Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: The Real Thing

 (This is a reworked/updated devotional I wrote in 2017. If you would rather just see my school/art room/projects type posts...check back Mondays-Saturdays!  I know that these Sunday posts aren't everyone's cup of tea, and that's ok! Love y'all. Have a great week!)

 After twenty five years of teaching art, I'm very particular about the supplies I use in my classroom.  I know what works & what doesn't.  I know that if something says "WASHABLE" I  don't want it.  In theory it is a great idea because children & art supplies often equal a messy good time.  From the outside the products even look the same.  However, when you go to use them for their intended purpose, you realize they are a poor substitute for the real thing.  Washable glue is extremely thin & watery.  It warps paper & doesn't create as strong of a bond as regular glue.  Washable crayons are spotty when you color and do not have as nice of a coverage.  Washable tempera paint is transparent, and takes multiple coats to get the color to become close to opaque.  Though "real" supplies can be messy at times, I will accept no imitations.  The risk of the real thing far outweighs the results of the imitation.

These people come near to me with their mouth
    and honor me with their lips,
    but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
    is based on merely human rules they have been taught.

Isaiah 29:13

There are several places in scripture that talk about those who "appear" to be people of God, but their heart & actions do not match their appearance.  Lets just say it is never good for them if they continue on that path.  Scripture is very clear that this type of imitation is not pleasing to God.  The Lord has never wanted our "appearances".  He wants our heart.  He doesn't want us to fake it. He wants us to live it.  That can get messy.  That can get ugly at times.  We can make mistakes.  However, the results are so much more beautiful & pleasing to the Lord than those who just appear to do the right thing, and act as if they have it all together.  When we look at the "heroes of the faith" in scripture, we will see some really "messy" people.  None of them had it all together. They made mistakes, were selfish at times, doubted God, questioned God, disobeyed God, and so much more.  However, God chose to use them.  Why?  They were real with Him.  They came to Him humbly & broken hearted for their sins.  They knew that in & of themselves they could do nothing, but with God ALL THINGS WERE POSSIBLE!  The world will say FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT.  That is not what God wants from us.  He wants us to be real.  He wants us to come to Him as we are.  Bring Him your messy.  Bring Him your pain.  Bring Him your questions.  Bring Him Your doubt.  Bring Him your everything!  He is big enough to handle it. 

Sunday Devo With Mr. E: Famous One

 Ask a young person what they want to be when they grow up, and more than likely they will say ..."FAMOUS".  I often do identity lessons with my students, and this conversion always comes up.  Gone are the days of students wanting to be teachers, fire men (and woman), or police officers.  They now say, "I'm going to be a YouTuber, TikTok'er, Gamer...etc." Their desire is to be known...to be famous. 

Did Andy Warhol see into the future with this quote about being "famous".  Our society has an obsession with fame.  People will do anything & everything to get their "fifteen minutes". Fame was once reserved for those who had amazing skill or ability within a field.   However, now with reality television, YouTube, Tik Tok, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media....fame is at their fingertips(I wonder what Warhol would do with such technology?).  At the root of much of this fame mongering is a deep unmet need to be known.  Fame however is a shallow substitute for truly being known & truly knowing.  That can only come from the Lord.  

Jesus answered,  "I did tell you, but you do not believe.  The works I do in my Father's name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 10: 25-28

Fame is temporary: our own(if we ever achieve such) OR the fame of those we look up to/ follow.  However, there is one that is not temporary.  He is I AM.  He WAS...He IS...and He WILL BE.  He is The Famous One!  If we know His voice & we follow Him....we will possess something more precious than fame.  Our name will be written in the Book of Life.  So much better than our name in lights (or "Trending")!  And the idea that HE KNOWS US!!!  The Lord of heaven & earth...the creator of all things....HE KNOWS OUR NAME IF WE ARE HIS!  Fame they say...changes people. 

A personal relationship with the Lord changes people too.  Being known...and knowing Him.  The world can not match it....15 minutes of fame can not compare.  

Love this song by Chris Tomlin!!! 

