The Gift of I Forgive You

🌻 A single statement that can create joy or anger? 

“I forgive you.” 🌻

Your own heart will premise this statement as a “gift given” or it may receive it as a “haughty verbal slap!”

Reconciliation releases joy.

Receive joy.

~Debbie

Luke 11:4

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us. 

And lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil.

Art Parable picture link

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

All writing, poetry, posts, art, video and photography, copyright © 2026 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 

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Poetry, Prayers, and Encouragement

Man of Many Colors

Redemption
A word
A man of colors
His beaten body
The color of every man

Shredded and torn
A bowed head
Crowned with thorns

No man was ever as this man
Unique
The only begotten Son of God

Redemption has a name
and it is
Jesus Christ, the Messiah.



LOVED

There is a love
Deeper than the ocean
Where you may drown
Yet be born again
Where the Holy Air you receive
Is blown over and into you
killing the old you,
yet birthing a new life within
Where reaching bottom
Is not obtainable
For His love is and always will be
without measure.
3-13-19


KNOWN

Christ's blood redeemed
and covered her
Each sin and shame atoned for.

Even as her mouth declared
I made a mistake
My sins are many
I was wrong.

Do you still love me?
Yes,Christ replied,
You are my lovely Bride.
Though your sins be as scarlet,
They shall be white as snow.
10-19-18



The Wind

The Wind is free
And I a song bird in colors bold
Flying swiftly, catching each faint breeze
Gathering at times, scattering at times
Bearing precious seed
Fly faithful ones
The Wind doth call to thee.
2-20-19


Resurrection

Laughter was heard
The stone rolled away
A crown of thorns laid aside
Beside the puddles of blood
Whereby an abyss
of lost souls had been set free.
Even now the blood of Christ
calls for thee.
9-8-18


Of Salt and Light

A walk on the beach
The sound of gulls
Waves lapping
The pungent taste
Of briny air upon your lips
Bits and pieces
Gathered
Memories stored
Of joy released
And visited anew.



Breath of Life 

There is a love
Deeper than the ocean
Where you may drown
Yet be born again
Where the Holy Air you receive
Is blown over and into you
Killing the old you,
Yet birthing a new life within
Where reaching bottom
Is not obtainable
For His love is and always will be
Without measure.


Sown

May the seeds of righteousness
be dispersed by God.
Planted in fertile soil
and watered by His Word.
Bloom where you are planted
As you are carried by the wind of His Spirit.
3-11-19


Deliverance

Sometimes Holy Ghost boldness
Breaks forth like fireworks
With beautiful colors
and piercing light
in the darkness of spiritual night.
Wait upon the Lord.
11-24-18

Invited

Every man is invited
Go and tell
For you Christ has died
And rose again.
Beautifully Redeemed
Receive the gift of salvation
Today
1-30-19


Prayer

Father God, grant justice to those who have been wronged.
May the cry of the unborn be the joyous laugh of a precious new life
received and welcomed into this world.
In Jesus name.
Amen
Psalm 34:15
3-27-19


Everyone 

EVERY child that is not allowed to be born
Is an aborted purpose that was meant to bless mankind.
God does not make mistakes
Every life matters.
Psalm 139
1-25-19


The Way

Love made a Way.
His name is Jesus Christ.
Sorrow no more.
The King of Glory has risen.
We are redeemed.
Set Free from every prison.
Salvation
Salvation granted to all who would call upon His name.
He who is risen from the grave.
The Messiah, Jesus Christ.
3-12-19


Beauty

Beauty within
only fades as we walk away
from the Light of Christ
that is within us.

Stay the course.
There is light just ahead.
12-20-18


The End of the Matter 

If we kneel
Yet in our hearts
We stand
Standing against the call of His Spirit
We shall fall.
Every knee shall bow
To He who sits on the throne.
And every tongue shall confess to God.
2-21-19


Repentance

The boat abandoned
Yet seaworthy still
A patch to the hull
Made from a tree
Splintered and rough
From Calvary's tree.
12-21-18



As Seen

"Beauty" she said,
I see nothing but beauty.
Amongst the dead.
Evergreen
Growing still
Those who have risen
beyond their own reasoning
And have believed the words which
Christ has said.

