Contemporary Art and Journaled Thoughts of Debbie Turner Chavers

August 20, 2023

Harvest Time- John 4:35

Harvest Time - John 4:35

No man knows the day nor the hour when the harvest is ready. Only the Lord of the harvest knows the time. The Word of God is planted in men’s hearts. The door is open and waiting for all who would enter into the labor of the Lord’s fields.

Continue to sow the seed of the Word of God.

The Word sown in good soil shall bring forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. There will be a harvest.

Matthew 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

The parable of the seed in Mark 4:26-29

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground: and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself: first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth; immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

This planting and reaping plays out continually until death. Our walk in Christ is like a field that has his word (seed) sown and planted in our life.

Our layers of understanding ripen and reveal fruit. This fruit is cut and dispensed by the Lord of the harvest. The Lord grows us up, maturing us daily in His Presence, filling us with His wisdom and power.

~Debbie

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

Matthew 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few: Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.

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.

Let’s pray:

Father God, our times and our seasons are in your hands. Jesus told us to ask for laborers to be sent into the fields, so we are asking. Lord of the harvest ,send forth laborers into your harvest. In Jesus name. Amen.

** 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 © 2023 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.

Scripture references taken from the KJV Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Follow on X (Twitter) @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

Poetry

Gently now.

Gently.

Do not crush the flowers.

Bloom where you are planted.

Remember once a flower is cut, it is archived and fades.

A sweet memory yet the bloom is lost.

Gently now.

Gently.

Do not crush the flowers.

~Debbie Turner Chavers

Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Follow on X (Twitter) @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

July 21, 2023

A Sound Mind

Most stake their claim on today based on their past.

What they have been, who they have been with in their lifetime.

Yet, we are daily given a clean slate like a new born babe.

Totally dependent on our Father for our identity, our food, our health, etc.

So we are given the opportunity to change our mind.

To receive the freedom found in dependence upon God.

This freedom is a new way to live.

It is not about what you or I can do or not do.

God is our Provider, in all things.

Receive what God has freely given.

~Debbie

The first step to a sound mind is repentance.

God has given us the ability to choose his way, truth, and light.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Let’s pray:

Father God, thank you for your gift of salvation provided through the shed blood of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Father, help me to trust you. Open my eyes of understanding so that I might comprehend your goodness given to me. Father God where there is lack in area of my life, fulfill your promised Word to provide that which I need. In Jesus name. Amen

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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June 06, 2023

Streams in the Desert

Streams in the Desert

I wanted you

to be pretty

But you were not

You were all hard edges

and broken pieces

Covered in shame

Voicing blame

I approached you

Tentatively

Extending a cup of Living Water

You gasped

Drinking deeply

As a desert long since dry.

You began to bloom

A cactus released

Prickles still

Yet flowers began to bloom

Your beauty hidden

Now released in the Son.

~ Debbie Turner Chavers

Scripture references taken from the KJV

Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

Poetry- A New Day

Grief is not black.

It is the color of every memory,

of every time and space spent with you.

A kaleidoscope of negatives

and positives that turn daily.

Never forgotten, yet shades of change

as each new day rises.

~ Debbie Turner Chavers

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

April 21, 2023

An Exhortation : Fight the Good Fight and Win

In Christ, Christ in Me

Consider the question,“Does your knowledge and understanding of God’s Word match your obedience to His Word? “

We do not want to hear Jesus say to us, “I never knew you, depart from me.”

Every encounter with Jesus Christ has left you changed.

You came as you WERE but He told you to change your behavior.

To go and sin no more.

It is NOT good news to remain the same.

When sin is a blurred concept, a man or woman finds no reason to repent, (to change).

Know that our Holy God requires repentance and obedience.

Knowing is intimacy.

Knowing is relationship.

Male or female, you are now the Bride of Christ, the Church.

You are expected to mature in the disciplines of your new life in Christ Jesus.

Healthy relationships are focused with intentional interaction between two individuals.

This is the process of “knowing” someone.

When we accept Christ as our Savior we become a new creation, our old man or woman has entered the process of change.

The hard part was accomplished by Jesus Christ at the cross.

His cruxifixction, crucified your “old self,” at the cross of Calvary.

After your confession of belief in the Son of God and what He has done for you, you were water baptized.

Now you are risen from the death of your old self unto a new creation of who you have become in Christ Jesus.

The seed of your new Life has been planted in you.

The free gift of salvation was received and now you are given the privilege of learning your new life in Christ. The gift to hear and obey what the Lord has said has been given to you.

Receive and Grow.

-Debbie

1 Corinthians 6: 9-11

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, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.