FAMOUS ONE

by Chris Tomlin 

You are the Lord

The famous One, famous One

Great is Your Name in all the earth

The heavens declare You're glorious, glorious

Great is Your fame beyond the earth

And for all You've done and yet to do

With every breath I'm praising You

Desire of nations and every heart

You alone are God, You alone are God

The morning star is shining through

And every eye is watching You

Revealed by nature and miracles

You are beautiful, You are beautiful

Sunday Devo With Mr. E: Dried Up Markers

Markers are the deceivers of the art room!  You know what you are getting with a broken crayon or colored pencil that needs sharpened. Though not perfect, they are still very much usable(with a little sharpening).  With markers you can't really tell till you try to color with them. They can look great on the outside, but looks can be deceiving.  I've had brand new markers color like they were old and dried out & markers that were a couple years old work like new.  I usually test my markers a couple times a year to weed out the bad ones. You actually need to see the marks they make on paper.  Dried up markers take up space in the  box, slow down the art making process, and at times can damage the work by how they mark. No one has time in their life for dried up markers!

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. In this way, you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Matthew 23:27-28

Continue to read this section of scripture, and you will see that the Lord has little patience for hypocrites.  With good reason!  If you ask those that don't go to church or who have stopped going to church why...they will often say that churches are full of hypocrites.  You know what....THEY ARE RIGHT!  We are all hypocrites...some of us more/less often than others.  I'm not saying it is a real excuse....because the whole world is full of hypocrites...not just those who claim Christ.  However, shouldn't the church be different?  Of all places...shouldn't we be "WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET!"  In being real, we show Christ & His work in us. Playing church, wearing a "mask", saying we're just "FINE".... all of these things play into hypocrisy that the Lord & the world deplore.  By trying to be what we are not....TAKING UP SPACE - Those who are "rough" around the edges & seeking God will not see a place for themselves among all those mask wearing-church speaking-fine people.  We need to be real with our own lives & struggles...so those seeking Him will see a place in our midst.  SLOW DOWN THE PROCESS - Too often Christians get in the way of God's work by playing church instead of BEING the church.  Non-Christians or new Christians are made to feel they have to speak, look or act a certain way to be a part of the "Christian Culture".  Change is the work of the Holy Spirit...not the church.  We need to embrace people where they are...and allow God to grow them in His perfect time!  AT TIMES CAN DAMAGE THE WORK -  I've seen non-Christians & new Christians develop major "issues" with church because of those in the church.  The body of Christ should be a place where people feel safe...can trust...and do not fear being hurt by others.  I admit, we are not perfect...and we make mistakes...sometimes BIG mistakes.  However, we need to stop ACTING like Christians...and start BEING THE BODY OF CHRIST!  People are attracted to those living authentic lives.  Call it a white washed tomb...wearing a mask...or a dried up marker....there is no room for that in the church!  

(This is updated from a devotional I wrote in 2016)

Sunday Devo With Mr. E: Something Different

 Artists have an amazing ability to create what originally was only a thought/idea. In the process of bringing something to life, the artist may need to make minor and/or necessary changes. This is part of creating.  We are use to seeing our vision carried out to fruition, and we will do what is needed to make that happen.  This is often how we approach the rest of our life as well.  We feel if we can imagine it than we can make it happen. However, it doesn't always work out that way. There are times what we imagined just doesn't occur.  This can be frustrating, depressing, and even "soul" crushing.  We get caught up in things going our way, and when they turn out different than expected we struggle to see the good in the unplanned outcome.  The thing is...even great ideas fail or don't turn out like we thought they would from time to time no matter the effort & tenacity of the individual. We will not ALWAYS get our way or be able to make our plans happen.  A different outcome can be the very thing we needed to grow as artists & people!  It may allow us to see our original plan was not actually the best, or what we learned from the struggle proved to be a vital in creating something better than imagined. 

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, 

but later you will understand."  John 13:7 

I am often baffled by the disciples. They walked with Jesus. They ate with him. They heard him teach. They saw Jesus heal. All of these things were not enough for them to grasp what the Lord was doing.  I'd like to think I would have been different.  I would have gotten what God was up to!  Truth is...I wouldn't.  They were imagining Jesus being a different type of Savior.  They imagined him leading as a king. They wanted something different. What they received was exactly what they needed (even if they didn't see it at the time).  What Jesus provided was an example of a servant. He showed them how to meet the needs of others.  What he gifted them with was the love of a friend. He taught them how to walk with God.  He showed them how to use all of these things to reach their world.  They did not understand....until after things turned out different than they expected. They were at the point of being crushed by the weight of their disappointment & their struggles to comprehend.....and then the Lord shows up...again. Then they begin to realize that what they thought should happen....was not a part of THE plan.  God's way is always better than our own. Something different is ok. This is often God's way, we just need to learn to listen & rest in Him! 

