#faithjournal

[divincraftcreations]

I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to run from what I feel called to do. It reminds me of Jonah—how he tried to go the opposite direction, thinking he could escape what was meant for him. But in the end, he still arrived exactly where he was supposed to be.

It makes me wonder how often I do the same thing. I delay, I hesitate, I distract myself… but deep down, I know that purpose doesn’t just disappear because I avoid it. It waits. It follows. It finds me.

Maybe I can postpone obedience, but I can’t outrun what I was created for. And maybe the real question is—how much longer do I want to keep running?

[achristiangirl1]

Day 13 | July | Angela Flowers's of "Increasing Your Faith Challenge" #QuietTime is always great Day 08 | Psalm 66:1-4 Day 09 | Psalm 86:7-10 Day 10 | Psalm 99:1-5 Day 11 | Psalm 99:6-9 Day 12 | 1 Chronicle 16:27-29 Day 13 | Psalm 5:3-7 Day 14 | Psalm 22:25-28 #WholenessThroughBrokenness #BibleJournaling #scriptures #Bible #Faith #theWord #Biblereading #BibleStudy #biblescripture #bibleverses #scripturewriting #writingtheWord #quiettime #binder #Biblegal #Biblegirl #BibleGirlScripture #JesusGirl #Faithplanner #inspirationaljournal #warbinder #prayerjournal #faithjournal #faithdriven #scripturewritingchallenge #achristiangirlslife #achristiangirlpics #achristiangirl #achristiangirlscripturewriting (at City of Bessemer, Alabama - The Marvel City)

[divincraftcreations]

[divincraftcreations]

The Creation Mandates (Human Responsibilities)

God gave humanity five tasks:

1. Dominion

Rule over creation.

2. Stewardship

Care for the earth responsibly.

3. Labor

Work productively.

4. Rest

Practice Sabbath and balance.

5. Marriage

Form family relationships.

These mandates are permanent because they reflect God’s nature!!

[divincraftcreations]

Garden of Gethsemane.

When the meal is over, Jesus and His disciples walk to a place called the Garden of Gethsemane.

The name itself is interesting. Gethsemane literally means “olive press.” It was a place where olives were crushed so their oil could be extracted. When you think about what Jesus is experiencing in this moment, the symbolism almost feels impossible to ignore. He is under an enormous weight of emotional and spiritual pressure.

Matthew records Jesus saying something incredibly raw:

“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.”

It’s one of the most vulnerable statements we hear from Him in the Gospels. Then He prays that “this cup” might pass from Him.

In the language of the Bible, the “cup” often represents God’s judgment (Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15). So when Jesus talks about the cup, He isn’t just referring to physical suffering. He’s speaking about bearing the full weight of sin and judgment that humanity deserves.

And this is where we see something that sits right at the center of Christian theology.

Jesus is fully human and fully divine.

In His humanity, He feels the dread of suffering. He feels the weight of what is coming. There is real anguish here. But at the same time, His obedience leads Him to one of the most powerful prayers ever spoken:

“Not my will, but yours be done.”

It’s a moment of complete surrender.

Some people have pointed out an interesting parallel between this scene and the story of Adam in the Garden of Eden.

Adam also faced a decision in a garden. And in that moment, he chose disobedience.

Jesus faces a decision in a garden too—but He chooses obedience.

One decision opened the door for sin to enter the world.

The other begins the process of its defeat.

Gethsemane reminds me that the cross didn’t start on a hill called Golgotha. In many ways, it began here—in the quiet darkness of a garden—where Jesus chose faithfulness even when He knew exactly what it would cost.

[divincraftcreations]

All the bibles I’ve journaled through

[divincraftcreations]

[divincraftcreations]

Isaiah 44

Today I spent time reflecting on Isaiah 44, and one truth stood out clearly: how easily people cling to things that cannot truly help them. The chapter contrasts the living God with lifeless idols—objects made by human hands that have no power to save, guide, or satisfy. While I may not bow before carved images, I realize there are many things I can be tempted to trust more than God: success, comfort, approval, or my own abilities.

What encourages me most is that God's response is not rejection but grace. He reminds His people that He formed them, knows them, and has not forgotten them. Even when they wandered after worthless things, He still called them His own. That is a powerful reminder that my value comes from being created and loved by Him, not from what I achieve or possess.

The words of Isaiah 44:22 especially touched my heart: “Return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.” What a beautiful invitation. God does not tell His people to redeem themselves before coming back. Instead, He calls them to return because He has already acted as their Redeemer. His grace comes first. His love makes the way home possible.

Today I am grateful that God remembers me even when I lose sight of Him. He sees beyond my failures and continues to invite me back into fellowship with Him. I want to let go of the things that compete for my trust and place my confidence in the One who truly gives life. His redemption is not something I earn; it is a gift I receive with gratitude and faith.

Lord, help me recognize the idols that quietly take Your place in my heart. Thank You for forming me, remembering me, and redeeming me. When I wander, remind me of Your loving invitation: “Return unto Me.” May I respond with a willing and trusting heart.