Jasper

Abraham takes his son and lay him on the altar as a sacrifice and as instructed by God. The scripture gives us an indication that God never intended for Abraham to sacrifice his son. The sacrifice would be reserved for God's only begotten son, Jesus Christ. However, God did test Abraham and his faith. Abraham was faithful and obedient. The Ram in the Thicket reminds us that God will always provide and never forsake his children of faith. No matter what we are going through we need to trust and believe in the promises of God. God is Sovereign.  We all go through tests and trials in life. God will always provide a path forward. The challenge is that when e go through a time of testing we look for the answer. We keep looking for the solution, the ram in the thicket. However, God does not want us to look for the ram but to keep our eyes on Christ. Christ is the answer. God will reveal the solution, the ram in God timing and God way of grace and mercy. 

The ram in not perfect in the picture. The ram is a reminder that  only Christ is the perfect solution, the perfect ram, the lamb of God. Do not worry the Ram is in the thicket. But do not look for the Ram just continue to be obedient and faithful to Christ. God will provide !

I love to paint. It relaxes me. The Shark is actually a painters palette. Do you see the Shark's eye ? The shark is trying to save future canvases. The Shark is trying to eat my last tube of paint and save a canvas as three paintbrushes use this opportunity to escape. I am one of the few and selected artists that can depreciate a canvas once purchased. You may want to purchase one of my paintings or prints. You know that your investment must at least go up in time. :)

We can all focus to much on material things. My wallet appears to be growing on a green tree. I guess the question is what is in your wallet? And what is in your heart?

Sometimes decisions appear to be black and white. But in many cases we mentally, emotionally and spiritually go through many stages of decision making, All shades of Black, Gray, and White until we find the right decision. This painting depicts the decision of Joseph, Jesus' earthly dad. Joseph finds out that Mary is pregnant. He has the right to have Mary stoned to death. Joseph holds the stone in his hand to cast the first stone. As Joseph depends on the Spirit of God he captures the vision and purpose God has for both him, Mary and baby Jesus. Joseph drops the stone.

As you look carefully, Joseph's hand is shaped in the form of a donkey, with a pregnant Mary riding the donkey. Joseph has made a wise decision. He turns loose of the stone and any anger or doubt. Joseph walks into God's purpose and vision for his Life.

What decision are you pondering ? How and what will influence or help you make that decision ?

God has called us to celebrate Communion or the Lord's Supper on a regular basis. We are asked to remember the sacrifice of Christ. In this painting the communion has a chancel already filled with wine and the bread and grapes around the Cup. The grapes remind us that it takes time and commitment to turn grapes into a fine wine. Jesus is that wine. The more we understand, appreciate and celebrate the sacrifice of Christ and our salvation are we willing to offer our own sacrifice. Are we willing to give the time and commitment that God has called us to do today? Are we offering our best to Christ and His beloved Church?

What grapes are ripe in your life? What grapes are ready to be turned into a fine wine that will honor God and refresh the Body of Christ? Are we waiting for someone else to fill our Cup with their sacrifice or have we truly tasted the fruit of Christ and willing to sacrifice to help and serve others?

No matter what trials, tests, and tribulations we go through we remain steadfast. We do not lose hope or heart in this world. We trust in the promises of God. One day we will be transformed and changed in the twinkling of an eye. We will be resurrected and live forever and forever.

We all carry cancer cells inside our bodies. The key is that our immune system is equipped to remove the cancer cells from our system on a daily basis. Sometimes our immune system fails and the cancer can randomly and quickly grow. My mother is dying of stage 4 breast cancer. Her immune system is failing her, but her faith is not. In its odd way the cancer has its own beauty. I have seen how this terrible disease has strengthened my mother's faith, my father's devotion and has in many ways greatly impacted family members and friends. Many loving people have sacrificially offered their time and devotion to offer love and care to my mother and our family.  The cancer has a side of destruction and despair.Tthe cancer also has a side of hope, faith and love. 

In many ways my mother taught us how to live and grow as children of God. Now she is teaching us how to die by living in the midst of cancer. 

May we all live like today is the last day of our life on earth but the continuation of our eternal life in Jesus Christ. Celebrate life. Live !

J Curve Network is a network of Christian entrepreneurs who assist one another in referring and providing services for their clients. The serve both believers and non-believers. They seek to be  positive witness for Christ as they go about ministering within the marketplace. J Curve strives to build trust and closer communication within the network of the collaborating businesses.