Sunday Devo With Mr. E: Say It With Art

One of the definitions for language is a system of communication used by a particular country or community. Art has always been a way for the maker to communicate to/with the world around them. It may be a commentary on the everyday, a recording of history, an expression of thoughts/feelings/dreams, or a way to give a voice to that which seemed inexpressible by any other means. I have met artists that were gifted orators, and those that struggled to effectively communicate through speech. Looking at their work, you might never know who was who.  There is amazing value in the visual. The language of art can whisper thoughts, shout dreams, sing sorrows, and chat about truths. 

 If your words struggle to express....say it with art! 

Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.  Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Psalm 150

I have always loved this Psalm! First and foremost....GOD IS WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE. How do we praise him?  WITH EVERYTHING WE GOT!  The Psalmist lists instruments, dancing, and singing.  I can totally get behind this.  I love seeing faith being expressed through the arts. However, I feel that the visual arts can be added to this list in our churches and gatherings of believers, as well as individual expressions of faith. The visual artist can praise through paint, cry out through charcoal, question through woodworking, and share through mixed media. They are not images to be idolized, but much like the Psalms...to be read by the viewer as a record of the artists faith journey and encourage others along the way.  There are times that we struggle to communicate though, even in our artistic tongue.  Romans 8:26 says "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."  I believe the Christian artist resides in this place at times. The marks of our paintbrush becomes our wordless groans moved by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. This honors the Lord as well.  Your art (in whatever form it takes) is part of who God created you to be. Therefore, it is how you can express Psalm 150 in your life. 

....say it with art...

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: MAKE TIME

As artists, we are often known for what we do/create/make. It is not just what we do, but it also is a major component of who we are.  If we are not making, if we are not creating, if we are not sketching, planning, or researching...then we are neglecting a major part of ourselves.  I will be the first to admit, as an art educator...I often neglect this aspect of my life.  I justify it because I teach art all day long.  The only thing about that...there is a difference.  Challenging, nurturing, organizing, and instructing is not the same as taking time out of my day to create my own art.  Art is like a language for the artist.  We process, interpret, and share our dreams, ideas, views of the world (both physically & socially), and beliefs as we create.  If we do not take time/make time for own personal art making, we deny ourselves of living the life we were created to live.   We must take time/make time to be who we are!

After he dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone..  Matthew 14:23

As believers, we must take time/make time to be with God.  Some people believe they can just go to church on Sunday & that is enough.  God has called us into a personal relationship, and relationships take time & effort to cultivate.  An hour or so a week will not allow us the time to truly know our God & grow in our faith as he intended us to do.  We must take time/make time in our too busy lives to spend with God.  Many believers have "quiet times" in the morning before their day gets busy.  That quiet time might consist of a bible study/devotional & time in prayer.  However, if this is sounding too formal/formulaic for you...you are in luck!  God made us all different...and what works for someone else may not be what is best for you.  The point of it all is to spend time with God.  Maybe you are a night owl.  AWESOME!  Spend time with God before you go to bed!  Maybe your only alone time is driving to & from work(all you parents out there!!!).  There are audio devotionals, books, and bibles that you can listen to as you drive.  You could also turn the radio off, and spend your drive time talking to God or quietly listening for his response!  Maybe your free time is during your lunch break.  You can have a devotional book that has one or two pages of bible based inspiration to read & think about as you eat!   In this day of technology...there are also apps for that! ha ha  You can find many apps that will help you as you purposely take time/make time to grow in God!  If Jesus took time by himself to pray...don't you think you should be doing the same? I know I need that in my life!! 

Here is a quote from my favorite author...

