Thursday, May 23, 2024

SURPRISE from SPIRIT

 

1 Corinthians 1:18

King James Version

18 For the preaching of the cross 

is to them that perish foolishness; 

but unto us which are saved 

it is the power of God.


What does art have to do with revitalizing churches?

I thought today would be an ordinary day.

Until SPIRIT thought it otherwise.

With SPIRIT, expect the unexpected.

I was cleaning up this morning.

It's rainy season where I live.

The house is old.

The roof's got leaks.

So I was gathering some wet rags from the floor.

Lo, and behold!

I found that "set up" above.

Looked like an "L", and a "cross" to me.


Intrigued by the curious pieces, I picked it up.

Others would have trashed it, but nope.

SPIRIT inspired me to create this:


GOD always makes me see "possibilities" in the ordinary.

Not done yet, He made me create our little "artwork".

We mounted the pieces on some red literature I found:


"Red" for contrast.

Now, I think, RED for the BLOOD of CHRIST -- aha!

Also, I wanted every detail to stand out.

And would you believe where all these pieces came from?

I'm pretty sure you can't imagine where.

But here it is:



From my mom's old sewing machine cabinet.

Its surface was "peeling" off.

I found the "L" and the "cross" on the floor.

SPIRIT knew I won't throw away a "GOD" thing.

Of course, when is He ever wrong?

I associated the "cross" and "L" with JESUS, and my name.

"L" also stands for "LIGHT" and "LOVE", for there are two Ls.

I can also very well say "LOVE" carries me to JESUS.

It's all JESUS, really.

Now, what does this little playful exercise aim to prove?


A few things:

1. You need to be childlike with the LORD.

He will surprise you with the "little" things.


2. You need to be born again.

Only GOD's SPIRIT can really make you "see".


3. You need to have a playful heart.

Only a childlike heart can "see" what others tend to miss.


That's how you can REVITALIZE churches.

Starting with you.

Matthew 19:13-14

King James Version

13 Then were there brought unto him little children, 

that he should put his hands on them, and pray: 

and the disciples rebuked them.

14 But Jesus said, 

Suffer little children, 

and forbid them not, to come unto me: 

for of such is the kingdom of heaven.


Imagine if you can bring such "CHIDLIKE spirit" to church.

Is your church "dull"?

Is your pastor "uninspired"?

Are the people "tired"?

Well, you know what to do.


Seek GOD for inspiration.

Seek Him for any, and every question.

Seek Him for ULTIMATE answers.

He'll guide you to the rest.

SPIRIT's just "waiting in the wings".

Prepare for many surprises.

But first, an expectant, childlike heart.

Never a jaded one.


Lastly, our artwork is NOT for sale.

It's meant for all.

As everything we do is.

FREELY given from the HEART.

With all GLORY to GOD alone.

As all churches should be.


3-part series:

ART from SPIRIT


Related material:

At EASE with self

The JOY of being BORN AGAIN

tendenSEE

PRAISE village

Having a CHEERFUL heart

Re-educating self

PRACTICAL born again TIPS

The CHILDLIKE heart

Having a sound mind

marketing like a five-year-old

BORN AGAIN articles


Photos by author


SURPRISE from SPIRIT

  1 Corinthians 1:18 King James Version 18 For the preaching of the cross  is to them that perish foolishness;  but unto us which are saved ...