Give UP

      These paintings were inspired by Eph 5:18b, "Be filled with the Spirit" for a painting project at a women's retreat.

     At first glance theses sample paintings might not appear as any great work of art. Simple and maybe even childish, but that is the beauty of them.

     So often I hear people say they are not artistic. In whose eyes? What is artistic? Art can be very subjective and many people who once enjoyed creating have stopped due to a comment made by someone trying to box in this person's interpretation of what they see. Did Picasso and Rembrandt interpret a bowl of fruit the same way? Was one of them wrong?

     As in the journey of life, the joy of painting is the process not always the outcome. The relaxing feeling of leading a brush over a canvass. The beauty of color as different hues are mixed together and the design of lines, thick or thin varying by the twist of the hand. Doesn't that make you think of God's palette?  Variations of colors blended together along with different lines and textures bring about the beauty of oneness of His people, the family of God.  No two anything are exactly the same yet He uses our differences to enhance each other.  Romans chapter 12 says, "for just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us."

    The special talents that make up you are exactly what God knows you need for those opportunities He has planned for you to be His hands and feet.  Like tools in a tool box, God has equipped you.

     Being filled with the Spirit is using the talents and strengths God has given you for His glory. Remember Romans 12:4-6 when Satan wants to make you feel inferior. Don't compare your actions or outcomes to anyone else. Instead, thank God for the special gifts that by His grace only you have been given.  Then use those gifts freely and completely.  Give them up as a fragrant offering.

God loves the cheerful giver of time and talent and when you use your gifts in this way, whatever you do is a masterpiece to Him.