Writing and Art From A Life Redeemed by Jesus Christ

Dance of Trust © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers Lift your eyes. Your redemption draws near. Our focus on the eternal can make the external bearable. The LORD joys over you with singing. You are His beloved. ~Debbie 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. ** If you click on the art parable painting title you will be redirected to its website for more information about the painting. All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2019 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible which can be accessed online http://biblegateway.com Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com

                                              Cast Your Cares © 2014 Debbie Turner Chaver s Repentance is normally a cleansing act of contrition. There is a desire to repair that which is broken. Yet, negative repentance is "As a dog returneth to its vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly." This is in reference to returning repeatedly back to a place of hurt. An example would be an offense administered by another to you. The vomit being the return, or the oral dissection of the wrong, or the thinking and mulling over of the wrong. Every time we turn to it, we are repenting of our deliverance from it. This negative repentance is a spirit of error and perverseness that seeks to cloud our judgement and steal our joy. Do not cast aside, the peace and freedom which God has granted in and through Christ Jesus to you. It is disobedient to dwell on that which is not p...

  Feed My Lambs, Feed My Sheep © 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers Close-up of Feed My Lambs, Feed My Sheep © 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers Walk in the light you have received .  A single sentence flashed in my understanding as we took communion this morning. A brief flash of light reflected across my face as the Communion container was being opened and my thoughts went to 1John 1:5-7. Walking in the light you have received, consider with me, 1John 1:1-10. As you read these scriptures, think about the Body and Blood of Christ Jesus. Our taking of communion, and that through this gift, that we have been given the ability to look upon and handle, the Word of life. Christ death and resurrection are revealed and manifested in us as we obey and remember what He has done. That through His sacrifice on the Cross, Christ has given you and I, a clear path to the Father. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John14:6) Communion, to dwell upon what He has accom...

Following the Dragonslayer © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers Imagery and our response to it can be powerful in its ability to refocus our attention. For the disciples the sight of Jesus on a cross had to have been emotionally crushing. Beholding the One in whom all their hope of a better life,of healing and freedom was there before them hanging on a cross. Although Jesus had told them beforehand the details and gave them assurance that it was expedient that He go away. That it was for their good. It was for our good. Yet, the imagery of a bloody, bruised Jesus must have been bewildering to His followers. Devastating, until the third day! I love that Christ Jesus did not leave that beaten, bloody image as the final one. He rose again and they were given the gift of seeing Him whole and one day every eye shall see Him. The art parable "Following the Dragonslayer" is one of the ways I see Him. If you would like to see part of the creative process for this parabl...

A Cup of Blessing © 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers Have you ever had a day where one thing after another seemed to rub you the wrong way? I had that kind of day last week. One thing after another gave me an opportunity to react in a not so patient way! I found myself....puffing up. Typing this is starting to make me laugh. I can just see my frustrated  self  in my minds eye. I probably didn't look all that different on the outside....but on the inside....I was ruffled! I tried to put a smile on my face and keep walking, one foot in front of the other. But no. Not working. Still smarting from the aggravation of my day, I heard the still small voice of the Lord tell me to separate myself from the group I was with and take a break for a few minutes alone. Explaining that I needed to go sit on a bench outside for a few, I left the group, to gather my thoughts and reclaim a better attitude. I found a bench and sat down, still puffed up and ruffled inside. Within ...

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 perceived 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 goodnes...

So the journey with this Art Parable started more than 20 years ago and I am still discovering the meaning of these scriptures. I am posting the initial drawing I sketched in 1996 of Reflections/snoitcelfeR ©1996 Debbie Turner Chavers. This is a bit of an introduction into how my scripture study, drawing, and painting of Art Parables processes over time, sometimes over years! *I will post the "finished painting" from this 1996 sketched version at a later date. As with any endeavor in our walk with God, He has opened my eyes of understanding layer by layer. Twenty years ago I was living in Hawaii and obviously that translated to my sketch. When the Lord first showed me this particular image with James 1:22-24 I saw it quite personally. Yet as with most things in our life, knowledge and application of bible study have changed me as God  has showed me the universal need of all to see Him. So a lot of my imagery for my art parables are Water-Men to represent everyone, mal...

