Spiritually and Politically :VOTE

Spiritually
This time in history is a call to action. Passivity is out of the question. Political correctness must be laid aside. We must take a stand for the good of our children, the welfare of our nation, and look to the source from which all our blessings flow.
Our blessings have been bestowed upon us by the Great I Am, the Father and Creator of us all.
Am I standing firmly on the authority of the Word of God. Individually, the question is, have I done all? God's word contains clear instruction pertaining to personal responsibility in regard to all issues.
Opposition is to be met with the Spirit of the Lord.
Passivity and the winking at wickedness must cease. One can make a difference.
The strength of each man is found in what his mind and belly has been filled with.
As a people, what have we digested?
We will eat.
It is time for a new meal.

Having done all, STAND.
~Debbie Turner Chavers

Isaiah 50:10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

Ephesians 6



Politically

I do not personally know Donald Trump or Hilary Clinton. I have gathered as much information and watched the last 3 debates of both candidates. I have read and observed as much of their careers, interviews, etc.. as I could. There are two choices realistically. One for and one against.
My intention is to vote for the Donald Trump/Mike Pence ticket.
There must be a line..a LEADERSHIP Line drawn somewhere and Donald Trump has done that.

For some their lines are erasable..moveable..therefore we have a country gone awry.
Most situations do not fall apart by one decision.
Chaos generally ensues after a multitude of poor choices. This is our country currently.

Your drawn line might be abortion, gun control, the right to bear arms or the right to have life at conception.
There are many lines and many issues.
I understand that mistakes can and will be made by all people.
Yet there is a HUGE difference between mistakes and the proven facts of chosen, blatant evil deeds. 
Each persons conscience is their own to bear.
As scripturally commanded in God's word, I am praying concerning those who are in office currently and those who will have that HONOR.
I am praying and gathering as much intelligent information that is available on both candidates and VOTING.
Now is not the time to be passive.
I know there are many things we can disagree on, yet most ills of society happen because an individual refuses to take a stand.  And take a stand is what we must do, to once again see the right thing done in our country and to protect life and liberty for all.

To not vote is NOT a conscientious abstaining.
It is helping elect who you consider to be the worst of two candidates.

Voting,
~Debbie Turner Chavers



Psalm 16..The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.




** If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James Version bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com

Stirred Up!

Loafing,The Bread of Idleness

© 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers

I awoke this morning with the adjective, lukewarm in my thoughts. Life and living is unpalatable when it is lukewarm. 
Lukewarm is listed only one time in KJV in Revelation 3:16.
One time.
Take heed.

Our marriage bond as the Bride of Christ seems to be going through the motions of marriage, yet without fervor.
Where is the hunger for our first love?
We who have been given eternal life and appointed as kings and priests are to serve God with fervor.  Fervor is sadly missing when we are satisfied with the status quo of companionship.
We should desire and apply ourselves to having a love filled and vibrant relationship with our Redeemer.
Remember John 3:16?
We are LOVED.

When we read God's word our innards are stirred. The fire of hope is ignited and only the in-filling of His Spirit and His love can quench the longing of our souls.
As I think about this process, I am reminded of my swimming pool and its filtration system. The pool has jets which are turned slightly upward to ruffle the surface of the water. This slight water current causes the outside debris in the pool to be carried toward the filter opening, which will be gathered in a basket to be removed. As the debris is filtered through the system, the water will circulate back into the main body of water having been cleared of debris.
The constant clearing of this process also depletes the water level over time, due to the movement and the heat of the sun causing evaporation on the pools surface. The heated stresses of life can evaporate our water levels also. Yet we can be renewed and refilled in our relationship with the Father.
As we study God's word and spend time in His Presence during praise, prayer and worship we can be refilled and filtered.
There is a beautiful stirring that happens in our soul, mind and body as His word and Spirit filter our thoughts and lives. We will find a basket of blessing instead of debris as we apply ourselves to the filtering process of time spent with the LORD.

~Debbie


Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

Ephesians 5:25-26 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.

2 Timothy 1:6 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.

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

Revelation 3:16  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spur thee out of my mouth.


