Art you can ride on

 

Not all art is for hanging on the wall.  I often like to draw and paint on non-traditional pieces. 

I had a good time building a couple of skateboards with my boys who are 5 and 8.  We started with blank decks purchased online at www.skatepaige.com .  We then used an assortment of sharpie markers to create custom graphics.  Art inspired by:

Psalm 89 8-10
Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?
You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you,
You rule over the surging sea;
when its waves mount up, you still them.

Today my prayer is that I would be faithful in all I do, and that as I ride this board I would have opportunities to share about the inspiration for the art.

Father and Son

   It was almost two years ago that I met Orchidy Boyd (Missionary in the Amazon) on a flight from Kansas City to Salt Lake City.  A-lot has happened in that time including a 12 day mission trip to Columbia.  Orchidy spent a week with my family in Oregon in October.  She is truly an inspiration and a blessing and I am very thankful for her ministry to the Yagua tribe along the Amazon river.  The above photo is of my 8 year old son Ben and I sporting our new bracelets sent with Orchidy by Maria who lives in the Yagua village.  The bracelets are a daily reminder to be praying for my friends in the Amazon.  If you are interested in learning more or supporting Orchidy's ministry please visit the following link.  If you would like a hand made yagua bracelet send me an email or leave a comment.   I have several left that we are selling on a donation basis (100% of the donation is tax deductible and goes to the Amazon mission) email .

1 John 5:1-5
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. ² This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. ³ This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, ⁴ for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. ⁵ Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

strong foundation

A strong foundation is key to keeping your footing during all that this world tosses in your way.  I find that it is ultimately important to remind myself each day where I get my identity.  I am very thankful that God is the rock on which I have built my house.  My wife reminded me of Mathew 7:24-27 this weekend when we were hiking with our boys near Sparks Lake in Central Oregon and spotted a tree growing straight out of a rock.  It is not the easiest place to put down roots, but  once planted in solid rock, this tree will not be moved or shaken. 

 

Mathew 7:24-27

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

anointing

Today I am praying about walking the path that God has prepared for me. He has anointed each of us in unique ways to serve. It takes effort to grow deep roots in Christ. Without being rooted in Christ it is impossible to bring forth fruit in his name. My prayer today is that I would allow God an all access path to use the gifts that he has given me so that I might serve others in his name.

1 John 2:24-27

No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us–even eternal life.

I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit–just as it has taught you, remain in him.

Lead by example

My wife took this photo last week at the beach.  My boys and I were headed for the waves and had no idea she was snapping the picture.  Viewing it later made me stop and think about all of the opportunities I have to speak into my boys lives with actions and not just words.  It is my prayer today that I would be intentional in the actions that I model to my boys, and that as they grow up they will know and understand the direction, purpose, and strength that comes from following Jesus.

Proverbs 22:5-6

⁵ In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares,
    but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

⁶ Train a child in the way he should go,
    and when he is old he will not turn from it.

At the beach

I spent the weekend on the Oregon Coast with family and friends.  We had a great time playing in the sun and waves.  On my last day there I decided to take my bible and a sketch pad and spend an hour sitting in the sand.  I read about David and his deep understanding of what is required for a true offering.  David states that unless there is a cost, there can be no offering.  I have been thinking about those words and how often I settle for offerings that cost me little or nothing.  I believe that this verse will stay with me for some time as I attempt to wrap my brain around the cost of following God.  With that I will leave you with a few photos and the verse to ponder.

 2 Samuel 24:24  - But the king replied to Araunah, "No,  I insist on paying you for it.  I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing"

Question for reflection:  How much is your offering worth (time, sacrifice, money, etc..._

Fellowship

I was reminded today that God's path is available and accessible to everyone. Lift up your brothers and sisters, lend a helping hand, enjoy the journey, and take stock in the fact that we serve an awesome, mighty, and very real God.

Date and Time

 

I remember the moment that my wife went into labor with our first child.  It was June 29th, 2004 at 11 PM, and we were both surprised.  We knew it would happen, but Ben decided to come three weeks early and we were caught off guard.  I thought of this moment when I read the following verse.  It is my prayer today that I would focus on the moment, choose Jesus, and not be surprised.

1 Thessalonians 5

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

5 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, ² for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³ While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
⁴ But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. ⁵ You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. ⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. ⁹ For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁰ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
¹² Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. ¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
¹⁶ Be joyful always; ¹⁷ pray continually; ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
¹⁹ Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; ²⁰ do not treat prophecies with contempt. ²¹ Test everything. Hold on to the good. ²² Avoid every kind of evil.
²³ May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
²⁵ Brothers, pray for us. ²⁶ Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. ²⁷ I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Anchored

 

A friend of mine blogged about the Root and Foundation on his blog:

http://thewordwasgod.blogspot.com/

I recommend clicking on the link and giving it a read.  I have included the post below.  My thanks to Teague for his thoughtful post.

The Root and Foundation

An excerpt from my notes on the feasts of Israel

***

            Sacrifice, of some kind, was required with the observance of every feast under the old covenant.  The types and amounts of animals varied from feast to feast but generally there was a burnt offering and a sin offering.  The main purpose of a burnt offering was to be “an aroma pleasing to the LORD” (Lev. 1:9, 13, 17).  For this offering, the entire animal was burned on the altar.  The sin offering was made to make atonement for the people (Lev. 4:20, 26, 31, 35).  These offerings had to be made during every feast because of Israel’s continuing sinfulness.  They could not relate to God or participate in His feasts unless sin was dealt with and God was satisfied.

