I am by nature, an introvert, it doesn’t take much to make me feel awkward (bring out my inner dork I jokingly say) another stab at trying to brush off that paralyzing feeling. I read the quote “quiet people often have the loudest minds” some time ago and I find that to be absolutely true of myself. When the pastor of my church approached me regarding these paintings (live audience) my flesh cringed while my soul whispered “it is for my glory” so with terror and sweating palms I said yes “but only because it’s about the message not the painting itself”.

It has been my prayer for some time now to live my faith out loud rather than continuing to internalize, something I tend to do with everything.  To LET my light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16).  For a city set on a hill cannot be hid (Matthew 5:14).  Specifically for my husband and children that it may flow out of my heart to share His grace and love with anyone who may cross my path. This is often where I fail first, as it is easier to get annoyed and frustrated and/or hurt by those who are closest to us.  It requires a lot more sacrifice that I have to admit I am not often willing to immediately put my pride aside to do. It’s only after prayer and reflection upon conviction that I even see it at times.  We can measure the progress of our Christian life by how well we relate to our parents, our spouse, or our employer. If we were to base our spiritual progress on how well you lived it out at home, how do you think you are doing?” – JD Greer. Let us examine our ways and test them and let us return to the Lord (Lamentations 3:40). For it is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).  Our closest relationships reveal our deepest heart issues, sin and need for a Savior.

God requires perfection and there is but One who meets this standard.  It is only by the blood of Jesus Christ who while we were yet still sinners loved us (Romans 5:8), to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8), the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), who loves us with an everlasting love (Jeramiah 31:3), not because we loved Him, but because He loved us (1 John 4:10).

One who’s only accusation was “Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews”

As Jill Briscoe says “obedience first, then the courage” so without the courage, without the experience, I went where I was sent and gave what I had, the only thought I would allow, a prayer “Lord work through me, be my strength, still my quivering hands and quiet my terror, move me out of the way”. Taking a leap outside my comfort zone, it is only by His gift of the talent he wove into my innermost being and His Grace and Love for me that such a thing could have ever taken place.  To God be the glory forever and ever Amen!

Resurrected King 30×40 Acrylic on Canvas – First Service (Top) Second Service (Bottom)

To be completely honest, I have battled all week if I should share this or not.  My fears and insecurities raged all week long.  Fears of people who will think this was a very odd thing to do, judgement, seeking praise, you name it, it has gone through my mind.  I have struggled in many, many areas and have felt firmly buckled in my seat of the struggle bus.  It has felt like Satan has attacked me with every noise and obstacle there could nearly be.  Sometime in the middle of this past Sunday night I came to peace with it all and I said “Satan you will not win, you have already lost” so I continue in this race of life for the only purpose we are created for…to bring Glory to the One who made me in all my messiness and sin.  Who loves me despite it all!!

Transformed people use their same gifts for Gods purpose! – Kenny Hibbard

The message – The Faces of the Cross http://teamchurch.com/message.aspx?parentnavigationid=43217&messageGuid=fdc01c21-da74-4a4b-86ab-71b6cdd5babd

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