*I wrote this in my journal on March 18, 2014, but it is still relevant, so I am posting it 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 © 2016 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://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com

Yield

Yield

© 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers

Photography

I have always liked clouds. As a child I would recline on the grass and imagine that each puffy shape was a larger than life picture board! Boredom was not on the horizon for the view at times would change rapidly. The wind would function as a giant eraser and shape each cloud speckling the sky into new wonders.

As an adult I reminisced of my love of clouds. I wondered why they still drew my attention skyward.  As I gazed out across the great expanse of sky,I heard in my heart, "Because they yield." At that time, I had a quickening in my heart in recognition of a spiritual truth but no current situation to which it applied, until recently.

I was reminded of this heart tug as I spent some time praying about communicating. 

Communication can be a blessing or a hindrance. The tongue is a little member and accusations can be a giant. 

At times I find it is difficult to forgive the words of an errant, mislead tongue. 

Whether it is my own words or the words of one that has risen against me.

Thus my pondering of the subject. As I mulled the mental stew of it all..the LORD reminded me of the sweet word He had shared with me years ago. YIELD was the word and the visual of a sky filled with clouds, each cloud beautifully different in size and  color variations. 

Once again He reminded me that each cloud was in the process of constantly yielding to the wind.

We also should yield constantly to the wind of His Spirit in forgiveness of ourselves and others.

So ponder with me...

What if our service in the army of the Lord is to Yield.

Not to yield to the accuser of the brethren, but to yield to the captain of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ.

We never want to be likened to clouds without water.

Consider these scriptures and beware. All of 2 Peter 2:1-22 and Jude 1 in context.

2 Peter 2:17-19 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through muchwantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

Day by day we are growing and learning to walk in our shoes of peace and the wearing of our robe of righteousness. Our time on earth is not a dress rehearsal..it is the first act that continues toward eternity with our Creator.

After His initial correction of me, it is my goal not to do a repeat. Nor to rehearse the scene over again in my mind or in my actions.
The ghoulish play upon play of SIN. 
No watching of pious reruns of "would have, could have, or should have."
Be done with it.

All relationships thrive with clear communication and boundaries.
So when my Father God says He has cast all my sins into the sea, then it is not the time to practice fishing!

There is healing provided as we confess our faults one to another.
This obviously is easier to "think" than to confess.
Do not tightrope walk on the hard edge of the blame game. 
Let us walk in love with one another.
Yield to the Holy Spirit.

~Debbie


James 3:5-6 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members asinstruments of righteousness unto God.

Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Micah 7:18-19 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

** If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers.
Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture references taken from the King James Version bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com
To see more of my work click on these links http://artparables.com or http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com  

Learning

Choices

© 1999 Debbie Turner Chavers

Joshua 24:15

It began simply enough. A directive followed by a reply, " But I don't want to.."
There was not an argument, nor was there much else to say once the clear direction of a stated intention was made known.
But I don't want to..
The words had been stated emphatically, by one who knew their own mind.
A mind that is still growing, still in the process of learning the effect of decisions.
I had spent many hours of helping, of showing a clear way, of setting a disciplined example, and yet the age old struggle.

The one who was learning a life lesson, taught me something.

A clear course of action had been instituted and many encouragements given.
I had said, "You are not a quitter", "You CAN do this" " Nothing is ever accomplished if you don't try. Just try."

After all of my efforts and encouragement, I experienced a moment of clarity that was delivered with the emphatic reply of a four year old.
She stated succinctly, "But I don't want to", as she threw herself backwards in the chair..away from the goal in front of her.

Ah! I thought, "There it is!"

From a small child to the grave each individual is in the life changing process of choice.
As a child we are generally presented choices that are age appropriate. If a child's "want to" is not matured enough to agree, then there is wiggle room in the choosing.

But all choosers are not 4!

There are adults in our lives who have not matured in their chronological age and are still pushing past all established boundaries with emphatic life statements and life choices of "But I don't want to.."

If after our best efforts are met with " But I don't want to.." My first response personally is prayer and then action.
I have learned that no amount of "teaching" will ever be absorbed by an unwilling pupil.
I don't want to...means "I don't want to..

