 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Hebrews 12:7  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Hebrews 12:8  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Hebrews 12:9  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave  them reverence:  shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Hebrews 12:10  For verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure;  but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
Hebrews 12:11  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Mark 7:20-23





**All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2017 Debbie Turner Chavers.
Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible.
Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/

When We Pray

Are You Thirsty?

© 2006 Debbie Turner Chavers

We are not a people without hope.
What do you think would happen if we dropped all pretense and asked God to move mightily in our midst?
Living waters overflowing in the midst of us individually and corporately.
People will be set free.
Chains dropped, lives changed.

Open your heart and your mouth to receive the possibility.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.
I am redeemed.
I am redeemed from the mess I see.
The hopelessness of desperation and despair.
My God is able.
My God is well able to do exactly as He has promised.

To provide, to heal, to create something when there is nothing
visible to the naked eye.
To clothe our eyes of understanding with wholeness.
To enable us to see by faith the beauty and wonder of His majesty.
Holy Spirit you are so welcome here.
Abide.
Never leave.
As you have promised, even now, let it be.

In Jesus name.
Amen



~Debbie Turner Chavers

Ephesians 1:8  The eyes of  your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,








** 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 © 2017 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

Life Point

Man Shall Not Live By Bread Alone

© 2006 Debbie Turner Chavers

Luke 4:4

Water-Man Series

"I ate until I disappeared" was the sentence that started the following thought process.
What are we consuming?
Bitterness?
Betrayal?
Food?
Gossip?
The things that can be on our plates can be varied and colorful.

The root of my statement could also be " What is eating at you?"
Out of order thinking can skew a  balanced plate of life.
Too many portions of one unhealthy thing can push the scales into a negative balance.
Balance is something most of us desire even if we do not necessarily strive for it on most days.
Too much on your plate?
Retrieve, renew, go back to portion control.
Life happens.

Choose balanced meals.
~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 © 2017 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

Plough and Prepare

Weeping May Endure For A Night,

But Joy Cometh in The Morning

© 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers

Life requires the skill of patience. Living life spiritually and physically is a process of planting and harvesting.
Whether we are working in another field or working our own field, there will be moments of sorrow and days of joy.
So plant, the harvest will come.

On hot laborious days we can be weary as we look for even a hint of harvest.
As we break up the hard soil of "self", we must ask the Lord for the rain of His Spirit.
At times, the fields of our endeavor, aka. self and others may not have appeared to have been watered to our natural eyes.
Yet, rejoice, for regular early morning dew has been received in times of darkness.
His Light has risen and left a mist of refreshment, making tender the seed planted.

The fields are white unto harvest. Plough, prepare, labor.
We who labor are breaking up and passing out the broken pieces of our stories of redemption.
We are planting for His glory, His alone.
Like the young boy with the loaves and fishes, we bring to Christ what we have.
Then we tarry and abide as He blesses and multiplies the Harvest as He sees fit.
Work, while it is yet day.

~Debbie

John 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

John 4:35-36 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both

he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

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.

James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waitheth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.


** 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 © 2017 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
Follow on Twitter @ArtParables and @DebbieTChavers

Everything

Genesis Chapter 1-2, And God Said, Let There Be
© 2004 Debbie Turner Chavers
Art Parable

The majority of people do not realize the importance of their daily actions.
Therefore a spirit of excellence can be diminished by a lack of knowledge.
The knowledge, that we were created for purpose.
That our destiny and purpose is eternal.
Do not allow a misled or poor mindset to rob you of the benefit of living your life with excellence.
We need to see ourselves and our daily walk in this world as important.
I want to remind you and encourage you to post this reminder somewhere where it becomes settled in your heart and mind.
I have painted it on a small decorative plaque on display in my kitchen.

Remember everything you do today is important and makes an eternal difference. 
  
You are loved and were born for such a time as this.
God does not make mistakes.
His ways are perfect and planned.
You were part of His plan.  Psalm 139

Everything done or not done has eternal consequences.
If you keep this in mind as you live your daily life you will begin to see the smallest things
connect to a life well lived.

Practical example...dirty dishes.
Dirty dishes can be a sign that there was nourishment provided and eaten.
The cleaning up gives you an opportunity to show another the value of taking care of what has been provided by God.
The putting away of the dishes shows a sense of order to those watching your actions.