Bringeth and Doeth : Fruit equals action

Matthew 7: 15-23

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Let’s pray:

Father God, thank you for giving me the desire and ability to get to know you better. Father help me to see clearly what pleases you and what does not and to correct myself if I am out of line in my relationship with You.

In Jesus name. Amen

Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com , http://wordparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

April 05, 2023

Singing Encouragement-Overcoming Fear

Never forget God loves you, we all have opportunity to start again, to call upon His name. Sometimes, obedience involves vulnerability. Mine. Overcoming fear.

I am singing 🎶 with Jeremy Camp’s song “Getting Started”

~Debbie

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for the wooing of your Holy Spirit. Thank you that you never forget us, thank you that you want us. Open our eyes to see ourselves the way that you see us in Your Son, Jesus Christ.

In Jesus name. Amen

Lyrics for this song

Getting Started

Are you running 'round in circles with no place to go?

Is there a person in the mirror you don't even know?Someone still sees who you are, yeahWere you the kid that was a dreamer, now you don't believe?Are you the lock that got so broken, now you lost the key?Someone still loves who you are, yeah

To anyone who ever lost your wayTo everyone who ever felt ashamedHere's a song for all the broken heartedI believe you're only getting startedTo anyone who trusts in Jesus' nameWatch your world become forever changedHere's a song about light from darknessI believe you're only getting started

If you only knew the treasure that you really areIf you could understand the measure of the Father's heartHe loves you, He loves you, He loves youFall in His arms and let Him wash you cleanHe'll tear off the chains so that you can be freeA new life begins and the old is redeemedOh, I believe, yeah

Oh, oh, oh, ohOh, oh, ohOh, oh

He loves you, He loves you, He loves youOh, oh, oh, oh oh ohOh, oh, oh, ohOh, ohHe loves you, He loves you, He loves you

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Jeremy Camp / Ran Jackson / Ricky Jackson

Getting Started lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Essential Music Publishing

Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com , http://wordparables.com, http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

March 27, 2023

Parable of the Seed

Everyday we are planting seed.

Our life times are fields.

Some fields are untended.

Fallow. Waiting for seed.

Day in day out the seasons have come and gone..

Yet, nothing of substance has taken root.

Weeds, the lot is abandoned.

Consider the seed you are planting in your life soil.

All seed delivers a harvest.

Earthly seed has a life cycle.

Spiritual seed has a life cycle.

There will be fruit from all seed planted.

The Lord of the harvest will require an accounting of our life seed choices.

Be a wise steward. Plant for Eternity.

~Debbie

Prayer

Father God, thank you for the opportunity and ability to choose to plant wisely in the field of my life and in the lives of others. Help me to cultivate my time and resources in a manner that honors You.

In Jesus name. Amen

Mark 4:26-29

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

Luke 10:2

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com , http://debbieturnerchavers.com, and http://wordparables.com

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

March 20, 2023

New Art Parable - The Shepherd King

The Shepherd King

Scripture references taken from the KJV

Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com , http://wordparables.com http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

March 17, 2023

Platform Transformation

Cast Your Cares

1 Peter 5:7

Water-Man Series

Luke 5, opens with the crowd listening to Jesus by the lake of Gennesaret and the people pressed upon Jesus to hear the word of God.

Pressed upon, could have been a crowd or an insistence to hear the word of God.

Two empty ships were standing by with the fisherman cleaning their nets.

Jesus chose Simon’s boat to teach the people from and asked for it to be thrust out a bit from the land.

Jesus sat down and taught the people from “Simon’s platform.“

(Simon’s place of employment)

Simon’s place of making a living was being blessed because of Simon’s agreement and obedience to give or share what he had.

1. We can share our platform, our place of influence with the Lord also.

Obedience brings blessing but it can also bring work. Luke says they were washing their nets when the request from Jesus was received. It doesn’t say whether they were finished cleaning the nets. Jesus’s next request brings about a redo of cleaning the nets.

Luke 5:4

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

2. A situation my seem insurmountable to you or others, yet, obey the Lord.

Luke 5:5-7

And Simon answering him said unto him, Master, we have toiled all night, and have caught nothing, nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake,

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they both began to sink.

Simon and all the others were astonished at the multitude of fish that were caught after their previous work had netted nothing! The blessing brought astonishing profit, yet, a lot of physical effort was still required. Work is work!

3. Obedience brings blessing.

Luke 5:8-11

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me: for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

Your everyday choices make a difference. Determine to look past any perceived lack on your part. God only requires your agreement. You own that.

~Debbie

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for the opportunities that you provide for me to agree with you and your good plan for my life. Father, I pray that the eyes of my understanding be open and my ears be attuned to the prompts, teaching and leading of your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus name. Amen.

