Baptism - Circumcision of the Heart.

I made this from a plain wooden box many years ago, I came across the photo and thought I'd share it along with today's post. I'm currently working on some new projects that I plan to send out to some family and friends.

Pretty array of flowers.

Pearls and a lovely Butterfly.

I'm sharing with you the daily text from yesterday. 

It is my hope that many will come to understand the meaning of circumcision and uncircumcision.

Daily text...Wednesday, November 25
Unless you get circumcised . . . , you cannot be saved.​—Acts 15:1.

Under Christ’s direction, the governing body made it clear that non-Jewish Christians did not need to be circumcised. (Acts 15:19, 20) ...Some found it hard to accept that circumcision was no longer a sign of a special relationship with God. (Gen. 17:9-12) ...In time, though, Christ provided further guidance through inspired letters written by Paul.​—Rom. 2:28, 29; Gal. 3:23-25. 

Galatians 2:3
Nevertheless, not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, although he was a Greek. 

Galatians 5:6

For in union with Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any value, but faith operating through love is.

Romans 2:28, 29
28 For he is not a Jew who is one on the outside, nor is circumcision something on the outside, on the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one on the inside, and his circumcision is that of the heart by spirit and not by a written code. That person’s praise comes from God, not from people.

JEW(ESS)
“For he is not a Jew who is one on the outside, nor is circumcision that which is on the outside upon the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one on the inside, and his circumcision is that of the heart by spirit, and not by a written code.

Circumcision

Excerpt...

Figurative Usage

‘Circumcision of the heart’ means getting rid of anything in one’s thinking, affections, or motives that is displeasing and unclean in Jehovah’s eyes and that makes the heart unresponsive. Similarly, ears that are not sensitive or responsive are spoken of as “uncircumcised.”​—Jer 6:10; Ac 7:51.

Letter to the Romans...
Paul stresses the undeserved kindness of God through Christ, and he emphasizes that it is only by this undeserved kindness on God’s part, coupled with faith on the part of the believer, that men are declared righteous; he notes that neither Jew nor Gentile has any basis for boasting or for lifting himself above the other.

Who are the Israelites "Jehovah's people" today? Is it Jehovah's Witnesses? If so, ask yourself, what happened to them?

God’s View of War in the First Century

"Therefore, as a nation, they lost their special relationship with God.​—Matthew 23:37, 38."

There can only be one True house of God. Those who know the difference between Jehovah "Jews" and Jesus Christ "Christians" and the Holy Spirit. Those who know what Love is. (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; 1 Corinthians 8)

To those whom still believe in the Trinity (triune God), please study the scriptures and learn the truth, as it will set you free. (John 8:32)

NOTE: There is no scripture that backs up the following article in the Watchtower...

The following is a FALSE STATEMENT...

Watchtower April 1, 2009

The New Birth​—How Does It Take Place?
Excerpt...

A Twofold Process

First, a person repents of his sins, turns away from a wrong course, dedicates his life to Jehovah to worship and serve him, and makes his dedication public by water baptism. Then, if God chooses him to serve as a ruler in His Kingdom, he is anointed with holy spirit.

The first part of this twofold process (baptism with water) is initiated by the individual; the second part (baptism with spirit) is initiated by God. When a person undergoes both baptisms, he has experienced the new birth.

[Footnote]

In a similar way, the apostle Peter once said at an occasion of baptism: “Can anyone forbid water?”​—Acts 10:47.

First, the following scripture shows that one is chosen before they are born.

Ephesians 1:4

as he chose us to be in union with him before the founding of the world, that we should be holy and unblemished before him in love.

Second, the footnote actually takes you to the days of Cornelius (Acts 10:47), when the free gift of the holy spirit was being poured out also on people of the nations before they were baptized in water.

This was to prove that God is not partial, he accepts any who do what is right and are acceptable to Him. (Acts 10: 34, 35)

"Man" is made up of imperfect beings. It is your RESPONSIBILITY... follow JEHOVAH and study the Holy Scriptures, or you can follow "Man" (religion)...the choice is yours.

Reasoning from the Scriptures

Excerpt...
"Why have there been changes over the years in the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

The Bible shows that there would be a great increase in knowledge of the truth during “the time of the end.” (Dan. 12:4) Increased knowledge often requires adjustments in one’s thinking. Jehovah’s Witnesses are willing humbly to make such adjustments."

Have JW's made the changes?

William Malenfant: “Become One Flock” (John 10:16)

• We don't need to know who all the anointed are.
• ...of what concern is that to you.
• 2 Timothy 2:19 - Jehovah knows those who belong to him.

