Faith over Fear #5 by Illustrated faith Bible Study

Here is a video during our camping trip in Black Rock State Park, having a relaxing moment with God.

Bujo & Journal Haul #6

Here are some supplies I like to use during my bible journaling process and in my bullet journal.

Faith over fear by illustrated faith #4 Bible Journaling Process

Bujo & Journal Haul #5

Faith over Fear by Illustrated Faith #2

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The Christian's Journey - 8

Introduction: Have you ever had a disagreement or an argument? How far did you go? were you in the right or in the wrong? How does the Lord see us when we are in strife with someone else? What is our responsibility?

Gilead

Text: "Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast made us drink the wine of astonishment." Psalms 60:3

1. The Account:
• Genesis 31
2. The Details:
• Gilead means heap of testimony; hard, rocky region.
• Gilead is a mountainous region east of Jordan.
• The physical nature of the country affected the character of its people, whoever retained nomadic, pastoral habits Gilead's location kept its people in the background in Israel's history.
• Elijah was from here: in clothing, abrupt manner, and active energy, his country's characteristics are reflected.
• Jordan River is to the east.
• Valley of Heshbon is to the south, and the river Hieromax is to the north.
• It is noted for its balm, collected from trees, which is worth twice its weight in silver.
• This is where Jacob and Laban made their covenant.
3. The Application
• Gal 5:20 strife is a work of the flesh.
• Covenant was made here because of the years of strife between Jacob and Laban.

To have strife:

• be wrathful (Prov 15:18)
• be forward (16:28)
• love transgression (17:19)
• be scornful (22:10)
• keep company of scornful
• be a talebearer (26:20)
• be contentious (26:21)
• be angry (29:22)
• force wrath (30:33)
• be carnal (1 Cor 3:3)
• be proud (1 Tim 6:4)
• be envious (James 3:16)

To keep away from strife:

• be slow to anger (15:18)
• leave off contention (17:14)
• be honorable (20:3)
• cast out scorner (22:10)
• don't be a talebearer (26:20)
• walk honestly (Rom 13:13)
• be lowly in mind (Phil 2:3)
• esteem others better than self (Phil 2:3)

Proverbs 26:17 "He that passeth, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears."

       4. The Recommendations:

When you find yourself in a situation of strife with another. . .

• Jer 32:27 you can turn to the Lord in humility, repentance, and obedience.
• 2 Cor 10:13 let God prove Himself faithful.
• Ps 94:17-19, 22 let God be your help
• Jn 14:1, 16, 18, 27 let God care for you
• Jer 8:22 put yourself in the position where God can apply that "balm of Gilead" to your spirit and soul.

Conclusion: When you find yourself at that place in your Christian walk that is difficult to traverse and/or scale, face the opposition (in yourself and others) head on. Take responsibility for your part, forgive the other for their part, and let God apply the balm in His care and protection of His child.

GB Essie

The Christian's Journey - 7

Introduction: Do we spend so much of our time trying to "see" God that we forget that He sees us. . . all the time. . . in every situation?

Lahairoi

Text: "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Psalms 34:8

1. The Account:
• Genesis 16:7-14
2. The Details: Lahairoi means well of the living God, who liveth and seeth me.
• Also known as Beerlahairoi
• The place where Hagar found relief
• Southwest of Beersheba
• Isaac also dwelt here
3. The Application
• In creation, God saw everything that He made as good, and when He saw a man, he saw him as very good.
• Before the flood, He saw the great wickedness of man. (Gen 6:5)
• He saw that Leah was hated, so he opens her womb. (Gen 29:31)
• God saw those who had forsaken Him. (Det 32:15-20)
• Jesus saw the woman washing His feet. (Luke 7:44)
• Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw the multitude. (Matthew 9:36)
• Jesus saw the faith of the palsied man's faith and healed him. (Mark 2:5)
• Jesus saw Zacchaeus in the tree and called him down. (Luke 19:5)
• Jesus saw the widow casting her mites and declared her giving sacrificially. (Luke 21:1)
• Jesus saw the man blind from birth and healed him. (John 9:1)
4. The Recommendations:

When I realize that God sees me. . .