The darkness came
Yet, the Light Arose
9-28-18


Youth

She with the golden skin
Bejeweled
Bedazzled
She was blind to our faults
Wrapped her wild hair
In the kindness of others
As we gazed at her from afar.
9-28-18



The Science of Art

A mass of corpuscles
Collide amongst the ebb and
Flow of tendons and muscles
Under the microscope of
Artistic sight.
5-26-18


Silent the drift came in
Rosy red
Parting the atmosphere
Shadowed yet concrete
The imagery appeared
6-12-18



Never Alone 

Love is colorless
Yet God has made a rainbow of people,
The rainbows end,
the treasure found,
Culminating in His Son,
Jesus Christ.

Someday.
Possibly today.
You will look and see,
That you were
NEVER alone.
5-23-18



Prayer - Thank You

Father as the day ends
Thank you for the gift of this day.
Thank you for kindness given
and kindness received.
Thank you for joy and for your peace.
As we lay our burdens down and lay at your feet
May our sleep give refreshment as we rise
With the new mercy given for tomorrow.
In Jesus name.
Amen
5-13-19


Prayer of Blessing

As the sun rises on this new day given.
May your joy double and your wisdom increase.
In Jesus name.
Amen
12-5-18


~Debbie
© 2020 Debbie Turner Chavers



** 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 or http://wordparables.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

Pray and Praise

Dance of Trust

© 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man series

For the LORD our God is able.
In every prayer I am keeping this in mind...taking every other thought that rises against the knowledge of Christ Jesus, captive. My confession is..For the LORD our God is able. My banner of love and His song over me and you.
In church Sunday morning as I was worshipping the Lord, I heard Him say, "Sing until the breakthrough". Oh! I pray this ministers to you as powerfully as it did to me.
Battles are waged as you sing unto the Lord. As you praise Him even in the midst of what looks to be dead or done. It is never over until He who gives the BREATH of life says it is FINISHED. Remember the cross and He who hung on it and rose again in victory, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
I am sure the Spirit of God is reminding you of all the Old and New Testament confirmations of battles where the praisers and praises went before the battle. He inhabits our praises and He goes before us.
Praise Him, He is worthy of ALL our praise.
His Spirit confirmed in my spirit with the Word and then a brother in Christ, Pastor Allen taught on the encouragement I had received.
After we sat down from our time of singing and worshipping, the Pastor shared Acts 16:22-26 in his morning message. Verse 25 and 26 : About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose.
Is it the midnight hour of your situation?
Pray and praise. You might feel rumbling earth movement initially, but press in, press on, pray and praise until those doors fly open and the chains fall off.
Pray for me as I am praying for you. Many midnight situations, but morning light is on the horizon. Be encouraged, for greater is He who is in us than he who is in this world.
We are loved and we are heard by the LORD our God who is able.

~Debbie

Acts 16:22-26
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 



**This blog post is linked also at Missional Women 
**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

Lunatic Healed-Victory Revealed

1/2 Hearted Obedience, 

Double-Minded Man

© 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers

The Healing of a Devil-Possessed Boy
In Consideration Of Matthew 17 and Mark 9

Matthew 17:15-21  And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,
Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.
Then Jesus answered and said, O Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him hither to me.
And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.



As I read these two gospel accounts in Mark 9 and Matthew 17 of God's grace and power in action,
I looked at them differently. As I read I thought of my art parable "1/2 Hearted Obedience, the Double Minded Man © 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers.

Reading Matthew 17 and the lunatics response to being attacked, I was reminded of another type of parable or scenario in which the water and fire were represented as holy and unholy immersion.
The goal was destruction of the man. He was sore vexed.

A double-minded man at times seeks the water of life and also the fires of Hell.
It is the struggle of the carnal man, the double-minded man who finds himself going backwards and forwards and being held in captivity.

Jesus came to set the captives free. He came to earth, died, and rose again for this very purpose. (Ephesians 4:8-10) ( Psalm 68:18)
All the largess of His earthly and heavenly treasure was freely given to man while he walked among them and after He returned to heaven.
Jesus went about doing good on this earth. He is still doing good.
How much more are the riches of heaven available through his atoning death for you and I even now? Abundantly more than we can ask or imagine.


Help thou Lord, our unbelief. Even as the father of the child with a dumb and deaf spirit besought the Lord with tears.  So we also in our generation call out to the LORD.
Lord, we believe; help thou our unbelief. (Mark 9:14-29)

The disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast the devil out. The father of the boy begged, he confessed his lack of faith/ belief and petitioned the Lord for more belief.

The only one Jesus denied freedom and faith ...was the devil.


