Tag: hope

Stress, Uncategorized

Prince of Peace

The Kedge Anchor

Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels.com

It’s Christmas in July and so let’s celebrate our freedom and Jesus is the Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6. We all long for peace in this chaotic world. We don’t have to go far or look far to see the chaos in society today. There’s enough external chaos to distract us and keep us in an anxious state. Then let’s admit it, we can create our own chaos. A slip of the tongue, posting something we shouldn’t, not doing something we should or shouldn’t can all be the beginning of chaos. For myself, I don’t have try. Words slip out or I may misuse a word with unintended negative meaning, I’m horrible at math so I can send our checkbook in a downward spiral, not having my priorities straight, that’s just what I can do make my life a little chaotic.

Perhaps you have kids all with different activities, maybe you have over committed yourself at work or at church leaving you no time for family, for yourself or more importantly for God. Housework piles up, work piles up, maybe you’ve been so busy you forgot to pay the water bill. Life in itself happens. Turn on the news or open a social media app and the chaos surrounding us can be overwhelming, discouraging, leaving us to wonder is there any hope? We don’t need to look for chaos sometimes we create or it finds us.

But what we all are searching for is peace. We want order in the chaos. We may not be able to control the chaos in the world, but we can have peace in the chaos in our lives. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6 -“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” I heard something the other day that I thought was interesting. I was watching the Bible (Season 3, Episode 8) Rountable on The Chosen app, Rabbi Jason Sobel refers to Genesis 1:2, he references the Spirit of God hovering over the deep when the waters were in chaos in the beginning and Matthew 14:26-33 where Jesus walks on water. He says in a “sense the storm represents the chaos in the beginning.” I highly recommend watching this Roundtable episode, at approximately 24:42 Rabbi Jason speaks of this. I believe that the Trinity was there creating the world. Jesus the Prince of Peace was there bringing order, peace to the chaos.

We are all looking for peace in our lives. I know many people are dealing with and struggle with anxiety, that alone creates chaos. They don’t need to look outside of their own hearts to see chaos and experience. Peace sometimes can be something we see as unattainable, almost impossible. But we can have peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father. We can pray for peace and God will give us peace. It’s been said that we shouldn’t pray for patience because God will send us situations to test us in patience. Does God test our peace if we ask for it? We may still struggle but that’s on us because we are sometimes reluctant to surrender. I don’t believe God will create disorder and chaos in our lives to teach how to have peace or to test us. We create the chaos. Adam and Eve created chaos in the Garden. God will use the chaos and disorder we create or whatever is around us to grow us or call us closer to Him. If we ask for peace, God will lead us to it.

The Bible tells us “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14. We are to seek and pursue peace. If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, then we should be seeking Jesus and pursuing Him.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God

Matthew 5:9

Here are some verses:

John 14:27 – “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (ESV)

John 16:33 – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV)

Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (ESV) (this is where I believe we need to surrender and fix our hearts and minds on Jesus).

Judges 6:24 – “And Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means “the LORD is peace”). The altar remains in Ophrah in the land of the clan of Abiezer to this day.” (NLT)

Philippians 4:17 – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (ESV)

2 Thessalonians 3:16 – “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (ESV)

Psalm 29:11 – “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” (KJV)

Psalm 23 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams… “

This is what I have learned about prayer. Sometimes praying can be dangerous. Be careful what you pray for. While I don’t think God would lead us to chaos, I do think He will use the chaos that is already around us or the chaos we have already created for ourselves. He may open our eyes to it or make our hearts more sensitive to it so that He can work peace through and in us.

God is sovereign and will use anything to get our attention. He also doesn’t answer prayer as we expect Him to. Read the book of Habakkuk. God didn’t create the evil, He used the existing evil to defeat the evil surrounding Habakkuk. Not what Habakkuk expected. But I believe we can ask for peace and God will use the chaotic situation around us or in to draw us to Him or draw us even closer to Him. I don’t believe He will lead us to chaos and disorder. I could be wrong, but will He test us in trying to have peace? Like salvation, peace is there, we need to ask, we need to surrender. He leads, we need to follow. We may need to surrender and that may be something He is trying to teach us, there may be other things He could be trying to teach us. He could be leading us to “peaceful streams” and “green pastures” and we are the ones not following the right path.