Each action we take is an opportunity to do what we do as unto the LORD, with purpose and excellence.

Our spirit man thrives with order.
God made us in His image and He has order and purpose as He creates.
Read Genesis 1and 2 for an example.

I am asking you, as well as myself to be thoughtful and thankful.
To remember...to think on...
Everything you do today is important and makes an eternal difference.

~Debbie




* This is a repost from my journal/blog entry in June 2015 from http://wordparables.com

** 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 © 2017 Debbie Turner Chavers.
Protected by US and International copyright laws.
All Rights Reserved.
Scripture references taken from the KJV bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com

Dental Floss and Sticky Situations

My grand-daughter made the observation that it is hard to "let go" as she held tightly onto that which she was trying to escape.

She was referring to something that she was holding onto that needed to be cut loose so she could be free.
It was a thread of dental floss that was wrapped around her finger and around the spool in a floss box.
She was trapped by something that appeared harmless when she first started playing with it.
Such is life...

She saw the thing that would help her, a floss thread cutter, but did not yet understand how to use it.
The ability of the thread cutter was available to lend aid in her dilemma, yet all the natural things in this world can not help when they are not utilized.

She struggled to unwrap and cut the floss, but it was wound tightly around her finger.
Part of the problem was that she was attempting to get free on her own without instruction.

I saw a parable of sorts as I watched and listened as she acknowledged a need for help.
The struggle is real when you are tied to a desire and instruction is needed to overcome and cut loose.
Our desire to lean on our own understanding can lead us into trouble.
But when we are willing to listen and learn at the feet of Jesus, we can be set free.

She asked for help and received it from someone who understood the process.
Whether we are holding onto the trouble or trouble is holding onto us, freedom can be had if you will call upon the Lord and obey His instruction.

The Messiah will free you.
Jesus is the one who can and will set you free no matter how strong the stronghold.

~Debbie



Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Psalm 50:15  And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.





** 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 © 2017 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 

Crescendo

ARISE: A Call to Prayer and Action

© 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man series

We rise
Every eye upon the Worthy One
Attentive to His direction
Ready to begin...
And the crescendo begins

Let no false note be played
No harmony erased
Let us come together
To praise the worthy One

All can come
Christ Jesus is the Way
Do not tarry
Take your place

A chorus of salvation
In one accord
Each instrument tuned
And played
To the Master's plan

With hands raised high
The rain of His Spirit falls
upon tongues raised in praise
To God who reigns eternally

Worthy
Worthy
Is the Lamb of God

Let every tongue confess
Worthy
Worthy
Is the Lamb of God

~Debbie Turner Chavers

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 honor, and glory, and blessing.
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 14:11 For it is written, as I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.










** 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 © 2017 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

Is "The Peace/Piece Missing?"

Without Christ ?

                                                                                          © 1998 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water Man Series

I love Psalm 139.
I received the precious gift of encouraging a friend today from the beauty of its verses and I want to encourage you also as "I think on these things."



God LOVES you.
Remember,
God knows every hair on your head.
Read Psalm 139 and pause to consider the wonder of it.

Before "anyone" ever thought about you or wanted you,
God did.

Therefore He prepared you for Himself.
He shares "you" and His gifts within you with the world as a precious treasure revealed.
You are wanted,
You are His.

Through thick and thin, heartache and joy,
His hand shall lead you and His right hand shall hold you.
There is not a thought in you that catches God unaware.
For God sees us naked and has provided perfect covering.
A wedding garment at great cost and of spotless beauty.
A garment of hope and rest.
A robe of righteousness.

There is not a wound that He can not cure.
Whether the wound is fresh or old,
He is your Healer and your Provider.
I know the struggle is real
Yet, know that He is God,
be still and be healed.

Whether we need a heart hug or a total renovation. aka..new birth
God has provided for that.
You can be brand new.
There is nothing missing,
from His plan of redemption.
All the pieces are here
Resist no longer.
Submit to His care.

Allow God to place the last piece in your heart,
Jesus, our wholeness revealed.
Welcome Him and the King of glory shall come in.

Selah
Pause and consider.
Rejoice in the knowledge, that you are loved.
You did nothing to deserve it.
Yet you can receive it.

Will you?
God, the Creator of heaven and earth,
Loves you.

