Calling All Artists

A precious group of ladies came to take a guided tour through our home/gallery this morning. Our hearts were blessed as we shared our stories and encouraged one another. One of my new friends, Andrea, is also an artist. We were both inspired to do something different; something we've never done before. Our parting was sweet as we walked away with nuggets of inspiration. Andrea used to work with children and paint with them at the Boy's and Girl’s Club. She's looking forward to spending time with the Lord to see where the Spirit leads to use her gift of painting for God's glory. She wants to work with children, again, to pass on to them the things that God is teaching her. Andrea’s story includes a deceased military husband, and 3 children. Her many trials could rob her of the hope that Christ gives, and the joy and peace that fills the heart of every believer, but Andrea’s eternal hope and humbled and obedient heart spurs her on to be a light for Christ no matter what challenges or lies the enemy tries to trip her up with. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, Friends. Her willingness to be His vessel, in conjunction with her God-given gift of painting will be a visual testimony of God’s Message for a lost and dying world. I can’t wait to update you with where God is leading Andrea.

My encouragement comes with a “calling”. I’m not calling you, God is. It’s a calling for all artists, as well as all Christ-Followers. Ask the Father, "What message do You want to paint in my story?" Your life and your choices reflects what you truly believe and think about God. Is Christ reflected in your story? Whether you’re using paintbrushes, your voice, your musical instrument, your writings, your love for sports, your military position, or whatever you are passionate about, Colossians 3: 23 tells us to “work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Thanks ladies, for sharing today what God is doing in your life.

May we all find encouragement from Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet to chew on every word He had to say. Mary’s sister, Martha complained to Him, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There’s only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10: 40-42). Mary was teachable, Friends. She was hanging on ever word Jesus had to say so that when her time with Him came to an end, she would be fully equipped with God's armor for the rest of the day. Can't you just picture Mary, when she got off her stool to get back to work, the Fruit of the Spirit was evident in her life.

Yes, I know we have much to do each day. But let’s not rob ourselves (and others) of the most important thing; let’s not miss the blessing and instruction that Jesus has to give through His Spirit. IF you mediate on God's Word and invite the Spirit to lead you, THEN your days will make a difference for eternity, here on earth, and in heaven! I dare you to put God first and see what happens, Friends. I promise that when you come to the end of your life’s journey, you will not be disappointed if you have loved God supremely, and loved others sacrificially!

Time in God's Word and in prayer is vital to the Christian life. Spiritual nourishment is an absolute necessity. Good works are of no value if we're not spending intimate time with the Lord. Martha was doing a "good thing" in wanting to serve Jesus a big dinner, but she resented Mary for not helping. We can sometimes get involved with good-things (God-things) as acts of service, but when we begin to mumble and complain, or compare ourselves to others, or allow our service to develop a root of pride or resentment, or find ourselves discontent with our present situation, we need to stop! If service (in or out of the home) is causing us to sin, it's of no value. In fact, serving anyone with this kind of attitude is like feeding spiritual-poison to those who are in your presence. It's time to repent if this is happening. It's time to ask God to reveal His Will about the situation, and then do what He says to do. It's a matter of the heart that God wants to purify so that your relationship with Him is restored.

It’s time to take another step toward purity, if people-pleasing (or the fear of being rejected) has a hold on you. We are to fear nothing and no one on this earth. The only fear that we are called to is a reverent fear of the Lord. May we begin to function as wise managers of our time, treasures, and talents (spiritual gifts and abilities) that God has given each one of us to make a difference wherever, whenever, and with whomever we share our lives.

I'm speaking from experience (and including myself) when I say we must stop being “people pleasers”. We're created to please God, not people! Our value is not determined by what others say or think of us. Stop allowing manipulators to control you! Yes, manipulation is sin, but it's also sin if you allow it. You see, if others are controlling you, you are not allowing the Holy Spirit to do His job. I know it's hard to swallow, but the truth is instead, you're allowing the enemy, Satan, to control you. I recognize when others are suffering in this area because I used to be controlled in the same way. I was a born-again believer living like a baby Christian. Satan and his buddies used my lack of spiritual wisdom and lack of discernment against me. Then my foolishness led to anger toward God. Thankfully He was waiting to receive me back like the parable Jesus told about the prodigal son.

When you walk away from those you interact with, what kind of impression/spiritual fragrance are you leaving behind? Risking vulnerability should not be your focus, either. Don't live in fear of judgment from your critics. Don't listen to the lies of the enemy, Satan. Don't give him a foothold to rob you of being the best you you can be. Be careful to not leave the window of your heart open to sin, where the devil creeps in to mess things up; the-open-window. When we are deceived for lack of spiritual wisdom (or blatantly choose to live in sin) we deceive the purpose for which we were created; but even more disastrous; we deceive our mission to those we influence at home, and with others. Ask yourself if you're walking away from others with a clear conscience that a reflection of Jesus was left behind? If not, an apology to God (and to the person) may be in order, whether they deserve it or not.

You and I are God’s messengers. We're His vessels to deliver His Message. Submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit is the key. He will do the work through you that others will recognize as the supernatural power God's Holy Spirit. Today is a new day to glorify God right where you are, beloved. How is God working in your life? How has His story become your story? Tell others how God's story transformed yours. May we not hinder the work of the Lord, but seek His Will in prayerful thought throughout each day to reach lost souls, and to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ. “The Great Commission” is to be shared by every single believer, no matter what you do, or where you spend your time! May we all be encouraged to invite the Holy Spirit to stir the fire within, to do whatever it takes to find ourselves in the center of His Will.

Joyce Girgenti

Ephesians 4 (The Message)

"I pray that God, the source of HOPE, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15: 13 NLT)