Note that in both gospel accounts that Jesus told the disciples their lack of success was not based on :

1. The willingness of the devil to cooperate.
2. It was not based on the ability of the possessed to be free.
3. Nor was it based on Jesus' desire to free the one possessed.

So in consideration of prayer and fasting. Both require effort in our flesh. The end result was that the child was overcome by the wicked one and at this point,  the effort..the belief would be required of those who called upon the LORD in faith for the deliverance of the afflicted.
As the one requesting belief, we are to be led by His Holy Spirit not our flesh.
Remember Jesus said..This kind can come forth by nothing but by prayer and fasting. (Mark 9:29)

FASTING:
*Fasting prompts a pushing aside of my own natural flesh desire...the works of the flesh..Galatians 5: 16-21.
*A prompting to think on those things which are pure and lovely...Philippians 4:5-8.
*The opportunity to eat the fruit of the Spirit..Galatians 5:22-25.
To experience a purifying of motives and modes of daily operation. A setting aside of our agenda to seek His face, His way.

PRAYER:
Jesus died and rose again to give us complete VICTORY in all areas.
We have received victory through Jesus' shed blood sacrifice.
His Spirit within us recognizes the victory, prayer confesses the victory.

God reveals his word by his Spirit in a way that we individually and corporately can relate to it.
We receive Holy Spirit wisdom by the grace of God for victory in our everyday walking out of our faith in this world. We receive wisdom of God as we seek Him in prayer and the eating, and listening to His Word.
Study and communion.
Fellowship..Relationship with our God and Father who loved us in Christ before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24)
Jesus came to set ALL the captives free.
Trust Him. Believe Him. AGREE with Him.


In conclusion, my understanding is that fasting convinces our flesh ...what our spirit already knows and prayer that speaks it forth.

~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. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible..resource at Biblegateway.com

Freely Receive, Freely Give

1/2 Hearted Obedience

© 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers

Today decide.  Who will YOU serve?  We are to have singleness of heart toward our Redeemer.
All we have and all we are is due Him.  He has paid in Full our Redemption. 
There is a fear in those gathered in mankind of a usurpation. Those that have, which is all, are fearful that someone will take their place.  Rightfully so. For someone has. Jesus Christ has taken and borne our transgressions away.
Men of flesh and bone fear failure.  We cling to our gifts with soulful remorse, knowing and acknowledging little of the value given that is to be shared in this world.
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. That which was Paid in Full.

We are His children.  A witness of a faithful God in a lost, deceived and dying world.
No man knows the day or the hour of His return.  Be found faithful, be diligent.  He gave all for you and I.  Can we give less? Consider John 10:10.

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, Matthew 21:28-45

~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.



**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

Resting In Faith

God Sees Us Naked

© 1999 Debbie Turner Chavers

Isaiah 61:10

Hebrews 4:13

I studied Hebrews 4 this morning, here are my journal notes from my study. The key scripture that popped off the page and started me pondering and writing was...

Hebrews 4:2  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.


Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said,
Hebrews 4:6  Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief.

Hebrews 4 spoke to my heart of Rest, that we are commanded to rest in him. Faith in God and his Son was the root of resting. The Israelites could not rest because they did not have faith.
We fall out of resting when we give ourselves over to unbelief.

Faith believes God.
Faith trusts God.
Faith in him covers us and wraps us in our robe of righteousness.

It causes us to stand, resting in faith.  Even as we stand in our spiritual armour we understand by faith that we are naked and defenseless without him. Our faith acknowledges that without him we have no armour, no robe of righteousness.
Indeed we are naked.
As we meditate on him and his accomplished work, his finished work, we can rest in him. He came and did his Father's will. see John 17:4

John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Do you hear him? Are you resting in him? Our work is to focus on him, his word, his finished work.  We have been given faith to rest, believe in him.
He has your back! He has provided armor for your front and a robe for your resting.
By his Spirit we can now come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. I see this image of a small child in the bosom of the Father.                   He who rules the universe comforts, loves and provides for that child. That child is you and I.  
By faith come and rest.  His arms are opened wide.    

~Debbie


Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Isaiah 61:10  I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a brideroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

For consideration and further study...2 Corinthians 5; Ephesians 6:10-18;
A snack...2 Corinthians 5:3 If be so that being clothed we shall not be found naked.







