Jasmine Green

He already had a Home and a throne. But God so loved the world…

Thank God for the greatest love story (John 3:16) we couldn’t even have dreamed or imagined:

His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, leaving the splendour of His Heavenly Kingdom…
to be born of flesh as a baby in a stable…
to become a servant to all by carrying a Cross marked for criminals.

He was—and still is!—Immanuel, “God with us” (Matt 1:23 NIV) and our every present help in time of need. 🕊️

And oh, how we need Him!

Hallelujah for the birth of Emmanuel.
Hallelujah for the Cross.
Hallelujah for His glorious return to come.

Hallelujah for the King of Heaven, Jesus Christ! 🙌

The most prized and beautiful room we can prepare for this Christmas, is within… 🤍

After all, there was no room in Bethlehem except for a stable. The God of Heaven wasn’t concerned for a palace or lavishly set surroundings.

He simply came for our heart.

An interesting little factoid: ‘Joy to the world’ was never written as a carol. Penned in 1719 by an English minister, when he wrote “Joy to the world, the Lord is come”, it was not intended to reflect the birth of Jesus Christ, but rather, His Second Coming.

It’s still significant and relevant for us today:

let every heart prepare Him room.

Just like the intentional act of lighting candles or turning the twinkling lights on the tree, baking some gingerbread for Christmas gatherings or checking the Christmas menu to see that everything is purchased or ready for the day…

Preparing our heart daily to make room for Jesus can look different for each person—reading the Bible (such a good one!), devotional time, walking and talking with Jesus, singing hymns or worship, journaling, drawing or painting to faith songs, communion with family, listening to a grace sermon (Joseph Prince is great!) conversations about miracles of Heaven with friends….

Whatever it looks like, in each case, it’s about beholding the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Messiah. 🙌

So my prayer today (you can take it for yourself, too!):

Jesus, High King of Heaven, I want you to take the highest place in my heart, mind and activities this season. Over places to be, people to see and things to do, even as wonderful as they can be (or as busy as it can be!), there’s only one thing that matters: my heart’s posture towards you. And there’s only One who matters the most: it’s you, Precious Jesus. Be Lord of my life and Lord over all my life. You can have it all, Lord. Amen!

Joy like none we’ve known before… 👇

There are so many beautiful characteristics and traits of Jesus; His gift of joy is one of them.

Because it’s pretty hard to obtain joy in our own strength (it’s very tiring, wouldn’t you agree?) or ultimately short-lived and fleeting, when based on events or external circumstances.

We yearn for it, but can’t manufacture it. Only Jesus has (and gives) true joy that can carry us through all things that life entails. 🙌

It was—and still is—a joy to the world that the Lord is come and our Saviour reigns.

King David voiced Psalm 16 many centuries before Jesus was born, died and resurrected to life, and yet, his words foretold of what we experience today:

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

‭‭[Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬]

🎁 The birth and life of Jesus is much to celebrate: to be able to experience joy, peace and hope when that may not be reflected in our personal or external circumstances is a gift to us. He knew and saw what hopelessness, unrest, sadness and grief was in His time on earth. He also knew laughter, fellowship and friendship. He knew what each of us would experience, too.

The Saviour King came close for our sake, and this truly is the joyful news and celebration of Christmas!

P.S. I couldn’t pick just one colour palette either. 👉 So here’s a bunch to enjoy! 😄 Plus, more bible verses on JOY in the comments.

It started in Eden, and was completed in Jesus. 💯

Heaven has long been drawing close to us, since the beginning (or perhaps before) time—the very longing of the Father to be in unity and relationship with every single person.

There in Eden, the fruit that Adam and Eve ate from the branch of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, became the moment of separation from God.

Yet, Heaven didn’t stop drawing near. Jesus’ very life, being the branch from King David’s line, is the vine that unites us with Abba Father.

Thank God for His plan of rescue and redemption. And thank God for Jesus and His birth—and just as importantly (and significantly), His life, death and resurrection. 🙌🙌

And in that, it’s a fresh invitation for us to behold the wonder of His glory, the beauty of His plans and purposes for good, and the peace of the Spirit of the Lord as He draws near to us—even still—in this season. 🕊️

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Well, the summer school holidays is well in motion for my home (one week in already!) and I’m clearing space for a fresh start to 2024. That means…. 🥁 🥁

An end of year clearance sale! 🥳

Big savings on select posters, ornaments and more, plus special new bundle deals of the most popular items in the Shop.

