The True Source of Well Being

By Jeanette Ross

Wealth and well being: we have neither the right to keep it all to ourselves nor to demand it from others- it all belongs to Almighty God. We are facing a battle today between the “haves” and the “have nots” that is caused by the evil spirit of greed. Some of us have worked hard and earned more than enough to sustain us. We figure, we’ve earned it, why not enjoy it? We get caught up in so much busyness, between work and play that we forget to care about those less fortunate. Then there are those of us who have borrowed more money than we will ever be able to pay back to live the “good life” and now don’t know where to turn. And some of us either cannot or do not work as hard as we could, but we feel that we have a right to well being, and maybe those with plenty should be forced to share, since they have been too busy to notice the needs of many. This is ALL GREED.

What we’re truly facing in this nation though is spiritual poverty. We have taken prayer out of schools and other public places. We forget where all of our blessings come from. We have made our own gods with our possessions and our jobs and our culture and our life styles. We forget who it all belongs to. It does not belong to the government to spread the wealth and well being around to whoever feels they deserve it for whatever reason. Remember, the government is run by humans who are mostly greedy for power. They would love to have more control over our lives. Of course we hope that it is because they have our best interest in mind, but without acknowledgement of God, that is not even possible.

If we don’t all learn to humble ourselves to almighty God we could face all out war between “haves” and “have nots”. Those generally tend to not work out well. People get beheaded and most starve to death. Spiritual poverty eventually leads to material poverty for all. The sooner we realize that, the sooner we can begin to heal our nation.

Now the question is, “who is God”? We might say, “I’m religious, I go to church, I give to the needy, or I’m still needy” But why do we do these things? Do we do it to earn salvation? Or to show our friends and acquaintances how good we are? All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. Isaiah 64:6 Our works are nothing if we don’t seek relationship with God, but our sin gets in the way. We want what we want and we give a little here and there-greed. God wants us to choose to love him and to love and serve others because of our love for him not because we need to earn brownie points. Only the love of Jesus Christ can cover our sin and take away the greed.

Our nation is a mess, but the answer is so very simple. We need to surrender it all to the one who paid it all. The destruction caused by greed will eventually bring us all to our knees one way or another. Jesus died on the cross so that we can all experience the power and love of God through him. And what awesome power it is! It is the true source of all genuine hope and change.

Spiritual Portrait: Nancy

"I had always yearned for a “Saul to Paul” experience, for that blinding light, for the voice of Jesus calling my name. So many believers appeared to me to have had that special feeling that I did not share. Over the course of my life, I drifted away from the church and from my belief in God. In 1998 we moved to a small community where most of the socialization was through the various churches. I decided I could tolerate a few hours a week for the benefit of companionship. We attended a few churches, but there was no feeling of belonging, no real reason to return. At Heathsville United Methodist Church, I met Reverend James B. Godwin. The first sermon I heard was a magnet to me. I started going to services and to Bible classes. I read and studied and asked question after question. Rev. Godwin graciously took hours of his time to guide me, with infinite patience he explained the answers to my questions. He and his wife Lou encouraged my ventures into liturgical art even when I was sure I was not capable or worthy- he convinced me of the concept of Grace. Gradually I came to the realization that I truly believed in redemption and that I was not able to not believe. I know beyond the least doubt that I have a Savior, who died and rose again, a God who has forgiven me ALL of my wrong doing and a spirit who lives within my soul.

On Christmas morning, my 10 year old granddaughter was playing with a gift from her uncle. She looked up at me and said “this is the best present ever, I didn’t even know that I wanted it until I got it.” I think that that moment was my “lightning” moment. I have been given a Gift that I didn’t even know I wanted or needed until I received it. Thank you. Jesus."

This is my latest Spiritual Portrait: Nancy Brannon a quilt artist extraordinaire, a dear friend and sister in Christ. She is so excited to share her testimony. The image of the cross is the quilt that Nancy did to go with her Spiritual Portrait. I incorporated it into my painting.

Spiritual Portrait: Sallie

“Battle Scars” Something For Me- poetry by Sallie Marie Tompkins

I am a representative, ambassador, and spokesperson for battle scars.

Self inflicted wounds were created by a silver spoon.