If a man wants to be used of God, 

he cannot spend all his time with people. - A.W. Tozer 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Continue

 As artists we take our life experiences, art experiences, training, and imagination everywhere we go.  Anything & Everything can be inspiration for our art.  Sketch books, napkins, digital collections fill up with promising concepts for future work! Making art becomes a basic need for existing.  However, there can be seasons of our life where we are not creating.  It happens: job, family, LIFE!  I've heard it said that it is like riding a bike...you just get back on & go.  I don't really feel that is true.  It is very easy to slip into bad habits, struggling to concentrate, and to becoming easily frustrated when we're out of the artistic habit of creating. I picture the artist like a pond.  It has all the makings for life & vibrancy, but with no input or output...it becomes stagnant!  It will take time to get yourself back into the swing of things.  With discipline and hard work you can once again see the fruits of your labor.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

Our walk with God is the same way.  Life can sometimes get in the way.  We find ourselves not reading our Bible, not spending time in prayer, lacking fellowship with believers, and forget about any kind of discipleship/mentoring going on.  When this happens, we come stagnant....disconnected....out of touch with The Giver of Life!   Our life no longer reflects one passionately seeking after God.  We stop seeing some of the exciting God things that use to be apart of our daily walk with Him.  He has never left.  He is still there in your life.  You just aren't seeing fruit.  Yes, we can confess our sin(which really it is...putting other things before God), and ask for the Lord to help us keep Him first in all things. Getting back into the Word, praying, and spending time with brothers and sisters in Christ(we're all hypocrites and slackers....they will welcome you back! Haha).  You will begin to see God's hand at work in your life, you will know He is with you(and never left you in the first place)...and the fruit will grow once more!  

Receiving Christ is where it STARTS....but we must be ROOTED in Him....and continue on!  Continuing on is not stagnant...it is active & moving!  Just like our faith (and art) should be!  

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: The Van Gosh We Don't Know

 Vincent Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists.  Seeing his work in person is almost a religious experience.  The color, composition, and texture of his work can hold my gaze for untold amounts of time!  Most people know of Van Gogh, and might actually be able to pick his work out of a line up.  It has been a favorite for umbrellas, calendars, puzzles, mugs, and other printable items.  However, this is what most know about Van Gogh: Beautiful Art, Cut Off His Ear, and Killed Himself.  Based off of this knowledge, most people have great pity for the life he lived...and shake their head at the foolish loss. 

What about the Van Gogh we don't know? Vincent Van Gogh was a teacher, a pastor, and a missionary before embracing his call as an artist. Though he never lasted long in any of his previous "professions"...it reveals his heart for people & for God.  Yes, it is true he did have a deep internal struggle that led to his suicide. It is true he made some "bad" choices in his life.  However, he lived so much life in his 37 yrs on this earth that people do not consider. (Like he produced over 2000 works of art...many of those in the last decade.)  For him to be remembered as a sad/depressed man who cut his ear off....shows a lack of understanding & compassion.  We judge an aspect of his life without considering the man as a whole.  We look at the sad expression of his self portraits, and forget the smile of the sunflower!  

What am I getting at?  

WE ARE JUDGMENTAL HYPOCRITES!!   

(This section of scripture begins with the Pharisees trying to "trap" Jesus....bringing a woman that was caught in the act of adultery.)

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.  Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.  At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.  Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they?  Has no one condemned you?"  "No one, sir" she said.  "Then neither do I condemn you, " Jesus declared.  "Go now and leave your life of sin."  

John 8:7-11

We only allow people to see so much of our life.  We keep the things less desirable hidden/covered up.  We then point our fingers at those who do not choose to hide their "issues" and shake our head & wag our finger. (How often have I rolled my eyes at or dehumanize the Kardashians as idiots...instead of feeling a compassion for them?) You know what though, God knows us inside and out.  There are no hidden places with The Lord.  And yet...He deeply desires a relationship with us.  So much so that He came to Earth, showed us the way we should live, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again to give us new life in Him.  He doesn't throw the first stone...He is the first to reach out in LOVE!  There is no sliding scale for sin...sin is sin!!!  Yours is just as wrong as those you judge.  Yet He wants you to be His.  If the Lord can look through the eyes of love at us...why can we not extend the same to those around us.  We need to be less quick to judge & justify our own behavior based on the world....and quicker to extend the same love & grace given to us.  