P.S. Christmas cut-off delivery for Australia ends tonight! I’m also giving a free AU Express Post upgrade (no coupon needed) for orders $60 or more. 📫

Shop the sale here:
https://jasminegreen.co

Creation is always pointing to its Magnificent Creator. 💫

Psalms 19 (NIV) tells of this perfectly:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

The Magi had been tracing the prophesied Star—its arrival and positioning—for the long-awaited Messiah they had read about in the Scriptures.

They had travelled afar from the east (some scholars believe they are actually a remnant of Jews who remained in Babylon [Persia] since the diaspora and exile in Daniel’s time), perhaps some 400-700 miles, and well over 40 days if with a camel entourage.

Likely tired from the long travel and search for the King of Kings, they find Jesus right where the star stopped in its place. They had hope for the promise, and were elated when they saw it with their own eyes. (Matt 2)

If 2023 has felt a little like that for you—maybe tiring, like spinning your wheels, sooooo busy and like things keep sn*******ng and you’re running from one thing to the next, or perhaps a bit of a roller coaster journey to get right here today—my prayer is that as you inwardly search for Jesus the Bright Morning Star in this season (see Rev 22:16 KJV), you will be filled with that same exceeding joy as the Magi. 🤍

Lord, let us experience and know the joy afresh that you so freely give us through your Son, Jesus! 🙏

A good reminder: difficulty is not God’s disappearance from our situations.

This is revealed so many times throughout the Bible, including Mary and Joseph’s story.

While we won’t find multiple chapters in the Bible telling much details of Mary’s life, what we do read from the gospels still provides much for us to learn and realise what an incredible, faithful young woman she was.

I suspect she knew full well what it would mean when others learned she was pregnant before legally married. And what that could also mean for her relationship with her betrothed.

But she trusted and committed her circumstances and future to her life-giving God! She went all in with the God whom she served.

One of my Advent devotionals said it so well:

𝐒𝐨 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝’𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐦.

𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝’𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞. 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩—𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥. 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞, 𝐧𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞!

I hope this encourages you today and this advent season, as much as it did for me. 🤍

The beauty of the Christmas story: your history doesn’t disqualify you in God’s plan.

Have you noticed the women who are mentioned in Jesus’ lineage in Matthew 1? 👉 It’s quite strategic and intentional that Matthew specifically mentions certain women in Jesus’ genealogy.

Tamar—an embarrassed, rejected widow by her father-in-law, who gave birth to his children through trickery.

Rahab— a pr******te, who helped the Israeli spies when Joshua and Israel were on the cusp of claiming their promised land.

Ruth—a gentile widow, who followed her mother-in-law to a new land with no-known prospects for a future or family.

Bathsheba—still married to Uriah, conceived a son with king David. Later, she became David’s wife and gave birth to Solomon.

Mary—a teenager, who had the favour of the Lord, but ostracised from her community.

Isn’t it fascinating that God uses the imperfect, unconventional and what the world would consider as the weakest moments of these storied lives, for His perfect and purposeful plan of redemption?

What we may perceive as disqualifications, He weaves into a beautiful story that brings hope for humanity—both Jews and Gentiles.

May this be an encouragement to you as it is to me: nothing—not one thing—is wasted in our story.

God is at work, He is on the move. He isn’t undone by our frailties. He brings beauty from ashes. 🥹

Jesus turns the story—your story—around for good!Matthew 1 shows us that there is always hope in, and through, Jesus. 🤍

This was always the plan—that we would be in unity and relationship with God. 🤍

🌱 It started in Eden, and the pursuit hasn’t stopped since. All on His part and to His great credit. Adonai God, the Father, desired that we would know Him, because He fully knows us.

The NIV puts it simply and perfectly:

“He [Jesus] was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.”

[‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬]

Before the universe was assembled with great care and precision by God, it was decided that Jesus would be our Saviour. He made his entrance in the most unusual and lowly circumstances, followed by a proclamation of praise from angels in the sky. 🌠

The dichotomy of it all is hard to grasp, yet altogether marvellous—100% Son of God, yet 100% Son of Man. The Darling and King of Heaven, born to a tenderly young “nobody” and outcast from her village.

