Sharper Than Any Two-Edged Sword

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The word of God is a powerful thing! “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” Hebrews 4:12.

It is our “sword of the spirit” as it says in Ephesians 6:17. But it only has power for us to use if we know it as recorded in the Bible and know the living word who is Jesus (John 1:1, 14). Sharpen your sword, read your Bible and worship the King of kings today.

Always Tell the Truth

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The Marcos 10:14 Kids Club in Galeana, NL, Mexico taught the importance of telling the truth as a Christian. The meeting on April 4th used an Old Testament story to reinforce a New Testament verse.

Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,  but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected… 1 John 2:4-5. This was the memory verse for the week.

Part of the lesson was the Old Testament story of a king who would not listen to the truth from God’s prophet Micaiah, but instead listened to
lying spirits from the prophets who spoke the words he wanted to hear. The story is told in 2 Chronicles 18.

The word search puzzle each child completed also reminded them of the memory verse. Prayer, songs, games and a meal is always part of the weekly club meeting. Christ is at the center of all activities.

Note: Click on a photo to see it larger.

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

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During the last few weeks the Marcos 10:14 Kids Club has taught the children in Galeana, NL, Mexico some important lessons about our Christian faith. At the same time the kids have enjoyed craft projects, games, songs, prayers and a meal at the weekly meetings.

Bible study is a central focus of the meetings. At each gathering there is a memory verse such as: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,” (Matthew 5:8); and “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” (Isaiah 41:10). Many of the children repeat the week’s memory verse and are rewarded with candy.

It is rewarding and humbling to watch the children grow in their faith. Thanks to the Galeana adult volunteers who give their time each week and thank you donors and pray warriors. To Jesus goes the glory, he is the reason and purpose behind everything.

Note: Click on a photo to see it larger.

  • Teacher Ana became a chef to illustrate a lesson
  • adult volunteers help with the crafts
  • game time is always fun
  • Bookmarks was a craft project one week

Life’s Two Gates

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For this sketch “Life’s Two Gates” I pulled from the Old Testament book Joshua 24:14-15 and New Testament book Matthew 7:12-14. I was reminded of the many righteous things we find behind the narrow gate and the
darkness that lies behind the wide gate.

I also realize that through Christ’s grace, forgiveness and love we can enter the narrow gate even if we started down the wrong way. That happened to me, for years I was following the way of the world. I’m by no means perfect now but my hope is in Jesus.

One of the ways I (Stephen) study the Holy Bible is through simple drawings I make as I read or as the Holy Spirit brings images to my mind. For all my drawings I rely on my English Standard Version (ESV) Bible. It is not a study Bible so it does not have commentary. But, it does have 10,000 cross references. I view it as scripture defining scripture. I show my references in the drawing, look them up and see if they are related in your spirit.

Note: Click on the image to see it larger.

The Way of God Church

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For this sketch “The Way of God Church” I pulled from Ephesians 2:19-22. It does not refer to any specific Church. It points out that a truly Christian Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.”

These three verses are packed with several truths. They show how we Jesus followers are “no longer strangers and aliens but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”

It also shows the connection between the New and Old Testaments in the statement that our faith is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.”

Plus, it illustrates the essential role of “Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” Christ is the firm anchor for our faith from its beginning and into eternity!

One of the ways I (Stephen) study the Holy Bible is through simple drawings I make as I read or as the Holy Spirit brings images to my mind. For all my drawings I use my English Standard Version (ESV) Bible. It does not have commentary with it as many study Bible do, but, it does have 10,000 cross references. I like to use it as scripture defining scripture. I show my references in the drawing, look them up and see if in your spirit they are related to my drawing.

Note: Click on the image to see it larger.