We are free to celebrate Christmas anytime of year! So let’s celebrate the Prince of Peace, seek peace and pursue it!

Fruits of the Spirit

What Does a Jesus Freak Look Like?

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Luis Quintero on Pexels.com

What does a Jesus freak look like? I imagine we all have a different image in our minds. Does it look like someone who has Jesus plastered all over their t-shirt, wears, crosses around their neck? Maybe it’s someone who wears all that and sports several tattoos. Or is it someone who is always quoting scripture with the above mentioned garb. Maybe they have strict moral behavior. How do you define a Jesus freak? Maybe Lonnie Frisbee and Jesus Revolution come to mind, great movie if you haven’t seen it, see it! (side note: Jonathon Roumie, great acting, he’s a chameleon).

Recently I was listening to a radio broadcast and a familiar question was asked. “If you were charged with being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” I thought about that for a moment. Really think about it. Could I be convicted as a Christian or Jesus freak? What evidence is there? Well, I don’t wear a cross around my neck, I do wear some Chosen t-shirts and watch The Chosen. I don’t have any tattoos, I don’t always quote scripture. I don’t have strict morals, and I emphasize strict. I don’t drink alcoholic beverages, not by choice, but because they trigger migraines.
Then I though some more. Satan quote scripture. Satan and his demons disguise themselves to look like angels and nice people to tempt us. Satan makes evil things look good. Go back to the Garden. Satan was cunning, he didn’t look scary and he quoted scripture. Does that make him a Jesus freak?

If clothing, tattoos, speech, quoting scripture, cross wearing, always attending church, strict morals define Jesus freak, then I fall short. And probably wouldn’t be convicted. And the Bible says that the world looks at the outer appearance but God looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 – “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Revelation 2:23 – “And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.”

So I asked myself, what evidence do I have? What does my heart reveal about Jesus? Well, in a court of law, I guess my actions and deeds would be judged, but even then that could be subjective. But whoever is judging me better know scripture and most of all God’s heart. I am not perfect I fall short daily and without the blood of Jesus… well, I am nothing and can do nothing apart from Him, even breathe, for He gives me physical and spiritual life.

I guess best would to be judged according to the fruits of the spirit, – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23. Then I thought some more. Do I display any of this? I may some of the time and still God has a lot of work to do in me. Philippians 1:6 -“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.“

A Jesus freak can look like anything I guess. And even if someone is wearing scripture on their clothing, sporting tattoos, wearing crosses around their neck and always at church, God is looking at their hearts. They can still have fruits of the Spirit. So I guess the question should be, do we have enough of the fruits of the Spirit to convict us? I think Lonnie could have been convicted. He certainly had a heart for Jesus.

If any of this made sense, please comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts?

Uncategorized

“Wonder and Be Astounded“

The Kedge Anchor


A few years ago I read a book titled, Amazed and Confused by Heather Zemple. The book is based on the book of Habakkuk about his determination to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and how his expectations didn’t line up with God’s actions. Habakkuk wasn’t afraid to ask God questions about the evil and injustices he saw. How could a good God allow bad things to happen to good people? I think we all have asked that question at some point.
Habakkuk pleaded with God for revival in the hearts of those who were faithless and return back to God. “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a
work in your days that you would not believe if told.” (1:5 ESV). God’s vision was one of warfare and exile. Not what one would expect from a “good God.”


The part about our expectations and God’s actions hit me. How often have you been in a situation where you are always thinking of a way out or a solution. “Maybe if I did this, “ or “Maybe if I try this,” or “What if I said this?” often mulling over and over in your head how things could possibly work out even after hours and days of praying. Exhausting, right?


I have learned there is two parts to walking through a trial and expecting an outcome. One, is waiting. Ugh I know. Habakkuk wasn’t afraid to pour out his heart to God asking questions why and how long to the injustices he saw, Habakkuk 1:1-4. (I encourage you to read Habakkuk, read some commentaries along with it, it’s only four chapters). Chapter 2:2, God instructs Habakkuk to write down His answer to warn others. God is telling Habakkuk in verse 3 to wait, wait for what He is going to do. I think it’s helpful to write down our prayers and requests in a journal and document when and how God shows up, so that we can look back and be reminded of God’s faithfulness. The hardest part about verse three, is wait. Ugh how hard is that?! Especially when it comes to injustice, we want results NOW!