Mirrored Reflections © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers James 1:22-24 God's word causes us to see ourselves. The glass is like a two way mirror! Walk His Way and forget what manner of man or woman you once were and see the new creation you have become. We are called to be Christ followers-mirrored reflections of His perfection. James 1:22   But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your ownselves. James 1:23  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. James 1:24  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. Studying this scripture I noted a few things.  The hearing and doing required effort, due diligence.  A steady walk and a continual study of God's word. Relationships are hard to maintain when effort is only put forth occasionally.  Spend time with God in fellowship and study of His word. Even in o...

Waiting to Be Filled © 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers Friendship is a sacred trust. Jesus has said we are his friends. He has given us a place of honor, a seat at the bride grooms table. He bids us come and eat and be filled. He has called us Friend.  Fellowship within the body of Christ is a call to keep our eyes on Christ. In our natural state we surely will disappoint one another. We are to judge fruit..not one another. No logs or motes are we to see but only remember He is the one who hung on a tree and shed His blood for you and me. His eyes are ever on us, and as His child and friend we are to honor that sacred trust and fix our gaze upon Him. Eye to eye. Recently I met someone for lunch and prayed about the intended fellowship and the possible future friendship. I sought the Lord in prayer..talking out loud to Him as I traveled to the destination. My question was answered. The answer was..Mine the treasure that is within this new acquaintance. The treasure is the kn...

I have been studying Ephesians 6 for a while now. I have completed two art parables of the Light and Shadow series. We are in a real war daily, unseen by most, yet evident to those in the battle.  Remember God will NEVER leave or forsake you. Not if, but when the enemy comes in like a flood, remember your Savior Jesus Christ has overcome the forces of Hell and has secured your freedom and victory. We are more than conquers through Christ Jesus. Our sure victory is in the word of our testimony and the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. We are composed of mind,body, spirit and soul,submit it all to God. Light and Shadow 1 © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers Ephesians 6:10-18 Water-Man Series In version 1, the imagery is holding on..do not let go of the salvation that has been accomplished in you. In version 2 it is a reminder of the Water-Man painting in the keyhole of "Ye Must Be Born Again" ( click here ) to see it. In this version they have been born again and are w...

A Cup of Blessing © 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers An encouragement to practice your God given gifts. To learn to soar with ease on the wind of His Spirit. This past week I had the privilege of watching a nest of fledglings take to the air. Stretch your wings and learn to fly. The skill for your gift is already in you but you and I must practice. If you have ever watched a young bird learn to fly you will observe that altitude is not achieved easily at first. Very small but insistent Sparrow parents tweeted encouragement from the sidelines. Swooping in and flying away until all had left the nest. It is hard to watch another struggle to learn how to fly. But just as God has equipped the birds of the air to fly, He has also equipped us to do what He has called and gifted us to do while on this earth. Our teacher, the Holy Spirit of God is not on the side lines of life. He abides in us. Teaching and leading us to the Father. Stir up the gift of God within you. Pray. Go about doing...

Ye Must Be Born Again-John 3:3 © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers   Ye Must Be Born Again © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers Every cent has been paid, every debt removed. Only sin is bankrupted! We have been redeemed and we say so! Christ followers are not purveyors of selling the Gospel. We are voices raised in the wilderness of this world. Go and tell or Stay and build. But in all give God the glory. We have been redeemed, the price has been paid. Feed those who are hungry, share the water of life to those who hunger and thirst for His righteousness. He loved us when no one else would. Do the same. Be about your Father's business. The gift of one called and submitted made an eternal difference. Be a gift, not a commodity. In Him, with Him. All things are possible. We are all on a journey toward eternity. We all travel differently but the destination of Heaven can only be reached through Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the door. ~Debbie Psalm...

Man Shall Not Live By Bread Alone © 2006 Debbie Turner Chavers Luke 4:4 Galatians 5:16-25 Water-Man Series I am eating lunch as I type this. I am finished with what I appointed my lunch to be, but I am still physically hungry. As I push aside the desire to consume more food, I hear the gentle encouragement of a known nutritional fact. It takes the human brain 20 minutes after eating to recognize satiety level. So my body aka my flesh is being a bully! It has been fed..yet demands MORE natural food. Our flesh does not submit to reason, unless you eat the Word of God and exercise the fruit of the Spirit. Don't be bullied. We have been blessed with the ability to eat that which will do us good. Eat that which is scripturally filling and exercise yourself in the things of God. "Eat well " she said "But do not develop a taste for lovely words left unsaid. " ~Debbie Turner Chavers Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; blesse...