We don't need to know who ANY of the anointed are. You are to honor Jehovah and Jesus Christ. I'm not Jehovah...how can I possibly know who truly is or is not anointed. Why was this question about the anointed asked of me, just before my baptism questions? What concern is that to you? For that matter, why was this used to deny me my baptism? Can anyone deny that I honor Jehovah God or follow Jesus Christ? Can anyone deny that I am a true Christian?

To any whom believe baptism of water gives you status above any other, please revisit your thoughts.

One is fully dedicated (circumcision of the heart) to Jehovah before baptism (public display), if you don't agree with that, then you shouldn't be baptized.

How many Jehovah's Witnesses are baptized and NOT doing Jehovah's will today? MANY.

Ecclesiastes 5:1 (NWT)
Guard your feet whenever you go to the house of the [true] God; and let there be a drawing near to hear, rather than to give a sacrifice as the stupid ones do, for they are not aware of doing what is bad.

Who are the stupid ones? 

Matthew 18: 21, 22 (KJV)

21 Then came Peter and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven.

Please, if you truly believe in Jehovah, then Study the Bible...know the Holy Scriptures.

Robert Luccioni: Strengthen Your Spiritual Core (2 Tim. 3:13)

• Have a deep understanding and trust of the Holy Scriptures.
• Remember from whom you learned all the good things that you knew.

Accept the Bible for What It Really Is

Excerpt...

(Paragraph 17)

...The role of elders in the Christian congregation is by no means that of kings. Nevertheless, as was true of the kings, it is vital that elders read and meditate on God’s Word. Their doing so will help them to maintain a proper view of those entrusted to their care. It will also enable them to fulfill their responsibility as teachers in a manner that truly honors God and spiritually fortifies fellow Christians.​—Titus 1:9; compare John 7:16-18; contrast 1 Timothy 1:6, 7.

When getting baptized...

Water baptism is initiated by the individual.

What are the 2 greatest commandments? 

‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind’ and  ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’(Matthew 22:37-39)

Matthew 28:18, 19

18 Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,

As much as I appreciate many within the organization, I didn't want to get baptized for Jehovah's Witnesses, I wanted to get baptized for Jehovah, Jesus Christ and the holy spirit. 

Do JW's actually baptize (say these words when baptizing) in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit?  Is there scripture that says you must get baptized into a church or organization? (Acts 8:27-31, 35-38)

I was told by an elder of my congregation that he trusts I love Jehovah, Jesus Christ and the Bible, this just a day after from being told I can no longer be an unbaptized publisher, nor comment at the meetings. Why? Because I won't teach something written in the Watchtower that can't be proven in Bible scripture. Not only is it not in scripture, but I know for fact, that it's not true. 

Fortunately, that has not stopped me from preaching for Jehovah, Jesus Christ and about God's Kingdom, nor has it stopped me from teaching my students Bible Truths using the Holy Scriptures and the organization, nor has it hindered my attending the meetings...and as much as they hurt me, because they are imperfect, I still love my brothers and sisters in faith. 

Remember this...If I'm wrong, then that's between me and Jehovah, BUT...if I'm right, those who are denied me my baptism, knowing fully well how dedicated I am to Jehovah, will have to answer to Jehovah.

There's a reason why we ask questions, and don't just rely on "man" and need go to the scriptures, because "man" is imperfect. (Ephesians 5:6) After all, isn't that what we preach? How many times has "man" gotten it wrong? Why have the Jehovah's Witnesses made many changes along the way? 

TRUST IN JEHOVAH...it's okay to ask questions and rely on the Holy Scriptures. If you're afraid of what "man" might do to you, then you don't have enough faith in Jehovah.

LOVE without hypocrisy (1Timothy 1:5)...I will continue to pray for you and All peoples of the nations.

Serving Jehovah with a Complete Heart

Excerpt...

The whole record of the Bible, including the ministry of God’s Son, Christ Jesus, testifies to the fact that the Sovereign God Jehovah wants to be served with a complete heart​—or not at all.

Video: I Can Get Back Up

As a child, I left Jehovah because of the Jehovah's Witnesses, and that's where I went wrong. As an adult, I know not to make that same mistake again. I am a Witness for Jehovah and He has taught me well. One goes to meetings for Jehovah, not for the Jehovah's Witnesses.

Song: He Will Make You Strong

There was a reason why God brought the truth to me and called me from the darkness to the light. Within my heart, he saw the longing that I had to search for him and practice what is right. I promised him in prayer to do his will. He helped me then, and he will help me still.

~ Peace, Love and Joy ~

Capture the Moment ~ Rainbow

This is one of my recycled projects. It started off with one purpose, but then turned into another. I saved it and restored it to what it was meant to be. By sticking to the 3 colors, Red, Yellow and Blue, you can easily capture the colors of the Rainbow...and the three become one.

