How to make a finger labyrinth

How do you explore?

What might you look for and find? 

When was your last library experience?

Libraries are a wonderful place to go on a self-guided tour or ask the librarian for help. You might discover a calendar full of in-person classes! Invited speakers and instructors demonstrate how to make interesting items. Sign up to attend and enjoy! Learning and trying new things enriches a lifelong creative process. 

Finger Labyrinth, front

I learned how to make a finger labyrinth during a class I signed up for ahead of time. Most of the project was completed at my local library; then, at home I finished it by adding symbolism representing the Triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) in the center of my artwork.

Finger Labyrinth, back

On the back, I share how I am centered by the Word of God which fills me with Truth and peace which surpasses understanding through the gifts and inspiration I receive from the Creator of the Universe. Here is listed info about the mixed media artwork: 12x12 inch finger labyrinth made with prepared canvas stretched on wood frame, string, print, tissue, paper, glue, Mod Podge, markers, nail polish.

 

Finger Labyrinth, front and back

How to make a finger labyrinth—pin and try it!

How to make a finger labyrinth—pin and try it!

 

How to make a finger labyrinth

More info and get the base design: labyrinth for printing.

Series of Prompts 12-of-20

Do you doodle?

 

Doodling creative artist tradDing cards (ATC)

 

How to doodle for a delightful mind workout.

In keeping your body healthy—building endurance, strengthening—do you lift weight, move and exercise everyday while you clean your home, do yard work, walk, swim, run, ride bike or stretch? Did you know your brain also needs to experience dabbling in enjoyable and repetitive activities to keep it feeling well and growing strong? The mind’s God-given gifts of creativity and problem-solving capability crave the challenging practice of simple artwork. Coming up with ideas and doodling on ATCs is a good plan to improve mental health. The satisfaction of using the mind this way gets an even higher quality by taking steps to organize interactive collaboration and trading. Benefits for souls are best when ATC activity multiplies through the warm gesture of inviting people to join the fun. Do it!

Why develop a discipline of routine doodling alone or with others?

• express emotion
• visual diary
• relax at a desk or table
  
• boost creativity
• add artistic abilities
• cope with frustration
• squash boredom
• dance on paper
  
• discover new patterns
• exercise good timing
• illustrate ideas
• enhance memory 
• do new things
• open doors of communication
  
• drop bad habits
• dedicate time well spent
• dress up decor 
• deliberate restful entertainment
  

Doodlers claim doodling helps them concentrate while listening. Doodles have various communicative styles and are a great way to express personality. Doodle art takes forms of caricature, drawings, scribbles, markings and lettering. Tools may be pencil, pen, chalk, watercolor, spray or any kind of paint, crayon, textile and other mixed media on a wide variety of 3.5 x 2.5 inch surfaces for ATCs.

ATC 12-of-20 in series, front

Doodle watercolor painting using Prompts for inspiration considering the 12th letter in creative traDing cards on FreshRetroGallery natural parchment style ATC paper.

Our Creator’s love promises to cover us and always be standing with us in weaknesses.

Whenever the spirit of our heart is down, dried up and withered, we may pray to the Holy Spirit in Jesus Name. Life-giving Word awakens trust in its promises. Comforted by the faith which receives Christ’s unwavering love and forgiveness, those in Truth’s Light belong to the One who has defeated darkness and presumptuous arrogant lies which distract. That freedom keeps turning toward goodness that’s true, beautiful and harmonious. Together, at home and at church, we build each other up in active Word, prayer and song.

ATC back 12-of-20 in series

Title of the piece: Doodle • Media used: pencil and watercolor • Date created: 3.24.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

ATC blank front shown painted; detail form printed on back is shown filled out.

Natural parchment style paper for artist trading card (ATC) size is 3.5x2.5". 12th in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.

Do you feel like doing special shopping? 

Mark it done. Discover the new Prompts for ATCs …

Creative ATC Prompts for Artist Trading Cards

Daily dive into devotion.

Index for books of the Bible Sketches

ATC 9-of-20 in Prompts series

creative artist Trading cards (ATC)

 

Who do you thank?

Why do you thank?

Were you trained you to say, “thank you” by your mom, a teacher, or someone who loves you? Have you thanked your parents, children, loved ones and those you don’t know? When, where and how often do you give thanks? Do you think it’s a good idea to thank in-person, by face-time, text, telephone, voicemail, email and handwriting on paper to be delivered by post mail? Have you enjoyed regularly spending time together with others, prayerfully thanking the good Lord for his steadfast love? Which emotions do you feel when someone thanks you? Are you tolerant when someone forgets to thank you or when they take actions which hurt you? Have you been surprised by gratitude expressed by someone who received your thank you note?