**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 © 2015 Debbie Turner Chavers
All Rights Reserved.
Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com
Protected by US and International copyright laws.
Scripture references from King James bible

Art Parable- Isaiah 42:7

         Art Parable-Isaiah 42:7

    © 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers

Jesus came to set the captives free. His word brings understanding and opens our eyes to the truth. If you are in a prison of lies and darkness, God has sent forth His Son, Jesus Christ to deliver you and set you free.  The prison walls are lies that have been erected in our minds and are removed stone by stone as God's Spirit and Word replace the lies of the enemy. The stones that are written on have Isaiah 42:7 printed on them to represent that God's word replaces lies and brings freedom and reveals light to those imprisoned by lies.

Isaiah 42:7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

In 2 Corinthians 4:3 it shows the condition of an unredeemed mind.  It states "But if the gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2 Corinthians 4:5  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus The Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
2 Corinthians 4:6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

God loves YOU with an everlasting love.  He does not want you to sit in darkness, but to come out of darkness into His glorious light.

Here are a few more scriptures for you to consider:
Matthew 4:16
Luke 1:79
John 12:46
Acts 26:18
1 Peter 2:9

~Debbie



All art, writing, poetry, posts, and photography, copyright © 2014 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com  Scripture references taken from the King James bible. If you would like to listen to a bible story... http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers  

Cast Your Cares

Cast Your Cares
© 2014 Debbie Turner Chavers
1Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Casting all my care.  I have heard this  scripture many times over the years but was recently shown its meaning in a different manner.  Life tends to try to weigh us down with a net of cares.  Everyone has a care of some sort or a multitude of cares.  God never meant us to be weighed down with care.  JESUS warned us to take no thought for tomorrow in a worrisome way.  On some days it is a struggle to obey this admonition.  When I was shown this art parable by the Lord, I was having one of those days.
I was discouraged and feeling overwhelmed by many things that only God could fix.  Each way I examined the care, the more impossible it appeared and so I became discouraged.

The Holy Spirit, as He often does, reminded me of God's word found in 1 Peter 5:7.  As the scripture came to my attention, I agreed with the Lord and said out loud, "Lord, I cast all my care on you, because you said you care for me."  As I said this, I saw a net of  words, my cares, being cast into a brilliant light in front of me.  As the net of words fell into the light, they disintegrated. POOF! As though they had never existed.
The painting "Cast Your Cares"  contains several written cares: children, age, bills, parents, health, addictions, sins, fears, and money.  As those and others are cast into the light of His word they lose power to strip you of your peace.  His peace which passes understanding. Agree with God, cast your care, for surely He careth for you.

~Debbie



Matthew 6:25  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Psalm 55:22  Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 36:9  For with thee is the fountain of life: In thy light shall we see light.

Luke 1:79  To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

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





All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2014 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com  Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

1/2 Hearted Obedience



1/2 -Hearted Obedience
© 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers

I see this as a double image of the Water-man. There is a form of half-hearted obedience that causes that which needs to be done to not be done. Mainly our total submission to the Way and plan of God.

So many times scripture reference the heart as the seat of emotion and functioning like the mind. I painted a darker blue line from the very enlarged heart from the head to emphasize the division and a type of blood line from the heart to the feet. I faded out the arms because it is hard to be truly productive when the other members are larger or are more dominant than necessary.

Our emotions, heart, and our mind need to agree and focus on God's word.
Otherwise the thing that is needed usually is not accomplished.
We become half hearted in our endeavors and in our obedience .
Jesus stayed His course, He finished what He came to do here on earth for our salvation.
We also have a purpose while on this earth.

As I studied I saw the initial sketch as "A heart with 4 legs". Each set of feet going in a different direction.
Below is my initial journal entry drawing.
God has ordered our footsteps.
We must focus, watch and pray so that we will be stable in Christ Jesus and finish the work that God has given to us.



My initial journal entry
© Debbie Turner Chavers

~Debbie


All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com  Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

Ye Must Be Born Again



Ye Must Be Born Again
© 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers


I see Jesus throughout His written word. Chew on, digest the many word pictures He gives us to consider in His word. Jesus is "the Way" the Door", and without Him we have and know nothing as we should.

~Debbie



There are 3 verses in the scripture that use "born again"

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3: 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.


John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
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.


