The painting " The Word Made Flesh" [The meditation for this painting
can be found under the heading "Painted Meditations"]
Barbara M. Kozera 's
All of my works are inspired by scriptures that include: original Christian art, the corresponding meditations, stories, psalms and scripture studies.
I have added a new painting and meditation "And I Will Give You A New Heart" from the book
Spiritual Wellness for Christians Using Written and Painted Meditations that can be found at the end of the page, Home.
I have added another new story; "The Conical Labyrinth as a Spiritual Journey," before the "Christmas Glory" story that can be found under "New Page."
I have also added more psalms to the "New Life Psalms" page. You will find psalms
1, 16, 23, 42, 43, 51, 56, 65, 75, 88, 107, 111, 113 and portions of psalm 119.
The new books, that include original scriptural based paintings, meditations, and stories are:
Spiritual Wellness for Christians Using Written and Painted Meditations.
From this book, of 114 pages, you will find the paintings and meditations of "The Creator," "The Word Made Flesh," (can be found under "Painted Meditations" heading) "Cast Your Net," "And Jesus Fell" and the story "What to Believe" are found below, "Home" heading, along with a portion of the index.
Painted and Written Meditations with Stories Inspired by the Holy Spirit.
From this book, of 126 pages, you will find the paintings and meditations of "The City of God," (can be found under the heading "Painted Meditations") The Mercy Seat" and the story "The Peanut Machine" can be found under the heading "New Book."
Through Painted Meditations and Stories Appreciate and Understand Jesus Anew.
From this book, of 129 pages, you will find the painting of "Jesus and Mary," "Behold Your Mother," the stories "Hot Chocolate," and "The Last Laugh" under the "New Book" heading.
The New Life Psalms: Jesus Brings "New Life": A Joyous and Comforting Christian
Praying of the Psalms
Most of the Psalms can be found under the heading of "New Life Psalms," but part of the index
and several psalm can be found below.
I hope all who come to this site enjoy my art, meditations and psalms. Please feel free to make comments on my e-mail site. I also need a publisher and can be reached at barbaramkozera@outlook.com
********* ************ ********* ********** ************ ***********
New books waiting to be published by Barbara M. Kozera
Spiritual Wellness for Christians Using Written and Painted Meditations
Number of pages 120
The twelve painted meditations are inspired by scriptures that can either merge symbolically different areas or eras together or portray events symbolically with the corresponding written meditations explaining the scriptures usage for the visual images.
The twelve stories carry moral messages along with expanding the themes of the art. Included also are prayers, thoughtful questions and sections for personal reflections. This book was written to help make God's word easier to understand and help you to grow on your spiritual journey.
********************** ***************** ***************** ************ **************
The story of : "What to believe?"
I really needed a new computer table and found an easy to assemble one at a local store. The box was large but not too large. It was heavy but that was a good thing as the table would be solid. I needed some help getting it in to my hatchback car and wondered how I would get it out. Lucky for me some neighbors, Don and Carol, were working in their yard and were able to assist me with getting the box inside my house. There was no offer to help assemble it. I really got worried but how hard could it be.
It must have taken an hour to wrestle the scores of different pieces out of the box and assemble them in groups of similar objects. My living room and dining room were covered with pieces of wood, rollers, screws, wheels and things I had never seen before. This was a computer table? Now for the instructions which were written in four different languages and the English version was an obvious translation from some other language.
I called the store from where the purchase was made and the four different employees I spoke with were sympathetic but I was informed that no one working there had ever assembled I sat down to quickly read the instructions and an hour later I still could not understand t any computer table. They suggested I try reading the instructions in one of the other languages. Speechless I hung up the telephone and sat in a daze for a while. Looking at all those pieces scattered here-and-there I did remember a professor friend who spoke different languages and made the call. No problem said my friend I’ll be over soon. Well three hours later my friend threw the instruction book across my living room after having read them in all four languages. “Nonsense” came a loud shout all of these instructions say something different. Some of the translations contained minor differences and some major differences. With another loud shout a cry went out, “Who needs them anyway?”
It was noon now so we stopped to have a nice refreshing lunch. Then off we went to assemble the table in record time. I found a piece of wood marked with a “K” that looked like the tabletop and set it aside. Another piece had the letter “J” I think on it, although it looked backwards, that must be a side panel. The other side panel was not easily identified, as it must require some assembly. Looking at the beautiful picture on the box was no help nor were the many illustrations contained in the instructions. I shuddered amid the mess. My friend remembered an appointment that had to be kept and ran out the front door and hurriedly drove away.
