Message From the New Arts Editor for Disciples TodayWhat a tumultuous time for us to be alive and see God working around the world in so many thunderous and powerful ways! We, and our children have seen some of the most devastating natural disasters in recorded history. We have seen the children of God struggle for spirituality individually, congregationally and globally. Terrorism haunts the world’s major cities, and punk rock bands like Green Day thrive by relating to the empty souls of millions who “walk a lonely road.” If we deeply reflect on all of this we could echo Jeremiah’s weeping and questioning - "Is this nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see.” (Lamentations 1:12) We live in a flawed world that will never be perfect until the New Jerusalem comes.
As the new editor for the Arts page at DisciplesToday.net, I want to point out one of the key reasons mankind has loved the Arts throughout history – especially in times of suffering, sorrow and sadness. People love sculpture, dance, painting, music, poetry, literature, cinematography, drama and creative photography because God is reflected in these creations. Isn’t that the concept Peter captured when he taught about spiritual gifts “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” (I Peter 4:10)
Disciples of Christ are the most blessed of all people on earth. In the darkest of times, we experience the spiritual SENSE OF WONDER through God’s grace and God’s Spirit in our own souls! And not only that, we can appreciate, like no other people on earth, the BEAUTY OF GOD in creative works done both by the Lord and by our fellow human beings!
This awareness of God’s beauty is what I would like to see the Disciples Today Arts website develop, promote and use to help draw people to God. As we move forward, I would like to ask disciples of Jesus to submit material to us to this end. Basically, you can serve others by submitting material in the following categories…
- Inspiring and edifying Arts Related Bios of disciples’ walks with God and their talents
- Instructional and practical Arts Related Advice helping others’ walk with God with their talents
- Insightful and faith building Bible Teaching related to the Arts
- Introduce your gifts to others by sharing and submitting your song, poem, short story, etc. to be published here.
The Bible is rich with examples of people involved with the Arts! We should dig in the word and drink deeply of all we can learn from one another there and show people the glory of God in all things. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36)
Please, as God moves your heart to share, serve and give, let him use you as his “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works – that God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) My e-mail address is below. Many would love to hear your heart talk about God and your involvement in the Arts! We have faithful readers all around the world!
Choose to serve disciples today with your talents!
Jerry Maday
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