• I can believe and have confidence in Him. (Prov 3:26)
• I can trust Him. (Psalms 34:8)
• I can choose to obey Him. (Joshua 24:24)
• I can be in a position to be blessed by Him. (Psalms 40:4)

Conclusion:

Do you want to be acknowledged? Why?
Do you want someone to notice when you are upset? Why?
God sees you, we want God to be glorified.

GB Essie

Bujo & Journal Haul #4

Faith over Fear by Illustrated Faith #1 Bible Journaling Process

Prayer Journal Setup 5-13-2018

Bujo & Journal Haul #2

The Christian's Journey - 6

Introduction: When people fail you, when failures come, and when our thoughts assault you, beware. These are areas of life that hurt you. Satan knows that, and he is resourceful in planting a root of bitterness in your soul.

Moriah

• Text: "Looking diligently lest any man fails of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many are defiled." Hebrews 12:15

1. The Account:
• Genesis 22:2, 2 Samuel 24:24-25, 2 Chronicles 3:1
2. The Details: Moriah means: chosen by Jehovah; bitterness of the Lord
• Bitterness defined: extreme enmity, grudge, hatred, sharpness, severity of temper, painful affliction, deep distress of mind.
• Roots are hidden and spread without being noticed
• Bitterness poisons not only yourself but those around you
3. The Application:
• Abraham was tested to the enth degree. Instead of growing bitter, and perhaps the reason he did not become bitter, Abraham obeyed because he feared and trusted the Lord.
• David sinned and God punished him. Instead of growing bitter in his situation, David confessed and sacrificed unto the Lord, showing the true repentance of his heart.
4. The Recommendations: 
• James 3:14 (Bitterness comes from people, failure & thoughts)
• Proverbs 25:28 (Can't control bitterness)
• Job 10:1 (You take control)
• Acts 8:23
• Ephesians 4:31-32 (Are answer to get bitterness)

Conclusion:    1 Peter 5:7

   "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Face the bitterness and forgive others & our selves, you need to be kind if not walk away. Our selves you need to be kind if not walk away.

GB Essie

The Christian's Journey - 5

Introduction: When you make a promise, who is it that sees to it that you keep it? The person to whom you made the promise or you? You do, and they simply believe you and trust you to keep your word.

Beersheba

• Text: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

1. The Account:
• Genesis 21:22-33, 26:26-33, Judges 20:1
2. The Details: means "well of oath"
• Seven wells are located here.
• Water is excellent, lilies and crocuses abound.
• Both Abraham and Isaac entered into a compact with Abimelech here.
• Abraham planted a tree (grove) here-the tamarisk, a long living, hardwood with long clustering evergreen leaves-a type of the ever-enduring grace of the faithful, covenant-keeping God.
• Was the last place God repeated His promise regarding making a great nation from Abraham and his descendants.
• Was the usual way of designating the whole Promised Land (from Dan to Beersheba)
• Located between the Southern end of the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
3. The Application

          Claiming or Believing? Claim - (not once in the Bible)

• To demand by or as by virtue of a right; demand as a right or a due.
• To assert and demand the recognition of a right, title, etc
• To make or file a claim

           Believe

• To have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so.
• To have faith or confidence in the truth. . .
• To have conviction that a person or a thing is, has been, or will be engaged in a given action or involved in a given situation.
• To suppose or assume; understand.

      4. The Recommendations: Regarding believing God's promises

• God's promises to care for His purposes. (2 Pet 1:4)
• God's promises should cause us to clean up and live righteously and holy. (2 Cor 7:1)
• God's promises (even when we don't see them) separates us from the world (Heb 11:13)
• We have great examples of those who believe God's promises; therefore, we should be busy about His work. (Heb 6:12)

Conclusion:    Psalms 105:42

   When we learn of God's promises, we simply believe. This belief affects our behavior, our life. We don't take God to task about His promises, but let Him prove Himself, and your faith will be rewarded.