Alone I sat on the floor picked up the instructions and tried again to understand them. Nightfall found me still in the same position and predicament. Surly after dinner and a good night sleep things would be crystal clear. Morning came it was so foggy outside that I could not see past the driveway. I picked up the instruction book opened it up and started to read it one more time. The thick fog outside seemed to permeate my brain. It was hopeless.
Coffee and breakfast helped my outlook so I called a friend with great mechanical skills. I talked to Red about the problem and was told not to worry be right over. I put on a fresh pot of coffee and baked some ready-made refrigerator coffee cake. I was ready. My friend burst through the doorway with gusto and grabbed the instruction book and began to read. “More coffee and cake please, hum, confusing but not too. Why and where are the eight toggle bolts?” ask Red. “All of those kinds of things are on the dining room table I replied.” “Hum, big aren’t they” muttered Red. “One and half inch wood screws forty-four of them, hum. Have you found the other side yet? He queried. “No” I replied and poured another cup of coffee. “Hum. Mind if I call Curley.” I pointed to the telephone and ate another piece of cake.
With a hesitant first look through the doorway Curley had arrived and cautiously picked up the instruction book read it for a while and ask if I would order an extra large pizza. Well the three of us thought we had found the other side panel when we realized we had not located the bottom panel either. Which pieces where which? Curley and Red placed all the different pieces together in what they thought would work they did not. They rearranged them several more times but each time something was just a little off. Wearily I shrugged my shoulders and said it did not matter if it was just a little off.
Red’s mouth dropped open in disbelief. Curley rolled back on his heels and almost fell over. “No, no, no” they cried out in unison it must be built right. They said they would be back tomorrow and put it together correctly. Red took the instruction book home and said there were some more friends who should take a look at the instructions. Three days later Red, Curley, Judy, Iris and Agatha showed up to tackle the problematic table. The later three were all well educated and could not pass up this extraordinary opportunity to use their skills.
Four hours passed with the six of us working at a steady pace to complete the task. The table was assembled but it was still not right. It had too much length here, a little wobble there and an exceptionally hard to pull out pullout shelf. On the bright side there were only five wood screws and two toggle bolts left over. We will be back was all my friends said as they marched out the door. Would I ever see them again?
Agatha had taken the instruction book home to call the manufacturer in a foreign country later that night. She was informed that the wrong instruction book had been placed in several boxes of that computer table model and that they would send a replacement in the overnight mail. She was assured all would be acceptable. Indeed the new instruction manual arrived along with eight long bolts washers and nuts. Agatha sat down with a cup of tea and read all of the instructions in there different languages. She made copies for everyone else to read too. The new and different instruction book was more confusing than the first edition. Why had it become so difficult to understand the written word? Would we ever be able to put the table together correctly?
What I found confusing between the books was that some of the words were spelled differently in the new book like the backwards “J” was now correct. But there were hundreds of other changes too some that made a sentence read quite differently. Agatha had found entire paragraphs moved to different areas between the different translations. Red and Curley believed the first edition must be correct. Judy also found areas that were added and deleted between the manuals. Iris was still busy finding errors and making notes of them. Nowhere was there any explanation for the eight new bolts. My professor friend too had returned and made copies of the manuals and was going to make a detailed analysis of them in order to reprimand the manufacture.
All in all it was an interesting experience. Everyone had a different idea of how to remedy the problem table but no one idea seemed the answer for all the problems. For now my computer table still has too much length in some places, a little left to right wobble and an exceptionally hard to pull out keyboard pullout shelf. There are now eight nuts, washers and bolts sent by the manufacturer to add to the five wood screws and two toggle bolts left over. For now my new computer table will have to do. Everyone has agreed to go home and ponder the problem for a while before we try to fix it again.
Writer's thoughts: The printed word carries power but it can be confusing too therefore it must be tempered with prayer, thought and reason not blindness to the words. Careful study of scripture, with different references for a check and balance for any distortions, can help spiritual growth for it leads to accurate knowledge.
**************** ************** ************ *********** ********** ***************
Another new book waiting to be published:
Jesus Brings "New Life:" A Joyous and Comforting Christian Praying of the Psalms
These "New Life" psalms reinforce Christian beliefs that include the Holy Spirit teaching us and being in us as our "New Zion's," also the many different ways Jesus can affect our lives such as being our Redeemer and Savior hearing our prayers, forgiving us, giving us new lives; Jesus is recognized as our Good Shepherd and our "light" and He will lead us to our New Jerusalem's, the City of God, in heaven.