Gain your life back, take your time back, sow somewhere else.
The world is a huge field of opportunity.
Obviously the majority of us are not teachers by trade.
Yet, everyone is learning and teaching someone and something everyday.
Our lifestyles and our choices set examples and give a witness in this world of who we are and what we value.
So the next time you meet a brick wall of opposition...consider the role you are choosing. Pupil or Teacher?

~Debbie

Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

Power Struggle

© 1999 Debbie Turner Chavers

1 Corinthians 6:12

Water-Man Series 

** If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting. Click on these links http://artparables.com
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James Version bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com

Art Parable: Disobedient, Wounded One

Disobedient,Wounded One

© 2014 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man Series

1 Kings 13 and 2 Peter 3:9

1 Kings 13:26 And when the prophet that brought him back from the way heard thereof, he said, It is the man of God, who was disobedient unto the word of the LORD: therefore the LORD hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake unto him.

Do you find it difficult to follow what the Lord has told you? Disobedience gives the devil a type of permission to devour and tear.
Stay on the path, toward the LORD. Do not stray from the Way, the Truth, and the Life. If you have left God's known way and direction to you, make haste and repent.
Ask God to forgive you and receive His mercy. He desires that no man perish, but that all come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

The wounded one was "a man of God." He was sent on a mission to deliver a message unto wicked king Jeroboam. He was to deliver the message and then to return to Judah.
A messenger came swiftly to him as he sat under an oak tree and proceeded to tempt him to ignore the LORD's clear directive.  Scripture says the messenger was an old prophet in Bethel.

The man of God was told clearly by the word of the LORD to not eat bread, nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that he had come. (1 Kings 13:17)
He obeyed initially.

Yet soon after he obeyed,  he sat down under an oak tree and turned aside and followed the direction given to him by a lying prophet. The lying prophet sought out the "man of God" and said an angel told him to bring him back to his house. (1 Kings 13:17-18)
Beware! Of any who try you or tempt you to leave the truth of God's word given to you.
Why did "the man of God" believe a lie? Why did he follow a liar, instead of the clear directive of the LORD? We must take heed and try every spirit whether it be of God or not.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Man or woman of God, once you have accepted Christ and are following Him, do not return unto your old way. Do not be disobedient unto the Word of the LORD.
The man of God in these scripture verses was slain, torn, and delivered to a lion. (1 Kings 13:26) due to his disobedience.
We are warned.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

Know, that as a child of God you can run to God.
His arms are open.
He loves you.

The Prodigal and Family

© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man Series 

My understanding is that " the man of God" was torn and slain because even after his disobedience was brought to his attention..he did not repent.
He was not a prodigal..He did not come to his senses and return to his Father.
He ate and drank and left to go about "his way."
In the last days it will be even so..
Matthew 24:38
Let your eating and drinking be in remembrance (communion-the Lord's Supper) of what Christ Jesus has accomplished on the cross and continue to walk forward. Do not depart from the truth.

If you have been disobedient, repent quickly.  Depend on the mercy of the LORD that would have all come to repentance and not perish. (2 Peter 3:9)
As you read all of (1 Kings 13 ) you will see that even an evil king received mercy-but he did not repent.
Let us run to God, not from God.

1 Kings 13:6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was again.

The man of God prayed for a wicked king who was given mercy and healed of a withered hand, yet the man of God did not repent and ask for mercy for himself.

Let us follow the LORD.

~Debbie









** If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting.
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James Version bible which can be accessed online at http://biblegateway.com Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Poem: Relationship With a Fickle Heart

1/2 Hearted Obedience, 

 Double-Minded Man 

© 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man Series

Relationship with a Fickle Heart

There was a time

when I said 

I love you

BUT

I changed my mind

I admired your

everything

with rose colored glasses

BUT

you changed my mind

I gathered your experiences

of time and place

BUT

forgot about mine.

I awoke with ..

a fresh start

and gathered my time

BUT

I changed my mind.

~Debbie Turner Chavers

Loved by Faithful Jehovah God

The love of the Father is not like this poem of fickle affections.
Human love..changes..at times constantly.
God is not fickle, but faithful.
A love given that builds not borrows, gives not takes.
Embraced, but free to go.
You are LOVED by He who will not lie and has told you so.

~Debbie

Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.