Maybe I'm speaking to myself?  However, I think most of us do have areas we need to "adjust" to the Lord's heart.  What is your area(s) where you lack grace/compassion? 

 Ask the Lord to reveal it...and heal it!

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Beyond Seeing

 Have you ever met someone that just don't seem to "GET" art in its various forms?  They see a painting...don't "get" it.....and dismiss its worth.  They listen to music that is out of their norm.. don't "get" it...and dismiss its worth.  Watch a specific type of dance...don't "get" it..and dismiss its worth.  There are many things I don't care for, but I am usually able to find something about most art & art forms that I'm able to appreciate.  Why is that?  I believe that one of the main reasons for this is that I have knowledge, understanding, and experience within the arts.  What I bring to an art experience allows me to appreciate works of art even if I don't "get" it.  I am able to pull out aspects of the work that connect back to my knowledge/understanding/experience, and I'm able to trust that the artist knew what they were doing or what they were trying to communicate through their work.   I'm able to see beyond what I'm seeing (or hearing).

Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?  

And don't you remember?   Mark 8:18

In this passage of scripture from Mark, Jesus is addressing the disciples.  If you read the context, you will see that the disciples just don't "get" it.  Part of me wonders how they could not "get" things when they had Jesus right their with them?  The other part of me is relieved by their lack of understanding....because a lot of the time I'm in the same boat as the disciples. How many times have I seen God work in my life, in others' lives, or read His Word, but I still live like I just don't "get" it. For some reason these things I've seen the Lord do have not found their way to my heart.  I doubt. I worry.  I stress.  I plot & plan.  I don't trust.  I don't understand.  I don't get it.  

Seeing is only the surface of understanding.  We have to ask God to take those things we've seen Him do in us, through us, and around us....and make it heart knowledge that truly impacts us...changes us!  That way when life throws a situation at us that we don't like the looks of.....we can still see God & trust that He will use all things for His glory(Romans 8:28).  Knowledge(seeing), understanding, and experiencing allows us to know He is trustworthy.  We can appreciate the situations of life that lead us into a deeper relationship with the Lord.  

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Don't Rush

Clay is all about the process.  It is not an art of immediacy.  You create & wait days for it to dry.  You place it in the kiln to fire & wait (usually close to 8 hrs plus time to cool down before opening the kiln).  You glaze the work, place it back into the kiln, fire it, & wait (another 8 hrs plus time to cool down before opening the kiln).  If you are all about instant gratification, clay is probably not for you.  If you try to fire the clay too soon it might explode.  If you open the kiln too quickly after firing the clay could crack from rapid cooling.  If you don't place enough coats of glaze on the clay before firing it again, the color could be less vibrant or the glaze will not fire to a beautiful glassy finish.  There are many things that could go wrong if you rush the process.  It takes time....and that's ok! 

Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14

Our journey as believers is just that....a journey.  It is not something to be rushed.  You are where you are....and that's ok.  I've seen many become frustrated when they feel they should be "further" in their walk with God.  When they struggle with doubt, temptation, lack of knowledge, lack of experience....they beat themselves up over it. The fact that one is aware of these things shows that the Holy Spirit is at work.  The process we go through as we mature in our faith is one that takes time.  We cannot fall into the "microwave" mentality of our society.  Talk with those you see who are mature in their faith.  Allow them to share their experiences with you.  Most will tell you they are still on that journey.  It takes time...and that's ok!  Embrace the journey God has given you.  It is uniquely yours.  Don't rush to be where you cannot be without time & experience.

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Dried Up Marker

 In the art room, markers are the deceivers, and one of my least favorite classroom supplies!  You know what you are getting with a broken crayon or colored pencil that needs sharpened.  They are still usable..  With markers you can't really tell till you try to color with them.  They look great on the outside, but looks are deceiving.  I've had brand new markers color like they were old and dried out & markers that were a couple years old work like new.  I test my markers a couple times a year to weed out the bad ones.  They take up space in the  box, slow down the process, and at times can damage the work by how they mark. No one had time in their life for dried up nasty markers!