Ezekiel 1:28 ASV — As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

I used White crackle paste for the textured background, resembles a cracked egg shell. Gray Distress Oxide ink for the cracks and Gold embossing powder for the sentiment and around the edges.

Acts 3:20-21 ASV — and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, even Jesus: whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old.

I have wonderful memory of always seeing a lovely Red Cardinal, bright Blue Indigo Bird and pale Yellow Butterfly flying together in my backyard last year, over the Turkey mound...Jehovah's Creation, what a beautiful sight, a memory I will not soon forget.

Song of Songs 2:11-12 ASV — For, lo, the winter is past; The rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; The time of the singing of birds is come, And the voice of the turtle-dove is heard in our land;

Wings...Birds of a feather, flock together.

Jeremiah 8:7 ASV — Yea, the stork in the heavens knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle-dove and the swallow and the crane observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the law of Jehovah.

Honor Jehovah.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 ASV — Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest.

Colossians 1:29 ASV — whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Revelation 19:11-21 ASV — And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon called Faithful and True; and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 

And his eyes are a flame of fire, and upon his head are many diadems; and he hath a name written which no one knoweth but he himself. 

And he is arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 

And the armies which are in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and pure. 

And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. 

And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in mid heaven, Come and be gathered together unto the great supper of God; 

that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and of them that sit thereon, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, and small and great. 

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat upon the horse, and against his army. 

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought the signs in his sight, wherewith he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast and them that worshipped his image: they two were cast alive into the lake of fire that burneth with brimstone: 

and the rest were killed with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, even the sword which came forth out of his mouth: and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

May Jehovah through Jesus Christ bring you...

~ Peace, Love and Joy ~

Garden of E'den ~ Enjoy the Beauty of the Simple Things

I had started this project a couple of years ago, I was even in the process of recording a video for it, but when I made a decision to delete all my social media accounts, I didn't see a need to finish the tutorial, so I deleted it. Well, I did make some time last year to complete it and now I would like to share it with you. 

Be sure to "Enjoy the Beauty" of the simple things.

Genesis 2:8, 9, 15

8 Further, Jehovah God planted a garden in Eʹden, toward the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed.

9 Thus Jehovah God made to grow out of the ground every tree that was pleasing to look at and good for food and also the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and bad.

15 Jehovah God took the man and settled him in the garden of Eʹden to cultivate it and to take care of it.

Matthew 7:13,14

13 “Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it;

14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it.

Matthew 24: 20,21

 20 Keep praying that your flight may not occur in wintertime nor on the Sabbath day;  

21 for then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.

More close-ups

Have a Beautiful Day.

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Love Never Fails ~ Memories

The past Assembly in 2019 titled "Love Never Fails" was very memorable for me, something of a special meaning that cannot be explained. As I go through my trials, I always refer to the Bible for comfort, but there were times where I will go to my other love...the love of Art.

Blog Post:

• Memories ~ The Cloud

Excerpt...

""Love Never Fails"

 

The very last day of the assembly, as we got on the highway heading home, the vision in the sky, a beautiful array of cumulus clouds were spread across the skies. As I was looking out the window admiring the skies, as I often did and still do, I suddenly started paying close attention to the clouds, they were beyond beautiful that day.

As I was looking at the clouds, one in particular suddenly stood out, I had to do a double take...I was caught in Time. My hands pressed against the car window, I had instant butterflies in my stomach, and for a moment, it actually caught my breath, Awe-Inspiring to say the least. It was a massive cloud, it looked like it went from the Heavens to the ground here on Earth. The sun rays where shining through it in an array of rainbow colors, the most beautiful and familiar feeling in the world. 

  "I saw it before, as a child, exactly as it was", there was no doubt in my mind.

At that very moment, I knew Jehovah was with me and reminding me."

Like Jehovah's Word, art also brings me peace. Although this project was created in 2019, it is one of my newer projects, I never got a chance to share it, but it is very fitting for how I feel today...Love Never Fails.

I thank Jehovah, who is my God and my Father in heaven!

Matthew 6:6 ASV — But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee.

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 ASV — Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

1 Corinthians 14:1-2 ASV — Follow after love; yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

Psalm 34:18 ASV — Jehovah is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, And saveth such as are of a contrite spirit.

Close-ups posted in the video

May Jehovah through Jesus Christ bring you...

~ Peace, Love and Joy ~

Have a beautiful day!

