I'm not a fan of Halloween. This is the costume we should wear everyday, the Full Armor of God!
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;"
1 Corinthians 6:19
" 'Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.' By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified."
John 7:38-39
From the devo:
Be a channel of My Love, Joy, and Peace by listening to Me as you listen to others.
Have a safe weekend, Lovelies!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Jeremiah 29:12-13
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
John 10:14
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand."
John 10:27-29
Lovelies, I am so thankful for today's devo. If you haven't read Carlo Maria Viganò's (Former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America) open letter to Donald Trump, please read it and share it with your friends and family.
I was also encouraged by General Flynn's Tweet this morning that included the following scripture:
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Thank-you for reading this little blog. You encourage me, and I hope I also encourage you!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:10
"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Hebrews 12:3
It is a blessing to begin my day with you, reading Jesus Calling and scripture together. I hope your day is a success, my fellow Masterpieces!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Dahlia
Colored pencil on paper
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Colossians 3:13
"I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."
Isaiah 61:10
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding..."
Ephesians 1:7-8
"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Romans 5:5
When our girls were younger, one of them often complained about things not being fair. My response to her was: "Fair is only a skin color." She was never happy with my response. But all joking aside, I do love today's devo because we are called to forgive as Christ has forgiven us. Super message today!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."
Psalm 32:8
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Genesis 1:1
Today's devo is a great one to earmark for when you have a tough decision to make. I love the scripture for today, and it's always a nice reminder that we have a creative God: His solutions for us reflect this characteristic. Lots of juicy little nuggets from the devo; which one is your favorite?
Please pray 2 Chronicles 7:14 for our nation. Election day is one week from today!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Autumn blossoms
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5
"Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
James 1:4
Today's devo is simple: Without Jesus, we can do nothing. Yet we can do all things through Christ!
I have a prayer request: Please pray for rest and sleep for our household. Different schedules are disrupting our normal sleeping hours. TIA!
Have a blessed week!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I've been spending a lot of time this week taking care of houseplants and thinking about Christmas and Poinsettias: Maybe we should't have them this year because of the new puppy in the family. So today's devo has me focused on Christmas and the Advent season. I can't wait!
"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins... The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”)."
Matthew 1:21, 23
"You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence."
Acts 2:28
What a gift, to have access to Jesus throughout the day. I loved today's devo, and I'm challenging myself to discuss everything with Him especially during my busiest times.
I'm more excited about this year's Christmas than ever before. I have a feeling it is going to be extra special. What about you?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
water lilies
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake."
Psalm 23:1-3
"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."
Genesis 2:2-3
"...to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace."
Luke 1:79
You know it's going to be a great day when the 23rd Psalm is part of your devo. I hope y'all have a lovely, peaceful weekend!
From today's devo in Sarah Young's Jesus Calling:
Lie down in green pastures of peace.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
John 17:20-23
"You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
It is so humbling to me that Christ prays for us. I take great comfort in that! Speaking of prayer, share any requests you have in comments or via email.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Surely you have granted him unending blessings
and made him glad with the joy of your presence."
Psalm 21:6
"and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure"
Proverbs 2:4
Lovelies, my prayer for all of us today is to find joy in His Presence! Amen!
Also: Please pray for our country as we head into the election.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
A photo from earlier in the year, prepping for a celebration
I'm determined to celebrate the everyday more often.
"Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 139:23-24
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."
1 Peter 5:6
"And he said:
'Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord.' "
Job 1:21 (NKJV)
All good gifts and circumstances come from God. Entitlement is rampant in our society rather than gratitude, unfortunately. Praise him from whom all blessings flow!
(Notice how I'm focusing on the above from the devo rather than resentment and rebellious tendencies? But it is comforting to know that the Holy Spirit can free us from them.)
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well."
Psalm 139:14
"To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me."
Colossians 1:29
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
1 John 1:7
Today's devo is just what I needed because my energy level has been a bit low (especially over the weekend). EXTREMELY timely!!! :D
BTW Psalm 139:14 is one of my favorite verses!
My sweet blog friend Kris needs our prayers. Her darling Mom is at the end of her battle with cancer, and she will be going home to heaven soon. Please pray for them and their family. Thank-you!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Another photo of our football mums.
"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
1 John 1:5-7
"The Lord replied, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' "
Exodus 33:14
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 4:8-9
It's interesting that today's devo focuses on worship/fellowship at church. Our church is slowly reopening, but our state still has a mask mandate through November 11th. What about your church?
Today is my oldest daughter's birthday. Please say a prayer for her today. Thanks in advance! Do you have any prayer requests?
Happy Birthday, Shanley Belle!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
" 'I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.' "
John 10:14-15
I hope your Sunday is full of blessings and smooth pathways! With confidence, enjoy this beautiful autumn day, Lovelies!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?' "
Lunke 12:22-26
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Ephesians 3:20-21
There is so much anxiety in our communities right now, and many families are struggling with school. I am concerned for our young citizens coping with mandates that have upended their little lives.
What a timely devo!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
Psalm 34:4-6
He makes winds his messengers,
flames of fire his servants.
Psalm 104:4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
God answered a prayer so quickly on Tuesday that it made my head spin. He reminded me not to put limits on his power because I thought it would take time, and it took thirty minutes. I've been giggling about it for about three days....I'm humbled for sure! ;P (Just wanted to share.)
