James 2:18,19 But someone will say, You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble.
What a great reminder to not just SAY you have faith, but to back up what we SAY with what we DO. It made me think of David. I can imagine that if we could ask the Isrealite army if they believed in God, they would have said "Of course we do!" But when the giant Goliath came, they were afraid and trembled and let it go on for 40 days. Then along came David, who backed up his faith, by taking stones, and a sling (not really battle equipment) and went out to battle the trained, giant warrior. He knew that God would defend him and that he would be victorious.
I think is was interesting that King Saul tried to PROTECT David by giving him his bronze helmet, shield and sword (more along the lines of what I would call battle equipment) But David turned him down and put his whole trust in God. What might have happened if David had tried to put that trust in his own abilities and that armor? I don't think he would have had the victory.
Another thing that I find interesting about this story is that after David put works to his faith, that it encouraged the Isrealite army, who picked up their equipment and went to battle with the Philistines.
I am praying that this week as I come up against the GIANTS in my life, that I will put my whole trust in God, and that I will put works to my faith, so that when others look at me they will be encouraged like the Isrealite army.
This is Rebekka's challenge:
"What works for you use your favorite item for stamping, it could be a stamp, embossing folder, favorite spellbinder shape."
I choose to go with my favorite technique... Ink-Spray-Smash, my favorite colors blue and green, my favorite butterfly (Mark's Finest Papers).
Simon Says Stamp is our sponsor this week.
Check out what my Stampin' Sisters in Christ have created.
MariLynn this is beautiful - love the soft bg that really makes the butterfly jump out of the card. The flowers are a wunderful balance to the whole, and I love that wee peep of lace.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
Marilynn, you picked up on a really important point re: David's faith in God encouraged others to put their faith in God. Wonderful message. Thank you for encouraging me week after week too.
ReplyDeleteWendy M xx
Good Morning MariLynn..This is beautiful with those lovely flowers and embossing. Love that technique, spray and smash :)
ReplyDeletehugs :)
Oh Marilynn, I was worried that I would not be able to post a comment here...the comment box was not showing up and it took me forever to get it to come up. I had to finally go click on the title on your index to get it to show up.
ReplyDeleteAnywho...I just love coming to visit your blog. Your takes on the scripture and your examples are such an inspiration to me. You are truly blessed by God in your ability to write!!
Your card is so elegant and beautiful!! I love your flowers, the colors and the butterfly!! Have a blessed day!!
hugs,
Chris
Ink-spray-smash? going to have to look that one up! Sure love the result though! Great card - so very, very pretty!
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts about this verse MariLynn, and I love the butterfly card you've created. Our own personal butterfly lover! Such pretty colors too!
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous, beautiful creation and the soft colors are so pretty. I too live along the Mississippi in the NW corner of IL.
ReplyDeleteHi Marilynn! Love your thoughts on the Scripture this week! We can learn so much from David. Your card is so beautiful too! You are so good at that ink/spray/smoosh technique *Ü* I also really love those fluffy white flowers--perfect on there!! Hope you have a blessed week. Hugs, Kris
ReplyDeleteHi MariLynn! It's always so good to come to your blog on Sundays because I always know you will have a message straight from heaven for our hearts to hear! Today is no difference! Your take on the verse is perfect and I love that you pointed out the encouragement David's faith was to the rest of the Israelites! When our faith is put into actions, it does encourage other Christians! Your card is over the top gorgeous too! Love your color combo, your favorite technique and the flowers are so pretty and I do love that gorgeous butterfly!!! You bless us so much MariLynn! I pray God blesses you in every way and as you face those giants this week, may He be your strength and shield!!!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Grace
What a beauty!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by the Layers of Color New Release Tea Party Blog Hop today! Wishing you lots of luck in the drawings!