Front ATC 9-of-20 in series

Watercolor painting consisting of triangular shapes having a stained glass look surrounding a blood red Greek letter tau, T-shaped cross, in the center. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 118:29) Mixed media glued-on printed blue paper cut pieces from the Zion Lutheran Church in Mayer, Minnesota, sunrise service bulletin titled EASTER, The Resurrection of Our Lord, March 31 2024—6:30 AM. Allelulia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Allelulia!

 

Thanks be to one God in three persons, the mystery of the Trinity!

With the universal Christian Church, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod [LCMS] teaches and responds to the love of the Triune God: the Father, creator of all that exists; Jesus Christ, the Son, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all human beings and to rise to life again in the ultimate victory over death and Satan; and the Holy Spirit, who creates faith through God’s Word and Sacraments. The three persons of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal, one God.…more on Beliefs.

ATC back number nine of series.

Title of the piece: Psalm 118 Triune • Media used: watercolor and printed paper • Date created: 4.20.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Trade art, tell Truth and treasure others.

Twice blessed, two or more are touched during times of introducing artist trading cards to friends and family, young and elderly. We may thank our Creator for designing us to take on the challenge of creativity and for time spent in social moments.

I’m passionate about telling of tender-loving Jesus. After all the transgressions, tests and trials of this temporary life transform into the sinless new heavens and new earth, I truly want to see or meet you there in that tranquility. Do you want to prayerfully tip-off people about Truth? Talk about the power of the Holy Spirit who opens eyes to see, mouths to talk, minds to listen, learn and remember the gift of the faith in Christ is for us to have present and eternal blessings. No matter how touchy the subject feels, it’s thoughtfully telling to kindly inform people that forever is infinity, either way—with or without Christ. Those who’ve chosen to turn away from the faith that saves will be taken into the terror of everlasting torment.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

The Spirit’s true guidance—the Word and Sacrament’s forgiveness and encouragement—supplies trusting contrite hearts filled with thanksgiving for Our Father’s mercy in life strengthened by grace in Christ.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1 …Read or listen to the rest of 118—it’s well worth your time.

ATC blanks with printed backs

ATC size is 3.5x2.5" natural parchment style paper for artist trading card with Ps. 118 Triune stained glass art painting, ninth in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.

Take time.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 …Read or listen to the chapter.

Thinking creatively is therapy for building up tenacity in tough times. Try something new, whether it be talking to a pastor, trying a Bible study, threading a needle, tossing out trash, shaking a tambourine, drying someone’s tear with a tissue, roasting a turkey to celebrate the national day of thanksgiving, or treating friends to a gift of Prompts for Creative Artist Trading Cards (ATC).

Prompts for creative artist trading cards (ATC)

Topics, sketches, talk links and more…

Index for books of the Bible Sketches

Books of the Bible Sketches Index

Are you broken? 

 

What is the purpose of life?

 

Being born into a sinful world means that all of us are broken, flawed and imperfect. 

Naturally, we don’t like to admit the truth of our condition. We’re hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not in despair; distressed, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed—at least not now during this time of grace. 

By the treasured gift from our Creator, the faith supplied for us, we’re free to explore His desire for us to be helped to repent and receive forgiveness which keeps us from being destroyed in eternity. In this process, we gain empathy and compassion for others. Grace is provided at the cross of Christ who finished the work for us. The Holy Spirit puts things together for us to be healed. Only by God’s love in Christ are we mercifully restored with strength for each day, given joy and gratitude. In all things, through the most unexpected ways, He purposely calls those who love Him. The extraordinary work, power and purpose belongs to Him; not to us. Baptism saves us, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus.

Compare God’s love to my broken-repaired-kintsugi-style plate with Romans 8:28 

 

A few days after throwing in the trash a broken Pfaltzgraff Winterberry® plate I’d inherited, I heard a sermon at church which spoke of Japanese kintsugi, an art of restoring ceramic pottery to make it beautiful and purposeful. Again, it was mentioned in the Bible study and, later, a friend texted me the name of the art I’d already forgotten! I was inspired to salvage my plate, so I dug deep, pulled the pieces up out of the sticky peanut butter/banana mess and washed the dirty garbage from it. Putting it together, I think the cracked image resembles the cross on Mount Calvary where Jesus was crucified to take away the sin of the world. I used Krazy® Glue and a metallic gold Sharpie® to imitate the kintsugi style. Using an oil-based green to hand-letter, I chose a Bible verse reminder, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

 

Bible books list, links and scrolls

Books of the Bible bookmarks, scrolls and favors at Etsy and Amazon

Art Sketches for each Book of the Bible Series Index

Thanks for visiting my 66 Bible Art Sketchbook posts with research links, insight and pondering on theological writings, Bible studies, commentaries, sermons, podcasts, and sacred music. God bless you as you grow in the Word…