These psalms focus on God's love for all people in doing so there are pleas for help for the misguided and their ways so they can repent instead of people seeking revenge or death for adversaries as found in the Hebrew psalms. The psalms are presented in numerical order. There is a summary for each psalm in the Table of Contents and a Topic Index that covers most Christian beliefs. Pages 190.
Psalms 1 and 16:
Psalm 1 We are God's children; the lost need help
Happy are God's children for they do not follow the advice of the
misguided nor do they go the way of sinners.
The law of God is His children's joy; God's Holy Spirit teaches them day and night.
God's child is like a tree planted by His stream of living water,
which yields its fruit in due season. Their leaves never wither
and whatever they do prospers.
Not so the lost, the misguided! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
Therefore the lost will need to be found and taught God's ways,
so they may also be in the assembly of God's children.
For the Lord our God watches over His children's ways so that none will be lost.
Psalm 16 Jesus gives us the "Bread of Life" for our Christian "New Lives"
You, Jesus, keep us safe; in Your abiding love we, God’s children take refuge.
We pray to You, Jesus, for You are the source of all goodness.
Worthless are all false gods we make that can consume a person.
One can let the “lion of passion” be like a god; it will consume a person; eat you alive.
Let us ask for strength from Jesus to never let a passion of mind or
flesh become like a god that consumes us.
Let us eat of the “Bread of Life” and drink from the cup of a Christian
“New Life” that Jesus gave us at the Last Supper.
Jesus has measured out for us a new and pleasant place for us to dwell,
rich with the help and gifts of God the Holy Spirit. Indeed our
heritage flows from the communion of the prophets and saints.
We give glory to God the Holy Spirit our counselor; for even during the dark of night
the Holy Spirit instructs us.
We keep our love for Jesus at our right hand we can never be shaken.
Therefore our hearts are glad and our souls rejoice; our flesh too is at peace.
For You Jesus, will not abandon us to the place for the dead like Sheol,
nor allow Your faithful servants to see the endless abyss.
Jesus, You have sent us the gift of God the Holy Spirit,
to teach us the path of new life.
In Your presence there is fullness of joy; Your right hand leads us safely home.
************** *********** ********** *********** *********** *************
A portion of the Table of Contents:
Psalms Summary of the Psalms Subject
1 We are God's children; the lost need help.
2 Serve God and honor Jesus
3 Jesus helps us against adversaries and calls the misguided to repent
4 God answers us misguided need to change their ways
5 Jesus hears our prayers, misguided need to change their ways
6 Jesus is merciful and the misguided need
to change their ways
******************* ************* ************* ************* *************
A portion of the "Topic Index" from:
"Jesus Brings New Life: A Joyous and Comforting Christian Praying of the Psalms"
Blessed are all who witness in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; Psalm 118, 145 (Acts 1:8)
God answers us, we are God's children; Psalms 1, 4, 46 (1 John 3:1)
God freely gives us grace; Psalm 84 (Ephesians 2:8)
Give glory and praise to God; Psalms 18, 19, 26, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 52, 62, 63, 64,
65, 66, 67, 81, 96, 102, 104, 111, 119, 134, 136, 147, 149, 150 ( Revelation 19:5)
God the Father is pleased with His Son, Jesus; Psalms 20 (Matthew 3:17)
God's way's are to be lived; Psalm 19 (Ephesians 4:1)
There are more psalms to read under the heading of "New Life Psalms:"
1,16, 23, 42, 43, 51, 56, 65, 75, 88, 107, 111, and 113.
****** ************ *********** ************* ************ ************* *********
I am deeply inspired by the painting and meditation of "And Jesus Fell" from
Spiritual Wellness for Christians Using Written and Painted Meditations and am sharing
it with you below. I hope you find inspiring it too!
,
Spiritual Wellness for Christians Using Written and Painted Meditations that can be found at the end of the page, Home.
I have added another new story; "The Conical Labyrinth as a Spiritual Journey," before the "Christmas Glory" story that can be found under "New Page."
I have also added more psalms to the "New Life Psalms" page. You will find psalms
1, 16, 23, 42, 43, 51, 56, 65, 75, 88, 107, 111, 113 and portions of psalm 119.
The new books, that include original scriptural based paintings, meditations, and stories are:
Spiritual Wellness for Christians Using Written and Painted Meditations.
From this book, of 114 pages, you will find the paintings and meditations of "The Creator," "The Word Made Flesh," (can be found under "Painted Meditations" heading) "Cast Your Net," "And Jesus Fell" and the story "What to Believe" are found below, "Home" heading, along with a portion of the index.
Painted and Written Meditations with Stories Inspired by the Holy Spirit.