What a plan for redemption! Not what we imagined, yet everything we needed. 👏👏

Because His plan really was freedom and life to us. And it still is today. 🙌

Local friends: I have several remaining gift-ready lettered pots from the Xmas Market that need a home. I’d keep them all, but my garden space is becoming a squash and a squeeze 😬🫣 Free delivery in Penrith / lower Mountains. See pics for close ups and details. X

His peace is really like no other…

Jesus, as our Prince of Peace is more than some lovely literary alliteration or poetic wording woven in the Old Testament (Isa 9:6).

In John 14:27 (CJB), Jesus uses a very specific Hebrew word for peace:

“What I am leaving with you is shalom — I am giving you my shalom. I don’t give the way the world gives. Don’t let yourselves be upset or frightened.”

Shalom is more than our modern understanding of ‘peace’ (or a surface-level greeting). It has much more depth and breadth to it; shalom means harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, and welfare.

And that is for Every. Single. Part. Of. Our. Being

…covered and completed in His shalom!

Every part of our lives—our spiritual health, physical wellbeing, our relationships, our emotions and mind (mental clarity), finances, our vocation—in wholeness and completeness.

That’s exactly what Jesus came for. And it’s not just to cover us with grace and blessing when we are being good or doing good. It’s for every single facet of our life and existence in His wholeness and shalom, for every day. What a gift this is! 🙌

So if you need His shalom-peace this week (or especially in the go-go busyness that can often be felt throughout the Christmas season), this is our beautiful encouragement from the Lord to invite Him in to do what He does best.

He’s always ready and willing to grace us with everything we need for our day. 🥹

“Now may the Lord of shalom himself give you shalom always in all ways. The Lord be with all of you.”[2 Th ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭CJB‬‬]

P.S. sending this Prince of Peace graphic out as a wallpaper to email subscribers later today. Type NEWSLETTER in comments to get the link sent straight to your DM inbox. ☀️

Just 3 sleeps to go until the very exciting Mount Riverview Christmas Market!

The fun kicks off at 5pm—be sure to pop around to 16 Marshall Rd, Mt Riverview early on and say hi + grab first pick of one of the limited edition hand lettered gifts or bundle deals I’ll have on the night. 🤩🎉

****The Trail****
We can't wait to see you on the trail this year! We have 25 stall holders ready to say hi 👋, and keen for your support + for the first time a place to stop for coffee☕ at our fav local cafe DCH! Grab your bike🚲, scooter 🛴, car 🚙, or best walking shoes and hit the 🎄 trail with family, friends and locals.

Once you have finished you can enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights. 🏠🎅 Why not tag your 'go to' for lights in the local area below!!

His ways = better! 💯

I posted this verse in Stories yesterday, and I saw a bunch of messages coming through; DMs saying, “I needed this!” And my reply, “me, too!”

I’ve tried my own way. It always ends the same. But, it’s no unfamiliar story…it’s also been the same one that many people, across many millenia have confronted since Eden.

Our ways are far shorter (and tiring!); His are life-giving and better. It doesn’t matter the age of a person; we always come back to this lesson (and it’s root of trusting the Lord; look at Abraham’s life-giving path out of a comfortable homeland to a place He had no connection or family inheritance to)!

So take heart, be encouraged, friend: with His gracious breath in your lungs, He never grows tired in being the faithful Shepherd to take your hand and lead you into His goodness, fullness, wholeness. This is the Shalom (peace) that Jesus spoke of. Such a gift that we have available right now, and for all time! 🎁

****
“Direct me, Yahweh, throughout my journey so I can experience your plans for my life. Reveal the life-paths that are pleasing to you. Es**rt me into your truth; take me by the hand and teach me. For you are the God of my salvation; I have wrapped my heart into yours all day long!”
‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭25‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭TPT‬‬)

Today and every day—He is so SO worthy of our hallelujah! 🙌

It’s so interesting and wonderful to discover that the word root word of the Hebrew word, hâlal, (where we derive the word hallelujah, along with the transliteration of hillûl) means ‘praise’—to be clear: usually in sound but also of colour; to boast and celebrate; to bring devotion, thanksgiving and praise.

It means a celebration of thanksgiving for harvest: a merry praise!