            Jesus’s one sacrifice was sufficient for all time and beyond.  On the cross He fulfilled every burnt offering and sin offering pictured in the Old Testament. In Him, there is no need for repeated sacrifice.  Why then is the cross pictured at every feast through the offerings that were commanded?  It is because our participation in any aspect of Christ depends on the cross.  We can only be united to His resurrection if we are united to His death (Rom. 6:5).  Sharing His anointing depends on His atonement.  And God couldn’t tabernacle or dwell in us unless His temple was destroyed and raised in three days (John 2:19-22).

            It isn’t just that the cross is a first step that we have to start with.  We cannot move on from the cross any more that a tree can move from its root or a building from its foundation.  This is why, even in the type, the Lord keeps the cross continually before us.  It is as if He is saying, “If I hadn’t died you would have no part in me” (cf. John 13:8). 

            Since the cross is the bedrock of all God has done, we must keep our feet on the ground of it, especially as we know Jesus in the more exalted aspects of His life.  Christ, our risen, anointed King still has His wounds.  The Holy Spirit must mark us with the cross in such a way that we never leave the wounds of Christ, even as we experience the freedom of His resurrection, the power of His anointing, the authority of His crown.  In fact, we must see His wounds as the source of everything else that we experience in Him and learn to value them as the headwaters of spiritual life.  If the cross is not ever before us and hasn’t indelibly marked our hearts, we will have a false sense of where God’s life, power, authority, and blessing come from.  We will think these divine things come because we are spiritual, and because God is rewarding us for “doing it right.”  But if we experience any spiritual life and power, it is only because we are in Christ who died on the cross to make our participation possible.

Marked

<sup>Ephesians 1:14-14

11</sup> In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, ¹² in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. ¹³ And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Intentional walk

 

This morning Spencer and I hit the river at 6am for an early morning paddle through the flat water of the Deschutes about a mile below the rapids in this photo.  It is amazing how quickly a river can change from tumbling white water to a flat placid expanse.  The air was a crisp 54 degrees and the sun was just poking through the trees along the east bank.  We paddled up river for a mile then floated lazily down again.  I am thankful for my friend Spencer and his heart for God.  This morning he reminded me that if we truly want to follow God we must obey him in both calm moments, and those times that seem to tumble out of control.  It is my prayer today that I be intentional in my walk, and in all things choose to obey my Father.

John 15:10

¹⁰ If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

Sketched

Pour out

Renew

Refresh

Redeem

Make new

Each Day

And in All Things

Renew a right

Spirit within me

 

Sidewalk Chalk

As many of you know I have recently moved from Central Washington to Bend Oregon.  We are currently living in our Motor Home while we wait for our house to close.  A retired couple in our campground gave my boys a container of sidewalk chalk......  We had a great time decorating the circle drive in front of our site.  Slowing down and just playing with my boys for a bit allowed me to reflect on the fact that I really need to enjoy life in the moment for what it is.  I have really been anxious about the future and tying up all the loose ends.  God really impressed on me to trust.

Philippians 4:6


Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Standing alone

 

Last week I let you in on my process a bit when I posted the beginnings of this painting.  Typically I wait to post until I have finished a piece, but God has been speaking to me specifically regarding those times I feel that I am standing alone.  While painting this I found myself wondering why I dwell in that place.  I feel as if God is prompting me to lean into his presence.  It is as if he is saying I am right here with you, all you need to do is trust.   This painting has taken some interesting twists and it is not yet finished.  It is my prayer today that I would recognize the fact that I am not standing alone, I am standing with the father.

John 8:15-17

You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me.  In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.

Open door

 

In all your ways acknowledge God

 

I thought I would let you in on my process with this post.  Tonight after work I took a drive up China Hat Rd in Bend Oregon.  I found myself perched atop a butte with a great view of the Cascades and a blank canvas.  I spent some time reading my bible, then began to paint.  I spent a couple of hours listening to worship music, painting, and simply enjoying God's living canvas that surrounded me.  Prior to starting this piece I read Proverbs 3:5-6

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make your paths straight

This Move to Bend has really taught me a-lot about trusting in the Lord in all things.   I hope to blog about it in the near future.  My prayer today is that I would acknowledge God in all that I do, giving him the glory each and every day.

Fire and Ice

Nehemiah 12:27-30

27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. 28 The musicians also were brought together from the region around Jerusalem—from the villages of the Netophathites, 29 from Beth Gilgal, and from the area of Geba and Azmaveth, for the musicians had built villages for themselves around Jerusalem. 30 When the priests and Levites had purified themselves ceremonially, they purified the people, the gates and the wall.

Walking into the storm

Authentic Worship

I was reminded by a friend yesterday just how powerful true worship can be.  Typically when I think of worship I think of a connection that happens when we sing songs of praise to God.  My friend related an experience of teenage girls who were attending a purity conference falling to their knees and crying out to God in worship after experience breakthrough in the knowledge of just how precious God's view of them really is.  God sees each of us as unique and worthy of the sacrifice of his son Jesus.  I am thankful for my friend Marcy and her willingness to invest in the lives of 25 teenage girls, and I am grateful that I serve a God that sees us each as unique and worth pursuing.


Hebrews 12:25-29
See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks.  If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?  At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.

No words

 

No words, just movement