Word-filled Wednesday

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I've always been fascinated by angels.  One day they will come and gather us up.  What a wonderful day that will be for those of us who believe in Jesus. 

In the Psalms angels are described as doing God's bidding, obeying God's Word, servants who do His will.
20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
22 Praise the Lord, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Psalms 103:20-22 NIV

Actually Hebrews says angels visit us now on earth.  Only they come in the form of humans. 
2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2 NIV

Humans were created a little lower than the angels.
Psalms 8:3-5
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
5 You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.
NIV

And then there's one of my favorite stories about when some men were discussing what happened to this Jesus fellow who was crucified.  Without realizing it, Jesus had joined them before His ascension to Heaven.  I have to chuckle because, He didn't tell them who He was.  He asked them questions. 
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
Luke 24:13-17 NIV

Jesus went to their house and had bread with them.  Then their eyes were opened and they knew it was Him.  (Luke 24:30-31) I wonder how it will feel when we see Jesus for the first time.

Angels are among us and Jesus dwells in our hearts.  But we don't know when we are seeing angels.  They must be humble to help us out, full of love and mercy from God's throne.  I have read descriptions in the Bible of what they look like in Heaven- but it's hard to imagine.  I like that, it will be a wonderful surprise.  I've met a few people and wondered...

Here's how Jesus said it to Thomas:
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 NIV

I took this photo in Central Park in New York City.  When we first went into the gate, I saw homeless people.  Everywhere I turned, there would be another one.  My heart broke.  I felt so helpless, I didn't have enough money to go around.  At that moment I wanted to be in a ministry team bringing food, clean underwear, and the good news.  I was grateful they had a sanctuary from the noise and dangers of the streets.  I prayed that God would send angels to minister to them.  We walked on among the trees, and beauty, and saw this statue.  A wonderful symbol of God's presence on earth.  I felt such joy.  For my photographer friends, I purposely made this photo a little foggy- I wanted it to appear like a thought more than a statue.

Had to do some edits on this one, sorry! 10-19-11 9:07pm EST





Challenge sponsored by Katie Lloyd Photography.

Challenge sponsored by Internet Cafe Devotions.

True righteousness

For this digital painting, I wanted to illustrate how I feel when I worship with others. 
Sometimes it's so powerful, it feels like His light is surrounding us.  This is a drawing
of how it was to have communion in the California Redwood Forest.   I'm hoping you
can see the little people on the right : )  The trees are so huge!

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I don't know about you, but when I hear the word "righteous,"  I get a bit nervous.  Even before I became a Christian, I worried about what I would become.  Someone with perfect hair who wore dresses all the time?  I remember the verses in Romans that say,
“There is no one righteous, not even one;
11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God."
Romans 3:10-11 NIV



I think of being righteous as being perfect, never sinning.  I fail!  But when I read on in the chapter, the Apostle Paul writes,
22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:22-24 NIV

Our faith in Jesus, is what makes us righteous.  Faith is not a feeling, it's a choice.  Not our actions!  Shew!  And I'm happy to say that even in blue jeans and a t-shirt we are still Christians.  In fact, in college, we went on a hike and participated in communion with a can of soda (pop on the west coast) and potato chips.  The Church was made of tall redwood trees, birds sang in the background.  It was a very blessed moment I'll never forget.  Jesus wants us to come to Him just as we are.  The interesting thing about faith is that the more it grows, the better my actions become.

Proverbs 10

Proverbs 10 gives a contrast between those with faith (righteousness), and those who are foolish or wicked.  I highlighted the parts about the faithful in blue, so it would be easier to see the contrast.  Just reading the blue, gives me great hope today.  Reading the black sounds so true and sad.
1 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
2 Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.
3 The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.
4 Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
6 Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
7 The name of the righteous is used in blessings, but the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
10 Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of one who has no sense.
14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city, but poverty is the ruin of the poor.
16 The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.
17 Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
18 Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.
19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.
21 The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense.
22 The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.
23 A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.
24 What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted.
25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are sluggards to those who send them.
27 The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
29 The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.
30 The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land.
31 From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.
32 The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
NIV

Confessing the sins of others

These verses were hard to write about.  I had to do some praying to get on the same page with this part of Proverbs 9.  Don't be afraid, I see cartoon people...  But you may have already noticed that (blush).

Proverbs 9:7-18

Reading these verses brought a man sitting on a bar stool, in a bar, to mind.  He's so drunk, it's hard for him to keep his balance.  His words are slurred.  He's miserable, trying to deaden something painful, something he can't get rid of.  As a Christian, I walk in and tell him he's a miserable drunk and needs to stop acting this way.  He needs to sober up and go to Church, get a life.  The response I would expect from the man is cursing.  The other approach, would be to offer him a cup of coffee and a ride home.  Help him get into the car.  Then to talk to him when he's sober about what's bothering him or her, I still might get cursing. At this point I'm to "shake the dust off my feet and walk on." (Matt. 10:14) But the seed of God's Word and love are planted in his heart.  I have heard of men who have ministries like this.  It takes a special person to do it.
7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