GB Essie

Bujo & Journal Haul #3 Mothers Day Gift

Bujo & Journal Acrylic Swatching

Bujo Plan with me May WK2

The Christian's Journey - 4

Introduction: In comparison to Israel's Journey from Abraham to the Promised Land, A sojourn may be part of God's plan, part of your waiting. Don't let your weakness(es) be your downfall.

Gerar

• Text: "Be sober; be vigilant; because of your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." I Peter 5:8

1. The Account:
• Genesis 20, Genesis 26
2. The Details: means pilgrimage, sojourn.
• Gerar is a chief city of the Philistines.
• The fertile region between two deserts.
• Abraham and Isaac came in a time of famine
• Both Abraham and Isaac denied their wife in Gerar
• Both were reproved by the heathen.
3. The Application: 
• A needed sojourn directed by God
• Man's plan vs. God's plan (Is 55:8-9, Jer 29:11)
• trusting God with the details (Mt 6:30, 8:26)

"For I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

"For I know the thoughts that I have toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:14)

1. The Recommendations: When others are around you, do they find a Mamre?
• When God takes you on a "sojourn," remember, God is with you. Don't leave Him behind. (Exodus 3:12 & 14)
• Be patient and let God unfold His plan for you. "Plans are not changed, but change is planned." (James 1:4, 2 Pet 1)
• Run your thoughts about your sojourn before the Lord to see if they match His thoughts. (Heb 4:12)
• Strengthen your faith on your sojourn; use it or you may lose it. (Psalms 119:29)
• Let the God-directed sojourn serve its purpose in your life. (Rom 8:28-32)

Conclusion:

   Remember what the Lord said to Abraham in Genesis 18:14: "Is anything too hard for the LORD?"

GB Essie

Perservere Flip Through

Bujo & Journal Haul #1

Creative Retreats Kit May 2018

The Christian's Journey - 3

Introduction: In comparison to Israel's Journey from Abraham to the Promised Land, There comes a time in your life (many times in your life) when you must separate yourself and choose. There are those around you who need you to be a Mamre, a place of strength.

Mamre/Hebron

• Text: Genesis 13:18, Chapter 18

1. The Account:
• Genesis 13:18, Genesis chapters 18 and 23, Joshua 20:7, II Samuel 2:1-4, 11, 5:5
2. The Details: Mamre is a neighborhood of Hebron.
• It is denoted that an oak grove is here.
• Mamre means strength, fatness, set with trees.
• Hebron means community, alliance, society, friendship.
• Mamre-where Abraham went after separating from Lot; he built an altar to the Lord here; also, where God told Abraham he would have a son; Abraham, Sarah, and Jacob are buried here.
• Hebron-became a city of refuge; David was anointed king here and reigned for the first 7 1/2 years.
3. The Application: Let God make your life a Mamre where. . . 
• you choose the Lord (Joshua 24:15)
• you can receive a vision (Gen 15:1, Prov 29:18)
• you can forgive (Luke 6:37)
• you find refuge (Heb 6:18)
• you know your calling/niche (II Tim 1:9, Mt 10:31, Lk 12:7)
4. The Recommendations: When others are around you, do they find a Mamre?
• Do they see the Lord in you? (Col 1:27)
• Are they inspired to do something for the Lord? (Gal 4:18)
• Are they given the opportunity to forgive and be forgiven? (Luke 17:3)
• Do they feel "safe"? (Prov 29:25)
• Do they know their importance? (Eph 4:12, I Cor 14:12)

Conclusion:

   Each day, as we go to our Bethel (making an altar), we must make decisions that will separate us unto the Lord. When we do, God gives us that Mamre, that haven of peace and refuge. When others are with you, let them experience the Mamre God has for them by your spirit, your heart for God, and your example.

GB Essie

Perservere WK 3

The Christian's Journey - 2

Introduction: In comparison to Israel's Journey from Abraham to the Promised Land, Do you ever wish things could go back to how they used to be? Do you ever think of "better days"? Do you ever retreat in your heart and mind to a place from which you can draw strength, encouragement, or even direction? Does this retreat help you move forward in your life?