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of bones and the dead and everything unclean.  In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Matthew 23:27-28

If you continue on reading this section of scripture, you will see the Lord has little patience for hypocrites.  With good reason!  If you ask those that don't go to church or who have stopped going to church why...they will often say that churches are full of hypocrites.  You know what....THEY ARE RIGHT!  We are all hypocrites.  Some of us more/less often than others.  I'm not saying it is a real excuse...because the whole world is full of hypocrites (not just those who claim Christ).  However, shouldn't the church be different?  Of all places, shouldn't we be "WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET!"  In being real, we show Christ & His work in us. Playing church, wearing a "mask", saying we're just "FINE".... all of these things play into hypocrisy that the Lord & the world deplore.  Those seeking God will not see a place for themselves among all those mask wearing-church speaking-fine people.  We need to be real with our own lives & struggles so those seeking Him will see a place where they can be real with who they are. Too often Christians get in the way of God's work by playing church instead of BEING the church.  Non-Christians or new Christians are made to feel they have to speak, look or act a certain way to be a part of the "Christian Culture".  Change is the work of the Holy Spirit.  We need to embrace people where they are...and allow God to grow them in His perfect time!  I've seen non-Christians & new Christians develop major "issues" with church because of those in the church.  The body of Christ should be a place where people feel safe...trust...and do not fear being hurt by others. 

 I admit, we are not perfect...and we make mistakes...sometimes BIG mistakes.  However, we need to stop ACTING like Christians...and start BEING THE BODY OF CHRIST!  People are attracted to those living authentic lives.  Call it a white washed tomb...wearing a mask...or a dried up marker....there is no room for that in the church!  

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Commitment

 When I tell people I studied watercolor in college, they usually respond with, "Watercolor!?  That is really challenging?"  I didn't actually think of it like that when I was in school. Everything had challenges that had to be learn & experience.  Honestly, I really stuck with watercolor because it was too expense to switch over to oil or acrylic (for my non-Art/Art Ed friends...they require totally different brushes & supplies). I was paying for college myself, and money was a major factor in my choices. I committed to watercolor..no matter the reason.  I was going to see it through.  However, many people feel watercolor is challenging because you can't really take back the marks you make(not easily at least).  With oil you can remove the paint & acrylic you can paint over, but when you paint with watercolor you are making a commitment.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16:3

  Commitment is kind of a fading concept in our society.  People don't commit to anything.  Jobs, marriage, mortgage, friendships and a host of other things are just commitments while it's convenient. (please know I'm aware that there are many valid reasons for some of these commitments to end...but I'm speaking of commitments of convenience).  We aren't willing to pick up the brush...and make a mark.  God's desire is that we would commit our ways to Him.  He doesn't say commit the easy things...the fun things...the things you know you'll be successful.  He wants you to commit ALL your ways to Him!!  I love this because I feel my life is ministry.  My job, my hobbies, my family...my everything can bring glory to the Lord if I commit it to Him.  If you are thinking there are some things in your life you can't commit to Him....then you may want to reconsider if it is something that you need in your life!  

Pick up the brush...make a mark...commit to it!! What is the worst that can happen?  You make a mistake? God won't be shocked by that.  In art we call them happy accidents because they can add character to our work or move it in an unexpected direction that turns out being more than we could have imagined.  In our walk with God...mistakes are opportunities to grow in Him, accept grace, and learn from the situation.  It gives us a testimony to share with others.

No matter....

COMMIT TO THE LORD WHATEVER YOU DO!

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Just Love?

Robert Indiana's LOVE is iconic.  The image has been used, reused, overused, and abused. Shirts, postage stamps, wall art...it has been on everything imaginable.  What is it about this "simple" work that has captivated the world. First, we have to realize that it is not as simple as throwing letters together and calling it art.  There were thoughts, sketches, redesigns, and different iterations of the idea before the public ever observed the finished work.  LOVE started somewhere deeper than we know.  If you read up on Robert Indiana & his work...you might come upon theories behind this work.  You can rest assured, LOVE is not as simple as it might seem.

 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.    John 13:34-35

In John, Jesus gives a "new" commandment.  The command is to love.  Seems simple enough, right?  I can do that!  Well, maybe not the person at work that gets on my last ever loving nerve.  Oh... what about that relative that constantly points out that I've gained a few pounds.  I know we are "family"...but.  Then there was that person that was riding my tail on the interstate yesterday. They were kind of jerks.  I don't have to love them! 