Old Testament

1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Leviticus
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy
6. Joshua
7. Judges
8. Ruth
9. 1 Samuel
10. 2 Samuel
11. 1 Kings
12. 2 Kings
13. 1 Chronicles
14. 2 Chronicles
15. Ezra
16. Nehemiah
17. Esther
18. Job
19. Psalms
20. Proverbs
21. Ecclesiastes
22. Song of Solomon
23. Isaiah
24. Jeremiah
25. Lamentations
26. Ezekiel
27. Daniel
28. Hosea
29. Joel
30. Amos
31. Obadiah
32. Jonah
33. Micah
34. Nahum
35. Habakkuk
36. Zephaniah
37. Haggai
38. Zechariah
39. Malachi

New Testament

1. Matthew
2. Mark
3. Luke
4. John
5. Acts
6. Romans
7. 1 Corinthians
8. 2 Corinthians
9. Galatians
10. Ephesians
11. Philippians
12. Colossians
13. 1 Thessalonians
14. 2 Thessalonians
15. 1 Timothy
16. 2 Timothy
17. Titus
18. Philemon
19. Hebrews
20. James
21. 1 Peter
22. 2 Peter
23. 1 John
24. 2 John
25. 3 John
26. Jude
27. Revelation 

Bible books list as scrolls, bookmarks, gifts and favors. 

Parchment style paper with options: printed or blank, and flat with separate bands or rolled. Check out the photos and description of fun ideas of how to use and give these at

• Etsy FreshRetroGallery
  
• Amazon FreshRetroGallery

Books of the Bible bookmarks, scrolls and favors at Etsy and Amazon

Do you want encouragement to get into the Bible?

Scroll through my sketches, explore the links within the posts, begin with a good devotional Bible or open the Bible you already have. Instead of starting with Genesis in the Old Testament, consider to first visit John and then Romans in the New Testament; more about reading the Bible.

For helpful inspiration, feel free to bookmark, refer friends, share and pin images or the sketches within any of my posts. Thank you.

God bless you with His peace.

66 books of the Bible bookmarks, scrolls and favors at Etsy and Amazon

Revelation Bible Sketch

Cried many tears?

 

Felt pain—physical, mental, emotional and spiritual?

 

Who or what is my magnet?

Am I negatively stuck like a magnet in an arrogant mindset consistently

• afraid of what people think of me? 
• feeling secure or insecure based on my balance sheet?
  
• doing good only for the purpose of making up for doing bad?
• avoiding change?
  
• demanding to have things go my way?
  
• making excuses for my bad moves?
  
• thinking, since I’m right, I can shut down or vilify someone with another perspective?
• denying my fault?
• projecting my personal problems onto someone who’s innocent?
• having unrealistic expectations of another person?
• manipulating situations and people?
  
• apathetically silent?
• snubbing people who don’t look, think or act like I want them to?
• telling myself there’s no one willing or able to help me?
• resisting support?
• unwilling to ask for advice?
• acting bossy? 
• never satisfied, always wanting more?
• confused about priorities?
  
• or fill in the blank …
  

How many more things in the world are trapping us sinful people into frustration, pain, sorrow or worry? Each of us has a unique story, full of complexity that’s easier to fret, ignore, stuff away and deny than to admit and confess. Everyday struggles, to one degree or another, are part of this life. Even when we do work on improving, revising and correcting ourselves—to the point we insufficiently call improvement or perfection—more failure, of one kind or another, is bound to happen. To be real, we haven’t a clue of how often we actually sin. Single-handedly, the task of overcoming the wrong thoughts, words, and actions that come out of us (including the good that doesn’t) is impossible. What bothers us is written on our hearts—no matter the type of problem or degree of immediate consequence—the bad we do and good we lack is the part of us that just isn’t right.

Good News for anyone who hears it!

Christ died for sinners. Faith in this is a positively blessed never-ending energy! Truth be known about our moral issues and concerns, we cannot believe in Jesus or stand before a Holy God, in and of our own strength. We need the faith to see and hear rightly that sin shouldn’t be minimized, blown-off or continued; also, we know we cannot be free from the weight of sin—our own and that which is committed against us—unless we trust Jesus is our Savior. 

God’s Word as a lamp to my feet and light to my path, shines Truth on my own failures entangled with weaknesses of others which have created extensive difficulties and distresses. Throughout many tears, painful frustration and loss, from multiple directions and situations, I realize God and I are like an inseparable magnet with a greater, stronger bond than every dark power that tries to distract and pull us apart. God’s always getting me through seemingly insoluble problems—restoring my joy for each new day—not as I’d expect, but by His glorious plan. The faith’s powerful magnetic attraction brings me into intense prayer, trusting my Savior’s force is even interceding for me when I haven’t the words! Praying helps me pay close attention to the reality that I’m in the same boat as every other Baptized sinner for whom Christ died. He keeps us afloat while we’re receiving forgiveness, guidance, and comfort. All who are living in Truth aren’t alone. Rather than having a pity party, our grateful focus is turned toward God’s care for us. 