~Debbie

Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Psalm 24




** 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 © 2017 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

Art Parable Painting: Do Not Sit There

Do Not Sit There

© 2017 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man Series

We have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. (Revelation 19:9)
Remember what Jesus has done for us and be a prepared people awaiting His return with joy and gladness.
The "flesh" served from the Table of Malice is not a "saved seat" for you.

We must have the mind of Christ and put on the new man and give no place to the Devil.
Arise, do not sit in the seat of the unlearned.
Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Gather the grace given by Christ and sup at the LORD's table.

There is a dead mindset, a grave of error at the Table of Malice.
The chairs of this mindset are rooted in Hell.
I left the chairs empty on purpose, for as a child of God you are to be seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 1:20, and Ephesians 2:6)

There is much spiritual analogy within this painting.
Allow the Lord to reveal His word to you in your own walk of faith and come out from among them.
Arise, and be about your Father's business.
The Water-Man represents you and I.
Sit no longer at this table.
In prayerful hope I have painted the Water-Man looking out. That stone he is sitting on can be used to arise from that pit he is seated in.


Do Not Sit There
~Debbie



Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.


The Chairs:

Bitterness- (pikria) bitter gall
 1. extreme wickedness
 2. a bitter root, and so producing a bitter fruit
 3. metaph. bitterness, bitter hatred

Wrath- (thymos)
1. passion, angry, heat, anger forthwith boiling up and soon subsiding again
2. glow, ardour, the wine of passion, inflaming wine (which either drives the drinker mad or kills him with its strength)

Evil speaking- ( blasphemia)
1. slander, detraction, speech injurious, to another's good name
2. impious and reproachful speech injurious to divine majesty

Anger- (orge)
1. anger, the natural disposition, temper, character
  2. movement or agitation of the soul, impulse, desire, any violent emotion, but esp.
      anger
 3.  anger, wrath, indignation
 4. anger exhibited in punishment, hence used for punishment otself
     A. of punishments inflicted by magistrates

Clamour- (krauge)
1. a crying, outcry, clamour


Table:
Malice- (kakia)
1. malignity, malice, ill-will, desire to injure
2. wickedness, depravity
       A. wickedness that is not ashamed to break laws
3. evil, trouble






** 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 © 2017 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

God Sees Us Naked

© 1999 Debbie Turner Chavers

All the answers and questions in scripture are for our edification ...our education.
I am reading and pondering two questions in Genesis 3.
As I read the questions being asked, I was reminded of my art parable, God Sees Us Naked.

First question: Genesis 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
Second question: Genesis 3:11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked?

I think these are great questions for considering eternity.
To be hungry for salvation,"new birth," you need to consider these questions yourself.
Where are you?  Who told you, you were naked?

God is waiting for you. Since you were conceived in your mother's womb there has been a divine appointment and daily fellowship available to you. Don't hide from the presence of the LORD God.
If God says, "Where are you" you need to be able to reply, "Lord, here am I."
If you are hiding because you are naked. He has a beautiful robe of righteousness to clothe you.
So get dressed.
As Adam considered his condition he began to blame Eve, in Genesis 3:12-13.
Don't do that.
Receive the gift of salvation, quit blaming others for your lost and naked condition.
Accept the salvation and blessing of God, the shed blood of his Son, Jesus Christ, the Redeemer.

You are loved and you are wanted.
~Debbie


2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

* click here to read : ABC-A Simple Salvation Prayer



** 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 © 2017 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

I Am Learning

In Christ, Christ in Me

© 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man Series

Daily I am given opportunities to stretch my capacity in understanding and applying the principles of God's word. There is a dynamic shift of thought when I realize and apply subtle adjustments in my daily way of life to His Way. It can be a discarded area of unbelief, a critical attitude, and the list could be longggggg!
Yet these changes give us an opportunity to grow. To grow personally, emotionally, and spiritually in our relationships with one another and the world at large.
A granted opportunity to learn to do well.
It is a beautiful, inspiring purpose to live life as God intended.
I am learning.
Mistakes abound in my walk of faith, yet I don't have to run to keep up, for the Lord's hand is ever present and He never leaves or forsakes me.

I am learning to recognize the pitfalls of my own perception. Every man's way is right in his own eyes. Proverbs 16:2
I have experienced this truth in my own walk.
As I have studied God's word and applied it to everyday life it has illuminated areas of gray and darkness in my own perceptions.
In thought and in deed I was not as grounded as I thought and was too impulsive.
I have been quick to give love yet also quick to judge. Both are out of order without grace and godly discernment.
Therefore, the gift of love is to be weighed, measured and dispensed by the Great Physician.
We are carrying the prescription within us. We must dispense with care and with knowledge.

