Painting the Picture
This week we are discussing the Holy Spirit as our Counselor.
Recently I watched a travel show in which a quirky British host traveled through Japan. At one point he met a man who lives near Mount Fuji, the tallest peak in Japan. This man makes a new painting of Mount Fuji just about every day. He paints it in different styles, in different weather, and at different times of the year.
In typical travel show fashion, the host set up his own easel and proceeded to paint Mount Fuji for himself. His painting was not bad, but far from professional, and they had a good laugh about it. But then the host made a very insightful observation. Because he spent time trying to paint Mount Fuji, he took in many more details about it than if he had simply stood there and looked at it for the same amount of time. He would remember more of Mount Fuji, because he intentionally focused on it rather than simply looked at it. Painting it helped him remember it better.
A lot of people keep journals to help them remember their faith journey and how God has answered prayers. Some of you may find that hymns or songs are a favorite way to be reminded of God’s love. I have learned (quite unintentionally) that writing devotions like these, where I try to connect life observations to my faith, has made me more aware of my faith during routine everyday activities.
And of course, there is divine support to help teach us and help us remember the things we’ve learned.
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father will send Him in My name—will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26 (HCSB)
Are you facing a difficult situation or tough decision? Pray about it in earnest and you may get the clear answer or resolution you seek (or one better than you even considered) directly from the Holy Spirit, our Counselor.
But how to pray? Maybe, like that travel host, we need to get creative to help us focus. Write your prayer like an email or a text. Paint or sketch a picture about a Bible story that connects with you. Write a poem. Go for a walk with your favorite worship music playing, or on a hike with no sounds but God’s creation around you.
God, is there a creative way I can grow closer to you by taking advantage of the unique interests and talents you’ve already given me?
By Mark Stuart
Recently I watched a travel show in which a quirky British host traveled through Japan. At one point he met a man who lives near Mount Fuji, the tallest peak in Japan. This man makes a new painting of Mount Fuji just about every day. He paints it in different styles, in different weather, and at different times of the year.
In typical travel show fashion, the host set up his own easel and proceeded to paint Mount Fuji for himself. His painting was not bad, but far from professional, and they had a good laugh about it. But then the host made a very insightful observation. Because he spent time trying to paint Mount Fuji, he took in many more details about it than if he had simply stood there and looked at it for the same amount of time. He would remember more of Mount Fuji, because he intentionally focused on it rather than simply looked at it. Painting it helped him remember it better.
A lot of people keep journals to help them remember their faith journey and how God has answered prayers. Some of you may find that hymns or songs are a favorite way to be reminded of God’s love. I have learned (quite unintentionally) that writing devotions like these, where I try to connect life observations to my faith, has made me more aware of my faith during routine everyday activities.
And of course, there is divine support to help teach us and help us remember the things we’ve learned.
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father will send Him in My name—will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26 (HCSB)
Are you facing a difficult situation or tough decision? Pray about it in earnest and you may get the clear answer or resolution you seek (or one better than you even considered) directly from the Holy Spirit, our Counselor.
But how to pray? Maybe, like that travel host, we need to get creative to help us focus. Write your prayer like an email or a text. Paint or sketch a picture about a Bible story that connects with you. Write a poem. Go for a walk with your favorite worship music playing, or on a hike with no sounds but God’s creation around you.
God, is there a creative way I can grow closer to you by taking advantage of the unique interests and talents you’ve already given me?
By Mark Stuart
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2022
January
New Year's Day 2022All Things NewA New NormalA Renewed MindA New MissionA New BeginningSpring is Coming...God's Not DeadHis Presence As I Pray With Other BelieversHis Presence As I Fill My Heart and Mind with His WordHis Presence As I WorshipHis Presence As I WriteHim AloneGoodbyesOur Friend and So Much MoreTrust Your Gut...The Flooding of the Holy SpritLiving By the SpiritDon't Just Stand ThereThe Futility of Human EffortThe Will of God for YouThe Internal Battle for ControlEvery Good Tree Bears Good FruitAchieving Victory Over SinIlluminating Properties of SnowSearching
February
MapsThe AdvocatesPainting the PictureThree In OneFebruary Scripture Memory VerseWelcome to the Book of Acts!A Growing HeartThere's Something You Need to Understand!Let's Flip a Coin - Or Do You Have a Better Idea?Are We There Yet?Growing in the ChallengesA Day to RememberA Historical RealityA Life TransformedA Message that Convicts and SavesA Gospel that GathersPain with a PurposeThe Early Church - AccountableThe Early Church - God Living In UsThe Early Church - BoldnessThe Early Church - GenerosityThe Early Church - ServingThe IntroductionThe Starting Lineup
March
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April
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