But what should I do if I see a Christian sin?  Put it in the newspaper?  Spread it around Church so people will know the truth about them?  Or acknowledge my own sin, and help the one who is fallen.  Maybe it's a Christian sitting on the bar stool.   I have the choice to criticize them,  or a chance to guide them back to God's love and forgiveness, by listening and prayer.  I can use discretion and keep it a secret.  It's much easier to confess someone else's sin isn't it?  Jesus told us to "love our neighbors as ourselves." (Matt. 19:18)
rebuke the wise and they will love you.
9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

These verses fit in with my last post.  I wonder how many fatalities could be prevented if we all obey the traffic laws.  There will always be accidents, that's why they call them accidents.  But it does make me wonder.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through wisdom your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

This is so true.  During my rebellious younger years, the first thing people would say is, "Try this.  It won't hurt you.  No one will know."   But someone always does know, the person who tried it.  And the more you ignore the wrongness the more your heart dies.  Thankfully, Jesus can bring our hearts back to life and set us on the right path.  I am so grateful He came into mine and cleaned it up.
13 Folly is an unruly woman;
she is simple and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house,
on a seat at the highest point of the city,
15 calling out to those who pass by,
who go straight on their way,
16 “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is delicious!”
18 But little do they know that the dead are there,
that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.
NIV

Word-filled Wednesday

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Ok, so sometimes when I'm driving my right foot gets a little heavy, and the car goes a lot faster than the sign says it should...  It's a fun car to drive, what can I say?  But it's also dangerous.  And, well, New Jersey isn't known for it's polite and happy drivers...  The Bible says that we should "do right."  By doing right we don't get traffic tickets and our insurance stays lower in cost.  Sometimes the straight forward truth in the Bible gets me by surprise.  I honestly can't say I've never done anything wrong.  I have.  This is one of those verses I'd rather not think about...

One day I was reading these verses and realized, the police are just people, like me.  In their jobs, they take huge risks to protect us and keep things orderly.  I was driving to the grocery store and saw a Sheriff's car with his lights on in the middle of the road.  Someone had lost a mattress in the street.  His car was parked in a place where another driver could try and pass him and hit him physically.  So I pulled up along side and waited for him to get the mattress.  Once he was safe, I left.  I wondered if I was being silly and felt a little embarrassed, after all surely a Sheriff can protect himself.  At the next light, he pulled up beside me nodded and smiled real big.  Whenever I see him on the road, he smiles and nods.  It's a good feeling.

Then there was the time a woman was tailgating me so close, I could see the color of her eyes.  I went to switch lanes and side-swiped an SUV.  We pulled over and the police came.  I told them immediately, "It was my fault.  I was being stupid.  I thought I looked but didn't see him.  I'm so sorry." 

I didn't receive a ticket and since my car took all the damage the other driver told me not to worry.  I was shook up, but felt like I was treated more than fairly, mercifully.   That's what Jesus teaches, be honest, respectful, do what's best.  His ways are always true.

I took this photo last week in NYC.  The NYPD is kind of like heroes to me since 9-11.  I saw it from across the bay, and their sacrifice and bravery has left a deep admiration for what they do.  As well as the firefighters.  I purposely blocked her face, so no one would use this photo to harm her.   I had to get a shot of the NYPD.  Sadly a fire truck went past and the shot didn't turn out at all.  Maybe another day.








Challenge sponsored by Katie Lloyd Photography.

Challenge sponsored by Internet Cafe Devotions.

All who are simple

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I'm back!  We went to New York City on Thursday and Friday.  It was my husband's birthday. He wanted to go see the dinosaur bone museum (American Museum of Natural History).  I got some good shots:  night lights in Times Square, and Central Park.  I had planned to watch the movie, "Night at the Museum" the night before we left.  But I forgot.   It was a great time and as an artist, very inspiring.  It's true... you lose your zeal if you focus on the same subjects all the time.  I have plans for some of the photos on both of my blogs.   It's a good thing there's variety in the Bible so we don't lose our zeal!  There's a couple of books that are sort of like reading the phone book.  But it's all there for a reason, by God's design.  And there's plenty of exciting adventures and inspiring verses as well.  Sort of like a visit to the museum, if you plan your path through the Bible, it's much less exhausting and more enjoyable.  I added a link on this blog that describes how the Bible was originated in the right top corner.  I support the statement of faith on this site- it also supports what I was taught in school.  The Bible is even more amazing with an understanding of the miraculous story behind it.  It can only be the inspired Word of God. 

Proverbs 9:1-6

1 Wisdom has built her house;

she has set up its seven pillars.

2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine;

she has also set her table.

Jesus used wine to symbolize the new covenant between God and man at the Last Supper.   His blood was poured out on the cross so we would know forgiveness and our relationship with God would be restored.

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”Matthew 26:27-29 NIV 

It is wise to be a servant of the Lord.  A huge honor, that He would choose us.  But He's not looking for the great and mighty for His people.  He's looking for the simple.

3  She has sent out her servants, and she calls

from the highest point of the city,

4 “Let all who are simple come to my house!”