Prayer links

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Ephesians 1:17-19

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Matthew 13:16

But blessed are your eyes for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

John 14:26

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

Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com , http://debbieturnerchavers.com and http://wordparables.com

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

March 09, 2023

The Importance of a Name

Behold the Man, The Word Became Flesh

The importance of a name...

When I was younger I was put in school under an assumed name to protect me from an abusive parent, my natural dad. My mom did this to protect my sister and I.
When I became an adult I dropped my alias name and started using my legal birth last name ( maiden name) which is Turner.
It was part of my journey toward wholeness to reclaim my birth name in the natural.
To take steps to move from the shadows of fear, to trusting and walking in the light of God's provision.
Regardless of our history, there was no mistake about the family we were born into.

God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus. Luke 1
God chose our mother and families also.
Before we were born there was a plan for us.
God does not make mistakes. Psalm 139

Names can define our image of who we are in life and our possibilities in this life.

If you will receive it, God will give you a new name.

We have been granted the ability to live our lives under the power and authority of His name, the name that our Father has bestowed upon us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

To take a name is life changing.

Throughout history and scripture we can see the importance of names.

From Genesis to Revelation there are so many examples of natural names being replaced with a new name.

Each time scripture shows God bestowing a new name to an individual it is life changing for the recipient as well as the world.

Life changing.

New creation, life changing.

Part of my identity in Christ is to be a turner or one who points others to Jesus Christ.

The irony did not escape me that my birth name was previously hidden.

Wickedness always tries to steal, kill, and destroy, to take that which God has given you. John 10:10

Be careful of the names that you allow others to attach to you through their words or actions toward you.

God has redeemed you, He has called, anointed and appointed you.

God knows you by name.

His name is given, you are His.

Do not allow an alias to define you.

Child of God, Claim your name.

~Debbie

Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

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 more abundantly.

Psalm 139:1-24

Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white rainment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Click on A Simple Prayer

Luke 10:19-20

Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Scripture references taken from the KJV

Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com http://debbieturnerchavers.com

http://wordparables.com

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February 17, 2023

Plumbline -New Art Parable

Plumbline

** 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.

Scripture references taken from the KJV

Click on these links to read or see more of my work at http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

January 02, 2023

A Door Wide Open

What Time Is It?

To the one who thinks life is over or that the road has ended.

It has not. Regardless of our perception. Life rolls on.

Minutes tick by as each hair on your head is counted. The smallest details of your life do not fade into a vacuum.

The God who created you, the God who placed you in your mother’s womb has not forgotten you. (Psalm 139)

One by one, each breath taken, shallow or deeply was and is and ever will be, a gift from God.

Tomorrow may not be delivered for you.

Yet, you are delivered from death by the shed blood of Jesus Christ who died in your place and resurrected.

Hang on.

A new day will arise.

Mercy will come.

The door is wide open for those in Christ.

~Debbie

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.

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

Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

January 01, 2023

New Watercolor Art Parable: What Time Is It?

What Time Is It?

Matthew 24:36-42

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Then two shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord comes.

Mark 13:32-37

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

Take heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

And what I say I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

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.

Luke 12

Isaiah 49

Daniel 12

Jeremiah 51:6

No one but the Father knows the time of Christ’s return.

Luke 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also; for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Today is my “born again” birthday, the day 36 years ago that I asked Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior. If you want today to be your “born again” birthday also click on the link to say the sinners prayer.

Salvation Prayer

May the Lord bless you,

~Debbie

Scripture references taken from the KJV

Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

December 12, 2022

Your Gift Matters

A Captive Set Free

Water-Man Series

I want to encourage you in the LORD concerning the gift and sharing of your purpose in Christ Jesus while you are living in your appointed time on this Earth.

Perhaps your gift is hospitality. Perhaps it is the creative arts, singing, writing, cooking, helps, or one of the many gifts I have not written here.

Often we admire another persons gift yet demean or act dismissive toward our own gifting. Yet your gift is as unique as your finger print. This is a marvelous thing.

Yes, you have been created for such a time as this. Use your gift.

Offer it unto the LORD. Whatever large, small, fractured or whole gifting you possess.

Give it to God.

Human reasoning would deter us. Yet the Holy Spirit prompts us to give whatever gift we have been given, to share it, to lay it at the feet of Christ.

Every time I meet difficulty or darkness, the Holy Spirit says “praise”. This will mean a purposeful immediate response to obey. I pick up a tambourine, sing, or speak forth the Word of God to move forward in the call. The Holy Spirit is ever wooing us, reminding us, drawing us in the LORD.

Do not ignore His Prompt. Your footsteps are ordered of the Lord. Move forward.

I am always reminded of Paul and Silas (Acts 16) when He prompts me to praise. There is always a prison of some sort seeking to lock us away, to deter, to shut us down.