• Text: Genesis 13:3 "And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai."

1. The Account:
• Genesis 12:8-13:4, 28:10-19, 35:1-15
• Judges 20:18, 31, 21:2, 20:26-28, I Kings 12:28-33, 13:1, Hosea 4:15, 5:8, 10:5, 8, II Kings 17, 28, 29.
2. The Details: Bethel-means "House of God"
• Features: became a house of God as Abraham, and then Jacob met God and built an altar.
• Place where Israel sought counsel in troubled times of judges.
• Ark of covenant kept here under Phinehas.
• After Israel was divided, the golden calf was placed here, turning it into "Bethaven" (house of idols)
• Priests remained in Bethel after Assyrian captivity.
3. The Application: 
• Go to God's house
• Go back to God's house
• Live in God's house
4. The Recommendations:
• Going to God's house means leaving your house, meeting God on His terms (Isaiah 6:5), and being forever affected and changed (Matthew 17:7)
• Going back to God's house means realizing Who God is (Matthew 16:15-17), having a desire to be there (Jonah 6:67-68), and realizing your need for His touch upon your life (Luke 5:31)
• Living in God's house means behaving as if you were at His house all the time (Job 13:15), changing your heart and behavior (Psalms 19:13, Phil 3:14-21), and getting others to His house to meet God (John 4:28-30)

Conclusion:

   At times, God takes us back to a place in our lives so that we may move forward, remembering Him and going things right. That place we go back to most often should be our "Bethel" where we met God and God had an effect on us.

GB Essie

Faith Journal #13

Where did we go wrong with Dave Ramsey

The Christian's Journey - 1

Introduction: In comparison to Israel's Journey from Abraham to the Promised Land, as God called Abraham and took him on a journey to the Promised Land, so God saves our soul and begins our journey of the Christian life until we reach Heaven's shore."

Ur of the Chaldees

• Text: Romas 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

1. The Account:
• Genesis 11:27-12:5, 15:7
• references: Nehemiah 9:7, Acts 7:2-4
• Faith: Hebrews 11:8
2. The Details: Ur-means "fire"
• Features: Happening place, Light city, Natural protection on landscape, sand & water, weeds grow, people (learning class) priest, fortune teller, God called Abraham, worshipped the moon.
3. The Application: Remember what I have been saved-
• world-Galatians 1:4
• flesh-Matthew 26:41
• devil-Hebrews 2:14
4. Where did it all begin? Your Salvation
5. The Recommendations:
• Thank God every day for loving you enough to extend His mercy to you in His salvation for your soul. (I Corinthians 15:57, II Corinthians 9:15, II Thessalonians 2:13)
• Yield to the Holy Spirit to be able to defeat sin's power in your life. (Romans 6:13)
• Live by faith, trusting God to fill your needs instead of looking to this world. (Romans 12:2, I John 2:16-17)

Conclusion:

   We see promise and hope as we read about Abraham and his journey to the Promised Land. This gives us hope as we go through spiritual battles, defeats, and victories, seeing God's patience and longsuffering He has toward His children.

GB Essie

Guest Speaker Notes: Mrs. Tomlinson

Seeing a life in perspective

Isaiah 51:6

• Step back and see! you can see the Glory of God.
• The man was created to bring Glory to God.
• We struggle for recognition from others.
• Life shouldn't be around us.

1 Corinthians 10:21

• We should be around the Glory of God.
• Joseph-God gave him a dream.

Romans 8:28

Romans 8:29

• Gods purpose is to confirm you in the image of God.
• There is a purpose "Only if we get a glimpse of it"

Isaiah 55:8

2 Corinthia 4:18

Romans 1:20

(Christian Counseling)

Ecclesiastes 4:18

John 4:35

Matthew 6:24-34

• We have world problems, what to wear? What to buy? Other don't have this problem take our self out of the picture and do things to Glorify God.
• Bring Glory to God. Wow everyone with what you bring in the Glory of God?