From this book, of 126 pages, you will find the paintings and meditations of "The City of God," (can be found under the heading "Painted Meditations") The Mercy Seat" and the story "The Peanut Machine" can be found under the heading "New Book."
Through Painted Meditations and Stories Appreciate and Understand Jesus Anew.
From this book, of 129 pages, you will find the painting of "Jesus and Mary," "Behold Your Mother," the stories "Hot Chocolate," and "The Last Laugh" under the "New Book" heading.
The New Life Psalms: Jesus Brings "New Life": A Joyous and Comforting Christian
Praying of the Psalms
Most of the Psalms can be found under the heading of "New Life Psalms," but part of the index
and several psalm can be found below.
I hope all who come to this site enjoy my art, meditations and psalms. Please feel free to make comments on my e-mail site. I also need a publisher and can be reached at barbaramkozera@outlook.com
********* ************ ********* ********** ************ ***********
New books waiting to be published by Barbara M. Kozera
Spiritual Wellness for Christians Using Written and Painted Meditations
Number of pages 120
The twelve painted meditations are inspired by scriptures that can either merge symbolically different areas or eras together or portray events symbolically with the corresponding written meditations explaining the scriptures usage for the visual images.
The twelve stories carry moral messages along with expanding the themes of the art. Included also are prayers, thoughtful questions and sections for personal reflections. This book was written to help make God's word easier to understand and help you to grow on your spiritual journey.
********************** ***************** ***************** ************ **************
The story of : "What to believe?"
I really needed a new computer table and found an easy to assemble one at a local store. The box was large but not too large. It was heavy but that was a good thing as the table would be solid. I needed some help getting it in to my hatchback car and wondered how I would get it out. Lucky for me some neighbors, Don and Carol, were working in their yard and were able to assist me with getting the box inside my house. There was no offer to help assemble it. I really got worried but how hard could it be.
It must have taken an hour to wrestle the scores of different pieces out of the box and assemble them in groups of similar objects. My living room and dining room were covered with pieces of wood, rollers, screws, wheels and things I had never seen before. This was a computer table? Now for the instructions which were written in four different languages and the English version was an obvious translation from some other language.
I called the store from where the purchase was made and the four different employees I spoke with were sympathetic but I was informed that no one working there had ever assembled I sat down to quickly read the instructions and an hour later I still could not understand t any computer table. They suggested I try reading the instructions in one of the other languages. Speechless I hung up the telephone and sat in a daze for a while. Looking at all those pieces scattered here-and-there I did remember a professor friend who spoke different languages and made the call. No problem said my friend I’ll be over soon. Well three hours later my friend threw the instruction book across my living room after having read them in all four languages. “Nonsense” came a loud shout all of these instructions say something different. Some of the translations contained minor differences and some major differences. With another loud shout a cry went out, “Who needs them anyway?”
It was noon now so we stopped to have a nice refreshing lunch. Then off we went to assemble the table in record time. I found a piece of wood marked with a “K” that looked like the tabletop and set it aside. Another piece had the letter “J” I think on it, although it looked backwards, that must be a side panel. The other side panel was not easily identified, as it must require some assembly. Looking at the beautiful picture on the box was no help nor were the many illustrations contained in the instructions. I shuddered amid the mess. My friend remembered an appointment that had to be kept and ran out the front door and hurriedly drove away.
Alone I sat on the floor picked up the instructions and tried again to understand them. Nightfall found me still in the same position and predicament. Surly after dinner and a good night sleep things would be crystal clear. Morning came it was so foggy outside that I could not see past the driveway. I picked up the instruction book opened it up and started to read it one more time. The thick fog outside seemed to permeate my brain. It was hopeless.
Coffee and breakfast helped my outlook so I called a friend with great mechanical skills. I talked to Red about the problem and was told not to worry be right over. I put on a fresh pot of coffee and baked some ready-made refrigerator coffee cake. I was ready. My friend burst through the doorway with gusto and grabbed the instruction book and began to read. “More coffee and cake please, hum, confusing but not too. Why and where are the eight toggle bolts?” ask Red. “All of those kinds of things are on the dining room table I replied.” “Hum, big aren’t they” muttered Red. “One and half inch wood screws forty-four of them, hum. Have you found the other side yet? He queried. “No” I replied and poured another cup of coffee. “Hum. Mind if I call Curley.” I pointed to the telephone and ate another piece of cake.