Recently my husband and I were praying for a situation where he works. Everyone was pretty much unhappy and grumbling. I began to pray a dangerous prayer and ask God to work so that his workplace would be a blessing to everyone there and the community. Not long after that four people quit!! Not what we were expecting, maybe some changed hearts and attitudes, raises perhaps is what we were looking for. But God replaced those people with others who had better attitudes and wanted to work.


So we may find ourselves in a situation where we just don’t know how we are going to make it through. We have more month than money or a relationship is broken and it seems like a resolution is not going happen, we need and are looking for a miracle. We play over and over in our head various outcomes. We try to predict how God will work. Anyone else do this, it is just me? Do you find yourself predicting an outcome in detail? I do and it hasn’t worked for me, ever. All it does is frustrate me and causes me to doubt, a trap by our enemy.
Then God lovingly reminds me, Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.” “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” – Psalm 115:3. God is sovereign, He sees the big picture. What appears to be unfair
to us now, God is delivering us grace. That can be a hard pill to swallow. Through all the injustices we see now, all the heartbreak, God sees, He knows what He is doing. We need to have faith and trust Him.


The other thing I have learned, that when I am in the middle of doing life, living, doing
the things God has placed before, housework, making art, caring for someone else in need, noticing needs in others, anchoring in Jesus, actually letting go and letting God do His work, that things work out better than I can imagine. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV). When I am not mulling over and over possible outcomes and not worrying, God will reveal His answer. Not. An. Easy. Task. I am still learning how to do this and I am seeing how God works without my trying to take over. My outcomes never line up with God’s. My expectations and God’s actions are never the same. It’s never what I expected, it’s always better, but sometimes I am confused by the outcome. That’s ok because, Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,…”


So I am learning that the only expectation I need to have is to expect God to work things out, for my good and His glory (Romans 8:28). It may not be the outcome I am looking for but God is sovereign and He sees the big picture. All we need to do, or learn to do, is trust, be obedient, remain faithful and faith-fueled. Stay close to God, it makes the wait easier.


Here’s something to think about, what is the difference between grace and fairness? What we think isn’t fair could be God being gracious and what we think isn’t grace could be God being fair. Romans 11:34, “Who can know the mind of God…”


Scripture verse to memorize – “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” – Habakkuk 1:5

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Focused on God’s Work

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

The past few weeks at church our pastor has been speaking in Acts. This past Sunday we were in Acts 6: 1-7. In this passage the Hellenists; Greek speaking Jews, had a complaint against the Hebrews or the apostles. They noticed that the widows weren’t getting their fair share of the daily distributions. A legitimate complaint. So they went to the 12 apostles.

I am not sure what the Hellenists were expecting the apostles to do. I don’t think how this plays out, many of us would have expected the situation to unfold as it did. The complaint was that the widows weren’t getting their fair share of the daily distributions. It was a legitimate complaint. No one was denying it and it was good that others were looking out for the widows and they spoke up. I’m not sure if the Hellenists were expecting the apostles to fix the problem themselves. There was a need that just wasn’t being met and they went to people who could take care of the situation.

However, the apostles had work to do. God’s work, to spread His Gospel. Verse 2, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.” They knew exactly what God had called them to do and they were focused and committed. Much like Nehemiah, they were focused on what they need to do. (I touched on Nehemiah back in March) Their job was to serve others God’s Word, not tables. They were committed to prayer and the ministry of the Word. So the apostles told the Hellenists to choose seven men of good reputation from the multitude to serve the daily distributions. I like verse 5; “And the saying pleased the whole multitude…” Saaaaay whaaat?! How often does that happen??? “… And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,.”

Here’s an incredible thing that happened, verse 7, “ Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” God blessed the widows, the disciples, the ministry and the multitude all because the apostles were focused and committed to obeying God. I think some credit needs to be given to the Hellenists for having an opened mind as to who should serve tables. They could have expected the apostles to do it, or if they were asked they could have said no we don’t serve tables, we’re too good for that, or when they specifically weren’t asked to serve they could have had their egos bent out of shape for not being chosen for the task. But they knew who to look to for an answer. I’m not sure, I’m guessing the apostles were in charge and if that’s is true, as leaders they knew how to delegate and knew what was important. The apostles could have taken this task upon themselves but there would have been a different outcome.

