Tag Archives: art

All things are possible

James Tissot (1836-1902)
The Rich Young Man Went Away Sorrowful (Le jeune homme riche s’en alla triste)
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, 1886–1896
Brooklyn Museum

Jesus said, “All things are possible for God.” Mark 10:27

We can do all things through God, with God, and in God because God’s Word and Spirit live within us. We are God’s voice, ears, eyes, hands, and heart in the world. We have the power to intentionally choose words, actions, and behaviors that prove us to be effective bearers of God’s love, generosity, compassion, forgiveness, and healing.

Today I will pray for a spirit of wisdom and the grace to share my love and possessions with those in need.

Like a child

James Tissot (1836-1902)
Laisser venir à moi les petits enfants
opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

Jesus said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Mark 10:14-15

Today I will go to the Lord like a child: Precious in my limitations. Trusting. Vulnerable. Loving and ready to be loved. I will confide in him all that troubles me and rest, knowing I am heard, blessed, and healed by his love and compassion.

For Jesus

Millstone, Garyport
Kenneth Allen
geograph.org.uk

Jesus replied, “For whoever is not against us is for us.” Mark 9:40

Anyone who treats others with love, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, generosity, and nonviolence is for Jesus.

Today I will remember every person is made in the image and likeness of God’s goodness and love. I will welcome everyone I meet as a member of God’s precious family.

Gentle and full of mercy

James Tissot (1836-1902)
Jésus et le petit enfant
opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. James 3:16-18

The Scriptures are like a spiritual emery board, gently smoothing my tendency to put myself first, hold on to grudges, and ignore the needs of the vulnerable. The Scriptures teach me that the Way of Christ is to make a priority of the needs of God’s children at every level of society, from babies and toddlers to the the hungry and the homeless, the elderly and infirm, the sick and dying, the lonely and forgotten.

Today I will remember all people are God’s vulnerable children. In peace and sincerity, I will reach out to help someone in need.

Don’t turn back

Harry Fenn (1845-1911)
Caesarea Philippi (Banias)
Watercolor, gouache, brown ink, and graphite on light brown wove paper
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Mark 8:34

Our personal cross may appear small in light of all the suffering in the world, but it is our cross to bear each day with patience and endurance. As we follow the Way of Jesus into forgiveness, generosity, and compassion, we trust God will use our self-donation for the highest good of all of humanity.

Today I will put my faith in God’s loving care for me and know God is my help. I will take up my cross with courage and dignity and follow the Lord wherever he leads me.

God is here

Sebaid Beham (1500-1550)
Print, book illustration,1530
British Museum, 1940,0617.12

Say to those whose hearts are frightened:
Be strong, fear not!
Here is your God. Isaiah 35:4a

No matter what it looks like in our troubled world, God is in charge. We are not lost. We have not been abandoned. God is here. We have nothing to fear. God’s vision of love and unity will be fulfilled.

Today I will intentionally choose to open my eyes and ears and heart to discern where I can bring a little comfort, a little peace, a little love to the people in my corner of the world.

Welcome the Word

Friedrich Böhringer
Chrome steel letters on a rusty steel plate
3 May 2009

Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.
Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. James 1:21b-22

The Word in our hearts is love. The Word is what inspires us to greet others with a smile, take time to listen when someone needs to process difficult feelings, pray for those who are struggling, ask God to guide our words and actions.

Today I will attend to what I say and do that I may not defile the world with unkindness, bitterness, or indifference. I will welcome the guidance of the Word in my heart and be intentional about embodying the love of God in all my interactions.

Being led to the light

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. Psalm 34:19

It has been a long week of pain, panic, and distress. With gratitude, I remember the kind people who are praying for me. And I also remember that Jesus knows the truth of human suffering and is walking with me, guiding me through this dark tunnel to the light at the other end.

Today I will trust the Holy One of God is leading me to new life.

Forsake foolishness

Seven Pillars of Wisdom at Wadi Rum
seen from the road between the vistors’ center and Rum village
By Daniel Case [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons

Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord. Ephesians 5:15-17

Jesus teaches that it is God’s will that I love my neighbor as myself, forgive those who hurt me, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger. If I ignore Jesus and refuse to feed on his word and example, I am indeed foolish.

Today I will ask the Holy Spirit to fill me the wisdom and courage to embody God’s will of love and humble service.

Bless us, O Lord

Walter Gay (1856-1937)
The Blessing, 1888
Musée de Picardie

And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. Ephesians 4:32

Jesus, the bread of life, nourishes me with his example of loving service so that I become more like him in kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

Today I will give thanks to the One who feeds me on the Way of peace, reconciliation, and love.