As a light bearer of God's love, I do not want to shock or jolt others that draw near in fellowship or friendship. Therefore, I (we) must stay plugged in, hiding God's word in my (our) heart and mind to be balanced in a world that can be full of doubt and unbelief.
For it is this people and this world that Christ Jesus came to redeem.
Being mindful, that if I (we) allow offense, pettiness, or carnal lifestyle to manifest it is like a cut or exposure in an electrical line. We must not allow the power of God within us to be exposed to others in a harmful way. There should not be rogue electricity, but stable lines of love and communication.
We must walk in truth and love. The world is watching. We are His own and we are "representing."
God is our source and illuminator in all things. He is light and there is no darkness in Him. I am in Christ and Christ is in me.

"Representing"
~Debbie


Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.


** If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.
All writing,sculpture, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2017 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

The Safety Pin

The Safety Pin

© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

At times, small issues can seem enormous. Life and other people can seem petty.
When this occurs, an adjustment of attitude, some sort of mental hug is in order.

My first inclination during dry spells is to retreat. To spend time alone, or with my husband.
Avoiding contact with others, until I can see the positive in people once again with God's help.
But last week God had a different plan and did not wait long to share it with me by allowing my button to fall off my pants!

This was one of those times in life when my glass was not half empty or half full.
IT WAS JUST EMPTY!! 

I needed encouragement, a mental hug. A renewal.
My hug came through the gift of a safety pin.

After a hectic start on my first full day of vacation, the last thing I needed was a button to fall off my pants! Or so I thought.
This small aggravation left me exposed in my clothing choice and in attitude.
After packing for vacation what would have sufficed for almost any occasion, I still lacked a sewing kit or a safety pin.
What to do now?

My answer came as I approached the sink in the store bathroom to wash my hands.
As I came near the sink, I heard and saw a woman muttering and fussing to no one in general. She stood at the sink watching me in the mirror as I approached.
Noticing that I was still being watched, I explained briefly, that my button had fallen off as I stooped to retrieve it from the floor. She said nothing in return.

Momentarily, I paused to smile at her and turned to leave when I heard her mutter something in my direction.
"Here" she said abruptly, as she extended her hand toward me.
She was offering me a bent safety pin which had seen better days.

It was a small, silver, safety pin.
Yet it appeared jewel like, extended in the hand of a stranger. Just what I needed.
She appeared embarrassed by her offer of help and awkwardly returned my joyful hug as I thanked her.
She smiled and gave me a firm hug back..... no longer muttering.

I had a great vacation with many blessings but the gift of the safety pin is definitely a memory I will treasure.
The act of kindness to a stranger from a stranger helped restore more than my gaping waistband, it helped pin back together my bruised desire to be an encouragement and help others.
From the smallest gift, we can encourage one another to press on. Do not doubt your ability or your gifts to make a difference today.

Being held together by His Love,
~Debbie 

Repost from my Word Parables  blog © 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers 

Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 

2 Thessalonians 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

** 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 © 2017 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

Art Parable: Following the Dragonslayer

Following the Dragonslayer

© 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers

Imagery and our response to it can be powerful in its ability to refocus our attention.
For the disciples the sight of Jesus on a cross had to have been emotionally crushing. Beholding the One in whom all their hope of a better life,of healing and freedom was there before them hanging on a cross.
Although Jesus had told them beforehand the details and gave them assurance that it was expedient that He go away.
That it was for their good. It was for our good.
Yet, the imagery of a bloody, bruised Jesus must have been bewildering to His followers.

Devastating, until the third day!

I love that Christ Jesus did not leave that beaten, bloody image as the final one.
He rose again and they were given the gift of seeing Him whole and one day every eye shall see Him.

The art parable "Following the Dragonslayer" is one of the ways I see Him. If you would like to see part of the creative process for this parable click here.
Revelation says that he is the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, yet appears as a Lamb that was slain. ( Revelation 5:5,6)

~Debbie


Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.
*Read the beauty contained in Isaiah 51-55

Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised agin the third day.

John 10:4-5 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
I and my Father are one





** 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 © 2017 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