Monday, December 31, 2012

Time for a New Year, New Life


Time=Eternity
© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers
Well, it is that time again.  The end of a year and the beginning of a new year.  What will this New Year bring?
Regardless of the old year and its possibly less than pleasant days, tomorrow is new.  The beginning of each new day starts with a spectacular sunrise, even if it is obscured by clouds. The sun rises day by day, arising in its own peculiar glory. 
And just as a page in a book is turned, so your new day and new year unfolds day by day.
What will you write on the clean, crisp pages of the New Year? 
Only you know, because you are the writer.

If you are writing your own story without His help, I want to encourage you to invite Him to proof read your version.  His red pen, through acceptance of His shed blood erases the mistakes of a life lived without Him.
If you would like to start new  click this . This will bring you to the ABC's of Salvation.  I have written my testimony and an example of the prayer I prayed on a New Years Day many years ago. I asked God to proof read my life. He gave me a new script written by His Word through my asking for and my acceptance of the free gift of salvation provided by His Son, Jesus Christ.

As you enter the door of this new year know that you are Loved. With a love that is beyond our human comprehension and that He desires to bless you and do you good all the days of your life eternally.
My prayer for each of you for the New Year.
May you find peace and happiness in His love this New Year.  That each day brings much fruit as you learn of Him. That crooked places would be made straight and that you would find joy in His anointing. Prosperity in His blessing and abundance in His Grace.
In Jesus name. Amen
~Debbie

The author and finisher of your faith story, has written a beautiful love letter to you. Here are a few verses.

Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Hebrews 5:9  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Hebrews 12:22  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Corinthians 2:9  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Matthew 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Hebrews 10:17  And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Isaiah 45:2  I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:



All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com Would you like to hear a bible story read to you? Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers

Monday, December 17, 2012

Gospel Gossip




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

Have you read what God Said?
For Yourself?
Not second hand verbatim of someone elses conversation....but what "He" said.
Not the gossip of the gospel.
Predigested word. 
I am asking you to sit at His feet, dine at His table, EAT until you are full.

I challenge you to to talk to Him personally.
To digest His beautiful word.  His word that can comfort and heal a wounded or sick soul. 
Feed a starving heart, fill to the full, the deepest hole in ones soul.

Gossip may give you a nugget of information, but face to face with the originator of ALL things gives you the facts. 
The gospel truth that you are LOVED with an everlasting, unfathomable love.
Face to face-get the facts for yourself.

~Debbie




John 6:48 -57  I am that bread of life.  Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.


Luke 24:32  And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

John 13:34  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 15:9  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.


A beautiful reminder...
Revelation 7:7  For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Revelation 21:6  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:13  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.


All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com Would you like to hear a bible story read to you? Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers

Thursday, December 13, 2012

My Sin is Prettier Than Your Sin-Repost

I posted this last year and felt led to share it again this year. 
My Sin is Prettier than your Sin. Can you see the absurdity of this statement? I did.

Read John chapter 8 and consider. Drop your stones. What was Jesus writing?

"My sin is prettier than your sin". This sentence was given to me as I lay upon my bed the other night.
I was trying to pray, yet I kept thinking of the flood of information, that had been delivered by several people to me over a period of days.
I sorted through the different emotions that were trying to gain ground in my thought process.
"Nothing doing", I thought. We are called to have the mind of Christ.
That settles it, I will have the mind of Christ.

I was being asked to consider how I view someone else's sin versus my sin. I am asking you, encouraging you to do the same.
Have you ever considered how easy it is to think self righteously about your sin versus the sin of others?
Daily we are given an opportunity to view others and ourselves through the Word of God.

On a personal level, I have had to consider my response to sin.
It is never easy to deal with sin. My own or someone else's.

Thank God, Jesus has already made a WayTherefore, I am to commit myself unto His tender care. To use His word to admonish myself in this earthly walk of love.
To not view myself better than others.
To recognize that my sin is not prettier than your sin. We have all sinned.

Yet God has made a Way and invites us to come clean.
Literally.
To be real with one another.
To drop our stones and for each of us to go and sin no more. John 8

Sin is not pretty. Regardless of the degree of perceived sinfulness, ALL sin is wrong, and we have all been wrong.

In consideration of 1 Corinthians 13, I would like you to consider the statement, "My sin is prettier than your sin."