May we ever be found faithfully obeying God who opens and sends forth angels to open all prison doors that have enclosed God’s children. In Jesus name. Amen.

Every captive set free, in Jesus Christ.

~ Debbie🌻

Invisible Walls, Setting the Captives Free

Luke 4:18

** 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 © 2022 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 , http://wordparables.com http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

October 31, 2022

Seek God

Are You Thirsty?

When you are feeling directionless, seek God.

Spend time in His word, talk to Him.

Determine to grow up and to mature beyond your own self-determined limitations.

We need to quit listening to our own negative self-talk and seek God’s word concerning us.

Quit trying to comprehend God outside of His Word.

God Word reveals TRUTH, the Truth you need to navigate through your questionable feelings.

~ Debbie

** 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 © 2022 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the KJV

Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

October 19, 2022

Poetry: Spun Free

I ran across the field

Rejoicing in the light

As all the spiders took flight

Caught on the wind

webs tendriled and pulled

the spiders to earth again

Whilst I gathered dreams

And spun with delight

~DtC

** 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 © 2022 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the KJV

Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

September 27, 2022

Difficult Times, Difficult People

Mirrored Reflections

Dealing with difficult times and difficult people can fertilize our growing faith if we plant ourselves in God’s unfailing Word.

My natural perception when confronted with obnoxious behavior has had me emulate “love toward others.” This train of thought can be manifested in unhealthy ways when the wisdom of God is not followed. An untamed heart or spirit defies spiritual gravity, as rebellion seeks to pull us away from the stability of peace and cast us into chaos.

Yet, we can learn to navigate peacefully as the Holy Spirit shows the way to respond in everyday life situations.

What I have perceived as love in my interactions with others has prompted me to seek God as I attempt to rationalize how I should act/react as a Christ follower. The only real way to know how to handle most situations properly is to search scripture. (Galatians 5:7-26)

From Old Testament to New Testament our weak flesh wants an easy answer.

Not...

Matthew 10:34-38 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

When I researched the word “cross” in this scripture, Strong’s Concordance definition stated it as “an upright stake”

I am reminded of a boundary stake, a fence line.

The sword of the Lord, God’s Word cuts through our excuses and cuts away the unnecessary to expose the root of our affections and the base of our actions.

John 15:1-5 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he take the away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

In my natural understanding, love looks sweet, giving, turning the other cheek, etc.. yet righteousness requires obedience. My flesh seeks to excuse and to be excused. We are not to cater to the wicked or the wicked one. Our actions must mirror our understanding of God. Lest we and they be deceived into thinking that God is like mere man. God is just and a Holy God who does not wink at our or their agreement with the wicked one. (James 1)

If you struggle with being permissive as I have, I encourage you to pray this prayer with me. Learning to love ourself and others, places healthy boundaries that are reinforced by God’s word.

~Debbie

Father God, I ask that you open my eyes of understanding. That you would enable me to stand firm in your truth. Father God that I will not be moved by that which I hear or see that would attempt to move me from my focus and obedience in Christ Jesus.

LORD grant us strength for our earthly journey. Anoint us LORD. May we be rooted and grounded in your Word. May we be well able to successfully and with joy, do that which you have called and anointed us to do, to walk in love with ourselves and others. Help us to trust you LORD with all our heart, to lean not on our own understanding but in all our ways to acknowledge you and you shall direct our paths. In Jesus name, Amen

** 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 © 2022 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.

Scripture references taken from the KJV

Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

September 01, 2022

Pray- There Is Power In Agreement

Feed My Lambs, Feed My Sheep

Prayer is our love language in our relationship with our Father.

There is a quiet strength that grows within you from depending on and leaning on God.

A strength that roars with faith and stands with arms raised and heart submitted, even when we have yet to see the outcome of our prayers.

Pray, speak forth God’s word. There is power in agreement in the natural and in the spiritual.

Agree with God.

His word shall not fail and will accomplish what God said.

Know that you are loved and that it is your Father’s pleasure to withhold no good thing from you.

~Debbie

Resource scriptures found at KJV bible app Blue Letter Bible

Consider Isaiah 55 and John 16.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

** 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 © 2022 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved.

Scripture references taken from the KJV

Click on these links to read or see more of my work http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

Follow on Twitter @ArtParables @DebbieTChavers

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

Also known as Debbie Chavers, D.T. Chavers, DtC and Debbie T. Chavers.

All art work whether sold, donated, or displayed is the sole property of Debbie Turner Chavers who retains all copyrights and licensing rights of all her work no matter what medium it is applied to or upon.

*The purchase of any product does not provide the purchaser with any copyright interest or other intellectual property right in the product. All rights reserved.

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