1. Bringing God the Glory
2. Make Sense
3. Most important
4. Wow people God Glory people with

Additional Study. . .

1. Can a person work for their salvation from sins penalty? (Ephesians 2:8-9)
2. What are we to do after we are saved? What does this mean? (Ephesians 2:10), Philippians 2:12)
3. How does God work in our work? (Philippians 2:13)
4. If we abide in Christ, what can we expect? (John 15:4-5)
5. When God produces fruit through us, what is the result of that fruit? (John 15:16)
6. What is assured of concerning God's work in our lives according to Philippians 1:6?

GB Essie

Psalm 90: The Plan B Prayer Lesson 11: "Tn the End"

Introduction: "Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil." (Psalms 90:15, 17)

1. Joy in the Wilderness (Ps 90:15)
• Joy is "a warm glow of gladness in the Spirit that is perceived more subtly than any accompanied physical sensation." (Gal 5:22, Neh 8:10)
• Joy is found in the Lord (Ps 94:19, 4:7, 51:23, 35:9, 16:11)
• Joy can be had, even in trials and tribulations (Phil 4:4 Jn 16:33, II Cor 12:9-10, Rom 5:3, I Pet 1:6-8)
2. An Established Work (Ps 90:16-17)
• The work must be established by the Lord (Ps 127:1, Phil 2:13)
• .The work will produce fruit (Jn 15:4-6, 16, I Cor 15:58)
• The work must be completed by God (Mt 11:28-30, Ps 37:5)
• The work can and should continue after we are gone (Joshua 1:7-8)
3. Will You "Work the Plan?
• Be not weary in well-doing (Gal 6:9)
• Give God all the glory (Ps 90:17)
• Work to see the "big picture" (Deut 31:6-8, 34:1-5, Joshua 1:1-2)
• Pray as Moses did in Psalm 90 (a prayer of acceptance, worship, urgency, for wisdom and mercy, and of purpose)

Conclusion:

    "The message of Psalm 90 is both sweet and sour. It lends to a balanced and healthy view of life. It helps us to deal with reality-not with a sinful complacency, but with anticipation of God' prevailing grace. He will lead us forward."

GB Essie

Psalm 90: The Plan B Prayer Lesson 10: "Early Mercy"

Introduction: "O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." (Psalms 90:14) Mercy is "God withholding a degree of divine punishment. It is the mitigating disposition of His righteous character that stays the full execution of His wrath. Mercy is the first instinct and inclination He has toward His people."

Text: Lamentations 3:32-33, Psalm 28:1, Proverbs 28:9

1. God's Mercy
• Is readily available (Neh 9:16-17)
• Is new every day (Lam 3:22-23)
• Brings delight (Micah 7:18)
2. Early Mercy
• Brings Joy (Gen 3-4)
• Adam & Eve were driven from a perfect garden
• They received "a man" from God
• Comforts (IISam 12:24)
• Changes (Gen 27:28)
• Jacob the deceiver
• God gives a dream
• Jacob was changed to Israel
• He not only survived, he also thrived

Conclusion:

    "Mercy does more than lighten the severity of chastisement. It makes room for grace. With mercy, God makes it possible for us to enjoy some benevolent goodness on what would have otherwise been a cursed course to travel."

Additional Study;

1. According to Proverbs 14:13, the unbeliever can enjoy great times of mirth while a pervasive spirit of sorrow and affliction exists in their soul. Why is that so?
2. What is the opposite condition which can be experienced by the Christian? (I Thess 1:6, I Peter 4:13-14)
3. The Macedonian Christians had joy during what kind of circumstance? (II Cor 8:2)
4. James tells us to reckon what to be a source of joy? (James 1:2)
5. Jesus told His disciples that they would be sorrowful after His departure, but after that, their sorrow would turn to joy. From where would their joy come? (John 16:7, 19, 20: Gal 5:22)
6. God's discipline may not seem joyous, but according to Hebrews 12:11 it is. Why?

GB Essie