Beginning at the Beginning

My head is full of images.  Some are epic in their scope and others are intimate. However, the universal truth as always been this; I feel ill-equipped to commit them to paper.  This last year, I came to the realization that my mind has become too cluttered with all these images and I needed to do something about it.  I wasn't sure if this was freeing these pictures from a crowded, confined cage or capturing them like an insect in amber.  Either way, it had to be done.  I began to sketch a small picture whenever a verse or passage from my scripture reading spoke to me.  Originally, I did not have any intention for it to be a regular activity.  As I have slowly sketched my way through one verse after another, it has had a profound effect on me.

The time spend on each verse has forced me to slow down and soak in the passage.  I have always struggled with bible reading being a check-box activity, but this exercise has helped turn it into a more meditative time. I wanted to share these images with others and hopefully provide some insight and encouragement.  As I post the pictures, I'll try to share a few briefs thoughts on the passage and why it stood out to me.  I'll also post a link to the passage.

Hebrews 10: 23-25

Hebrews 11:1

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gaining Wait

Image
  29  He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but  they who wait for the  Lord  shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings  like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:29-31 I decided to sketch this after God brought it to my attention several times in a few short days.  Have you noticed passages in the Bible that repeat the same theme or phrase?  While reading, I take this as a sign to slow down and pay attention.  When the same thing happens in my own life, I do the same.   I greatly appreciate in this passage the way that God promises to renew us where we are.  Some days all I feel like I can do is place one foot in front of the other.  It is comforting to remember that God is with me, even on those days.  Or perhaps especially on those da...
Read more

We're gonna need a bigger boat

Image
 Reading through 2 Chronicles, I was  moved and convicted by the character of King Asa.  If you're not familiar with 1st and 2nd Chronicles, it captures the stories of the various kings of Israel.  Let me tell you, it's a real mixed bag.  While some of the kings manage (almost by accident it seems at times) to 'do what was right', most of them fail miserably and fall into idolatry or worse.  Asa is an exception to this.  Despite a dubious upbringing (his mother worshiped  idols)  Asa trusted God and did what was right.  2 Chronicles 14 captures Asa's faithful and obedient actions taking away the foreign high places of idol worship and leading the children of Israel into victorious battle.   The height of Asa's faith is captured in verse 11.  Before battle against a vastly superior adversary, Asa prays, "O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak.  Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on yo...
Read more

Downside Up

Image
This verse is a great example of the tension the gospel presents in our hearts.  In the first part of the passage, Peter tells us to anticipate suffering.  This is understandable; if suffering came for Christ it will come for us as well.  Peter could have stopped there and simply given the warning. He also could have paired it with a more logical suggestion, such as 'endure the trials when they come".  Instead, he instructs us to...rejoice? It is such a head scratching concept!  Rejoice? Suffering? These two words certainly make strange bedfellows, but the gospel is not satisfied with half measures.  Christ wants us to experience his victory in every aspect of our lives, including our attitude. What trials does God have you experiencing today?  Can you take a step towards rejoicing in them?      Beloved, do not be surprised at  the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you....
Read more