1 Samuel 15:29  And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.

If you desire to have a firm foundation of steadfast love. Call upon the LORD. Ask Him into your heart and into your everyday life. Click here to read and say a quick prayer to invite Him into your heart. 

** 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. 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

Opened Eyes Still See Him

Close-up of Eyes-Art parable Isaiah 42:7

© 2013 Debbie Turner Chavers

Matthew 20:29-34  And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.
And, behold, two blind men sitting by the wayside, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.
And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.
And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?
They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.
So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

Their persistence was rewarded as they ignored the crowd and sought the Lord. 
Our persistence is rewarded also. 
I once was spiritually blind and the Lord had compassion on me as well.
There are many types of blindness.  
Do not give up. 
Keep persisting.

I noted that they were leaving Jericho, what once had been a walled city. 
Unbelief can be like a walled city.
I noted they were by a wayside. 
If you have not chosen Jesus as your Savior, He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, "you also, are on the wayside. (John 14:6)
I noted that their persistence and verbal recognition of Jesus caused him to stand still.
Amazing.

Jesus knows when we are trying to get his attention.
Ignore the opposition, 
call louder, 
more persistent, 
keep calling on the Lord. 

Their cries of recognition were as a prayer. 
And Jesus answered, What will ye that I shall do unto you?

I also noted that when their cries were answered, they followed him. 
Yet in his compassion, he heard and healed them ...before they followed.

It is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance. (Romans 2:4)

New Testament...
His goodness passed by, stopped, and granted their request to see. Think of that! 

Old Testament...
Remember Moses, he asked to see also in Exodus 33:19-23
And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: 
but my face shalt not be seen.

Jesus is our intercessor. 
Look at the favor and the beauty of the gift given.
The Rock of our salvation , Jesus said if we see him we have seen the Father. 
Jesus is the Rock on which we are able to be hid in and rest on. 
Our Healer, blind eyes opener, Savior. 
We are covered. 
Opened eyes still see Him.

~Debbie

* There is a new Art Parable posted Disobedient, Wounded One *This was posted first at my blog http://lolo-livingoutloudonline.com 


John 14:9 ...he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; ...

Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

For further study consideration -John 5:31-47




** 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. 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

New Art Parable: FLEE, Be Not Deceived

FLEE, Be Not Deceived

© 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man series

Close-up of the beasts belly

FLEE, Be Not Deceived

© 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man series

In the art parable " FLEE, Be Not Deceived" consider the imagery in the light of eternity.
Do not waste the gift of this life on temporary pleasure with a reward of death.
For the wages of sin are death.
Death is the separation from God, your Creator.
So where will you allow your weary road to take you?
Will you enter into the belly of despair or will you choose the path of Life where you will find joy everlasting?
All whoredom leads to death in one form or another.
Most lust and whoremongering appears as bright and shiny until your eyes adjust to the gloom.
Be not deceived.

When the Lord showed me this image, I thought of Isaiah 5:13-14.

Isaiah 5:13-14 Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge:
and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst,
Therefore hell hath enlarged herself and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.

* From the Old Testament and the New Testament*

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.

Ephesians 5:5  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Proverbs 12:28  In the way of righteousness is life and in its pathway there is no death.

Deuteronomy 11:16  Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them.

1 Corinthians 6:9  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?
Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers. nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
1 Corinthians 6:10  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:18   Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.


Consider all of Matthew 13 and the parables that Jesus told us.
God is not mocked.
No matter what you sow..
Life unto life. or death unto death.
There will be a time of harvest.
Will you be wheat or a tare?
What have you decided?
Do you think the Lord delays and does not see?
You have been planted on this earth to bring forth much good fruit.


Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.


If you have given the LORD your heart through confessing Him as your Savior, you have received the Spirit of truth, the Comforter from God.
Read John 14:15-18: John 15:26; John 16:13.

Our fleshly nature within the natural man is lustful. As a child of God we have been given the Spirit of truth, the Spirit of God to overcome the works of the flesh: adultery, fornication, uncleaness, lasciv iousness (means unbridled lust, excess, shamelessness, wantoness, insolence..)
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations,wrath, seditions, heresies,
Envyings,murders,drunkeness, revellings, and such like:
of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in the past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

God loves you.
Depart from iniquity.
FLEE from that which entices you or binds you to Hell.
FLEE from the wrath to come. Matthew 3:7 and Luke 3:7

~Debbie





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

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

9 Minutes of Contemplation

I wrote this in July as I pondered a few thoughts..probably for about 9 minutes. Did you know that your snooze button alarms usually every 9 minutes?