God’s attraction to me isn’t deserved in any way, shape or form, by anything I do, think, say or pray. I’m amazed by the miracle: He created me, plus provided the faith He authored and perfects for me! In the fullness of life I’m given, God the Father is eager to draw me close as His Baptized child whom He sees through His Son who knows me intimately. Jesus calls me His sister. He’s the Christ, born to die for all people for forgiveness of sin. The Holy Spirit is sent for us as Helper to trust promises and Counselor for living in The Word by grace. By the repentant faith which receives the Lord’s Supper, I’m absolved and empowered to rest in His peace.

God provides the Bible as a gift to reveal Himself. It teaches us how to eagerly receive His mercy; also, to receive mercy other Christians generously offer. God’s grace encourages us to warmly offer others gentle grace and mercy, plus pray they’ll receive it. Our Creator entirely connects Himself to us in the Old and New Testaments which are wonderfully intertwined. He formed our inward parts; knitted each of us together in our mothers’ wombs. Life by faith in the Father/Son/Holy Spirit is all about generosity for us in the work of Jesus, in whom is our preparation for the new heaven and new earth. 

Growing up in Truth isn’t easy, yet striving to follow God’s will is always good. God is with those whom He loves—reproving, disciplining, advising us to be zealous and repent. He keeps working for us by the faith He strengthens. Always delighted to see us enjoying the gifts He’s created for us, He’s honored to see us gratefully sharing His love.

God spits out those who are lukewarm—those choosing to regress from the faith. He puts a limit on Satan and his followers. Jesus doesn’t claim those who are choosing separation from worshiping Him in Spirit and Truth. 

The vision of eternity has polar opposite elements. Upon Christ the King’s second coming, soon at an unknown time, everyone alive plus the resurrected dead of all ages will see Truth. Jesus will determine the split—those in Him, and those not in Him—making the division for life-everlasting.

1. heaven comes down to earth, a brilliant, beautiful new place with many rooms, paradise garden, perfect banquet with all believers gathered by Jesus and claimed as His own, worshiping together with His angels in the glorious presence of Almighty God
   
2. hell with Satan in horrible dark sadness, regret, suffering thirst and burning painful punishment—far apart, as personally chosen, from the graciousness of God
   

The life we presently know in this world will end and be changed permanently for infinity.

Revelation 21:4

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

There’s a first time for everything. 

The first I heard the blessing of God’s Word was through my Mom’s womb. In Baptism God created the gift of faith in my heart. I became His child by grace, an adopted member of His family. The faith was strengthened as I was taught the life of a confessional Christian body. If you don’t have a church family that matches up to Scripture—if you’re called to explore—find one near you that’s part of my church organization, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). Check out our Study Bible, magazine The Lutheran Witness and radio station KFUO. I [we] believe the Bible is the Word of God; it not only “contains” the Word of God, but actually is God’s Word and is the only source of revealed truth—concerning Jesus Christ, faith and salvation—by which the church is governed. Not to be mistaken by the name Lutheran, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) is quite different than the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

There’s a last time for everything.

Although there are misconceptions about eternity and other topics, thankfully, the devotion of many theologians provide interesting, meaningful opportunities to help us study the last book of the Bible Revelation and other books having symbolic, poetic and apocalyptic writing styles. I pray you’ll dig into the links below and throughout the entire Bible Sketch series for thoughtful insight. It’s always a good idea to pray the Holy Spirit would provide discernment and application of the Word. Thank the Lord who keeps us, in Christ, from being lost in the devil’s lies. Request increased spreading and reception of Truth—the Gospel’s saving power—worldwide via in-person and web connections to the ends of the earth. 

It’s not our task to convince anyone to know the salvation and peace we have through the forgiving of our sins, that’s the Holy Spirit’s work. God gives blessed comforting growth and patience in lives of those who hear His sweet Holy Word and keep it.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” … “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” … He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Revelation 22:13,16, 20-21

Thank you for hanging out with me in these end times. 

In conclusion of my Bible Sketches series here at Blogger, I invite you to connect with me socially on Facebook, X, Pinterest and Instagram. As a redeemed sinner, anything I accomplish in this world is by the mercy and grace of God. My Savior designed me to live. He feeds my faith, cares for me, and sets up ways to keep me depending on His redeeming love during trials, tribulations, dark and hard times. The Lord enriches my Christian artist vocation with purpose. Thankfully, my Creator’s healing and inspiring effects help me share His wisdom through talent and capability He supplies for illustrating, research, writing, producing and sharing media content. The more I think I know, the more I realize I don’t know. Only in Christ, I’m a conqueror. 