Low self esteem use to be my life rule; use to run with deceptive fools, which was cruel.

No father figure, let’s paint a bigger picture, no mother, I guess that’s why my emotions were always smothered; because she was supposed to be my cover.

My sister left earth early and gave my soul a blister and my circumstances turned into a result of a repeated twister.

Neglected, misused, and abused, stranded from life’s tune.

No past nurturing to let this constant flower bloom.

In the midst of all the self destructive tragedy grooves; I turn to Jesus.

With Christ I gain my life I lose, to his call, I can’t refuse.

He’s the answer to all life’s clues.

I must carry my own cross.

For my renewed mind, He bled over 2000 years ago, just so I could live.

They made Him carry his own dogwood tree.

Weights of pressure and rugged intentions shaved my image that was full of blemish.

Now my soul has been replenished.

He was misunderstood; they nailed Him to the cross, nails in His hands, they pierced Him in His sides, and they nailed Him in his feet.

They made the crown of thorns on his head run deep.

He put the devil in defeat.

This is how Battle Scars represent me.

All of my life, I’ve waited for a resurrecting moment like this; his love for me takes me into pure bliss.

I never knew Battle Scars could present a greater love like Him.

He has all power to change what you use to be, into who you should be.

He’s all seeing, all knowing, and full of all wisdom.

He’s omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient.

He is simply God in trinity- the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

He’s the creator of smooth, clean lyrics.

My scars have healed and now the word of God is my daily meal.

I am a warrior, no longer in chains, I can’t be killed.

Jesus erased my pain.

So are you ready for battle?

What about your Battle Scars?

What took place in your life that made you a stronger person today?

Live life the battle scars way, don’t play, run the race, and flow at God’s pace.

Now you know me a little bit.

Battle Scars….

By Sallie Marie Tompkins copyright 2007

And if you really want to feel the spirit move you, you should see Sallie perform her poems. She is awesome and I am honored to call her a sister in Christ as well as a dear friend. This was a fun portrait to paint. The joy of the Lord truly shines through this beautiful lady.

“Battle Scars” Something For Me- poetry by Sallie Marie Tompkins

I am a representative, ambassador, and spokesperson for battle scars.

Self inflicted wounds were created by a silver spoon.

Low self esteem use to be my life rule; use to run with deceptive fools, which was cruel.

No father figure, let’s paint a bigger picture, no mother, I guess that’s why my emotions were always smothered; because she was supposed to be my cover.

My sister left earth early and gave my soul a blister and my circumstances turned into a result of a repeated twister.

Neglected, misused, and abused, stranded from life’s tune.

No past nurturing to let this constant flower bloom.

In the midst of all the self destructive tragedy grooves; I turn to Jesus.

With Christ I gain my life I lose, to his call, I can’t refuse.

He’s the answer to all life’s clues.

I must carry my own cross.

For my renewed mind, He bled over 2000 years ago, just so I could live.

They made Him carry his own dogwood tree.

Weights of pressure and rugged intentions shaved my image that was full of blemish.

Now my soul has been replenished.

He was misunderstood; they nailed Him to the cross, nails in His hands, they pierced Him in His sides, and they nailed Him in his feet.

They made the crown of thorns on his head run deep.

He put the devil in defeat.

This is how Battle Scars represent me.

All of my life, I’ve waited for a resurrecting moment like this; his love for me takes me into pure bliss.

I never knew Battle Scars could present a greater love like Him.

He has all power to change what you use to be, into who you should be.

He’s all seeing, all knowing, and full of all wisdom.

He’s omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient.

He is simply God in trinity- the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

He’s the creator of smooth, clean lyrics.

My scars have healed and now the word of God is my daily meal.

I am a warrior, no longer in chains, I can’t be killed.

Jesus erased my pain.

So are you ready for battle?

What about your Battle Scars?

What took place in your life that made you a stronger person today?

Live life the battle scars way, don’t play, run the race, and flow at God’s pace.

Now you know me a little bit.

Battle Scars….