To those who have no sense she says,

5 “Come, eat my food

and drink the wine I have mixed.

6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;

walk in the way of insight.”
NIV

This reminds me of the beatitudes from Jesus' sermon on the mount.   Matthew West has a great song titled, My Finest Hour (link).  He calls Jesus "the King of Contradictions," the song always brings tears to my eyes (not many songs do this).  When we are completely down and out, according to Jesus, this will be our finest hour.  I can testify that this is true.  When I am spent and tell the Lord, "I give up."  He has an amazing way of putting me back together.  I've even tried to tell Him, in my worst circumstances, "I can't do this!  I'm just a woman!"  But He sees my heart.  He never pays attention to my excuses, and fixes what's broken.  Gives my soul a hug and strength to carry on another day.

Matthew 5:3-10

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

NIV

Word-filled Wednesday

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Sometimes it seems like my thoughts get me into more trouble than reality.  I get the "what ifs."  I start thinking, "Oh no!  What if I don't get my chores done today?  What if I made a mistake on my blog and it's God's Word and... Oh!  What if?"  The truth is, after I post about the Bible I surrender the blog to Him for His use.  And, honestly, sometimes He brings other things to mind, or changes.  So, you may see some changes now and then.  It's His Word.  That's what's important.

This verse is a reminder to think about the real stuff.  When things seem impossible, I sometimes just go through my "Thank you" list to God.  Here's some of mine today:

Thank You Father for

A husband that loves me
A house to live in
Clothes to wash
Furniture to dust
Carpet to vacuum
Our 2 cats
Cars to drive
Work to keep me busy
Digital cameras

Whatsoever things are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy.  Life's a lot better when I focus on these.  I just realized, these are the qualities we should focus on in other people too.  Maybe let them know.

The Word-filled Wednesday challenge likes us to write the story behind our photos.  These roses were along the trail I walk on.  Each year they have beautiful blooms and I take at least one photo every year.  When I think of purity, I think of roses.  They smell so beautiful.  And the colors are lovely.  They never make mistakes or complain although they do have imperfections. 



Challenge sponsored by Katie Lloyd Photography.

Challenge sponsored by Internet Cafe Devotions.

Seeking wisdom finding Jesus Part 2

This digital painting was different for me.  I had a different concept in mind but it
just wasn't working out.  So I prayed and the image behind the cross
just happened as it did I finished the painting.
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

The second part of Proverbs 8, continues on with a description of Jesus, God's wisdom.  It was so close to the description in John chapter 1, I wanted you to be able to see it too.  The first thing to understand is that God has 3 forms.  He is God the Almighty, He is Jesus in human form, He is the Holy Spirit who dwells among believers, He is timeless, He is everywhere at once.  He is the Trinity. This is hard for us to understand as humans.  Because all we see is today, this moment.  There's only one of us, as we live on the earth, we are limited to human bodies.  But God is our Creator, nothing is impossible for Him.

One of the most astounding things about the Bible is that the Book of John was originally written many years after the Book of Proverbs.  John would've been written in ancient Greek, and Proverbs in ancient Hebrew.  But the similarities between these passages are wonderful- like a full picture of creation.  Jesus, the wisdom of God.  In Genesis 1, God created the whole universe with His words.  If you have time, read it too.

... but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

1 Corinthians 1:24 NIV

John 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5 NIV

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:9-14 NIV

Proverbs 8:22-36

God spoke the Word, and took on the form of Jesus.  I don't know why exactly, maybe He wanted to experience the earth the way a human would before He created mankind.  To see through human eyes.  Later Jesus would become the sacrifice for our sin.  God must've known it would happen.  Yet He still loved us enough to create us.  Can you imagine having a dream so big as this?  Creating humans He knew He would need to die for?  He loves us so much.

22 “The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works, 

before his deeds of old;

23 I was formed long ages ago,

at the very beginning, when the world came to be.

24 When there were no watery depths, I was given birth,

when there were no springs overflowing with water;

25 before the mountains were settled in place,

before the hills, I was given birth,

26 before he made the world or its fields

or any of the dust of the earth.

Now this would've been so fun to see : )  The light spills into the universe then galaxies explode with planets and suns. 
27 I was there when he set the heavens in place,

when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,

28 when he established the clouds above

and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,

29 when he gave the sea its boundary

so the waters would not overstep his command,

and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.

30 Then I was constantly at his side.I was filled with delight day after day,

rejoicing always in his presence,

This describes God rejoicing in man.  I don't know why we sometimes imagine Him as a stern judge in a black & white movie.  He really wants us to find Him, dwell with Him.  He loves us so much.  If I knew one of my projects would fail, I would toss it out.  But, not our God.  He never saw us as a failure. : )
31 rejoicing in his whole world

and delighting in mankind.

Jesus said:

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11:9-10 NIV

32 “Now then, my children, listen to me;

blessed are those who keep my ways.

33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;

do not disregard it.

34 Blessed are those who listen to me,

watching daily at my doors,

waiting at my doorway.

35 For those who find me find life

and receive favor from the Lord.

36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves;

all who hate me love death.”

NIV