I pray…

…to be kept receiving and trusting God’s goodness in the work of Jesus, in whom, is my story, light, and forgiven identity. I pray you’ll join me in continuous exploration of God’s Word and praising Him forever. Amen.

Study the book of Revelation.

• Read or listen to the entire Bible—The Word of God (free)
• God’s Word, plus help to study, pray, live and grow in Truth
  
• Intro
• Radio
• Word Endures Forever
  
• Women in Mission with links and files such as How, Lord … can I cope with hardships?
• Ministries with links and files such as What Happens When I Die?
  
• 1517 
• Revelation and the End Times
• Revelation Commentary

Sing it!

• For All the Saints 
• We Praise You and Acknowledge You, O God
• Lord’s Prayer
  
• Venite
  
• Nunc Dimittis
• Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
  

3 John Bible Sketch

Does Jesus love me?

 

How would I know?

 

Wait, what song am I singing?

Experiences of discovery, responsibility, celebration and challenge fill our entire lives from birth until the day we die. Time flies whether fun or frustrating. When have you noticed Jesus trying to get your attention? If you haven’t noticed yet, watch for it; most likely, He’ll try to connect. When you die, He wants you to join Him in heaven in His pure Truth.

Not everyone, yet some children grew up hearing and singing, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. We are weak but He is strong!”. During family devotions, church, Sunday school and vacation Bible school, some of these kids heard the Bible actually backs this up, “Yes, Jesus loves me!”. Excited about what they heard, about what Jesus did for us, they may have told friends who seemed confused or had questions like, “what happens after we die?”. Some people are always hoping someone brings up the topic they love to talk about. 

The simple Truth: God’s gifts of grace in Christ point to His True Love. Messing up, on our part, is what we believe occurred after the fall. Error happens when we corrupt the True Faith. Under the guise of so-called truth, it’s possible to imagine false things such as thinking it’s okay to

• make up a distorted version that twists and misses the fullness of Scripture
  
• take specific things in the Bible out of context
• pick-and-choose only bits and pieces of the Word while ignoring other parts
  
• support a selfish agenda, or that of others
  
• add human opinion to so-called faith which actually suppresses Truth
  
• add the false idea that there’s more needed on our part—as though the Grace-filled gifts of God-given Faith, Word and Christ alone aren’t enough for salvation
  

God is the only Way for us. Possibly by now, most people have heard of Jesus. They’ve noticed a Bible app, a friend’s integrity, a pastor, or a church. Some are curious to receive the Word, yet, for whatever reason, some choose to reject the Church, perhaps thinking only for now and considering, maybe later. Even for those who got the Truth and walked in it, it’s just as possible to believe for a while and fall away, as it is to reject Truth in the first place.

Moms and anyone who tenderly taught us about the faith, compassionately want nothing more than that their children remain and grow in the Truth; or, return to Truth which guarantees the place together with Jesus. Apart from Jesus, the eternal alternative is a fearful and horrible situation.

3 John 4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
3 John 4

True or False?

People in the faith regularly hear, are inspired to live by, and trust dependable Truth spoken for us with nothing new added and nothing taken away from it. The unchanging all-knowing, all-powerful and ever-present Creator is generous to give faith for us. The faith receives Christ in gifts of perfect love, discernment, mercy, repentance, grace and peace. The moment we’re Baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—the gift of saving faith believes Truth which is the very Word of God for us in the Bible. Entirely undeserved, received by no work of our own, the faith from the Holy Spirit is for all nations—every dependent child. By miraculous powerful adoption into our Creator’s family, the Almighty Father’s beloved children of all ages discover joy in the Truth. Strength to remain in Truth is fed by receiving Jesus at the Lord’s Table whenever and as often as possible. Our Savior’s blessings for the Church extend into unending life with Him. 

Ever since our original free will was lost at the fall, we began to naturally rebel against God. Struggling with pride is a place God never intended for us; yet, before creation, He had a plan to restore us with new liberty in the Gospel. Our Mediator Jesus keeps us in Truth. The Holy Spirit’s power within us repents, stands up for the faith, and resists being mislead. What’s against Christ is promoted by those who, rejecting Jesus, have chosen to have ears plugged to Truth and eyes blinded to Light.