Biblical usage notes on... Born Again and See

Born again-

1. to produce again, be born again, born anew
2. metaph. thoroughly to have one's mind changed so that he lives a new life and one conformed to the will of God


See-
1) to see
  a) to perceive with the eyes
   b) to perceive by any of the senses
   c) to perceive, notice, discern, discover
   d) to see

1) i.e. to turn the eyes, the mind, the attention to anything

2) to pay attention, observe

3) to see about something

   a) i.e. to ascertain what must be done about it

4) to inspect, examine

5) to look at, behold

   e) to experience any state or condition

   f) to see i.e. have an interview with, to visit


2) to know
   a) to know of anything
   b) to know, i.e. get knowledge of, understand, perceive

      1) of any fact

      2) the force and meaning of something which has definite meaning

      3) to know how, to be skilled in

   c) to have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to (1Th. 5:12)




All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 1988-2013 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com   Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

Genesis Chapter 1-2, And God Said Let There Be

And God Said, Let There Be
© 2004 Debbie Turner Chavers

Genesis 1:1-3 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that [it was] good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which [were] under the firmament from the waters which [were] above the firmament: and it was so.
And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

As you read the bible it is important to remember "And God said, Let there be"

Life can seem out of control, but if you keep your mind settled on God's word, you will be reminded that there is no small detail that goes unnoticed by our Creator, from a blade of grass to the hair on your head.
Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Isaiah 40:28-31 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Be strengthened and encouraged, the God of all creation, loves you with an everlasting love. You are safe in His Hand. He brought all things into being. Consider God's hand. It is not shortened that it can not save. No matter how far gone...He can reach you.

He is the Creator of heaven and earth, He speaks and it is so. Agree with Him.

John 3:35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:


I want you to consider ...

Acts 17:24-26 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us.

ABC- A Simple Salvation Prayer
~Debbie


All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

In Christ, Christ in Me



In Christ, Christ in Me
© 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers


Do you know that as a disciple/child of God that Jesus is in you, and you are in Jesus the Christ, the anointed one? I painted this Water-man as light and fire to represent the Light of the world, Jesus Christ, the risen, resurrected Christ. The triple imaged Water-man is a representation of Jesus, us, and Jesus in us.


It encourages me to think on the fact that Jesus lives in me and that I am in Him. As I serve God, rest in God, live in God. In Christ, Christ in me. Surrounded on all sides by God's love.
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.
Romans 8:10 And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness.

Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

I thought this was beautiful.. a verse from the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 33:12 [And] of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; [and the LORD] shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.


~Debbie



All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 1988-2013 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com  Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

Hear and Obey

Hear and Obey
©  2011 Debbie Turner Chavers

Are you listening to the voice of the Lord? Has the sin of disobedience stuffed your ears?

When I was young, people would say "Take the cotton out of your ears."
In my painting of the Art Parable, "Hear and Obey", the cotton ball in the Water-man's ear represents willful disobedience.

You can choose to hear and obey God's word.
If you have stopped your ears from hearing the word of the Lord, remove the cotton of disobedience.
Open your ears to receive God's good word for and to you.

Matthew 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 7:16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Luke 9:35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.


~Debbie







**Strongs concordance gave these meanings in context with the word ear in scripture

(a) of the physical organ, e.g., Luke 4:21; Acts 7:57; in Act 11:22, in the plural with akouo, "to hear," lit., "was heard into the ears of someone," i.e., came to the knowledge of; similarly, in the singular, Matthew 10:27, in familiar private conversation; in James 5:4 the phrase is used with eiserchomai, "to enter into;" in Luke 1:44, with ginomai, "to become, to come;" in Luke 12:3, with lalein, "to speak" and pros, "to;"

(b)metaphorically, of the faculty of perceiving with the mind, understanding and knowing, Matthew 13:16; frequently with akouo, "to hear," e.g., Matthew 11:15; 13:9, 43; Revelation. 2 and 3, at the close of each of the messages to the churches; in Matthew 13:15; Act 28:27, with bareos, "heavily," of being slow to understand and obey; with a negative in Mark 8:18; Romans 11:8; in Luke 9:44 the lit. meaning is "put those words into your ears," i.e., take them into your mind and keep them there; in Acts 7:51 it is used with aperitmetos, "uncircumcised."

As seeing is metaphorically associated with conviction, so hearing is with obedience (hupakoe, lit., "hearing under;" the Eng., "obedience" is etymologically "hearing over against," i.e., with response in the hearer).




All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 1988-2013 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com  Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

Dance of Trust

Dance of Trust
© 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers

During this past summer I wrote a journal entry titled " Dance of Trust". I wondered why I wrote this and asked God what it meant soon after. Later I was reading several of my journal entries and God showed me, the art parable which I have painted called "Dance of Trust."