Thoughts about today's devo?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Fall color
"...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:20
Matthew 28:20
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2
With so much news breaking yesterday, my notifications were sounding nonstop on my iPhone. Talk about a distraction! I am motivated to turn my phone off for long stretches of the day this week. Powerful quote from today's devo:
My Presence with you is both a promise and a protection.
If you have any prayer requests, please share either in comments or via email.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Squash daily painting
6" X 6"
Oil on oil-primed, gallery-wrapped canvas
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
James 1:2-4
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy."
Psalm 107:21-22
Thanking God in all circumstances is difficult, isn't it! I find it easier to trust during trials than to thank God, and I want to work harder on thankfulness. Although I posted this verse a couple of weeks ago, it's a gentle reminder to me to give thanks!
In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Please continue to pray for Braxton (six year old neighbor with brain cancer). University of Alabama football players and our head coach Nick Saban have called him offering encouragement.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Quick little sketch of towering pumpkins with a 2B pencil
"He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.' "
Psalm 46:10
"...the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace."
Numbers 6:25-26
I have a prayer request today: that everyone who reads this post will find peace in His presence this week. Let's pray this together!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Sometimes I need to practice the basics so I can be a better artist.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Hebrews 11:6
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."
John 4:23-24
Today's devo is definitely a "back to basics" lesson with several points:
- Without faith in God and his promises, it's impossible to please Him.
- Be concerned about pleasing God first, others not so much.
- We must worship God in Spirit and in truth.
I hope y'all have a super week! I did receive your prayer requests from last week, and I have been praying. I have been answering emails yesterday and this morning, so I hope I'm caught-up by the time you read this post!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Silverpoint pumpkin
"Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge."
Psalm 62:5-8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:8
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;"
1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
James 1:17
Today's devo was a special blessing to me. I'm reminded our youngest daughter, who never wanted anything because she always "needed" it. She thought that a need outweighed a want, and we'd be more likely to say "Yes!" to her request.
My favorite quote from the devo:
The only thing you absolutely need is the one thing you can never lose: My Presence with you.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
Silverpoint on silverpoint ground paper
"Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun."
Psalm 37:3-6
"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19
I constantly see memes, magazine articles, and books about "mindfulness." I really have no idea what it means, but whenever I see it I immediately think of Jesus for some reason. I know that's a little off-topic from today's devo, but I want to ask you: How do you remain focused on Jesus throughout the day, especially a busy day?
Thank you for your prayers! Shanley Belle successfully defended her dissertation Wednesday. Sorry I haven't posted, but I decided to come home early yesterday afternoon due to Hurricane Delta.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
oil on 6" X 6" gallery-wrapped oil-primed canvas
"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
Jeremiah 31:25
"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky..."
Philippians 2:14-15
I need to stop complaining and start giving thanks. The chatterbox in my brain complains a lot!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying:
'I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.' "
Jeremiah 31:3
"In your unfailing love you will lead
the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
to your holy dwelling."
Exodus 15:13
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Hebrews 13:8
I don't know about you, but I really needed the reminder of the principle in Hebrews 13:8. I am clinging to Christ's consistency today!
Do y'all have any prayer requests? Although I'm out of town, I'm still checking comments and emails, and I'm still praying!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Chestnuts
Colored pencils on colored pencil paper (11" X 14")
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
1 Peter 5:6-7
"The Lord has done it this very day;
let us rejoice today and be glad."
Psalm 118:24
"...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18
I absolutely love today's devo and verses. The 1 Thessalonians verse is a favorite of mine...I quoted it a lot to the girls while they were growing-up. I prefer the KJV of this verse:
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.~1 Thessalonians 5:18
Our oldest daughter Shanley is defending her dissertation today. She has worked her whole life for this moment, and I would appreciate prayers for her. She presents at noon CDT. Thanks in advance!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"For we live by faith, not by sight."
2 Corinthians 5:7
"Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary."
Psalm 96:6
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.' "
John 8:12
"For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light."
Psalm 36:9
This world has so much darkness; Let your light shine brightly! Also, today as a nation we are thankful our President is feeling better and was released from the hospital! Praise God!
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. - John 1:5
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
"Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights."
Habakkuk 3:17-19
"Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his dwelling place."
1 Chronicles 16:27
We are facing difficult days for sure, yet we can still find joy in Jesus. Amen!
Please remember to pray for our President, First Lady and Family, and our country!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
6" X 6" oil on gallery-wrapped, oil-primed cotton canvas
"And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you."
John 14:16-17 (NKJV)
"But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."
John 16:7
"So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty."
Zechariah 4:6
This devo on the vastness and awesome power of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, is mind-blowing and humbling at the same time. Thoughts?
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
One of my favorite things about fall: football mums
"But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation."
Psalm 13:5
"...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:20
I agree that it does seem irrational to thank Jesus for everything. It reminds me of this verse:
Reminder: Please pray for our country, our President, First Lady, and First Family!
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."
Luke 12:7
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—"
John 1:12
"...for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' "
Romans 10:13
Today's devo is a sweet reminder of how much Jesus loves us and is near us always. I love how tender today's devo is. How about you?
Please pray for our President, First Lady, and First Family while our POTUS and FLOTUS recover from Covid-19.
Until next time...
Blessings!
Ricki Jill
Ricki Jill
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