With a hesitant first look through the doorway Curley had arrived and cautiously picked up the instruction book read it for a while and ask if I would order an extra large pizza. Well the three of us thought we had found the other side panel when we realized we had not located the bottom panel either. Which pieces where which? Curley and Red placed all the different pieces together in what they thought would work they did not. They rearranged them several more times but each time something was just a little off. Wearily I shrugged my shoulders and said it did not matter if it was just a little off.
Red’s mouth dropped open in disbelief. Curley rolled back on his heels and almost fell over. “No, no, no” they cried out in unison it must be built right. They said they would be back tomorrow and put it together correctly. Red took the instruction book home and said there were some more friends who should take a look at the instructions. Three days later Red, Curley, Judy, Iris and Agatha showed up to tackle the problematic table. The later three were all well educated and could not pass up this extraordinary opportunity to use their skills.
Four hours passed with the six of us working at a steady pace to complete the task. The table was assembled but it was still not right. It had too much length here, a little wobble there and an exceptionally hard to pull out pullout shelf. On the bright side there were only five wood screws and two toggle bolts left over. We will be back was all my friends said as they marched out the door. Would I ever see them again?
Agatha had taken the instruction book home to call the manufacturer in a foreign country later that night. She was informed that the wrong instruction book had been placed in several boxes of that computer table model and that they would send a replacement in the overnight mail. She was assured all would be acceptable. Indeed the new instruction manual arrived along with eight long bolts washers and nuts. Agatha sat down with a cup of tea and read all of the instructions in there different languages. She made copies for everyone else to read too. The new and different instruction book was more confusing than the first edition. Why had it become so difficult to understand the written word? Would we ever be able to put the table together correctly?
What I found confusing between the books was that some of the words were spelled differently in the new book like the backwards “J” was now correct. But there were hundreds of other changes too some that made a sentence read quite differently. Agatha had found entire paragraphs moved to different areas between the different translations. Red and Curley believed the first edition must be correct. Judy also found areas that were added and deleted between the manuals. Iris was still busy finding errors and making notes of them. Nowhere was there any explanation for the eight new bolts. My professor friend too had returned and made copies of the manuals and was going to make a detailed analysis of them in order to reprimand the manufacture.
All in all it was an interesting experience. Everyone had a different idea of how to remedy the problem table but no one idea seemed the answer for all the problems. For now my computer table still has too much length in some places, a little left to right wobble and an exceptionally hard to pull out keyboard pullout shelf. There are now eight nuts, washers and bolts sent by the manufacturer to add to the five wood screws and two toggle bolts left over. For now my new computer table will have to do. Everyone has agreed to go home and ponder the problem for a while before we try to fix it again.
Writer's thoughts: The printed word carries power but it can be confusing too therefore it must be tempered with prayer, thought and reason not blindness to the words. Careful study of scripture, with different references for a check and balance for any distortions, can help spiritual growth for it leads to accurate knowledge.
**************** ************** ************ *********** ********** ***************
Another new book waiting to be published:
Jesus Brings "New Life:" A Joyous and Comforting Christian Praying of the Psalms
These "New Life" psalms reinforce Christian beliefs that include the Holy Spirit teaching us and being in us as our "New Zion's," also the many different ways Jesus can affect our lives such as being our Redeemer and Savior hearing our prayers, forgiving us, giving us new lives; Jesus is recognized as our Good Shepherd and our "light" and He will lead us to our New Jerusalem's, the City of God, in heaven.
These psalms focus on God's love for all people in doing so there are pleas for help for the misguided and their ways so they can repent instead of people seeking revenge or death for adversaries as found in the Hebrew psalms. The psalms are presented in numerical order. There is a summary for each psalm in the Table of Contents and a Topic Index that covers most Christian beliefs. Pages 190.
Psalms 1 and 16:
Psalm 1 We are God's children; the lost need help
Happy are God's children for they do not follow the advice of the
misguided nor do they go the way of sinners.
The law of God is His children's joy; God's Holy Spirit teaches them day and night.
God's child is like a tree planted by His stream of living water,
which yields its fruit in due season. Their leaves never wither
and whatever they do prospers.
Not so the lost, the misguided! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
Therefore the lost will need to be found and taught God's ways,
so they may also be in the assembly of God's children.
For the Lord our God watches over His children's ways so that none will be lost.
Psalm 16 Jesus gives us the "Bread of Life" for our Christian "New Lives"
You, Jesus, keep us safe; in Your abiding love we, God’s children take refuge.
We pray to You, Jesus, for You are the source of all goodness.
Worthless are all false gods we make that can consume a person.
One can let the “lion of passion” be like a god; it will consume a person; eat you alive.