The Sabbath Man? © 1998 Debbie Turner Chavers Water-Man Series Do you work and live your walk in Christ Jesus..jockeying for position in the kingdom? Be found faithful, serving Him. Not as men pleasers, but as servants and children of God. In areas of our ego, less of us and more of Him always equals more in kingdom work. Allow Christ Jesus in you to shine. The Sabbath rest that He bought for you is not perceived as rest by you or others when you are self-striving. Birthing things in the flesh...self-effort is foolish and draining. Rest in Christ Jesus, allow Him to do what only He can do. ~Debbie 2 Colossians 3:22-24    Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. **Just as ...

Word Buoys -Life Preservers © 2015 Debbie Turner Chavers I am blessed by the water of the word of God. The ability to swim year round no matter the temperature of life, relationships, or the weather. There is always shelter and safety to be found in God and his word. In the book of Ephesians we are shown order for marriage and relationships as ordained by God and recorded in His Word. Jesus Christ literally lived it out, died once, and rose again to establish our salvation. I love the mental flesh check of "For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. Ephesians 5:29,30 We would do well to remember His admonition before, after, and during the agreement of  "I do." As Christ did and does, so we are to do. Life and our interactions with one another can leave us feeling less than freshly washed at times. Life, people and situations can com...

Child of Light   Rising © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers John 11:21-26 Water-man series Child of Light   Risen © 2016 Debbie Turner Chavers John 11:21-26 Water-man series  As I started this particular Art Parable last year I felt the need to stop working on it. Every time I would approach it to begin researching the scriptures for it and painting I would feel a disconnect.  After prayer I realized that my timing was off and there was something more that God wanted to show me. During this period of time my brother-in-law died unexpectedly and this Art Parable laid on my desk waiting.  The loss of anyone not just a loved one leaves humans with so many questions. My family found comfort in God's word. I pray that you too will find comfort in God's word for any loss you may ever experience. Word  Buoys-Life Preservers and this art parable concept came to me as I was journaling some questions to the Lord and looking for answers in H...

Ye Must Be Born Again © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers Water-Man Series John 3 Recently, I read a talented persons poetry of angst and despair, of gloom and doom. Sad enough to raise your hair. The poem below is for all..but you dear one in particular. The Lord sees every tear, every hair of your head is numbered. Your were created in the dark places yet birthed into light. Your destiny has been sealed and set before you. Open the door, He stands waiting and knocking. For He Loves You Completely with His Whole Heart ~Debbie Ye Must Be Born Again Oh! I love a happy ending from death to life But you have recorded a witness of life unto death. It is not that it should not be told, your witness of old Nor that you should not be bold, as your heart and thoughts unfold. The story written as you fling the arrows of your heart In sorrow of your perceived demise of love that is true But there is a lover who loves you true and victoriously waits for you Drop your ba...

Time=Eternity © 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers Lest this be misunderstood, let me add that I am glad for the choice that God made for my own parents. We can not choose our parents. God does that for us. God knew us before we were ever formed in our mothers womb. Psalm 139 Yet God does give us the choice of who our Father will be after we are born naturally. Choose wisely. Choose for Eternity. Your choice will not only effect you but also those who love you. There is great joy to be had in the presence of the Lord. You are wanted. You are invited to the party. You are invited to the family reunion. No worries. The clothing will be provided. Your invited! **Want to Attend? Click here to receive your invitation.  ** ~Debbie Luke 15:10    Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Isaiah 61:10   I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath...

Can Two Walk Together, Except They Be Agreed? © 2004 Debbie Turner Chavers Amos 3:3 More than a few months ago, I attended a teaching sermon and made copious notes with reference to who had spoke. Making a lot of notes is normal for me. It is my habit to write the name or initials of the one who spoke. But on this particular occasion, instead of writing the initials of the speakers, I found myself writing the name of the teachers as Mr. And Mrs....instead of Brother and Sister ?. Once I left the teaching session, I pondered why I had written my notes in this manner.  The teachers appeared to be a brother and sister of mine, in Christ, so I was puzzled by my written note formality. As I thought on it, I realized that I had verbally acknowledged their kinship in Christ, but mentally, I knew there was not an established relationship between us, which transferred to my notes. This train of thought led to a further pondering of initial salvation and the formality and in...