Comment on Jesus Heals a Blind Man by eikonik
thank you for your powerful illustrations and the way that you share the scripture.... I always enjoy your work and am thankful to have found it.
would you mind telling me how this passion grew in you? my faith feels so... plastic and yet this is life. You can note me if that is what you prefer, it's a rather personal question but I struggle with really believing Christ can be my everything, especially around valentines day and EVERYTHING reminds me of how lonely I feel.
would you mind telling me how this passion grew in you? my faith feels so... plastic and yet this is life. You can note me if that is what you prefer, it's a rather personal question but I struggle with really believing Christ can be my everything, especially around valentines day and EVERYTHING reminds me of how lonely I feel.
Good question. Tough though.
I grew up in a Christian home, and through repentance and faith gave my life to Christ at a young age. It was in college that I really began to question what I believe, why I believe it and how to stand on it. I studied Christian apologetics and at that time I realized that if Christ is real and the Bible is true (which has been proven to me over and over), then I need to take this all seriously and live completely for Him. He gave His life for me, He still lives and wants to show His love to me forever. And that means everything. It's not a feeling, or something mystical, but it is what I know.
A few years later I came across the Way of the Master ministries. And what I learned from them became another huge influence on how seriously I lived for Christ. Check 'em out:
[link]
I love Him, His Word and want to do His will. God gave me some talents and they are to be developed and used for Him. Ephesians 2:10 reads,"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."
Illustrating God's Word is a good work. As well as a great many other things: loving my neighbor as myself, giving up my life for my wife, being the best dad possible, sharing the gospel, etc. But all of this starts with Him–just seeking Him. I find my life, worth and hope only in Him. Whether alone or not.
In Acts 17 Paul, when teaching the Athenians, said:
"From one man [God] made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being."
You are living where you are, at this time in history, with the circumstances you are experiencing in your life, so that you might reach out for Him. He is not far from you. And He is really all you need. Reach for Him with your heart. Reach out to Him in prayer. Reach out to Him in His Word, the Bible. He will reward you if you diligently seek Him (Heb. 10:6).
God Bless
I grew up in a Christian home, and through repentance and faith gave my life to Christ at a young age. It was in college that I really began to question what I believe, why I believe it and how to stand on it. I studied Christian apologetics and at that time I realized that if Christ is real and the Bible is true (which has been proven to me over and over), then I need to take this all seriously and live completely for Him. He gave His life for me, He still lives and wants to show His love to me forever. And that means everything. It's not a feeling, or something mystical, but it is what I know.
A few years later I came across the Way of the Master ministries. And what I learned from them became another huge influence on how seriously I lived for Christ. Check 'em out:
[link]
I love Him, His Word and want to do His will. God gave me some talents and they are to be developed and used for Him. Ephesians 2:10 reads,"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."
Illustrating God's Word is a good work. As well as a great many other things: loving my neighbor as myself, giving up my life for my wife, being the best dad possible, sharing the gospel, etc. But all of this starts with Him–just seeking Him. I find my life, worth and hope only in Him. Whether alone or not.
In Acts 17 Paul, when teaching the Athenians, said:
"From one man [God] made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being."
You are living where you are, at this time in history, with the circumstances you are experiencing in your life, so that you might reach out for Him. He is not far from you. And He is really all you need. Reach for Him with your heart. Reach out to Him in prayer. Reach out to Him in His Word, the Bible. He will reward you if you diligently seek Him (Heb. 10:6).
God Bless
AAHHH sorry! I had already addressed the "emptiness" topic, sorry about that. Glad I saved your reply 
(and mine) I am holding onto it to help me with my own walk, it has been difficult and artists like ForestHymn have also tried to help me understand how to use my gifts for the Lord.
(and mine) I am holding onto it to help me with my own walk, it has been difficult and artists like ForestHymn have also tried to help me understand how to use my gifts for the Lord.No prob!
btw, may God Bless you as well. thank you again.
thank you for your reply.... my struggle has been letting Him be my everything in a season where couples and love are the big topic/theme and I feel empty, rejected and isolated and yet guilty for this because....God is so much BIGGER than this hole in my heart... I'm keeping your reply so that I can re-read and truly appreciate it...still processing things but I am grateful for the fact that you replied..... it's helping, this is a major barrier with me. my loneliness around people I mean....or, without them I guess. It sounds so petty but the rejection over the past several years and the isolation, loneliness and bitterness have become this horrible stone that I attempt in all futility to DRAG with me thinking if I chip away at it long enough, it will be something beautiful underneath.
Thanks again... I may write a better reply when I am ready.
Thanks again... I may write a better reply when I am ready.