Hâlal (pronounced haw-lal’, or commonly said in English as hallel) is steeped in Jewish history—typically a Jewish prayer where Psalms 113-118 are recited, particularly on special holidays and occasions.

As many people across the world are celebrating Thanksgiving and soon Shabbat this week, I’m reminded of what our thanksgiving and praise to the Lord does on many levels.

It’s certainly the honour and glory that His Name and Person deserves—Creator of the Universe, Saviour of the World, Hope for humanity!

And just like His generous nature that is above and beyond what we deserve or could imagine, this hallelujah and thanksgiving also defeats our enemy [the Adversary] (see Psa 18:3) opens doors—even barren places— (see Psa 113:9) and invites His favour (see Psa 117:2, Joe 2:26).

And that in itself is worthy of raising a hallelujah and bringing a fresh thanksgiving of praise to the Lord, today!

The Mt Mount Riverview Christmas Market giveaway hamper is here! Take a looksie at the chock-a-block of goodies included and how to enter, below. So amazing...and sorts out a lot of Christmas gifts (or an epic prize hamper for one!) 🎄🎉🎁

Hold on to your hats everyone, this right here is one INCREDIBLE prize to WIN!!! Our hamper is jam packed full of products from stall holders on this year's trail! Take a look at all this!. To enter this giveaway follow Mount Riverview Christmas Market + our stallholder's listed below, then tag some friends and family to come and follow the trail. The more tags the more entries! Share this post to double your entries! Entry will be drawn on Monday 27th at 6pm. Winner must pick up on the market trail.

Sew What - cushion + 2 scrunchies
Leafandblossom potted succulent and wreath
JOLLY JENNYS CHRISTMAS - tea towel
MamaGe Amour muslin swaddle, chalk + kids pack
Jasmine Green hand lettered print, Christmas card + lettered keepsake.
Monarch of the Glen, Blue Mountains. . - Dundee cake
Mrs Piñata Store - tray, trinket dish + key chain
Clementine and Taffy chael Russe $240 photography package
Birds by Gillian 2024 Bird Calendar
Rachel's Papercraft Shack -card making kit
Little Petal Prints $60 voucher
Glenbrook - cards
The Play Co. . - Christmas playdough box
Say hello tea pot, strainer + popcorn bag
AVM Soy Candles - 2 x candles
Just for May - potted succulents
Poppies and Peas Floral Design Floral Design - Christmas Wreath
Mr & Mrs Vintage -Christmas cande + tea lights
Laurel and Gold - fresh florals
De La Mare's Designs - crocheted Christmas Tree
Abbey's Craft Creations Abbey's Craft Creation-keyring

“Confident and convinced”… starting the week right with this truth! 💪

“Trusting is being confident of what we hope for, convinced about things we do not see.”
‭‭(Heb ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭CJB‬‬)

The Old Testament greats travelled a pathway that required trusting the Lord, and it’s not at all different for us modern believers, too.

Because there’s really no other way to boil it down, other than this:

❗️God is either 100% true to His Word (which He says He is, and has proven it for Millenia, as we see recorded in the Bible) and is the source, creator and deliverer of Truth…

⁉️OR, every single word in the Bible, and ultimately everything about God, is 100% false.

It’s all, or nothing.

Because, as He reveals by His own words across the Scriptures, He does not do half-measures, half-promises, half-heartedly.

So then, it brings us to the tipping point of faith:

Can He deliver on His promises? Can He provide the daily needs of my life, right up to the eternal salvation of my soul?

Here’s the thing: faith will be tested. It’s inescapable and it’s the (self) confrontation of what we truly believe.

Because the promises are great and the reward is beyond anything we could have ever hoped or dreamed up ourself! Hallelujah!! And yet, before we see the complete fulfilment of this, faith demands the trust in our heart and mind that it will be done.

And it’s this in-between space—after the promise is given but before we see it with our eyes—that the seemingly impassible waters (Exodus 14; Luke 8:25) and the fiery flames of adversity and resistance (Daniel 3) are where our faith is forged.

Is this a little too fiery and spicy to start the week with? 🌶️😬 It’s exactly what my spirit needs a reminder of! Because if we are to be confident and convinced as the author of Hebrews states, it requires a decision of being all-in.

Every little thing. Every substantial thing. Every single thing….

