Fine Art America

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Beauty Of Holiness


In these trying times we need to be reminded of the Beauty Of Holiness offered unto the Lord as he moves us from glory to glory and from faith to faith.
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before Him: Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness
I Chronicles 16:29








This image is available as a T- Shirt. You can order it at our online portfolio's





Beauty of Holiness by Anthony  Crudup



















Monday, June 29, 2009

Challenges




Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,
“I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Hebrews 13:5

One of the most difficult area's of my life to find peace with is related to my finances. During the last few years there have been some tremendous challenges that seem to throw me off track.It allows me to be distracted from the promises of God.My character doesn't present an effective witness thus hindering me from lining up with His annointing. What I come to realize is my perception of money has never lined up with the truth.
My truth was always predicated upon my knowledge from the world , family, friends, etc. It was always gaged by the value of what others had and how happy or content they were with it. If you complained about money it was status quo to do so , not realizing that its value determined your value.There was a great value for waste and a love to spend unnecessarily.
Once I became a Christian I still was unable to navigate this area of my life succesfully. Until recently I could not see past the extent of my financial burdens. I fell across a piece in Hebrews 13:5 that liberated my thoughts and set my mind on the kingdom mandate in this area of my life. The scripture in the passage says this,
Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you".

Hebrews 13:5
Upon receving this word my thoughts, actions, and choices, have became central to believing that my finances belonged to God . He is the one who is providing them. Psalm 24:1 proclaims that,

"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him."

Once I began to recognize His relationship concerning my finances it began to shape my choices and decisions concerning those matters. For instance I didn't have to lie to creditors, family, lenders, and myself, anymore. It birthed in me the value of an education, integrity on the job, and a giving nature that opens the door to receiving. Today my actions are not contingent upon what I can see. They rest in the loving arms of Him who did not forget me , forsake me or leave me.
I know that the challenges of our lives stem from the ability to provide from the extent of our natural resources. Unfortunately our resources can be depleted and challenge by a world rooted in narcissism( excessive self love) greed, hatred , lust and the forces of evil. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to find peace and surrender to Him all. You will not be disappointed.

Amen


Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1



Friday, June 26, 2009

Appointment

On June 25,2009 these events or stories played out over the news. Two stories hit the news and entertainment cycle concerning the death of two prominent celebs of world wide fame. As the reports came in there was an air of unbelief concerning the timing of the deaths. I believe that God knows how to get our attention regarding the essence of our souls. The way I perceived these events led me to a couple pieces of scripture. These two scriptures can help all of us that are still here preparing for whats to come. Hebrews 9: 27 gives us this piece. It says; “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”No matter where you are and who you are or what you are doing this appointment has already been made. It is written in the book of life concerning every one who is born. The key here is are we ready for the appointment? The only one who is privileged to know the time is God. Lets not get it twisted the hour is arriving. Jesus also refers to our appointment in Luke 12: 20. He blurts out this piece “You fool! This very night they [the messengers of God] will demand your soul of you; and all the things that you have prepared, whose will they be?” There is a tremdous amout of value in this statement. We do not know when that time will come. Are we prepared?This evening I could not help but be overwhelmed by the two incredible talents that moved into eternity today. Most importantly were they ready for there eternal appointment? As we are bearing witness the appointment is not contingent upon how much money you have , who you know, or how iconic you are it is at the mercy and through the grace of a loving God , whose intentions are not for us to perish. The step into eternity is forever. There is no turning back. I pray that all who come to meet this appointment find the peace of God that passes all of our understanding. He will not put more on us than we can bear. It is up to us to make the choice so that he can bear it for us. As I close I pray that Godl will comfort the families of Michael and Farah and that His mercy and grace find them at this difficult time. To all of us still here I pray that we find our purpose and begin the preparation for the transition into God’s eternal kingdom
In Jesus NameAmen

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Liberte 2


This piece makes it presence from the events that continue to strap the Republic of Iran. Humanity in its struggle to find peace has some very dramatic moments. Unfortunately lives are destroyed and lost during this epic struggle for human rights and dignity. There is a piece in the book of Acts in the 17 Chapter and 26,27 verse where the Apostle Paul illustrates a point. He bears witness to the wisdom of God concerning man and his habitation. He says;
"And He made from one [common origin, one source, one blood] all nations of men to settle on the face of the earth, having definitely determined [their] allotted periods of time and the fixed boundaries of their habitation" (their settlements, lands, and abodes), It is incredible how man and his ideals of what is right for nations and humanity seem to always end in tragedy. Lets set our hearts and minds to the Heavens and pray for a peaceful resolution to this age old problem. Lord have mercy on the souls who encounter this tragedy and the leaders who continue to try and justfy this evil. In Jesus name.
Amen

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Worship (poster)

In the feeling of worship I created a poster that has the scriptual properties out of 1Chronicles 16 concerning worship.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Adversity or Force: The Substance For Peace