Let us ask for strength from Jesus to never let a passion of mind or
flesh become like a god that consumes us.
Let us eat of the “Bread of Life” and drink from the cup of a Christian
“New Life” that Jesus gave us at the Last Supper.
Jesus has measured out for us a new and pleasant place for us to dwell,
rich with the help and gifts of God the Holy Spirit. Indeed our
heritage flows from the communion of the prophets and saints.
We give glory to God the Holy Spirit our counselor; for even during the dark of night
the Holy Spirit instructs us.
We keep our love for Jesus at our right hand we can never be shaken.
Therefore our hearts are glad and our souls rejoice; our flesh too is at peace.
For You Jesus, will not abandon us to the place for the dead like Sheol,
nor allow Your faithful servants to see the endless abyss.
Jesus, You have sent us the gift of God the Holy Spirit,
to teach us the path of new life.
In Your presence there is fullness of joy; Your right hand leads us safely home.
************** *********** ********** *********** *********** *************
A portion of the Table of Contents:
Psalms Summary of the Psalms Subject
1 We are God's children; the lost need help.
2 Serve God and honor Jesus
3 Jesus helps us against adversaries and calls the misguided to repent
4 God answers us misguided need to change their ways
5 Jesus hears our prayers, misguided need to change their ways
6 Jesus is merciful and the misguided need
to change their ways
******************* ************* ************* ************* *************
A portion of the "Topic Index" from:
"Jesus Brings New Life: A Joyous and Comforting Christian Praying of the Psalms"
Blessed are all who witness in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; Psalm 118, 145 (Acts 1:8)
God answers us, we are God's children; Psalms 1, 4, 46 (1 John 3:1)
God freely gives us grace; Psalm 84 (Ephesians 2:8)
Give glory and praise to God; Psalms 18, 19, 26, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 52, 62, 63, 64,
65, 66, 67, 81, 96, 102, 104, 111, 119, 134, 136, 147, 149, 150 ( Revelation 19:5)
God the Father is pleased with His Son, Jesus; Psalms 20 (Matthew 3:17)
God's way's are to be lived; Psalm 19 (Ephesians 4:1)
There are more psalms to read under the heading of "New Life Psalms:"
1,16, 23, 42, 43, 51, 56, 65, 75, 88, 107, 111, and 113.
****** ************ *********** ************* ************ ************* *********
I am deeply inspired by the painting and meditation of "And Jesus Fell" from
Spiritual Wellness for Christians Using Written and Painted Meditations and am sharing
it with you below. I hope you find inspiring it too!
,
AND JESUS FELL
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,...who is, and who was, and who is to come,
the Almighty.” Revelation 1: 8
A multi-racial Jesus, who understands each person’s hardships no matter what they look like, constitutes the core of And Jesus Fell. This mystical transformation occurs on the way of the cross after a fall, where Jesus sees a reflection of himself transformed into the different and distinctive physical characteristics of all people. This compelling image of Christ who said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,...who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty,” Revelation 1: 8, wears a crown of thorns that symbolizes the emotions of hatred, mockery, contempt, abuse, sneering, jeering, and ridicule. The base of these emotions, hatred still causes much strife and turmoil. Hate bearers can use their energy and their time against a person, a group, or an object. Jesus felt hate, directed towards himself and towards what he was, a Jew. The emotions hate, contempt and ridicule, Jesus understood completely for he knew about life and he told the new believers of his knowledge in,
John 2: 24- 25;
But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all,
and did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself
understood it well...
Jesus knew human nature and human emotions. The divine understanding of human nature is timeless as told in 1 Samuel 16:7: “for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” Jesus can see what is in a person’s heart and what they are nurturing; love or hate. Jesus wore a crown of thorns or rather, a crown of hate and mockery. Jesus, “ the Alpha and the Omega... who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty” allowed himself to be hated. The powerful emotion of hate can be overcome with love for it is stated in
Matthew 5:43- 45,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and
hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for
those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the
righteous and the unrighteous.
Consider these words regarding love that Saint Paul wrote of in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7;
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or
arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable
or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures
all things.
Pray to love all peoples.
The eyes of Jesus can search our human hearts and in so doing, he can ask the question, “But who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15. Jesus’ tough questions might make us search our hearts. Would our answers be any different then the ones found in
Matthew 25: 37-39;
‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and you clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go visit you?’ (NIV)
Jesus answered, that He is all of these people. A person might want to picture Jesus as the powerful and the regal, “Alpha and the Omega, the Almighty,” but this reflection of Jesus, depicts him as a blend of all people that incorporates the hardships they all endure. Today, there might be new questions, social justice questions such as;
‘Lord when did we see you labor with women and small children
working in the fields all day for such meager wages?