I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true. 3 John 9-12

Evil, wicked nonsense, lies—set us up for separation from the Lord who hates these destructive ways leading to everlasting death. Satan’s deceit aims to pull the faith away. Using shifty schemes to erode Truth, he falsely declares grace as a license to sin. Satan promotes selfishness, slander, blaming, minimizing and denial of error. He wants these behaviors to distract and divide from the Truth. Evil spirits are out to lure, snag us into a confused frame of mind which, purposely, disregards the entire Bible as authoritative Truth. Caught without accountability to Truth, the breath of life is being suffocated. The state of disrespect deposits heaps of hot, heavy, unhealthy energy which drowns people in despair and destruction. Self-inflicted deprivation of the Holy Spirit’s nourishing Word for Life, lack of guidance, depletes minds to put others in danger as well. Twisted-truth rejects God’s presence for believers in the means of grace. Lies are always competing for our bodies and souls, trying to manipulate us in order to prevent or steal away the faith. Betrayal and hypocrisy stoop low, thriving on malicious hostility toward people who are actually walking in Truth. The loser Devil, who fell away from Truth into hell, strategically calls such darkness good. He plots to fool us into following him into trouble and eternal miserable suffering. 

Truth—is Good News for us. To willingly and lovingly save us, Jesus was born, suffered, died, resurrected from the dead and ascended to the Father. The Holy Spirit is always near and is for us. Truth is all about rescue, healing, strength, change, and hope in the Light. Our Helper has purpose for us. Our Savior is waiting in heaven for all who

• trust and humbly seek Him
• receive His discipline
  
• take refuge in Him
• receive His forgiveness 
• are stilled by Him
• receive His encouragement
  
• are stirred by Him
• receive His protection 
  
• sing about Him
  
• receive His patience 
• are sustained by Him
  

Is the Lord showing you something? Is Jesus putting a new song in your mouth?

I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, every one of them. 3 John 14-15

Pray

Dear Jesus, thank you for warning us that the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Patiently hold our hands as you discipline, lead and draw us near. Thank you for the Spirit helping us trust Your wondrous merciful Way through the gate home. When we ask for relief and comfort, You mercifully embrace us in our sadness, pain, and distress. Thank you for reminding us to take refuge in the shadow of your wings. You’re keeping Your children safe, so far. Guard and deliver us from evil. Redirect us away from everything false and haughty. You notice us when we’re walking away from Your Truth. You desire us to turn toward You. You are gentle with correction, always for our good. Thank you for supplying an eagerness to hear Truth. Give us a quiet strength to resist affirmation of every sin, our own and that of others. Remind us how short our time here is, so we may let go of stubbornness and get a heart of wisdom. Thank You for genuine teachers who help us absorb Your Word. Establish our work and capabilities to glorify Your Name. You open up opportunities to connect all people for whom You died. Under Your protection and guidance, let us show our joy and gratitude by doing good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the faith. Set our minds on the beauty and peace that is to come with You. Thank you, Jesus! Amen.

More

• Intro
  
• Radio
• 30 Minutes
• Sing it youth and sing it elder!
  

2 John Bible Sketch

Are you greeted by grace?

 

Are you mended by mercy?

 

Is your journey on track toward perfect peace?

How would you describe the events of life…some weeks like a fun, carefree vacation, other times, struggling amid hard challenges or dishonored by toxic criticism? It’s good to get the laundry done, back home with your Church family. Exhausted by distress, saddened by grief, frustrated by lies, regretting failure to put God and others first—all parts of our sinful human nature need to be turned inside-out. They’re common stains to bring to the Lord who blots them all out. Jesus supplies forgiveness, cleansing, certain hope to keep moving forward, plus courage to make appropriate changes. Energized to start fresh, each new week begins cleared of guilt, washed clean, resting in God’s love and truth. Our Creator establishes blessings of joy and gratitude as He comes to us in divine worship services to

• greet grief by His grace
  
• mend mourning by His mercy
  
• feed faith in His perfect peace

2 John 3

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 2 John 3

 

Grace, mercy, and peace are blessings that don’t show up on their own from within us.

Since sin is an ongoing problem for all people, we desperately need Baptismal blessings to be added to us from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God’s purpose is to generously give us the gift of the Spirit so we may learn to lean on Him; plus, in love for others, tell about the hope we have in Jesus. We’re free to embrace truth about love, that even though we’re undeserving, Jesus willingly gave His life for us. In the Lord’s Supper, we receive—in, with, and under the bread and wine—the true body and blood of Christ shed on the cross. In this way of the faith, He fills us with His peace that surpasses understanding.

We can’t make this up.

Believing lies about truth and love brings dangerous confusion and harmful distress. Nothing is truly good or lovely apart from the full context of God’s Word. Truth and love are realized by the faith we receive by God’s grace; it’s not by our decision, nor by doing good things. Our Savior Jesus and his Father sent the Spirit to give the faith which beneficially fills our needs. God is in control and present in the Church, providing all we ask according to His will. Hearts of those who genuinely receive His blessings trust the Lord for help to love enemies and pray for those who hurt us in daily life. The faith turns focus toward the cross of Christ for us. Truth speaks of how Christ’s fruit of the Spirit is at work in failures and difficulties to refine the faith which turns us toward opportunities to serve others, utilizing capabilities He supplies in timing He’s planned for us. God’s gift of truth and love will completely remove our struggle against evil and all of sin’s consequences when Jesus returns for believers who will, forever, dwell with Him in the harmonious place He’s preparing for us. 

