About the art, the theme to my blog –
The Artist: Jonathan Rypkema/ The Hand of God. “My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, (2010) and it came as a shock to my whole family. Through these struggles the concept of this piece was discovered. The hand formed by waves is symbolic of the presence of God and how He is there with you through hard times, whether it may be sickness or the loss of a loved one.” – Jonathan
I needed this visual when going through my cancer fight years ago. I need this visual every day going through the ‘momentary light afflictions’ of each day.
Today. Today. Today …”Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5,6).
“How do I trust?” You might ask in your heart. “Call out to God! Have you received His Son?
‘For God so loved you, that He gave us Jesus. To all who believe, He gives life evermore. He forgives us our sin, He took it all on the cross. And He gives us power to forgive, to live a new, and to trust!
Ask Him in your life. Make Him center today, Today! He is only a prayer away. The Hand of God is there for you, for all who believe, for all who choose. He is not distant, He’s not far. He is with us. He’s given us His word and His Spirit. Draw near to Him, don’t delay one single minute. –toni
Psalm 40. For the choir director: A psalm of David.
1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
3 He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.
4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,
who have no confidence in the proud
or in those who worship idols.
5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them.
6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand[a]—
you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
7 Then I said, “Look, I have come.
As is written about me in the Scriptures:
8 I take joy in doing your will, my God,
for your instructions are written on my heart.”
9 I have told all your people about your justice.
I have not been afraid to speak out,
as you, O Lord, well know.
10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart;
I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power.
I have told everyone in the great assembly
of your unfailing love and faithfulness.
11 Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.
Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles surround me—
too many to count!
My sins pile up so high
I can’t see my way out.
They outnumber the hairs on my head.
I have lost all courage.
13 Please, Lord, rescue me!
Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
14 May those who try to destroy me
be humiliated and put to shame.
May those who take delight in my trouble
be turned back in disgrace.
15 Let them be horrified by their shame,
for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”
16 But may all who search for you
be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation
repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
17 As for me, since I am poor and needy,
let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.
You are my helper and my savior.
O my God, do not delay.”(Psalm 40, the Word of God).
Have you received God’s Son? Ask Him in your life. Talk to Him. Believe, TODAY! He is only a prayer away.- I am alive, today – but best of all, I am alive forevermore! -Toni