Humans tend to categorize their sin by their personal perception. Such as....little sin, little lies, small offenses, big offenses...the "But I am a good person" defense.

But God, who is righteous, sees the Truth, and He only, is good.
~Debbie


Mark 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God.

Romans 3:9 What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

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 64:6 But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.







All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com Would you like to hear a bible story read to you? Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers

Monday, December 3, 2012

Will You Obey?

How easily do you obey? Let go of something when asked? In Mark 11, Jesus had a need and knew that the need would be supplied by obedience.  Jesus's obedience to do what He had been sent to do and the obedience of those who had the colt. 

Matthew 11:1-7 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring [him].
And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.
And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?
And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.
And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him

Is your colt tied by a door, without in a place where two ways meet?  What do you have that has been prepared and waiting the Lord's bidding?
My colt is usually my will.  I am quite strong willed and my self will has been the thing that I have had to lay on the altar more than once.
Submission is not an option, it is a need, in our relationship with Christ.  We are given choices, yet just as He has promised to meet my needs, I must be ready to obey and meet His need if asked.

Jerusalem may have had plenty of colts which had never been ridden and yet this one was requested in particular, "The Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither."

Obedience continued the chain of events that would bless and change the world.

Do not dismiss your own obedience.  It is never a small thing.
When done as unto the Lord, your sacrifice of obedience has world changing consequences.

~Debbie


Zechariah 9:9  Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Matthew 21:2  Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose [them], and bring [them] unto me.


All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com Would you like to hear a bible story read to you? Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers

Monday, November 12, 2012

Outreach Ministries

Today I am bringing attention to a few of the Outreach Ministries in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I think it is encouraging to see others reaching out to bring hope to other people.
Here is a brief synopsis of the ministry and I encourage you to check out their individual programs.
I have gathered information from several of the outreaches and had the privilege of interviewing several of the individuals involved.
Each has a passion for their given ministry. The First Baptist Church, which is located right off the Murfreesboro town square, has donated the use of a large building to house the listed ministries.

I encourage you to prayerfully consider helping any or all of the ministries in their task. Whether it is time, money or effort that you are led to expend, pray.
Pray for each ministry and those involved.
Simply. Pray.
Now is the time to pray. It is a gift that keeps giving.

I have copied a few of their brochures and condensed their literature to give an over view. Thank you for taking the time to check out their individual websites.


~Debbie
* Remember always, God loves you very much.

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Doors of Hope,Inc.

Changing Futures...From the Inside Out
P.O. Box 332392
Murfreesboro,Tn 37133
615-653-5501

Maridel Williams is the President/Executive Director and is assisted by many dedicated individuals.
email- opendoorsofhope@gmail.com 
web- http://opendoorsofhope.org/


Doors of Hope, Inc. is a community-based 501(c)3. Their mission is dedicated to helping women who have gone through a period of incarceration to build a productive life and stay out of prison.
Through the efforts of caring individuals, each woman is given support through the process of starting a new life.
This outreach helps prepare the women for a productive life as they transition back into daily life. Finding a job, a place to live, taking responsibility, and giving back to the community are a few of the "life helps" that are shared.  The "Godmother" program encourages participation with individuals who will take the time and effort to connect one on one with program participants.  The basic information is listed below for this arm of ministry.  There are many ways to help bring hope, contact the ministry to find out more, "To open a door of hope."





Brochure from Doors of Hope

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The Greenhouse Learning Center

309 S. Spring Street
Murfreesboro,Tn. 37130
615-494-0499

Malia Grubbs is the Director of Education
email   malia.grubbs@greenhousemin.org
Gary Patrick is the Education Assistant
web www.greenhousemin.org

The Learning Center is a ministry arm of Greenhouse Ministries which is a 501(c)3 faith-based, inter-denominational, non-profit organization.


The Greenhouse Learning Center has many outreaches. Read the brochures below to see a few of them. All services for the Learning Center begin through the evaluation of Greenhouse counselors to determine need of program assistance. If you would like to volunteer to help, volunteer orientations are given every second Tuesday at 10 am and 6:30 pm at the Greenhouse.  Call the listed number or check their website for any updates.