Lord, when could you and the other farmers not own the land you the farmed?
Lord, when were you and the farmers prevented from planting your
seeds because of conflict?
Lord, when could you not get a job or the job you deserve because of
who you are?
Lord, when did we see you harmed because you told the truth?
Lord, when did weapons of warfare maim you?
Lord, where are you living and dying in a refugee camp?’
When one member of the human family suffers, do not all people endure the pain? The answer to that question can be found in 1 Corinthians 12:26, “If one member suffers, all suffer with it.”
Pray to help your worldwide family.
The large muti-racial hands are symbolic for the arduous labor people have to endure just to survive. There are times when a hand that needs food to survive just one more day, grasp nothing just like the symbolic hands of Jesus grasp nothing. The strife and turmoil existing between the different races, denoted by the white and the gray storm clouds, are reflected in the pool of water. Just as storm clouds come and go, so to does the strife between people come and go in a seemingly endless pattern. The paving stones, that surround the image of Jesus, represent the continuing struggle of people trying to be connected to God and to one another. They appear close but yet there exist a distance between them all.
Pray for God's healing to end strife among different peoples.
Each person’s view of God may be a little different, even though there is only one God. Imagine if everyone in the world were looking at the same three-dimensional picture of God, all from different angles and locations. It is the same picture, yes, but everyone would see this picture a little differently and describe the God they see differently, the same God, yet somehow different. Maybe this image will be seen in its completeness when each one of us travels to see the picture from the other person’s location and then maybe, we will be able to “see” the God that is a part of us all and we
will see Jesus appearing like Jesus in the painting of And Jesus Fell if only for a moment in time .
Pray that you are able to see God in all people everywhere.
Questions for your consideration:
1. Do you believe that Jesus is a part of all races?
Does this painting make you think about Jesus and the “Good News” differently?
2 Read Genesis 3: 17-19. The Lord God has cursed man to labor by the
sweat of his face. Does this curse explain the hardships some people
endure? If yes, why? If no, why?
3. Are we our “brothers keeper” Genesis 4:9?
4. What does your three dimensional picture of God look like?
Artist’s notes and reflection:
This painting was completed in February 1999. The size of the picture is
12” by 24.” The face of Christ was effortless to paint it just fell into place. The writing of these meditations was thought provoking.
Your reflections:
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From: Spiritual Wellness for Christians Using Written and Painted Meditations the painting
"Cast Your Net" inspired by Isaiah 42:5-6.
"Cast Your Net" inspired by Isaiah 42:5-6.
The painting of "Cast Your Net" consists of the fishing net with a complex knot structure that incorporates duel meanings. First it symbolizes a unique life on it's mission in life hand by the hand of Jesus. Many biblical writers such as Isaiah and the Psalmist have expressed the comforting belief that god holds our hand. Isaiah 2:5-6:
Thus says God, the Lord,
who created the heaven and
stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and
what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people
upon it
and spirit to those who walk
in it.
I am the Lord, I have called you
in righteousness,
I have taken you by the hand
and kept you.
Psalm 139:9-10:
If I take wings of the
morning
and settle at the farthest limits
of the sea,
even there Your hand shall
lead me,
and Your right hand hold me fast.
The second theme of the net reveals knots of greater mass and complexity the further away from Jesus' hand. These knots represent the countless tempest, storms and hurricanes in life that require a lot of
time and energy to mend. It is Jesus' fingers that lovingly mended the torn and broken pieces of the net innumerable times. And He will continue to do so as storm clouds in the sky suggest the possibility of
more turbulence as the net passes through the symbolic waters of transformation.
Pray to feel Jesus holding your hand.
Questions to Consider:
1. Have you ever felt like a net being cast about?
2. Do you think a person gets more "knots" in their life the further they are from Jesus?
A Christian community?
3. Why do life's "knots" happen when you are close to Jesus and a faith
community?
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From the book Spiritual Wellness for Christians Using Written and Painted Meditations
"And I Will give You A New Heart"
The words of God from the Book of Ezekiel 36:26: "I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural heart," are the inspiration for the allegorized painting, "And I Will Give You a New Heart." The symbolism for change in this bright red heart shows the brown stony heart melting and crumbling away. The new heart is in the process of metamorphosis with new virtues represented by precious gems and minerals in and surrounding the heart. In the middle of the old stone heart are diamonds in the rough that represent the virtues of pure intentions. The rock's edges transform themselves into precious minerals and gem stones representing the virtues St. Paul speaks of in Colossians 3:12; purple amethyst for compassion, copper for gentleness, gold for love, silver for patience, ruby for humility, turquoise for kindness, and opal for generosity.
