Friday, September 05, 2014

Paint Party Friday: Keeper of Mysteries!

 This morning I read from 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. 
"We are stewards of the mysteries of God, 
and we should be faithful and trustworthy."

What are stewards? 
I google this and find that stewards manage 
another person's property or financial affairs. 
To manage means to bring about 
or succeed in accomplishing, 
to take charge of, direct or govern.

If we are to be stewards and manage the mysteries of God, 
shouldn't we be aware of our duties and responsibilities?  
How can we manage a mystery, much less mysteries???

A mystery is anything that is kept secret 
or remains unexplained or unknown, 
any truth that is unknowable 
except by divine revelation.  
I don't think God will give us a responsibility 
without giving us the tools we need to do it, do you?

1 Cor. 2:10-12 reads, "No one comprehends 
the things of God except the Spirit of God." Ah ha!!
"For who can know the Lord's thoughts? 
But we understand these things, 
for we have the mind of Christ!" Double ah ha!!!
I believe the mysteries of God are revealed
slowly to us who take the time to seek. 
"Seek and you will find."  
And finding what is good for us, 
we have the responsibility to bring about 
and accomplish our Master's goals.
"Go and make disciples of all nations!" Matthew 28:19
"Have you heard the secret of God?  
And do you restrain wisdom to yourself?"  Job 15:8
""Every disciple in God's Kingdom is like 
the owner of the house who brings out of his storeroom 
NEW TREASURES as well as OLD." Matthew 13:52

I don't know about you, 
but I get very excited about secrets and mysteries.
But this mystery is far more exciting and valuable to know!


 "At your command, I will lower the nets..." Luke 5:5

I wonder how many of us would be like Peter? 
He is often portrayed as a simple fisherman, 
but archaeological evidence shows that 
his home in Capernaum was large,
 and had room enough for his mother-in-law to live with him. 
Moreover, he had partners in his fishing trade, 
James and John. 
In those days, fishing was an important business, 
and one had to bid for fishing contracts 
or leases as Herod was in control of the rights.

Peter and his men were experts at fishing 
but that night they caught nothing. 
Then Jesus said, "Put out into the deep and 
lower your nets for a catch." 
Now they were exhausted and their nets were already clean. 
And they knew that you don't fish during the day 
AND tilapia could only be found in shallow waters! 
But did Peter scoff and say, 
"Jesus, you don't know a thing about fishing!!!"???

 
 Peter obeyed and was rewarded 
with a huge haul of fish,
so much that he needed help 
because the nets were tearing! 
Here, Peter learns that in obedience there is blessing. 
You can't always use your wisdom 
when it comes to following God. 
"For the wisdom of this world is 
foolishness in the eyes of God." 
(1 Corinthians 3:19) 
He learns that when you partner with God, 
anything is possible!

In our businesses, in our work, whatever our vocation is, 
we should partner with God. 
And we should also be aware, that like Peter, 
we are called to CATCH MEN! 

Home
 
Linking with
So many WONDERFUL blogfriends 
to discover here!
and
Thank you for dropping by!
You are appreciated!
Patsy





10 comments:

  1. A very beautiful rendition of the magazine girl Patsy. Praying you have awesome day filled with joy. Thank you for joining our 148th challenge.
    Carole and the DT team at Word Art Wednesday.

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  2. Another wonderful post and more beautiful art, Patsy! Your are such a blessing to me. THanks so much for sharing with us, and I'm so glad you enjoyed this week's devotional.
    Blessings
    Karen
    Word Art Wednesday

    If you have the time, would you mind stopping by www.heartfeltcreations.us/blog to vote for me in the semi-finals? I'd really appreciate it, and you will be entered to win a fabulous prize.
    Thanks so much!
    Karen

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  3. I like your magazine artwork. Such a creative idea.

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  4. both paintings are wonderful this week... and they work in with your writing so perfectly... that top painting of the girl is inspiring...xx

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  5. Amen! When we can't see it, we just need to trust God, and He can do the impossible!

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  6. Wonderful creative work Patsy,
    Brilliant paintings and so inspiring
    Happy PPF

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  7. Very nicely done.
    Have a great weekend
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  8. Anonymous1:38 AM

    Wow, thanks for sharing your creativity with us!

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  9. I like seeing the progression of your artwork. I adore these--they fill my eyes, which is the greatest compliment I can give. How wonderful.

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  10. I love these verses and your understanding of them. The painting of the gal from the magazine is lovely. . . I like Peter too. Blessings, Janet PPF

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I am so glad you dropped by! You are a blessing!
:^) Patsy