The Bread of Idleness

© 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers

9 Minutes of Contemplation

I am not the best I can be, 
nor will I ever 
on this earth 
be the best I can be. 
I am not stagnant, nor am I finished. 

I am in the process of  becoming...

tuning in to my place in Christ, 

avoiding chords of discord,

attempting to be at peace with all 

as much as is possible with me

I am not the top, 

nor the bottom person.

But a whole person,

a redeemed person.

Not a recycled or a nearly new person.

A new creation, with all the best that He is and has given me.

Beautifully fashioned and all glorious within 

Because the treasure that He is ...

Is within me, gushing forth in a new song, a new language, and a new love

And yet I am not the best that I can be,

until it is Christ Jesus that you see 

revealed in me.

~Debbie Turner Chavers 

Psalm 45:13 The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.

Psalm 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Isaiah 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

John 15:9  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.







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

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

Free Indeed!

Invisible Walls,Setting the Captives Free

© 1996 Debbie Turner Chavers

Initial art sketch during study.

A few days ago, my daughters and I were discussing roles in life. This discussion caused several considerations, a few of which I am sharing here.
In part, the discussion included how as humans we can be guilty at times of attempting to put ourselves or others into a conforming box of our own expectations.
We need to allow ourselves and others to be as God intends them to be in Him.
FREE.
On a deeper level this "boxed in" mentality can be a form of manipulation.
As children of God we are who we are "in Christ" .
Our Redeemer, our Maker determines our path, our days, His Way.
Not our way or the way of someone else.
In all our ways we are to acknowledge Christ Jesus. We are fully His and His sacrifice set us free.
We are bought, slaves to no man, but willing bond servants to the King of Kings and Lord of glory.

We have been given a love that covers, not smothers our uniqueness in the Body of Christ.
A love that covers and encourages the gifting and goodness of God in ourself and others.
Let us all go about doing that.

We are to fan the flame of His spirit in ourselves and one another.
Love that covers scripturally, is in line with the Word of God.

Power Struggle

© 1999 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man Series

Love that smothers, spreads a cover of "self " or "Ego" over others until the one covered has their own flame extinguished is not in line with scripture.
RESIST.
Flee from that which seeks to steal, kill or destroy the good gift of Christ Jesus in you.
Consider what Jesus said in...
John 10:10 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 abundantly.

We are to fan the flame of His love in one another by invitation, by exploration of His Word and Spirit.
His love compels us to draw from the wells of salvation and share with all who are thirsty for the water of life.
The love of Christ compels people to come into His presence, not our presence.

The cover of Christ's love energizes, renews, protects and hedges a border of sustaining grace around the flame of Christ in us.
Consider 1 Corinthians 13
If someone strips you of your self worth, belittles your contribution in life or love..recognize the enemy.
That which seeks to kill,steal, or destroy is a spiritual termite seeking to eat away that which God is building in you.
We are not defenseless, we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.

Get out of the box!
~ Debbie

Romans 14:7-9 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living.

James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.







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

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

Poem: 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.




**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

Onion Layers

Lately I have been searching for more in my everyday exchanges with the Lord. Many years ago I heard someone say that reading and understanding the Bible was like peeling an onion layer by layer.

This thought stuck with me through the years, so it was not surprising to me for the Lord to use an onion skin to make a point with me.

I look for active ways to live my life in Him to the fullest and yet on some days it all seems pointless....to my flesh.... all my striving to love others as He loves me.

And yet there is that onion thing!

If you reach out regularly to be a blessing to others, you probably get discouraged. I know that I become discouraged! At times it is a real struggle to keep moving forward in my love walk.

Recently someone I love dearly, threw years of love and care away.

I cried, then I got angry, and then I surrendered.

I surrendered the thing I had given and placed it in my Father's lap.

As I sat tearfully before the Lord, listening to praise music, I noticed a piece of onion skin nearby.

