I’m happy to be a writer – of prose, poetry, every kind of writing. Every person in the world who isn’t a recluse, hermit or mute uses words. I know of no other art form that we always use. ~Maya Angelou
Words
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Tag Archives: art
August 7 What More?
Image by Kevin Carden
Ezra 5:1-6:22; 1 Corinthians 3:5-23; Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 20:26-27
“Do not deceive yourselves. If any one thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death of the present or the future–all are yours, and you are of Christ and Christ is of God.” 1 Corinthians 3:18-23
It’s human nature to want to put on a pedestal someone we admire. We want to look up to someone for guidance, example, mentorship.
In the world of business, of the arts and sciences, it is good to stand on the shoulders of respective giants in their field and learn from them.
But in the matter of faith, there is only One to look up to–Jesus Christ. He is the perfect example of Godly living. Through faith in Him we stand on his shoulders and we see Heaven. Not because of our own efforts to please God, but by believing that Jesus completed the work for us. The cross completed God’s requirement for sacrifice for sin.
Jesus’ blood–given and shed for all for the forgiveness of our sins!
Lord Jesus, thank you for granting me a place to stand before you through faith. You are my all in all. No one, nor thing, nor philosophy is complete like You. Forgive me for flirting with the ideas offered by the worldly wises, for seeking solutions outside of You and Your Word. Help me to keep my focus on You–the Wisdom of God. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
September 24 Paul’s Prayer-Our Prayer
Image by Everett Bowes
Isaiah 43:14-45:10; Ephesians 3:1-21; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 24:1-2
In humble submission before God the Father Almighty we pray:
“According to the riches of Your glory, please grant that we may be strengthened with power through Your Spirit in our inner being, so that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith–that we, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that we may be filled with all Your fullness.
Now to You who is able to do far more abundantly that all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to You be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” Ephesians 3:16-21
Pray this prayer for your children, your friend, your co-worker, your spouse, your parents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, teachers, pastors, youth workers,……
Pray, praise and give thanks!
August 19 The Skin We’re In
Art by Ryan Harmon
Esther 4:1-7:10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-26; Psalm 36:1-12; Proverbs 21:21-22
Are you an eye? A tooth? A lung? A head? A toe?
St. Paul used the analogy of a body with all its various parts to show the Corinthian Christians the foolishness of their divisions–their cliques. The Corinthians took sides and boasted of their “favorites” whether it was Apollos, Paul or Jesus. They needed to grow up into spiritual maturity–accepting each member of their congregation as having worth and purpose and possessing a unique means to serve their Lord and Savior–each one gifted by the same Spirit.
Unity. God desires it. The Holy Spirit creates it. Jesus died on the Cross so we might all experience it and be content with the skin we’re in!
“But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:18-19
Lord Jesus, Christian communities will always struggle with divisions–because Your Body–the Church–is made up of sinful human beings. Yet, the impossible is made possible by Your shed blood on the Cross. We are all in need of your leveling forgiveness. May Your Spirit unite us and may we serve and love one another this day as you loved and served us. You gave your all for us–help us do the same for our brothers and sisters in the faith. In Your name we pray, Amen.
“Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
O Lord you preserve both man and beast.
How priceless is your unfailing love.
Both high and low among men find refuge in the
shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:5-7
August 5 Cross Talk
Art by Matt Dalrymple
Ezra 1:1-2:70; 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5; Psalm 27:7-14; Proverbs 20:22-23
“For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18
PhD scholars,
Mensa members,
Valedictorians and Rhode Scholars,
Nobel Peace Prize winners.
Do I live by their words day by day?
Words from the wise of this world
won’t heal my sin broken heart.
More books, more classes,
more seminars and degrees,
more formulas for successful living
still left me hungry
and wanting more.
Until I heard the cross talk,
the language of love,
sacrifice,
forgiveness.
The cross spoke of a God who cared–
who became one of us
to die for us,
to bridge the gap between
Heaven and Earth.
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God, that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30
Lord God Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing your wisdom into my life-for the cross talk that saved me. Thank you for Jesus–the reason why the cross had something to say, not only to me but to all the world. I pray, Lord, that more people will hear the cross talk and come to faith in you. May we willingly appear “foolish” so that your Wisdom may heal the broken hearts in this world. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
July 1 “I Am Ready”
Art by Dianna Wizner
2 Kings 18:13-19; Acts 21:1-16; Psalm 149:1-9; Proverbs 18:8
“I am ready”
Paul’s words to his companions,
brokenhearted at the news
that their dear friend
was headed for trouble
for chains
for prison in Jerusalem.
“I am ready”
was Paul’s resolve
to face the charges,
to give up his freedom
even his very life
“for the name of the Lord Jesus”
whom he served and loved.
“I am ready”
is on my lips?
Lord, may it be so.
For your gift of life to me
may I lose my life for you.
“I am ready”
to suffer for your name?
To be deprived and suffer loss?
To lose my status, job or home?
Give me strength, O Lord, in you.
“Let the will of the Lord be done”
graced the lips of Paul.
May they be found on mine this day, too.
Lord God, help us to be ready to go wherever you lead us, to do what you want us to do, being assured that you go with us, you strengthen us, you will keep us in the one true faith. We pray especially this day for all missionaries throughout this world who take the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who have yet to hear. Protect them from the powers of evil. Guard their hearts and minds. Bless their work for Jesus’ sake. In His blessed name we pray, Amen.
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