Greenhouse offers the classes for free but seating is limited in each class, so you must sign up before the class session begins. You can visit the website www.greenhousemin.org or call 615-494-0499 for the current class schedules


web link General Class Information

Greenhouse Ministries has two retail stores. The Garden Patch Thrift Shoppe  is open :

Tuesday - Thursday • 10:00-5:00
Friday • 10:00-4:00
Saturday • 10:00-2:00

They also have a warehouse with furniture for sale on Wednesdays and Thursday from 12-3:00 pm.

Donations and the sales from these stores help fund the outreaches.
If you would like to donate click on this link, which will take you to their accountability page and donation tab.



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The Timothy Network
It's About People Leading Others to a Transforming Faith in Jesus

P.O. Box 332555
Murfreesboro, TN 37133
615-653-6999
web http://timothynetwork.org/
Mike Stroud is the contact person, the Timothy Network is a non-profit ministry.

What if a handful of Christians decided to get serious about discipleship? We've asked ourselves that question and decided to do something about it. Real. Serious. Discipleship. Welcome to the Timothy Network.

The Quest for Intentional Discipleship, Jesus had a lot to say about discipleship. His teachings focused on character formation rather than external behavior – “a righteousness inside out.” He called disciples to live in submission to His kingdom rule; his call is the same today.

Growing as a disciple of Jesus is more of an organic process than a program. Programs tend to follow a one-size-fits-all approach, focusing on regimentation and structure. Jesus didn’t have a program. He focused on developing people in a highly individualized and relational way. He worked with a few at a time, one conversation at a time, one relationship at a time – life on life. Much like a Master Gardener cares for his garden, Jesus fed, watered and individually nurtured his disciples. He “grew” them in close communion with one another. Any worthwhile effort to make disciples must follow this natural, relational path.
Our passion is to see a revolution of disciple making by getting relational!

About..

Our work launched in August 2005. The mission involves a focused attempt to make multiplying disciples of Jesus Christ. Anybody paying attention can see a gap between “theory and practice” when it comes to evangelism in America in the 21st century. There’s a divide between the church’s desire to be evangelistic and what is actually getting done. We’d like to help congregations bridge the chasm by equipping believers in a “Jesus-style” of disciple making – one that centers on relationally investing in a few people at a time. Disciple making should be reproducible from generation to generation. That said, our efforts are specifically aimed at preparing men and women in the practice of making disciples who are, in turn, capable of multiplying by discipling others. (See blog post citing Phil Downer on “Start a Chain Reaction.”)


It is also our quest to foster authentic discipleship through purposeful teaching and training within small discipling networks. We hope to develop a base of Christ-followers who authentically answer the call to be a “cross shaped” people. As men and women are nurtured to grow in Christ, it’s our aim to equip them in becoming disciple makers. Every mature believer should be involved in some aspect of making disciples, but they must be intentionally equipped for the mission. Just like healthy adults naturally reproduce in the physical realm, every mature believer should be able to reproduce spiritually by making other disciples.

Discipleship has too often been reduced to a set of steps, rules, formulas, and rituals. Consequently, much of the emphasis can get placed on what happens during the worship hour on Sunday mornings. When this happens Christianity becomes “a religion.” Instead of training and encouraging one another in obedience to the kingdom ethic of Jesus (loving enemies, practicing forgiveness, trusting God, etc.), we get bogged down within the walls of our church buildings. The main goals and core values of The Timothy Network are predicated on the conviction that discipleship is a day-by-day, life-long process of patient endurance and obedience. We want to help Christ-followers be a real salt and light influence in the world – not just people who espouse “religious belief.”

While disciple-making is reduced to canned one-shot approaches by some, experience shows hurried-up evangelism doesn’t always produce long lasting results. Focused teaching on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, intentional/relational investment in a few at a time, and training in spiritual reproduction (multiplying) is the missions focus of our work.

The Timothy Network is a disciple making project aimed at tapping into God’s design for human beings. God “hard-wired” us need to one another. We were meant to grow and thrive within community. We’re intellectual, emotional and social beings. Each of these aspects of our nature working in tandem is how healthy discipleship takes form and is lived out. Understanding and knowing the Word is crucial, but filling our heads with knowledge isn’t enough. Information without transformation leads to legalism and hypocrisy. Knowing God has to become an ingrained part of our spiritual DNA. This happens slowly and within the context of accountable relationships. The writer of Proverbs spokes to the importance of relationships in saying, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

The core building block of our ministry is the “equipping cell,” a small group of three – five people that meets weekly for focused Bible study, prayer and transparent interaction. These groups “live life together” and encourage one another in their walk with God. Equipping cells are training / discipling groups designed to mature believers and prepare them for the work of reproduction (i.e. making other disciples).