All in His hands and His will be done. Our part is to trust, follow and receive what He gives—with GREAT EXPECTANCY!

P.S. Let me know what you’re trusting God for with an “all in” belief in the comments, and I’ll be praying in agreement with you today!

It’s official! I’ll be at 16 Marshall Rd for the Mt Mount Riverview Christmas Market on Saturday 2 December. Sooo many goodies to enjoy (for the kiddos and young at heart!) and to begin the market trail. Friends, I’ll also have some pretty lettered pot planters that are ready to gift AND a stack of the Identity in Christ Mugs that sold out online earlier this month. Good things ahead!! 🥳🎉

Cling tight with trust—He will do what He said He will do! 🙌

Friend, I received a few DMs last week when I posted on the fig tree passage from Matt 21–where fruitfulness comes from faith.

The honesty from so many about loving the Lord yet confronting the challenge of unbelief (doubt) when things don’t look the way they should. Or when you’re just waiting and waiting and waiting…

And this here is the walk of faith for every believer. Friend! That means we are in the company of many who were, and many who are, in the exact same place. The believer of Christ is no stranger from enduring the test of faith (trust in who God is and what He says He will do).

Abraham left a comfortable place with family and great possessions to a land of promise and inheritance. He waited double decades to be a father, when every natural report and conclusion was that this was an impossibility for himself and Sarah.

David was anointed king of Israel 15 years before he was ever crowned with that title. And during that time of waiting, the opposition and conflict he endured would make any rational person say, “this mustn’t be for you.”

Our spirit was not made for conforming to rational outcomes! It was breathed to life in the secret place by the God of infinite possibilities. He doesn’t do rational; He does supernatural.

I think we may just linger on this trusting topic for a little longer. It means a big deal to the Lord. After all, it makes sense that the Trustworthy One would esteem, bless and honour those who trust in Him…because He is that very trait and holds fast to it Himself.

Everything He does is trustworthy. Press on and keep on coming back to what He said. He will do it!

***
“Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word];” ‭‭(Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

Three of the most powerful words one could say to & about God…

“I trust Him.”

Consider this, friend: they’re fighting words, a line-in-the-sand statement, a surrender, and a belief that discards rational thinking without hesitation.

Because what this ultimately means is:

We have ZERO control as to what happens.
We do not make the final decisions.
Our selfishness, self-preservation, and our gain or benefit can no longer be the underlying objective.

‘I trust Him’ means I trust Him…
Whatever it looks like
Wherever I end up
Whatever He decides.

And while my humanity may object and whine and try to find a different alternative (as it is so often prone to wander and try it’s own methods first), I find that when I do surrender my trust in Him, it always ends up for good. And better than any of my grandiose plans. Because that’s just the way He works.

Not a hint of malice; just supremely good! Always for good!

So this I will declare about the Lord today, and over this new week ahead: I trust Him! 🙌

Today’s (not so) little reminder: fruitfulness comes from faith! 🍎 🍊 🍇🍋

I found it quite interesting the correlation (and perhaps very intentional link) of fruitfulness and faith when reading Matthew 21 today.

My Complete Jewish Bible often uses the word ‘trust’ in the place of ‘faith’, which I see used in modern English versions (like NLT, NIV, etc).

In Matthew 21, Jesus tells a fig tree it will never bear fruit again when he finds no fruit on it (during the typical fruiting season!).

“The talmidim saw this and were amazed. “How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?” they asked. Yeshua answered them, “Yes! I tell you, if you have trust and don’t doubt, you will not only do what was done to this fig tree; but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Go and throw yourself into the sea!’ it will be done. In other words, you will receive everything you ask for in prayer, no matter what it is, provided you have trust.””
‭(Matt 21‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭CJB‬‬)

Isn’t it interesting that Adam and Eve took from the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil on this one thing: their unbelief!

The enemy played on this, and He is still at the same destructive game today. If he can keep that idea that God is not exactly who He says He is, unbelief will block us from all of His (very) good promises!

In Eden, there was a belief that God was holding out on them; He wasn’t giving them all the good things.

Unbelief can be the blocker in many instances across our lives. Yet, fruitfulness comes from faith—that is belief and trust!

Interestingly, did you notice Jesus’ final words in that passage above?