An onion skin?

Well, all I can tell you is that God spoke to my heart with that layer of onion skin.

I was reminded that my walk came in layers also and that I needed to peel back another layer to get to the heart of the matter.

I saw that another layer of my walk with Him was to worship Him even as I felt sorrow.

So I perceive that....my walk with God is in layers too, just like the onion.

Because it seems that layers are peeled away as I seek Him and His way. 

An onions odor seems to get stronger as you peel it and get to the core.

I pray that my layers and yours will have the sweet odor(to exhibit the peculiar characteristics ) of Christ as we learn how to live this life, layer by layer.

~Debbie


2 Corinthians 2:15  For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:


New Living Translation
Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those being saved and by those perishing:


Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

*    Click  to see the original post..This is a repost from my Word Parables blog from 2009.



**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

No Parking

While walking, I saw this sign on the edge of a parking lot for another business that joined the church yard. I was waiting on an appointment and decided to walk for a bit. As I walked around the lot, I continued to think about the "NO Parking" sign that appeared to be in front of the church building and the three crosses.

I am posting my picture of it to remind you of our commission. 

The building that believers gather in is a place to learn and worship the Lord as a group, it is not a place to park. There is work to be done.

Even your sins are not to follow you.
Don't park there.
Leave them.

See the three crosses in the picture?
They are empty!
Jesus did not park there.

He did what He came to do and said "It is Finished."
And He moved forward.

His disciples did not park at Golgotha.
They went to Jerusalem and waited, or temporarily parked until they received power from the Lord by being filled with His Holy Spirit.

Pentecost. 

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Remember, until we go to heaven our parking passes are expired.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Moving forward...
~Debbie

*This is a repost from my Word Parables blog from June 2009



**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

Martha, Martha - Time to Refresh

The Sabbath Man?

© 1998 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man Series

As I thought of my daily physical and spiritual activity this past week, I realized I was in need of refreshing. As If my heart and mind were not telling me loud enough...a detector in my home started an intermittent beep followed by a verbal warning that said "Low Battery" every so often.
There is always another task and another place to go.
But let's stay home...and sit at His feet.

So what if...
God really speaks to us in the mist of our daily endeavor? Yes, mist..not midst.
So what if....He did?
Would you pause to listen? To gather your bearings, possibly chart a new course?
Would you begin to unload your cargo...to be still and really listen?

Cast Your Cares

© 2014 Debbie Turner Chavers

Water-Man Series

At times we flounder in our thoughts and life choices. Stabbing at every passing thought with a small movement toward recognition.
We search for patterns in the maze of life. A thread within the tapestry and try not to unravel.
This search for clarity and meaning can only be found in Christ Jesus.

Our heart can thrill when we perceive God's truth in our everyday perspective.
We can bemoan the darkness or we can lean into His light.
It is amazing that when surrounded in darkness that the smallest, tiny dot of light brings relief to an aching heart or weary mind.
We have been given a precious freedom from the present darkness.
Lean into His light, walk toward the light of His Way and His Word.

Refreshing..
~Debbie


Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary which also sat at Jesus feet and heard his word.
Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

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



**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

"Father" Me Prayer

Psalm 23-Beside Still Waters

Psalm 23:1-6

© 2008 Debbie Turner Chavers

This morning I awoke with a verse of scripture resounding in my thoughts. It was a morning thought pertaining to a portion of Psalm 23:6.. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. 
A beautiful verse, one which I am in the habit of confessing over my life and loved ones. But this morning in my sleepy condition I said the verse a bit different..which woke me with a start due to my percieved error.

*What I prayed was "Surely your goodness and mercy shall Father me all the days of my life."

As I recognized my miswording of the known scripture, I felt the Lord prompt me to consider what I had prayed. So I did. 
I am asking you to consider my unintentional prayer for your own life also.
What would this manifested prayer look like in your own life? Allow God to be a "Father" to you.

Father God, thank you. I praise and thank you that surely your goodness and your mercy shall "Father" me all the days of mine and my family's life. In Jesus name. Amen.

~Debbie

Matthew 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17  Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
Comfort your hearts,and stablish you in every good word and work.

Psalm 23:1-6
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

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

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