Mike Stroud, Director / Discipling Minister


Copyright © 2012 The Timothy Network. All Rights Reserved.

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Barnabas Vision

P.O. Box 10746
Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129-0015
615.995.2574
web http://thebarnabasvision.org/

David Coggin is the Executive Director.  Barnabas Vision is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

"Barnabas Vision offers service opportunities utilizing various talents from our community. While still in its infant stages, we’re collecting volunteer information for future community projects and outreach efforts. "

Mission
The Barnabas Vision is a Christ-focused organization committed to bringing hope to a lost and broken world. We believe that through our dedication to Christian stewardship and leadership God can change the world one life at a time.

Vision
◦Become a light and a support system to the community of Rutherford County.

◦Respond to the needs of people by offering both short term and long term services.

◦Reach out to international students and residents as they adjust to life in Rutherford County.

◦Expand mentoring programs and work together on projects with other organizations, such as Greenhouse Ministries, Timothy Network, and churches.

◦Spend time in short term mission efforts.

◦Encourage other people to use their talents and abilities to care for others.

What We Do
Working independently and with Churches and other Christian organizations, Barnabas Vision will accomplish its mission by initially offering:

◦Caring like Jesus: Providing teaching and mentoring to individuals and teachers on caring for others with Jesus as our example.

◦Encourage like Barnabas: Helping people realize their potential and value.

◦Helping hands: Working with churches to reach out to their members and to the community by offering the skills of willing volunteers in their time of need.

◦Frequent visits to health care facilities: Visiting and encouraging patients in health care facilities and offering support to them and their families; continuing to follow up on caring for the patients and families after they leave the facilities; reaching out to families after a loved one passes away.

Volunteer Opportunities
Prayer (Join the Prayer Team)
We send out occasional prayer requests and other specific updates that need prayerful attention. We ask that you pray as soon as possible after reading the email. No other action is required other than prayer, and we trust you to pray as much as you feel led to pray.

Driving
Opportunities to drive someone to a doctor's appointment or other errand.

Carpentry
We don't expect you to pay for supplies. We're mainly after your expertise in building wheelchair ramps, repairing more-than-simple construction-related items, and other such work.
Repairs
Basic, around-the-house repairs that are easily done by some but impossible for others.

Teaching
We'd love to offer budgeting and other basic life-skill classes. Please let us know your ideas and what you could offer in this area.

Sitting With Someone
Sometimes we simply need the company of a friend. If you're willing to be that friend, to sit with someone who may not have regular visitors or friends, this is an excellent gift.



Copyright © Barnabas Vision, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.



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All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com Would you like to hear a bible story read to you? Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers

Friday, October 26, 2012

The Agenda


 Time = Eternity
© 2010 Debbie Turner Chavers




Prayerfully consider all requests of your time.  Our day belongs to the Lord.
He has a plan and order for each day.
It is always wise to check your schedule with His plan.
The Lord orders our steps, but we choose whether we will pick a different path or walk as ordered.
Morning meetings.  Most places hold them.  Change of shifts usually have a brief meeting to update the past and present agenda.
We would do well to  check in with the Lord throughout our day, even as we do in the physical world.
Am I still on the same page? Has God moved on? 
 It is up to me, to quiet myself and realign my bearings .
God's door is always open for an impromptu meeting.
Check in.  Get an update. You will be glad you took the time.


~Debbie


Psalm 37:23    The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.



steps= goings

good man= 1) man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)

ordered= prepare , establish, ready, stablish, provide, right, fixed, set, direct , order, fashion, variant , certain, confirmed, firm , preparation

Lord= Jehovah  "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God

delighteth=
1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with
2) to move, bend down


way=1) way, road, distance, journey, manner
a) road, way, path
b) journey
c) direction
d) manner, habit, way
e) of course of life (fig.)
f) of moral character (fig.)







