Waiting Warrior

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Though drenched in Eastern mysticism and ideals, one word conjures up images of good, evil, dark, light, war and peace: Jedi.

I recently viewed the coveted cloak of Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, the iconic character of wisdom and warrior. Tattered and cheap was his hood. In fact, all Jedi were styled in simplicity, not armor (until only one, Darth Vader, was given armor in addition to his Jedi robes). Why? Costume Designer John Mollo explains (paraphrased), “We wanted the monk’s cloak to portray both meditation and battle; versatile for either at any time.” In fact, for the Jedi, meditation is the means of the battle.

In this philosophy, "The Force” is the object of meditation and power in battle (whether dark or light, evil or good). Though fictional and deceptive, this concept taps into an actual reality and truth of every life: we are all designed to meditate on God and to allow Him to be the driving “force” against our enemy. Our very real, powerful, dark and deceptive enemy. Script after script (Moses, David, Paul, and countless others), pleads with us to live His truth: We are called first to wait, then to war. Wait on Jehovah consistently. War with Jesus constantly. Wait for Him in the meditations of your heart, and He will strike down dark strongholds waging war in your mind. He is…our only hope.

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

Enjoy Him, Michelle mlpack777@gmail.com

More than Monet

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

It was my first time in an art museum. I was my first time beholding the canvases and colors that once stood in the studios of art's most astounding.

First was Picasso. Abstract. Lines straight and meanings blurred. It probably made perfect sense to him in his own mind. Yet, his imaginations produced thousands of interpretations over the centuries. What is priceless genius if not practical when I walk away?

My thoughts have been called “abstract” over the years. I reflect His artistry and beauty, far beyond my own surface colorings of daily life. Here is how His design paints me. Yet, I am not made for my own museum of my own mind; I am His display to be applied to lives around me. Even now, in looking to express the thoughts of my mind, my abstract nature emerges. Picasso paints me, personally.

Then a corner is turned, in every way. From abstract to alluring. From questions to quiet. From stuttering to stunning. A Monet. As if I could walk into the painting itself. As if I could literally feel the flowers in my fingers and the breeze on my neck. Pure beauty. Not be interpreted, but to be immersed in. THIS is the life Jesus calls us to live. THIS is the life that draws us to Him. THIS is HIS beauty pouring, calling, inviting: “Walk with Me.”

Paintings are priceless, but paper. How much more is a heart and life that impacts lives day after day?  With both my mind and heart, everyday I aspire to be the masterpiece of HIS art reflected through me. As I draw closer to the Creator's hand ,be drawn in by the beauty of His heart.

Enjoy Him, Michelle mlpack777@gmail.com