“Our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the first day after the Sabbath. Although the first day after the Sabbath remains the first of all the days, it is nevertheless also called the eighth day. “
—Justin Martyr (c. 160) Ante-Nicene Fathers 1.215
Greetings! Here are eight things I recently found interesting that you might also:
1. In case you missed it, I wrote a little article about learning to swim in the deep end of our relationship with Jesus.
2. I know Mother’s Day was last month so I’m a little late on this one, but I thought this article might be of interest any time to mom’s who are called to raise their children and pursue artistic endeavors as vocation. I’m sure there are broader applications as well.
3. Here’s a promise you don’t hear many Christians in the United States quoting…yet: “Those who try to live a godly life because they believe in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12 GW). Curtis Sergeant has written a series of blog posts on persecution and suffering for doing what’s right not what’s wrong, irresponsible or ignorant. He writes, “The major focus of this series is to help us to recognize those intended or possible benefits and respond well to the suffering we experience. In that way, the suffering will not be wasted. If we respond poorly then the enemy and the kingdom of darkness will achieve their purpose through it. God has good intentions for us in all the suffering He allows. If we respond appropriately, we will be blessed as we experience the good He intends for us. Let’s cooperate with His intentions for our own good and for the sake of the Kingdom and the King.”
4. “Ears to Hear”: Those of you who enjoy reading books by and learning about the lives of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as enjoy friendships and artistic collaborations, I think you’ll be encouraged and inspired by this online conversation via The Trinity Forum: The Inklings, Creativity, and Community, with Diana Glyer
5. “Eyes to See”: Regarding the life and art of Jean-François Millet:
“Though not fully accurate, those words sent a pang through Millet’s artistic conscience, and he hurried back to his wife. If she would agree, he said, he wanted only to paint what was true from now on, not what society wanted. It would be hard, he told her; they would be poorer than ever. With great bravery and generosity, Catherine answered, “I am ready, do as you will.” On this day, Millet turned to what he really loved, that good subject that called out for the artist who could show its goodness with clarity and strength: his home.” –Nathan Beacom in “To Plow His Furrow in Peace” (which includes samples of his famous paintings.)
6. Verse of the Month
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.” (Psalm 46:10 NLT)
7. Quote of the Month
“Being still before God takes practice.”—Tracy Belzar, Thin Places, p. 123
8. Prayer of the Month
Prayer of St. Patrick
As I arise today,
may the strength of God pilot me,
the power of God uphold me,
the wisdom of God guide me.
May the eye of God look before me,
the ear of God hear me,
the Word of God speak for me.
May the hand of God protect me,
the way of God lie before me,
the shield of God defend me,
the host of God save me.
May Christ shield me today.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit,
Christ when I stand,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Amen.
May the peace of Christ be with you.
BWN