The Word explains who we are in Christ who endured our shame and keeps hope alive. It clarifies and warns of anti-Christs—those who oppose Truth and are against Christ. The faith, through eyes spiritually opened, sees errors false teachers stand for. The Spirit of Truth helps us recognize that individuals and entire organizations who make up their own version of so-called truth, intentionally reject hearing Christ’s authoritative Truth offered in genuine Love. We pray the Holy Spirit would stir all people to stop believing Satan’s lies which lead us far away from the life that our loving Father desires for us. Merciful protection in Christ frees us to maintain boundaries which avoid mingling with falsehoods and corruption of twisted, irreverent and arrogant ideologies. By God’s grace, we confidently surrender effort to convince them of Truth when they blatantly choose to reject. When ears are plugged, hearts become cold and hard. Opportunity for reasonable conversations may not transpire; yet, if it does become possible, only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we talk, in gentleness, with people who disagree with the faith or don’t trust Jesus. God may restore them in humble repentance and repair the damage they’ve caused.

It’s good to visit each other in homes and gather in the Church. 

Face-to-face intimate in-person time together is the best way to communicate effectively.

Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 2 John 12

God-given abilities to create and utilize technology expand connections in community. Thanks for reading. God bless you.

Pray

Heavenly Father, by Your own true Son, You have revealed the truth to us in love. Protect us from all who would take this truth and love from us by the deception of wise-sounding error. Keep us in Christ, who is the “way, the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:6). Amen. —The Lutheran Study Bible, p2183

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1 John Bible Sketches

Who’s in darkness?

 

Who’s in light?

How does darkness become light?

Who loves others perfectly? Nobody, but Jesus. The bright hope we have is, He and His Father sent the Holy Spirit to adopt us into the Church Family where we’re welcomed to hear about the power of God’s grace turning us from darkness to living in Light. God unconditionally loves us even though we haven’t loved Him back. Our Savior’s total-act-of-giving rescues us from the corruption of sin and its consequences. He didn’t have to do this and we didn’t deserve it. Christ’s birth, innocent human life, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension puts us in a right relationship with Our Father in Heaven. In the Light, we show our love for God by loving other people.

1 John 1:8

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

 

We cannot free ourselves from our sinful nature. 

Not owning up to our sinfulness is like calling God a liar, because His Word clearly states that we are sinners. Everyone in the world is self-centered to one degree or another. Complications show up when, rather than confessing Truth, asking for forgiveness, and praying for strength to trust Jesus alone, we 

• wrongly make excuses for selfishness
• unjustly blame another person for our own problem
• fake ignorance to all the ways we fall short of God’s standard of perfection
• are mislead by ideas of false doctrine
• disregard what He’s given us to know, even at the most basic level
• pick only what we like, not caring about the full context of God’s Word
• try to add our good work as a way to earn salvation, as though Christ’s work isn’t enough
  
• shirk responsibility to follow advice of true doctrine
  
• attempt to usurp authority
• devise our own schemes
• falsely claim our ideas are superior to the fullness of God’s Word
• manipulate others to agree with out-of-context twisted ideas, then criticize whoever objects to doing things my way

The Holy Spirit forgives and opens eyes of faith for us in the water of Baptism. 

Jesus, God’s Word and Grace for us brings Truth, repentance and forgiveness. 

Human nature would minimize, deny or ignore our own problems. People falling for worldly plots are focused on satisfying selfish desires at all costs. Anti-Christs in the world reject their accountability to Christ; they’re always trying to tell us God is not love and the Church is unnecessary. 

To avoid being sucked into lies, it’s essential to hear Truth over-and-over. The Spirit stirs us to listen and speak God’s Word, also, love and pray for enemies by the grace of God. By faith, we have genuine conversations about how situations in our lives connect to the Word of God. The Church is established to teach the faith and administer the Means of Grace. Thankfully, God is faithful to bless people who confess Truth the Bible teaches. Jesus finished the work necessary to take away guilt. He cleanses us from damaging words and deeds committed against us, too! By the faith given us, we long to be truthful about what sin is. Getting spiritual, mental, emotional and physical help we need is a step to take. Confident the work and suffering of is Christ for us, frees fear of the day of judgement. The faith keeps us from looking down at our own navel; instead, points us to recognize opportunities to love people with focus upward and forward to forever in eternity with our Lord.

1 John 1:8-9

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9

 

Grace and forgiveness is God’s answer for dealing with our messiness.