“You will receive everything you ask for in prayer, no matter what it is, PROVIDED YOU HAVE TRUST.” (Caps are my emphasis 😉)

So, let us dare to wholly—crazily even—trust Him in every single thing; to be faithfully fruitful in and out of season. To kick any hint of unbelief to the curb when it arises, especially from the poisonous whispers of the Adversary.

Jesus is worthy of our trust! And He has nothing but good in store and in mind for us! 🍍🫐

For any Sydney friends who LOVE everything Christmas, supporting local, and a different kind of activity to do with fam and friends, the Mount Riverview Christmas Market will be very fun to add to your calendar for Saturday 2 December, from 5-8pm!

And I would love, love, love for you to come say hi at the jasminegreen.co stall!!

I'll have a lot of hand-lettered, Christmas & also faith-based goodies that I've been working on this year + a little gift to give to anyone coming to the stall who uses the code word GOOD TIDINGS (no purchase necessary!!)

This is a Christmas Market with a unique difference; rather than have all stalls in one spot, we'll be on a trail at different homes through Mt Riverview, so you can walk or drive, enjoy all the Christmas house lights on the way + explore/support local artisans and makers. 🎄

See all the makers, details and news of a giveaway soon at
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550515232578

P.S. I don't know my stall location just yet, but will post it in the coming weeks when it's confirmed.

Just like sunflowers who keep their face to the sun, let us fix our eyes on the ‘sun of righteousness’, the Lord Jesus. 🌻

I was reminded of the hymn Turn your eyes upon Jesus, and discovered that it was based on a leaflet ("Focussed") written by Lilias Trotter in 1901.

Lilias wrote,

“Never has it been so easy to live in half a dozen good harmless worlds at once - art, music, social science, games, motoring, the following of some profession, and so on. And between them we run the risk of drifting about, the "good" hiding the "best" even more effectually than it could be hidden by downright frivolity with its smothered heart-ache at its own emptiness.”

“How do we bring things to a focus in the world of optics? Not by looking at the things to be dropped, but by looking at the one point that is to be brought out.”

“Turn full your soul's vision to Jesus, and look and look at Him, and a strange dimness will come over all that is apart from Him, and the Divine "attrait" by which God's saints are made, even in this 20th century, will lay hold of you. For "He is worthy" to have all there is to be had in the heart that He has died to win.”

The narrative and urging of the saints have not changed for millennia:

…to not grow tired
…to muster the biggest breath and strength to run your legs off, like it’s the last 100m of the race, as heaven’s witnesses loudly cheer your name towards the finish line
…to ruthlessly fix your eyes on the only prize worth staking everything and anything upon: Jesus Christ.
(Hebrews 12:1-3)

We cannot lose in this life when it’s all about Jesus.

PS. Hitting send on my Inbox Sunshine email today for this November phone wallpaper. Enjoy! ☀️

Modern days, but same world. And words that are as pertinent as the day they were written…

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
(‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

When Paul wrote his letter to the believers in ancient Thessalonica, they were experiencing persecution, news of recent martyrdom, slander of character, and difference of opinion of Torah interpretation and application in a new, Jesus-grace era.

They were flooded with many opinions and adamant belief of how something is or should be, and really, not very dissimilar to what it is like today, right? We only need to scroll (or have conversations) and see/hear comments adamantly declaring a ‘this’ against ‘that’.

Millenia pass, but the dialogue isn’t different.

And here’s Apostle Paul’s summing up at the end of 1 Thessalonians—joyfulness (in Jesus), prayer (because it’s how we remain one with the Father) and giving thanks for *everything*.

These roses I drew inspiration from are the new spring blooms in my garden. Roses are often considered one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden (and they earn that credit, IMO).

And yet, the beauty is found amongst the thorns. Each one of the stems is laced with little thorns amongst a bigger bush with burly thorns.

Can there be admirable and profound beauty amongst spikiness and sharp tones? In nature, yes. And I believe the same in our spirit-nature.

It’s a sharp world; it has been that way for a long time. Yet, the beauty of Jesus—His Holy Spirit— working within us can and will produce beautiful, fruitful blooms and a heavenly fragrance.

We just need to (with all our muster, attention and intentionality) remain attached to the vine: joyfully, prayerfully and with thanksgiving.

His Word is what we need, so desperately, written on our hearts and across our lives. This is my prayer, too! How I need it!

“Holy Spirit you are welcome here!”