Happy Is The One ~ Art Book & Just Breathe ~ ATC

Happy Is The One Who Does God's Will

2 Corinthians 5:5 ASV — Now he that wrought us for this very thing is God, who gave unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

Matthew 5:3 ASV — Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 11:25-26 ASV — At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight.

Matthew 11:27 ASV — All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knoweth the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son willeth to reveal him.

Psalm 1:1-2 ASV — Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers: But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on his law doth he meditate day and night.

Revelation 1:3 ASV — Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Have a beautiful day.

Live in the Moment

In today's trying times we need to stay positive and focus on what's good. Here's another project share from many years back. Due to the Corona Virus the JW Assembly has been canceled, unfortunately, I don't see myself getting baptized on that day, but it's okay, because I am still very content with knowing that I've already devoted myself to Jehovah.

Psalms 16: 7-11

7 I will praise Jehovah, who has given me advice. Even during the night, my innermost thoughts correct me.

8 I keep Jehovah before me constantly. Because he is at my right hand, I will never be shaken.

9 So my heart rejoices, my whole being is joyful. And I reside in security.

10 For you will not leave me in the Grave. You will not allow your loyal one to see the pit.

11 You make known to me the path of life. In your presence is abundant joy; There is happiness at your right hand forever.

I Give My Life to You

Have a beautiful day!

Flourish Butterfly Tag

Luke 10:22

All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son is willing to reveal him.”

 

Matthew 17:20

He said to them: “Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard grain, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

Romans 8: 38,39

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers

39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Have a beautiful day.

Generations - Limited Edition

Here is a vintage page I also created several years ago as a design team member at Art Anthology. From generation to generation many of us face a lot of dark places, places we don't want to be in or go to. As I go through my journey and study of the bible, I realize more and more why it was so important for me to return to my roots. 

It's s a beautiful thing, to be able to smile again, as I did as a child. I've truly been blessed.

I do thank Jehovah, our God, who is my heavenly Father.

Proverbs 4:18

But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light 

That grows brighter and brighter until full daylight. 

Ephesians 2:1, 2

1 Furthermore, God made you alive, though you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 

2 in which you at one time walked according to the system of things of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience

2 Corinthians 4:6

 For God is the one who said: “Let the light shine out of darkness,” and he has shone on our hearts to illuminate them with the glorious knowledge of God by the face of Christ.

step by step

Omega Nebula (my favorite, colors I love to work with)

Enjoy the slide of our galaxy, 

courtesy JW.Org.

The Wonders of Creation Reveal God's Glory

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She Was Herself Again ~ Contented Spirit

Examining the Scriptures Daily

Psalms 131:2 

 I have calmed and quieted my soul... I am contented like a weaned child.

When our life takes an unexpected turn, the changes that we have to face may cause us apprehension and emotional stress. (Prov. 12:25) 

We may even find it hard to accept those changes. In such circumstances, how can we ‘calm and quiet’ our soul? (Ps. 131:1-3) 

 Despite adverse circumstances, we today can experience firsthand the soothing effect of “the peace of God” that guards our mental powers. (Phil. 4:6, 7) 

Thus, if we turn to Jehovah when we feel overwhelmed by anxiety, God’s peace can strengthen our determination to reach spiritual goals and guard us against any tendency to give up. In addition to calming us down, God’s spirit can draw our attention to key scriptures that will help us to keep our spiritual priorities.​—John 14:26, 27. 

Have a beautiful day.

A Baby Keepsake Album

I made this baby keepsake album in 2016 for photos and to record memories, a gift for my niece Stacey and her beautiful daughter Abigail. There is much joy in giving, to think I can help put a smile on someone's face, even if for just a brief moment, makes me smile in return.

Luke 6:38

Practice giving, and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.”

Acts 20:35 

‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’

1 Corinthians 7:7

But I wish all men were as I am. Nevertheless, each one has his own gift from God, one in this way, another in that way.

Have a beautiful day.

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Secret Garden

I had made this wooden box for special keepsakes, a few little notes from my boys and a butterfly necklace my mom made me. 

Genesis 2:8, 9

8 Further, Jehovah God planted a garden in Eʹden, toward the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 

9 Thus Jehovah God made to grow out of the ground every tree that was pleasing to look at and good for food and also the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. 

Have a beautiful day.

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Memories - Crushed in Spirit

Psalms 34:18

Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.

At some point we all tend to lose our way. Finding what's important to us is never an easy thing. When I created this tag several years ago, it was created with thoughts of my childhood and the peace that it brought me whenever I was around God's creation.

Looking at it today has made me realize just how much, through out my life, I had been crushed in spirit.

Matthew 11:25

At that time Jesus said in response: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to young children.

Have a beautiful day.