  I was being a bit overly dramatic, but I hope you see my point.  Loving others isn't always as easy as it might seem.  We find a million reasons to justify why we don't have to show the same kind of love, compassion, and grace that was given us!  It might not be as dramatic, but love can be a challenge for us in many situations.  If we have been hurt, if we lack understanding, if we think more highly of ourselves than we should....love doesn't always come so easy.  Many times we feel if we're going to put our necks out there and love....by golly we better get some reciprocation.  That isn't really how love works. 

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love is not as simple as it might look.  However, for those of us who KNOW the Lord....we have the perfect example in our lives.  Jesus modeled love with His life, death, and resurrection.  If He lives in you...you KNOW love.  It might not be easy to live it out at times, but trust the Lord to develop this in your life.  He has called us to love....the only way you can know Him & make Him known is LOVE!  

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Endurance

 As an art teacher, I often find myself reminding my students that "GOOD ART TAKES TIME".  For some reason, they want to race through their projects to be the first one complete.  In the rush to finish, their art work truly suffers.  They are messy, incomplete, lacking detail, and not fully developed in concept & composition. I will first tell them to look at their work HONESTLY and see if it is truly their best.  If they can see it is not, I will have them go back and fix it up.  If they tell me it is their best work, then I will take them through the different parts of their picture that might need their attention.  Sometimes during their attempts to complete their work ( the second time), I will hear them complain about something being too hard or that they "can't" do it (reasons why they may have rushed the first time....frustration & lack of confidence).  They need to move past the mental blocks of "TOO HARD" & "I CAN'T".  They aren't just words, but a mind set that traps young artists. This prevents them from finding joy & success in creating.  I can reteach the lesson/concept, work individually with them, and answer questions they might have, but what will benefit them the most is continuing to try their best and being able to work through their frustration.  There is an endurance in art that some do not consider.  Being an artist is like a marathon runner.  Time, practice, and pushing through the frustrations will yield reward.  

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of thrown of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Herbrews 12: 1-2

Our faith walk can be derailed by our mind set.  We allow the world to speak lies into our life that just aren't true.  It may come from media, friendships, or even family. These lies start to  take root in our life, and we find ourselves struggling to move forward. These lies are the things that so easily entangle.  We be believe the lies instead of what the Lord says.  We choose lies over the the truth.  Fixing our eyes on the Lord, pushing through the lies of this world and focuses on THE TRUTH.  It takes work.  It takes time of being uncomfortable. There can be a battle in our heart and mind.  If you continue in the truth and trusting who God says you are...you WILL overcome! Lies will come, situations will rise up again, and wars will rage around you. You will have an endurance because your faith is stronger. When the next time the battles rage...yes...there will be a next time...you will be stronger...IN HIM! The lies will no longer have the same impact they once did. The traps of this world will not snare you. The wounds will not be as deep.  God will get the glory, and you will run the race with endurance....to the victory which He already has won!! 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: It Shows

 If you spend much time with an artists/art teachers, you will notice something about their hands.  They always seem to have evidence of their work on them.  I personally do not reserve it for my hands only(unfortunately).  My shirts, pants, shoes, face, hair, arms...all tell the story of my work and what I'm investing myself.  A good artist or art teacher is often so involved with what they are doing, that they do not pay attention to such things.  It is just not a real priority.  Their priority is doing what they're passionate about...what they were created to do.  Just look at their hands and you will see the evidence.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily,

 as for the Lord rather than for men.

Colossians 3:23

God has called each of us into "ministry" if you have accepted the Lord as your Savior.  You know that, right?!?  Your ministry may not look like the pastor's, overseas missionary, or Sunday school teacher.  Maybe your ministry is being a mom, custodian, fast food worker, or maybe even an art teacher.  Whatever it is... it should be done as for the Lord.  When we are working as for the Lord...it should be with all of our heart, mind, and might.  People will begin noticing when you serve the Lord with all that you are in whatever your job/ministry is.  Not because you are proclaiming your awesomeness & deeds, but because living a life for the Lord shows on you like an artist's hands.  Your words, work, attitude, and priorities all start looking like they have Jesus all over them!  