The apostles were were obedient to God and His Word, they were aligned with God’s Word, they knew what to do. Sometimes we go to the wrong people to do something we can do ourselves. It’s ok to reach out and ask others for help but don’t expect the one(s) you are reaching out to to be the one(s) to handle the problem. Oftentimes, like the apostles, others will delegate, provide resources or assistance in some way. God will always give us an answer to our problems. We need to be in alignment with Him and focused on Him so that will know His voice and what He wants us to do.

Uncategorized

Design for Life Extra – Fear of Failure

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Nathan Cowley on Pexels.com

How many times have I sat down to paint or hand letter and that inner critic starts chatting. Instantly I hear the voice that causes me to fear others will find out that I can’t really do this, I don’t know what I am doing, I’m no good at this. How many times? Every time. Something has to change.

There is a Christian principle in this. Matthew 23:11 and Matthew 20:27, to be first we need to be a servant. To be first we must be last. Mark 9:35 – “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” We need to humbles ourselves. Pride comes before a fall as Proverbs 16:18 reminds us. James 4:6 – “And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” We need to follow God’s design for life. Last to be first, humble to be lifted up, the opposite of what the world tells us, opposite of what our flesh tells us.

I began to realize, to stop the inner critic I need to stop thinking I need to be perfect, I need to get rid of any pride, I need to humble myself. I need to realize I am human, I make mistakes, I have made mistakes and will make mistakes. So let’s apply this to making art. What is keeping you back from making art, from focusing on that idea in your head you want to put on paper? What is keeping you back from living the design for life God has for you? I struggle with perfection, fear of not being perfect, fear f judgements. Here’s the thing, God doesn’t want my perfection, he doesn’t want my success, he wants my surrender. I need to surrender my will and desires to God. I need to humble myself and have a servant’s heart. I need to surrender, give up my desire to be perfect. I can’t be perfect, I never will be without the blood of Jesus Christ covering me. I need to stop trying to be perfect and not be afraid to fail, in my art or in life.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Whether or not I think my art is bad or good, it doesn’t matter. I can do it for the glory of God. He can take my mistakes in life and turn them into something good, turning ashes into beauty. He can use my art for His purposes for His glory no matter what I think of it, no matter what anyone thinks of it. He can help me take the mistakes I make and turn them into something beautiful.

Recently, I read in a commentary by Matthew Henry, “Thinking good thoughts of God will fortify against Satan’s attacks.” Philippians 4:8 “…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, … think on these things.”

So, when that inner critic starts chatting, regardless if you are working on a piece art or not, remember these tips: one, recognize, be aware of what or to who you are listening, you don’t have to listen to that. Two, humble yourself. Offer yourself, your work to God, allow Him to work through you, have a servants heart. God doesn’t want your perfection or success He wants your surrender and third, think good thoughts of God, think on good things, think about the times God has come through for you, recall the miracles God has performed in the Bible, the miracles He has performed for you.

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Remembering Charles Stanley

The Kedge Anchor
Photo from Charles Stanley

“Well done thou good and faithful servant.” I am sure is what Charles Stanley heard when he met Jesus. Not knowing Dr. Stanley personally, he was faithful, loved God with a passion and not afraid to show it or tell it. He had his struggles as man and as a Christian and never held back how he dealt with them. But it was through those struggles that he was able to help others grow in grace and knowledge of God.

I can’t remember exactly when I first heard Dr. Stanley, but I can say that it was on the radio station my mom always had playing, WARV 1590, Warwick Rhode Island. : ) WARV has been broadcasting for over 40 years so it’s safe to say I grew up listening to In Touch. I always enjoyed listening to stories of his growing up and the trouble he would sometimes find himself in with his mother. His sermons would inspire me either by cutting deep and causing me to squirm or by opening my eyes and reminding me to how much God really loves me.

Praying for the Stanley family and for the ministry and the employees of In Touch as they celebrate the life of Dr. Stanley.