As we continue in the series of Emancipation there are some interesting events occuring that sets the point of discussion on adversity and force.
During the latter part of last week and the beginning of this week we witnessed the election in Iran and its results has been visualized with pure emotion. We see a nation that is torn apart by the election of a President whose ideals hinder the progressive nature of the youth and growth in that country. A nation torn between the Religious and secular views on how to govern. With such adversity how do they find a peaceful result?
Lets define adversity. Adversity is defined as , adverse fortune of fate: a condition marked by misfortune, calamity , or distress: One of the forces which precipitates this adverse stance toward the government of Iran is related to the misfortune of the people to freely choose a government that is representive of the people by the people.
Because of the nature of it system of govenment there will always be challenges concerning it's people. It's hierarchy beginning with the Ayatollah Khamenei is representive of religious control and force. The President and the other officals are merely put in place to administer the ideology and the religious contol of the Ayatollah's.
It is here at this day, hour, and time that the substance for peace in Iran and the region stems from the dialogue, dipolomacy and its willingness to do so concerning the parties. The basis of this premise doesn't rest itself on the adverse nature of either side, but the willingness to find peace in tolerating each others ideas and beliefs.
Freedoms are found when we confront the adverse nature of what holds us captive. Finding the truth in its meaning sets in place the assurance of peace , not control. The ideals, fundamental beliefs, and religious dogmas ingrained in the culture of its leaders will never amount to peace.
What we are seeing in Iran is a subculture of moderates who are beginning to embrace the idea of change. As humans whenever we encounter change there is always an adverse affect founded in the fear of that change. The fundamentals of there religious idealogy breeds opression , slavery and hatred. Peace is only founded in the supernatural freedom afforded in the rest of a loving ,God who is the final judge and executioner of the sin nature of man.
When the leaders and the governing officials of the Republic of Iran imbrace the idealogy of a loving and merciful God who embraces the peace and rights of every human being, then and only then will they receive the power to overcome the adversity that continues to hold there nation prisoner. Freedom is the result of tolerating and embracing the diversity of opinion , culture, and ideals of its people. It is in that result the nation will find prosperity.
Adversity and force are necessary for us to confront and embrace change. Without it there would be no impetus to change. Without change man can and will not realize his humanity and the wonderful creativity afforded to us as we line up with the image of our creator.Lets not get it twisted. The Republic of the United States was forged through the adversity of allowing religious freedoom and tolerance. It's freedoms and it's prosperity are birthed in a system of government that strives for freedoom and justice for all.
Amen
The image accompanying this article Liberte is birthed out of the emotional and fatal conviction embraced by the religious leaders in the Republic of Iran. The pain and struggle is symbolic of the death caused by religion. Liberty can only be achieved when the leaders embrace the truth of God's intentions concerning His creation. The scripture in Isiah 61:1 gives us an illustration of His intentions as it relates to the man through His son Jesus Christ. It says; " The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;"
Amen
"Liberte" is available for purchase at my Imagekind portfolio

Friday, June 12, 2009

Coltrane


Continuing in the spirit of the Emancipation series, the emphasis on music is a key component to the emancipation of the soul. Throughout the ages it has ministered to many during the rough and good times. Music touches the very core of our being in its various genre's and styles. How wonderful is our God who laid down this ingredient in all of his creation. Looking from a creation standpoint and the writing from those who were inspiried by God, there is direct correlation to God's deliverance with the gift of song. Moses in Exodus Chapter 15 sung unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. (Exodus 15:1-2) King David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul (2 Samuel 22:1)
Emancipation through song has its merits regardless of the genre it is rooted in. Just like all of creation there rest the eternal line seperating the evil from the good which I choose to identfy as the Lord Jesus Christ. As for the writer and artist of this article I prefer the soul of man poured out through the creation of his hands using instruments to deliver the soothing melodies. (Jazz) Those heart wrenching renditions of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ produce such a powerful demonstration of His love for us. It is in these particular genre's that my soul boast in the wonderful creation of our God.
The talent and expression of John Coltrane provides and encourages my creative and spiritual in ways in which only God can inspire. There are some arguments that refute this belief because it doesn't line up with religious tradition . To those individuals I share this powerful truth in regards to the creation mandate . John Chapter 1 says:" All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."
Remember that All good things come from above Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James Chapter 1:17. )My point is that music is a powerful and wonderful ingredient given to us by God . It encourages us and lifts our souls above the circumstances that make themselves present during these most difficult and challenging times. Amen

P.S Check out this powerful article on the Vibe website about John Coltrane http://blogs.vibe.com/man/2008/07/

Saturday, June 6, 2009

The Cross And The Blood

The Cross and The Blood is the first in a series of images and posters centered on the theme Emancipation. Our value as Christians is predicated on our view and perception of the cross. The term Emancipation uses words such as free, liberate,transfer ownership, free from restraint, release from bondage , and so on . The Cross and the Blood is indicative of the liberating power needed to be free of the tyranny of Satan. The Cross and the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus is the only way. Death comes when we embrace the cross. In that death comes the Emancipating power and witness of Christ. Jesus stated it very pointedly to His disciples in Matthew 16:24; " If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. That ressurrection power that raised Christ from the grave is the foundation and power available to us to claim victory. To Emancipate us from the god of this world, our flesh, and all the challenges our faith. As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:17, " For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." Lets not forget its power and witness which demonstrates to us His victory over the grave.





Amen