All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com Would you like to hear a bible story read to you? Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Life More Abundant



I have an older, small truck that I drive regularly.
It is almost 10 years old and there are large patches of paint missing in several places. I am comfortable in my old truck. It is not pretty by any means.
I do not worry about it getting scratched, really muddy, or dented.
I bought it at a hail sale.
I also have a new truck...all the bells and whistles which cost alot to drive. aka...fuel.
The truck is beautiful.
The Lord provided both vehicles and I am allowed to choose daily which one I will drive.
These two vastly different vehicles remind me of my life.
Before accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior, my life was like the old blue truck.
Peeling paint, (spotted with sin) dents, muddy.
Bought from a hell sale.

Yes, Jesus purchased me and gave me an unlimited fuel card by giving me His word and His Spirit.

In the natural, I usually chose to drive the old truck. I am comfortable in it.
It cost more to drive the new truck.
The paradox of these vehicles does not escape my attention.
The new life cost something.

Behold the Man, The Word Became Flesh
© 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers

Our new life has been purchased and we have been handed the keys and unlimited fuel.
Choose life, life that is more abundant.
John 10:10

~Debbie





2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

1 Corinthians 6:20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Matthew 16:19  And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.




*Action and Thought Provoker from God's Word

Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her] husband.
~~~~~~~~
love-  to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly
reverence- honor,venerate, to treat with deference


To receive more clarity-the big picture read Ephesians chapter 5.






All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com Would you like to hear a bible story read to you? Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers

Monday, September 24, 2012

Jonah


Jonah Gone Fishing
© 2005 Debbie Turner Chavers

I am studying Jonah right now and trying to understand his choice to run.  Jonah was charged with the task "To go and tell" so a nation could be saved from destruction.  He did not want to tell or to go where the Lord was leading him.  Jonah rose up and fled from God's presence.  Or so he thought. Yet as noted in Psalm 139There is no place that God will not or can not reach you.
One of the things that I have noted in this scripture journey, is that the goodness of God is an opportunity. 
How will we use our opportunity?
Will we run toward God or run from God?
Jonah decided  to run from God. Not a wise choice.
At first glance Jonah appears very selfish and judgemental.  Yet even before his 3 days in darkness he has compassion on his fellow boat mates who are floundering spiritually as well as physically.
Why does he feel kinship with them and not the Ninevites?  Is it because they are in the same boat?

As I read Jonah, I realize just as in "real time" life, I will become confused by looking at man.  Man changes, has his own agenda. So a brief look at Jonah quickly tells me to keep my eyes on Jesus, the light of the world.

Jonah 1:6 So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.
Jonah 1:12 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest [is] upon you.

Jonah noted the issue at hand was caused by his disobedience and chose to die rather than submit to God's leading.
God was patient.
God is very patient with us.

In God's mercy, he didn't allow Jonah to perish, but took him to the end of himself. 
Running away from the presence of God puts us in a dark place. 
Yet repentance brings us to His light.


Jonah 2:10  And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry [land].

Note God's mercy.  The Lord spake unto the fish.

Jonah 3:1-2 And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

So Jonah finally obeys and the people repent. But Jonah is not happy, in fact he was very angry.
Why?  Even this 4 chapter study points me toward looking up.  To take my eyes off of man and his obstinance.  To study the One who said to go.
Look at God.
Gracious, Merciful, Jehovah God. 
Even in Jonah's " backslid ain't gonna listen attitude" he confesses God's goodness.  This realized goodness of God, eventually causes Jonah to repent of his own way of doing things.  As a people who acknowledge our God is good, we too must repent of doing and living in our own ways.


Jonah 4:1-3 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, [was] not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou [art] a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for [it is] better for me to die than to live.
Jonah 4:4 Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?

It is amazing that Jonah feels betrayed by God's goodness and mercy when it is extended to others.  Jonah acts like a man betrayed.  He states he would rather die than live.  Jonah is grieved.
Yet God still does not judge Him, but continues to teach him.
Look at God's tenderness and patience.  God prepared a covering..a gourd to shelter him from the heat as he waited.

Jonah 4:6  And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made [it] to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.

Father God, is tender toward us, yet wants us to learn.  So the next morning....

Jonah 4:7-11  But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.
And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, [It is] better for me to die than to live.
And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, [even] unto death.
Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:
And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and [also] much cattle?


Has God asked you to reach out in mercy to "a Nineveh", from your comfortable place?  Are you having a hard time reconciling or obeying?  I do at times. 
 

Who? Where? What is our Nineveh?