Coloring Page

Happy Good Friday – 2023 and FREE Easter Printable

The Kedge Anchor

Have you ever seen a baby bird or chick hatch? It is the most amazing thing to watch. Seeing new life is always encouraging and makes me happy. Baby chicks always remind me of the new life that spring brings. I love the blossoms despite the sneezing and coughing but it’s just an ahhhhh moment for me after a long cold winter.

These blossoms are just outside the house and God reminds me there is beauty in the struggle, even as we get ready to move and all the issues that come up, if we take the time to look there is beauty. God gave us new life through His Son. He can take our ashes and turn them into something beautiful.

Good Friday is the day the worst thing happened to the best person. This always gives me hope when I see something unfair or unjust and I ask why? If Jesus, perfect in every way took upon the sins of the world… how is that just? We live in a fallen world where we may have trouble, but Jesus overcame the world, John 16:33.

Jesus willingly died for our sins so that we could enter into His Kingdom with Him for eternity. He gives us new life.

Something fun for the kids and adults, a free coloring page. This is Sheldon. He’s been making an appearance since 2016ish on my various social media pages. This is free to print out. Make several copies have a coloring contest with the kids this Easter. Maybe stick some fun art supplies in their Easter baskets.

sheldon ccb2016Download Here

HAVE A BLESSED EASTER!

Trust God, Uncategorized

Keeping Your Eye on the Prize

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by DS stories on Pexels.com

Recently, I have had an already challenging situation, moving, with a challenging person constantly challenging my situation, my patience, my being Christ like. It’s really hard to to keep my mind from wanting to tear into this person and just being done with them. But this person claims to be a Christian. You can’t tell this person anything, know everything. Always right and has to explain everything to you. I struggle with am I being judgemental or discerning? There is just something not right. Actions, words, things aren’t lining up making me question the validity of this claim. It makes me feel horrible and question myself. Do my actions line up with my words? Am I doing anything to cause this person to behave this way? What did I do wrong? I’m constantly asking for forgiveness. I find my mind going off in angry tangents wasting mental and emotional energy. Sounds like a tactic of the enemy. But, when I catch myself doing that, I am quickly reminded where I need to focus my energy; moving, packing, rejoicing.

God reminded me of Philippians 3:14 – “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” This verse is talking about running the race and reaching the prize of a heavenly calling, the crown of righteousness. Like an athlete running a race, pressing forward to the finish line. 2 Timothy 4:8 – “And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” That is my ultimate goal, the ultimate prize. And my angry thoughts are distracting me not only from packing and looking forward to our new place, but they are distracting me from running the race, I’m losing my joy, and most importantly distracting me from reaching the crown of righteousness.

God also reminded me of Nehemiah, a man of prayer and who was instructed by God to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem. Nehemiah answered the call from God to restore the wall. and naturally was confronted with opposition, fear, and temptation from his enemies. Nehemiah’s enemies sent him a message asking him to meet them at one of the villages. He realized his enemies were plotting harm (Nehemiah 6:2), so he sent a reply “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” Nehemiah 6:3.

So I began to think, why can’t this be applied to anything God gives me to do? God has provided a much suitable place for us to live. I have packing to do and a new home to set up, I can’t come down, I can’t waste my time on renting the space in my head to this person. Sometimes that’s easier said than done, I am human but I do catch myself and have to put myself back on track, refocus and press forward once again.

This is a challenge not giving in to angry thoughts. I just want justice. As the line Jonathan Roumie says as Jesus said in the Season 2 Episode one of The Chosen, (Thunder) – “Strong passion can be a good thing when channeled for righteousness.” If this person truly loves God, then God will have to deal with this person. For now, I have to focus on the prize. Anchor in Hope.

Trust God

When It Seems Like God isn’t Talking

The Kedge Anchor
Photo by Obregonia D. Toretto on Pexels.com

When titling this post I was torn between the current title or “When We Don’t Hear from God.” But, I know this God is always speaking to us, we aren’t always hearing. Even if God is silent, He is still speaking to us, through His creation, through others.

God was silent for 400 years between the Old and New Testaments. We don’t know why God chose to be silent. I like to think that it was because people needed time to process what was taught (hold this thought) generations before or to rest a beat like in a musical piece, to highlight what was about to come in the New Testament, a theatrical pause. If you don’t think God is dramatic, read the book of Daniel and Revelation. But God doesn’t need to answer for His decisions. We just need to accept and trust. (I know not always easy). God may have been silent, but He was still working.

