… plus God equals…

Change is possible. Growth is possible. Developing into something greater… all possible. With Christ, all things are possible (Philippians 4:13) and can have great value. Even common, ignoble things (2 Timothy 2:20).

The first drawing is one of my earliest ones. I used pencil and paper back then. I loved the bright colors and of course the message. Jesus is my everything. 

But see how I have grown when you look at the more recent piece. How more developed the artwork is… 

Both bring joy and celebration and thankfulness in the Savior Jesus.

But God used the earliest underdeveloped attempt. He loved it. He used it. He touched people’s hearts with it. He didn’t wait for perfection. He rejoiced in the message. He was glad I did it. It turned people’s eyes to Jesus. He did that through my feeble attempt at artwork. 

So I tell you, don’t wait for perfection, in word or a skill, before you dare to share the love of God. God uses the most unremarkable to advance His kingdom. God will bless - because God always adds to it… people will see more into it than you do - because of God’s involvement; enhancement. Remember that God uses the weak to display His power. (1 Corinthians 1:27)

… for it is God Who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose. - Philippians 2:13

And don’t be intimidated by those who are older than you; simply be the example they need to see by being faithful and true in all that you do. - 1 Timothy 4:12

So I ask you, where are you afraid to step out in faith - withholding a blessing from God; keeping a display of God’s power held back? Choose this day to leap! And tell me if God showed up. 

the Bread of Life

  And Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” - Luke 4:4

This bible verse came to me this morning, after I had partaken in Holy Communion the night before. And some wondering thoughts I have had…

Bread alone. It led me think of having Jesus as a Friend. And truly He is. There is nothing more wonderful than a warm friendship. Like bread. It makes me think of the comfort and security of being at a grandma’s house. 

But there is more. So much more.

The wine. The life giving blood of Jesus. The sacrifice of Jesus. In addition to the Friendship, there is a Savior. The Bread. And the Wine. Jesus truly all in all.

Psalm 104 says that bread and wine sustain and gladden the heart.

I think there is something very special going on here… this not by bread alone. What would Holy Communion be without the wine? Would we take of the bread - and then what? Think what? The wine - that gladdens the heart. Would we remember to rejoice in this Savior? Would we miss out on this? Don’t we need both to “remember Me”…  both Friend and Savior. Love and Lord. 

In John 6:35 Jesus joins hunger and thirst together. And again, in verses 53 through 57. Everyone who eats My flesh and drinks My blood is in Me, and I in him.

I welcome your thoughts on this. I feel like I’m supposed to go somewhere with this, but… can’t quite pull it together. It’s niggling at me and I can’t quite capture clarity or bring it full circle in my mind.