By Sallie Marie Tompkins copyright 2007

A True Giver: Thoughts on Socialism

True giving is from the heart, not by the sword. Socialism is a nice idea; we all take care of one another. Everyone pays their fair share so that we all can live healthy and happy lives. The problem is that there is not a choice in the matter. We have to take from those who do not wish to give in order to make it work. Not wanting to give is human nature which is also sin. There will always be those who do not wish to give just like there are always those who do not wish to work. Then those who don’t wish to give to those who do not wish to work will decide that they do not wish to work, because they are forced to give. The natural response is to force labor which is, guess what, slavery. It is a vicious cycle, but there is a solution. Jesus Christ was the ultimate giver. He gave his life for all of us, not just some of us. He paid the ultimate price so that you and I could have eternal life if we choose to follow his example. He taught us to give from our hearts and to take care of those in need not those in want, because everything that one wants is not a good thing. I want a bigger house and a nicer car and a flat screen TV in every room and to be able to live it up the way I feel like doing, but that would not be good for me. I want everyone to have good things and the best health care, but there are not enough billionaires in the world to pay for that even if they wanted to. Jesus said that the poor would always be with us. But even the poor are capable of giving from the heart. Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on." Mark 12:41-44
True Christians give from the heart whether they are rich or poor: money, food, time, heath care. The only way to become a true giver is to turn our hearts and lives over to the ultimate giver, who is Jesus Christ. We are simply not capable of true giving without Him who gave us life. Jesus is the answer to all of life’s problems, He is The Way. He said so. Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Should Christians Be Involved In Politics?

Should Christians be involved in politics? Some would say no, and that faith should be between you and God. However, sometimes we are forced to be involved in politics. In the book of Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednigo had politics forced all over them. They had the choice to either obey the law and bow down to the king, violating their conscience and the first two of the Ten Commandments or to obey God by putting Him before the law and facing the fiery furnace. So if man’s law violates God’s law then we are forced to participate. Right now there are those who would like to take away the rights of those who would follow God first and if we don’t get involved in politics we could seriously lose our rights. Use it or lose it. There are photographers being sued for refusing to photograph weddings of homosexual couples therefore losing their right to do business. And the government is trying to force health care professionals to perform abortions against their conscience or lose their license to do business. There are those who want to make it illegal to even mention the name of Jesus in public because some might just be offended. This is no different than a government forcing everyone to go to a particular church or to any church for that matter, which is also wrong. Benjamin Franklin said, "Man will ultimately be governed by God or by tyrants." People originally came to this country so that they could worship God freely in the way they wished to do so. They also made the law so that those who did not wish to worship God were free also. Free will is a God given right. Things go wrong when human led establishments try to take it away. It was humans ignoring God’s will who decided that slavery was okay, and God who convicted people to fight against it. Only a God led establishment can assure freedom for all. So, what can we do? Vote with our conscience. Get involved in some way to preserve life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Take every opportunity to stand up for what you believe in. Be involved in politics before it is forced upon you. Use it or lose it.

Should Christians Be Involved In Politics?

Should Christians be involved in politics? Some would say no, and that faith should be between you and God. However, sometimes we are forced to be involved in politics. In the book of Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednigo had politics forced all over them. They had the choice to either obey the law and bow down to the king, violating their conscience and the first two of the Ten Commandments or to obey God by putting Him before the law and facing the fiery furnace. So if man’s law violates God’s law then we are forced to participate. Right now there are those who would like to take away the rights of those who would follow God first and if we don’t get involved in politics we could seriously lose our rights. Use it or lose it. There are photographers being sued for refusing to photograph weddings of homosexual couples therefore losing their right to do business. And the government is trying to force health care professionals to perform abortions against their conscience or lose their license to do business. There are those who want to make it illegal to even mention the name of Jesus in public because some might just be offended. This is no different than a government forcing everyone to go to a particular church or to any church for that matter, which is also wrong. Benjamin Franklin said, "Man will ultimately be governed by God or by tyrants." People originally came to this country so that they could worship God freely in the way they wished to do so. They also made the law so that those who did not wish to worship God were free also. Free will is a God given right. Things go wrong when human led establishments try to take it away. It was humans ignoring God’s will who decided that slavery was okay, and God who convicted people to fight against it. Only a God led establishment can assure freedom for all. So, what can we do? Vote with our conscience. Get involved in some way to preserve life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Take every opportunity to stand up for what you believe in. Be involved in politics before it is forced upon you. Use it or lose it.