More than giving up His place in heaven to be born as a human to take the punishment on the cross, dying for the sins of the whole world, Jesus is currently interceding for us as our advocate with the Father. If we reject Jesus, we choose God’s merciless wrath. Christ is the singular necessary appeasement to Our Father’s disgust over imperfection. The Holy Spirit sustains the faith we must have to be rescued. Receiving God’s mercy shows we belong to Him and are open to the Holy Spirit working in our lives by fighting against sin.

Perfectly keeping God’s ways is done in Christ who is sufficient for our salvation. We’re free to acknowledge our desperate need for help to grow up and act like we should. Striving to live as though we really care about everything the Good Lord’s telling us, we want to do better. We do not want to make a practice of habitual sin. By the faith the Spirit provides, we learn to be thankful, praying for opportunities to promote the Gospel, and that the Holy Spirit will open hearts. We long to see the people we love in heaven, place them in the Lord’s loving care, and trust His promises. The Counselor guides everyone who desires help by effectively revealing the Word throughout the world. By grace—love, joy and peace flow from Christ through us.

1 John 2:2

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2

Pride isn’t inline with our Creator’s design. 

Not receiving Christ’s help because of pride is the most dangerous sin. Pride works hard to distract people from the faith. There will be a time we will meet our maker, when no more healthy choices are available, no more opportunity to turn to Jesus in repentance. When we die, or on the Last Day, all people will bow and answer to whether they trust Jesus or not. Being proud, in various ways, is tied to falling for lies circulating among the rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. When our pride isn’t repented in the faith, it reveals the fact that we’re fine with the idea that we think and act like we know better than God. Prayers said in this faithless state-of-mind are ineffective. God looks past the arrogant who depend on their good deeds to earn a place in heaven, as well as those who flippantly sin without regret. Faithlessness ruins His generous loving plan for us through Christ. There’s no in-between or half-way connection to salvation—we either trust Jesus or trust ourselves. Thankfully, it’s not our place to make a statement on where anyone else stands with God. In His patient timing, He’ll judge whether, or not, there’s saving faith in our hearts.

And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 1 John 3:23

1 John 4:4

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

God is love; the devil is overcome by the blood of Jesus.

Since we can’t see spiritual things on our own, the Righteous Light that’s already shining through Jesus, clarifies it for us. In our darkness (which everyone still has), we either come to know God as a dear Father, use His Word to show us sin, recognize it as a condition to humbly request mercy; or, we fear punishment—gladly indulge and celebrate sin, plus, affirm the way of lies. We wander from living in love when we hold pride of life, bitterness, resentment and grudges. The Lord desires we look to the cross of Christ. The faith has power to transform and bring us back again-and-again, every time we fail and repent. He doesn’t force it; if we refuse Him, that’s on us. 

Satan is a killer, a liar who’s always trying to bring eternal death by tempting, blinding and steering us away from Truth of Christ’s grace. Test what you hear and see in this world against the Truth of God’s Word. Don’t be surprised when people hate you for remaining in God’s grace. If the devil can get us to hate, he can motivate us do things which are against the compassion Christ is trying to work in us. When God’s Word is abiding in us and we repentantly stick with Him and the Church, Satan’s minions can’t trap us in the evil claws of perpetual sin, squash the faithful spirit given in Baptism, or steel the certain joy of Christ’s victory for us.

1 John 4:19

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

 

Love and certain hope of eternal life.

All who receive spiritual eyes of faith believe Jesus laid down His life for us. The Holy Spirit is at work reminding about gifts of the faith: Baptism in Christ and The Lord’s Supper. Those who are humbly living in Truth, seriously embrace the Word of God as an extraordinarily excellent way to be pointed toward caring about what Jesus did for us. God’s love empowers us to, gratefully, lovingly be generous with gentle respect toward others.  

Love is perfected in us when we turn, in love, toward others—ready to be hated by those who refuse the Gospel—praying the Holy Spirit would fill everyone with the faith which sees each person as one for whom Christ died. Constantly repenting and turning toward God for strength to do this, we back away from harmful thoughts, words and deeds. The faith helps us recognize and resist evil in this world. Refusal to make a practice of sinning is for our own good and the good of others. God answers each plea for mercy and gives all good things for us when we ask according to His will.

The Gospel doesn’t make us sinless—it lights the path securely grasped onto God who is love. The Spirit of Truth gives us repentant confidence in mercy. Free to take cover in His protective peace, we press forward to a day when all sadness, pain and sin is removed. Seeing Jesus face-to-face, we’ll take on His full glory. The faith excites us about loving each other now into everlasting life! Content being held by Christ’s scarred hands, we’re calmed, comforted by our Creator who is always caring about us. Energized with a purpose to smile, we breathe in grace and breathe out the Spirit of encouragement to others.

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