January 21, 2018

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Beyond The Starter Set

I love the idea of art sets you can purchase that have the "starter" items for a particular medium.  They are great to give as gifts for those wanting to explore or dabble in art.  They may not be the highest quality or possess the largest variety, but they are a beginning.  However, as you progress in a skill you might find the starter items in the kit do not meet all your needs.  You might not even know what it is you lack, but you know that there has to be something more in regards to tools or technique.  Growth does that.  As we practice our craft we begin to move beyond the borders we once knew as a beginner.  It would worrisome if there wasn't a desire to continue to mature in something you've invested yourself.  This might be researching online, watching YouTube videos, reading books, taking classes, or finding someone that works in that medium to ask questions & seek advice. All the while continuing to create.  



Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.  Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.  Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.  1 Timothy 4: 13-16

God blesses us with gifts & talents that we can use for his glory & honor.   For those of us in visual art, we are often asked to make a sign, create a bulletin board, lead a craft activity that someone else has already envisioned. There is nothing wrong with doing these things if there is a need & it is in our ability to accomplish.  However, we can not limit ourselves to these activities as the extent to how God wants to use us for His kingdom. It is a wonderful thing to meet the needs of established ministries happening in the church.  It give you opportunities to serve with a humble heart.  However we must seek the Lord to give us a vision of what it would look like to serve Him with our gifts & talents.  All the while, we need to be praying, reading the Word, and seeking wise counsel.  This is incredibly important to do! There have been many a person that has said "GOD TOLD ME TO....", but they have no accountability to process through with them as they seek God. Being truly plugged in to your local church will help this process a great deal!  As people get to know you, see your heart, witness your service...they will be excited to hear the vision God has given you and help to fulfill what God has placed on your heart to do.  We grow into what God has for us as we grow in Him. 

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