How about you?  Does your life have Jesus all over it?  If you feel like people may not be seeing Jesus in you, THAT'S OK!!  We aren't perfect & no one has "arrived".  Each day we have a chance to do better than the day before.  We learn from our mistakes, and we give those areas of our life over to God.  Ask Him to help you see your WHOLE life as MINISTRY!  Try to do all things for God....work, home, friends, play..etc.  When we do this...we are like the hands of an artist, you can't help but see the evidence of their hearts passion.  

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Together

Setting alone in your studio uncertain if your current project is a success or not.

Looking at new supplies wondering if you should try something different.

Ideas bouncing around in your head, but unsure of what direction to take.

 Though some artists do like to work in isolation, there are many reasons to have relationships with other artists that will aid in your artistic endeavors. As in all relationships, it is important to know and be comfortable with those you are trusting with your ideas, work, and processes. There must be a respect for that person's understanding of art....but your art!  You must be willing to receive not only the complements, but you also must be able to receive the questioning and comments that don't always sing your praises.  These types of relationships take time and effort. We must be willing to develop theme.  They will not only make us better artists, but better people as well. 

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. 

 A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12

We are designed for relationships.  We are created to be connected.  In the Bible, we see again and again how relationship is at the core of God's story for His creation.  Many will consider "punching" in & out at a church service to be enough.  However, God has called us to more than what "punching" in & out can provide.  If we are to spur & encourage one another one, wouldn't we have to have more of a relationship than an hour or two could yield?  We must develop relationships that will allow for us to speak into one another's lives.  We must create an environment where we can help one another to grow.  We must spend time together.  Relationships need time.  I'm not suggesting a "commune".  I'm just saying that we need to be intentional in making time in our life to develop connections/relationships.  So often we feel our lives are too busy for such things.  Time can be as simple as eating a meal together, going shopping together, or lending a hand helping.  Living life together allows for depth to happen.  In that depth you can begin to encourage & spur each other on in a way that will grow you closer together & in your relationship with the Lord. The strength that relationships bring to your faith can not be expressed enough. Together we are better. 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Paint By Number Life

There is a wonderful appeal to the paint by number kits that you can by at the store or order online.  Everything is provided for you.  The colors are even numbered on the work & the containers holding the paint so you have not question about what goes where.  How could anything go wrong? Right?  The only thing is...the struggle to create, compose, and carry out an artistic idea is what brings a "soul" to the art work.  The well planned, laid out, "perfection" of a paint by numbers leaves the work feeling more like wallpaper than art. It limits the creator to doing only the basic & prevents them from true personal expression. It may look nice, but it is missing something. The artistic struggle & imperfections are what gives character, heart, voice, power, and connection to those that view the work. 

But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, 

My glory, and the One who lifts my head.

I was crying to the Lord with my voice, 

And He answered me from His holy mountain.

I lay down and slept; 

I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people

Who have set themselves against me round about.

Psalm 3:3-6

So many wish their was a formula to life. 

"If I follow abc...than xyz will occur."

"I just need to live my life this way, and good things will happen."

"JUST TELL ME WHAT TO DO...I'LL DO IT"

Life isn't a paint by number.  I understand the deep desire to avoid the pain that life can bring.  I understand wishing that the evils of this world would stay far away from us & the ones we love.  I have seen the impact of the injustice of this world on a life/family.  The young die.  The healthy become sick.  A life forever changed by no fault of their own.  Pain & heartache happens.  Tears flow as if they will never end.   We do not wish or want for these things in our life....but what do we do when they happen?  

"IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE..."

Our world...our life is not paint by number.  Sin came into this world...and has forever changed what God had intended for His children to experience. However, it has not changed God.  He is God.  He is still on His throne!  He is the one that sustains us in the midst of our trials.  He lifts our head in the midst of our sorrows so we can see His face!  He gives us strength we did not know we had in our greatest hour(s) of need.  

We find that in & after our struggles...we come to a new understanding of God's grace.  We see His love for us in new ways. There is a new & deeper appreciation for the Lord's presence in our life.  Prayer is more real.  Praise is more passionate. The Word is more powerful.  Not because of the pain & problems, but because of the One who saw us through it.   

The paint by number life might seem appealing, but Lord...I choose you in the good times & in the bad times.  I choose you...because you first chose me!  You gave Your life...that I might have Life!