Today, God gave me an ah-ha moment. Have you ever experienced a “oh wow” revelation whilst reading God’s word? Heavenly information just keeps flowing. Sometimes I feel like I can’t keep up so my writing becomes almost illegible and I end up rewriting everything. Then the next day, I want more and I hear nothing. I get a little disappointed. Has this happened to you? What’s even more disappointing, the next day, I can’t remember what the passage of scripture was or what point God was trying make.

So, here’s what’s happening. My husband and I are getting ready to move and as you know the house is kinda outta sorts, boxes, not to mention a disruption in the daily routine, trying to keep up with my art projects and this blog, etc. Yesterday was one of those days where God revealed to me what I needed to focus on. He gave me Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” I have so many things that I need to do, we all do, and I can get so distracted by one thing, to shift my focus not only from God but from the tasks He has for me. Then He brought to my mind, Nehemiah rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. Nehemiah was focused (and a man of prayer). He had distractions and opposition (expect that especially when doing God’s work). But, yet Nehemiah kept the mindset he needed to finish the work God had for him. Nehemiah 6:3 – “And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” I cannot come down is the focus I need when distracted.

Ok so let me tie these verses together. God gave me Philippians 3:14, to press toward the goal. My goal right now is to not be distracted by the unsettled feelings, distrust and disappointment I have towards someone right now. We don’t have time to acquiesce to their requests that aren’t urgent. I have so many other things to focus on other than what I feel this person is trying to do to make our lives difficult and it’s distracting me from my focus on God Himself. God will be the judge, vengeance is His. (honestly for the life of me I don’t know what we did to make this person act the they are and I am asking God to reveal that to us).

Today, I wanted God to give me more. And guess what? Nothing. Say what?! C’mon I thought I was on a roll? Then another ah-ha moment. God wanted me to learn, commit to heart what I learned yesterday. The Bible is God’s word, the Bread of Life right? God wants me to chew on it, savor it. And like Mary in Luke 2:19 – “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” God is giving me a pause before the next big reveal. He is giving me time process and treasure up. I am sure He is thrilled I want more but if I can’t remember what He spoke, what’s the point.

So the next time you sit down to read your Bible or do a devotional and you don’t hear anything from God, go back to the day before or a few days before and re-read the passage, maybe there’s something there you may have missed. Read your favorite verse and pick out the words that speak to you and look up the original Hebrew or Greek words. But don’t despair. Keep seeking Him. Be still and know that He is God. He may seem silent but He’s still working and still speaking.

art

Design for Life Extra – If Jesus Was Your Favorite Color

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If Jesus was your favorite color, what would that be? Colors have values. Value is one of the seven elements in art; line, shape, space, form texture, color and value. “As an element of art, value refers to the visible lightness or darkness of a color” (thought.com). What a color is mixed with determines it’s value. or lightness or darkness.

Let’s take the color red and use watercolor to illustrate. Red is a primary color. There aren’t two colors you can mix together to make red. But red can be mixed with other colors to create various shades of red and other colors. Mix red with any of the other two primary colors blue and yellow and you get purple and orange. So with one color such as red we can create different levels of lightness and darkness by adding various amounts of water or pigment. Add lots of water and you have light wash of red or pink. By adding more pigment we are adding value or darkening the red.

The same principle can be applied to our relationship with Jesus. If Jesus was your favorite color what would that be? Jesus is the color in our lives, He adds value. Without Jesus we are nothing. That may sound harsh, but it’s the truth. We are all sinners fallen short of the glory of God – Romans 3:23. How much value does Jesus have in your life? Are you a light wash with some pigment or are you a bright, vibrant red with lots of pigment? How much pigment of Jesus are you adding to your life daily?

When we choose to serve God by serving others, when we seize opportunities to share what Jesus is doing in us, when we are praying and obeying we are adding pigment to our lives. We are deepening the value of who we are in Jesus. The blood Jesus that covers us and washes away all our sin gives us value. Only Jesus can take His deep, rich, red, precious blood and wash our hearts and make them white as snow. I can make lots of colors mixing paints and I can turn red into pink but I can not make anything white with the color red. How are you letting God add value to your life? Please comment below and please like and share this post. Thanks : )