~Debbie


Referenced  scriptures:
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 already to harvest.

Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

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

Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.


All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see scripture painted as art? Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com Would you like to hear a bible story read to you? Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Available

In a busy driven world we need to be available. God doesn't need our perfect performance. He wants our availability.
I tend to think along performance guidelines in my everyday life, which is needful to a degree. It is needful to have a plan, but be ready to change course if the Master of my ship is steering me in a different direction. He who made the earth and everything in it plots the path for our feet.
Walk therein. Be available. Don't struggle and try to shake loose of His hand. Abide.
He knows what He is doing.

Be available. Not self-serving perfect.

~Debbie



Psalm 119:105 Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 37:23 The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

 
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible.Would you like to see what I am currently painting?
Click on these links http://artparables.com/or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/
Would you like to hear a bible story read to you? Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers
Isaiah 43:16 Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;

Monday, June 18, 2012

Garbage

Recently, I put the garbage on the curb to be picked up.

Little did I know that the Lord would use my garbage and some well intentioned people to teach me a lesson this week.

It is my custom, early in the morning to spend some time clearing out the refuse of a busy life.
This requires diligence, a daily plan of action, followed by action after spending time in God's word.

With the basics done, I started my normal routine or custom. This particular morning I needed to take some garbage to the curb!
This morning it was real garbage I took to the curb not mental refuse.
Or so I thought!

And so the lesson of the day began....
Enter two well intentioned helpers who decide to bring the garbage cans back to the house.
Fabulous!
I said a quick thank you to them and almost immediately I heard the garbage truck pull up in front of my house.

Ugh! Annoyance!
I quickly realized the garbage cans had not actually been emptied as I made an annoyed sound.

The past week had been very busy, and I was having a bit of a struggle to not show my annoyance at their honest mistake.
A quick swallow and an even quicker verbal assurance that it was "Alright".
I assured them that the cans were not completely full and would be emptied next week .

I asked the well intentioned helpers to forgive my attitude of annoyance, which they quickly did.
I then retreated for some time alone to ask God what I could learn from the situation after realizing my attitude stunk worse than the garbage.

This is what I learned.
There are occasions in life when we bring our garbage to the curb, thinking the can has been emptied.
And yet, during a time of duress, we may find its stinky contents still clinging to the can.

The garbage can be lack of forgiveness, bitterness, jealously, etc… there are many types of garbage.

So, if you find your can back at the house not emptied.
Quickly take it back to the curb and leave it there, until the one whose mercies are new every morning clears it away!

~Debbie




All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/ Would you like to hear a bible story read to you? Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Jehovah-Nissi

Jehovah-nissi = "Jehovah is my banner"
Banner-something lifted up, standard, signal, signal pole, ensign, banner, sign.

Whatever your Amalek is...God wants to be your banner (Jehovah-nissi) and give you deliverance.

Exodus 17:8-15
Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.
So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
But Moses' hands [were] heavy; and they took a stone, and put [it] under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this [for] a memorial in a book, and rehearse [it] in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.
And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn [that] the LORD [will have] war with Amalek from generation to generation


As I studied Exodus 17:8-15 I noted several things.
During the battle there was a chain of strength through the natural help of one man helping another man remain steady until the going down of the sun.
The going down of the sun would be the problem ending or the end of the battle.
As we pray for one another with the strength and power of the Holy Spirit we are operating in such a manner as Moses, Aaron, and Hur who stood in the gap during the battle for Joshua and Israel.
Joshua was sent to battle by his commander, Moses.
Aaron and Hur went with Moses to the top of the hill and Moses stood on the hill with the rod of God in his hand. .
As Moses held up his hands during the battle, Israel and Joshua prevailed.
When Moses hands came down, the enemy prevailed.
I saw hands lifted as " Praise". Pick up your hands.
Don't allow discouragement to cause you to have heavy hands.
Trust God, He is able and willing to give deliverance.

When Moses became tired and dropped his hands, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat thereon. (Rest in Christ)
Then Aaron and Hur held up his hands one on each side of him.
Whether the battle is yours or you are standing for someone else's battle, remember to take a stand on God's word.
When we become weary in the battle, we must also rest on the stone (Jesus Christ) and find strength for every battle.

Ask the Holy Spirit (God) to enable you to continue to stand and if needed to send help for your hands.

Joshua was physically welding a sword on the physical battlefield, yet the unseen 3 were causing the victory spiritually with God's help.