The new covenant through Jesus Christ is illustrated by the soft white clouds sailing about the blue sky that was proclaimed by the prophet Jeremiah, 31:31-34:
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the
house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their
ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt-covenant that
they broke, through I was their husband, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make
with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord. I will put my law within them, and I will
write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they
teach one another, or say to each other, 'Know the Lord' for they shall all know me, from the least
of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive them their iniquity, and remember their
sin no more.
This same momentous news of a new covenant is affirmed by the apostle Paul years later using some of Jeremiah's words in Hebrews 8: 8, 10:
The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant....
This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel.....I will put my law in their minds
and write them on their hearts.
These same verses are repeated in Hebrews 10:16. This repetition testifies to the importance of the new covenant established by Jesus. The new covenant brings forth new responsibilities. The apostle Paul
preaches rather bluntly about the necessity to change our lifestyle in Colossians 3: 5,; 8-11;
Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthy: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire,
and greed (which is idolatry)...But now you must get rid of all such things- anger, wrath, malice,
slander, and abusive language from your mouth. Do Not lie to one another, seeing that you
have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with new self,
which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. In that renewal
there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian
slave and free, but Christ is all and in all!
These words send a powerful message that the renewed person must let go of the old self in order to live the new covenant life like the painted bright red new heart that has emerged out of its' old stony prison. When
the words of Jesus and God's love are allowed to take over the earthly desires are forced out represented by the snake-like sandstone image protruding from the heart's base on a bed of basalt.
The words of Jesus can pierce to a person to their core and are symbolized by the sword coming out of a cloud. The piercing can cause reflection and a change of heat. A steel sword is not easily made, neither are the words of Jesus easily accepted by people. A steel sword is forged from iron and alloys. The iron is heated to over 1,500 degrees with forced air. Then the oxygen is removed from the ore by the interaction of carbon.
This process is called conversion. The raw iron ore, which entered the over, is now steel. But it is not a sword yet. This piece of hot steel must now be shaped on a forge with cool water flowing upon the steaming steel in order to make a sharp edge. The steel that has been forced into the shape of a sword is now buried in hot coals for hours or days to harden. After the metal cools the newly formed sword is sharpened and ready for use. The process of making steel and a sword as reported in the Encyclopedia Britannica involves numerous steps which includes: finding the iron ore, forging the steel, shaping the steel, and honing the steel. We who accept Jesus need forging too, for conversion to a new Christian life happens slowly in a day to day process of letting go of old ways an taking up new ways.
Pray for God's help in this conversion process.
The new heart is pictured cloaked with white for purity that finds its meaning in the words spoken by the apostle Paul to Colossians 3: 9; "you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self." Saint Paul continues the exhortations to the Colossians telling them how to
live as the body of Christ in community, Colossians 3:12-17;
As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,
humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and if anyone has a complaint
against another, forgive each other just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
And let the peace of Christ rule your hearts indeed you were called in one body. Be thankful.
let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and
with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever
you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God
the Father through him.
When the meaning of these words are taken into the heart and lived we become a living and breathing new covenant community.
Pray that you may be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Our virtuous Christian lives can reach out and touch others, like the new heart in the painting has touched the stony hearts on either side. The small opening symbolize a transformation is just beginning, with steam rising above the red-hot lava that flows out of the shattered prison of earthly stone. The other heart has been touched and the conversion process is just starting to push the darkness away. All of these new hearts find themselves surrounded by oceans, streams, amid wells of living waters. The scriptural inspiration for the Holy Spirit's living waters is found in Sirach, ( Ecclesiasticus) 24:30-31;
As for me, I was like a canal from a river, like a water channel into a garden.
I said, 'I will water my garden and drench my flower-beds.'
And lo, my canal became a river, and my river a sea.
This scripture can place the Holy Spirit as making a canal of faith that turns into an ocean of life-giving waters for all believers. These living waters bathe each new heart with a "new spirit" but facing the truth of one's own heart can cause tears. At the symbolically painted well that gushes forth are the "springs of the water of life' with Jesus there to wipe "away every tear from our eyes," Revelation 7:17.
Questions for your consideration:
1. Does all of the symbolism in this painting cause you to look at a "New Heart" differently?
Does it give you hope?
2. Have you seen or felt such a transformation? If so, why is it so hard to change?
3. What scripture comes into your mind after you have meditated on this painting?