Dear...
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
Psalms 121:1-2
I am a little distracted these couple of days. Twelve lovely woman have caught my eyes.
Thankfully it is not lustful but rather, an appreciation of fine art in the form of twelve scrolls painted in rich and vibrant colors, representing womenfolk in Japan in the Edo period (18th century). The copy I have is from the 1920s, the original(19th century) which is considered a historical treasure resides in a private museum in Japan.
I have come to learn that it is always good to take time with our Lord, whenever one's heart starts to wander off. And in my submission, may our good Lord use me to paint His thoughts that is not just heavenly but that will imbue in you the desire to seek Him more.
Given that man is born to trouble, is it not wise to acknowledge God's favor upon us every day of our finite lives, for by His grace, He enables us to make every day a blessed day, to walk in joy and peace, independent of our circumstances.
Indeed, being a believer has its privileges( Sounds like the old Amex card slogan!)
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Matthew 6:19-20
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Psalms 121:8
Paintings are lovely but it is a challenge to keep them in pristine condition. Our humid weather and silver fishes can be a challenge. The Chinese use camphor wood, while their Japanese counterparts prefer the home grown Kiri wood to deter the insects. But what might still be inadequate for the inanimate, for us, the children of God, His grace is suffice for the day.
Every step of faith we take, God has already laid a sturdy plank.
Rejoice in the Lord always:and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4
Is a reproduction something to be looked upon with disdain? Perhaps for most, but for the quality conscious Japanese, especially up to the prewar (ie WW2) period, emulating their eminent predecessors is an honor and the replica must be of the highest grade. Yet rare will the painter of the copy put his name on the painting, for it will be disrespectful to the original artist.
God make us in His likeness. But along came the con artist, the devil who led the first man to sin, and with that act of foolish disobedience, the Spirit of God left man.
By His unmerited favor, the Spirit of God is back with us who believe.
Should we not rejoice in our Great God Who is now transforming us back unto His likeness.
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:5-6
Moderation is incongruent with most collectors. Collecting for most can sway dangerously to an emotional addiction. I struggle with this too, but thanks be to God, I am often brought back from the brink of excessive compulsion by this verse He ingrained in me at the start of this dangerous journey. That is, what you seek to master, will master you.
God wants us to enjoy His blessing on Earth. Prayers is not about asking for more "toys" but rather, prayers help gird us to the truth, that His provisions must never replace Him our Provider.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
I collect because I love the fact that art reflects the soul of its artist and exquisite art imbibes in one a positive emotion. I focus only on nature, families and the natural world. For when painted with love, God's glory will shine forth. Is it not wonderful that we are the clay, and God is the potter.
"Stop questioning, and start following." I understand with greater clarity this command God gave me when His Spirit lifted fully the veil in my heart 12 years back.
I am now closer to Christlikeness, because I have let go and let Him mold me, and my heart shouts in grateful joy to God my Creator.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:and the God of peace shall be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9
This term "grounded exuberance," could be taken to mean deflated joy. This is what worldly treasures will provide. Happiness in all brevity, angst in perpetuity.
But the joy and peace that God gives us, that is a totally different plane.
Be a doer, not just a listener. You will experience the constant presence of God in your life. The exuberance that is grounded upon God's affirmation of our obedience in His leading, this will be ingrained upon our hearts.
And to partake in the joy of walking with God, we must ground ourselves in His Word.
For the word of God is not just the lamp in the darkness of this world, the Word sets the boundaries of our walk with God, the Word uplifts, for the Word is God.
And working in tandem with His Word, is His Spirit residing in our hearts, that the two together will evoke in a willing and responsive heart, that indescribable joy and peace, that only Christ can give.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
1 John 2:17
God blesses
Eng Hieang
13th July 2013
No comments:
Post a Comment