We also, have an unseen 3 working on our behalf.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Remember, Whatever your Amalek is...God wants to be your banner (Jehovah-nissi) and give you and those you love, deliverance.

~Debbie


Ephesians 6:10-13
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
ABC-Simple Salvation Prayer


All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/ Would you like to hear a bible story read to you? Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers

Friday, April 27, 2012

Selah-Pause and Consider


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

copyright © 2011 Debbie Turner Chavers


A friend sent me an encouragement via email  that included this sentence.

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.' "


How often do we give up?  To only realize later, that just a little more effort would have achieved our goal.
Most of us have things that inspire us, an intentional nudge to reach for the prize.  Whether through words, actions, or monetary achievement we struggle to find, to look for  the courage to push past our personal limitations. 

Today I want to encourage you to push past your own perceived and real limitations.  To reach up and reach out.  To hang on, to take a stand.   

Philippians 3: 13-14
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

This scripture grabbed and held my attention this morning and became my prayer for today.  The fragment
"forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth,"  caused me to have a Selah moment..to pause and consider.

There are so many positive things that are worth remembering in your life...yet there are probably as many that need to be forgotten.  Those things which are in the past...the things that are behind you.  Let it go.  Forgive and move on.
Hold on.  Hold on to that which is pure and lovely and of good report.  Think on these things. Selah

~Debbie


Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.


© 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers
ABC -a Simple Salvation Prayer

Monday, March 19, 2012

A journal entry


Enough
© 2004 Debbie Turner Chavers



I have many things to be grateful to God for, and all of my children are blessings to me and my husband. Each one is a gift from God.

Last month, I read a sentence from another writer that spoke to my heart. It was written by another mother, Emily Wierenga, who was concerned over her perceived weakness to handle parenting and life. She was feeling over-whelmed. Emily's dialogue with the Lord was " I haven't called you---a voice says, and I lean into the air listening. I haven't called you to be strong. I have called you to be obedient."

In life and parenting there are so many opportunities to question your ability. Yet, success is measured by His ability, not ours. Do not trust your own efforts. Trust Him and His ability to complete that which He started.

Put up your shield of faith and stand.
Stand on His promise to be with you and never leave or forsake you.
His promise to you and your generations.
Stand, holding onto His hand which never wavers and NEVER loses that which is placed in His Hands.

So I am weak, yet He is strong. And that is enough.

As I prayed for my children and my own parenting skills, I heard the following in my spirit and wrote it in my journal.

Child with an expansive heart
Lay down your judgements
Your need to win

Open up your heart
Further
And let Him in.

~Debbie Turner Chavers





Revelation 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Psalm 127:3  Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

Deuteronomy 7:13  And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

*My prayer for my husband and I and all our children and future generations.

Philippians 1:6   Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:
In Jesus name, Amen.




All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/ Would you like to hear a bible story read to you? Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers

Monday, January 23, 2012

Begging




For many years I had a cockatoo.  Her name was Halo.  Halo was always insistent  and learned to say Please! early on.  As a young bird we had taught her to ask for treats and things by saying Please! 
I learned many lessons interacting with Halo.  The lesson of patience was acquired quickly by calming this creature.  Once Halo had a notion there was not much that could distract her focus.  I likened it to prayer.  It certainly made me pray! 
This is the lesson I learned by listening to Halo beg, "Please,Please, Please".  This litany of repetition would be uttered almost in a whisper which would escalate into a full fledged crescendo if not addressed quickly. 
On this particular occasion, Halo kept urging me to satisfy her need for a treat.  In reality her want of a treat..
And so she started begging, "Please, Please, Please" and on it went.  
I was busy so I became annoyed because the thing she was asking for was sitting right in front of her.
Yet, she still kept begging louder and louder, "Please, Please,Please!"

As I listened, I wondered, Is this how I sound to God when I talk to Him?
Begging, please, please for an answer. When in reality there is no need for He has given me the treasures of heaven and has withheld no good thing from me?

Her begging annoyed me, but it made me look at my prayer life differently.

Instead of Please, Please, Please.  I asked God to help me have eyes to see His answer right in front of me.
So I could say...
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

~Debbie

© 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers


Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Psalm 84:11  For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Ephesians 1:18,19  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,



All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2012 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com/ or http://debbieturnerchavers.com/ Would you like to hear a bible story read to you? Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/debbieturnerchavers