I saw someone being taught to dance similar to learning the Box Step. Being led through the steps patiently, one step at a time.

Repeated until the student can dance successfully. Repeated until the student is able to teach another the dance.

I am learning to dance as I lean on His Word, study His word, and my one on one time in His presence.

I can see Jesus holding my hands, instructing me in this dance called my life. To learn , I must let Him lead, and I must follow His lead to learn this "Dance of Trust."

Join me
~Debbie


Isaiah 28: 9-12 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? [them that are] weaned from the milk, [and] drawn from the breasts.

For precept [must be] upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little:

Psalm 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.





All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 1988-2013 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com  Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible

Choices

" Choices"
copyright © 1999 Debbie Turner Chavers

I painted this picture many years ago after reflecting on the scripture in Joshua 24:15
Joshua 24:15  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.


Every day a person is given the opportunity to choose whom they will serve. As I thought on this scripture I was standing at my kitchen sink washing dishes early one morning and this was the image I saw in my mind.
There is a door and a path that leads to the light and there is a path and a door into darkness.
I am asking you to choose the Light, Jesus Christ.


John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
If you look at the painting you will see that the lit side is narrower than the broad path to destruction. The young man stands betwixt the two choices and I have painted him turned to the light.

Matthew 7:13  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:

Matthew 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.


God loves you very much, do not hesitate, today is the day to choose life.
~Debbie Turner Chavers

© 2009 Debbie Turner Chavers








All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com/. Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible.

Life Line- The Word and Blood of Jesus Christ, Do Not Let Go

Life Line-The Word and Blood of Jesus Christ, Do Not Let Go
copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers

Proverbs 4:13  Take fast hold of instruction; let [her] not go: keep her; for she [is] thy life.

The red rope represents the blood and the Word of God, it has Jesus, Proverbs 4:13 written in it and Do not let go.
No matter what you may face. God has promised to be with His children. Hold tightly unto His word. Regardless of apparent darkness, His Word, Jesus Christ, the light of the world will sustain you.


Do not let go of His Word.

Get in agreement with God and His Word. Say what He says. Do not let go of His Word.
Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ and the application of His word, He will sustain you.

~Debbie



Here are more scriptures to consider.
Revelation 12:10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Job 5:8 I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:

Matthew 26:28  For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
1 John 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Revelation 1:5  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, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Revelation 1:6  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.





All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com/ . Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible.

Are You Thirsty?



Are You Thirsty? 
copyright © 2006 Debbie Turner Chavers



John 7:37   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.


John 4:14   But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Did you hear Him? If you are thirsty for living water, accept what He is so willingly offering you.
Life everlasting. Are you thirsty?

~Debbie




All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com/ . Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible.

Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone

"Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone "
copyright © 2006 Debbie Turner Chavers

Luke 4:4  And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

Jesus suffered many things while here on the earth. After 40 days of being tempted by the devil, he was hungry.

I love to eat on my screened back porch during warm weather. One day as I was enjoying lunch at my small bistro table, I decided to read some of God's word as I ate my lunch. The afternoon sun was shining across my hand as I lifted the fork to my mouth. I saw my hand and fork as a shadow across the pages I was reading at that time and I heard this scripture in my heart.

Daily as we interact with the Lord, He speaks to us in our everyday life. Look around you and your situation. What is He speaking to you in His word. Take the time to feed at His table.

I have never left hungry.
~Debbie

© 2009 Debbie Turner Chavers






All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com/ . Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible.

Feed My Lambs, Feed My Sheep

" Feed my Lambs, Feed my Sheep"
copyright © 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers.

In the painting the blue represents the water(sea of Tiberius), the loaf and the grain represents the written Word. The red bowl, represents Jesus Christ's shed blood.

Close-up of grain with scriptures.


Mark 1:16,17,18  Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.
And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.

John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

In the scriptures of John 21, Jesus reminds his disciples (children) of their first job. Simon Peter and many of the disciples were fisherman.
Jesus, gently reminded Simon Peter of what he was to be doing. He asked Simon Peter three times "lovest thou me?" Simon Peter had denied Christ three times and when Jesus returned after His resurrection He gave him the opportunity to confess his love for Him these three times.

After Jesus was crucified they returned to fishing.
Simon Peter was to be a fisher of men not a fisherman.


~Debbie Turner Chavers

© 2009 Debbie Turner Chavers







All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers. All Rights Reserved. Encouragement? http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com/ . Protected by US and International copyright laws. Scripture references from King James bible.