Art comes from the man, not the material. The man of mystery, of genius, not only meets but exceeds the standards of excellence; he sets higher standards, opens new ground, and that man is an artist be he writer, painter, grave digger, bullfighter or bronc rider.”
–William Crawford (The Bronc Rider)
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
–Colossians 3:23 (NLT)
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I thought I would pass on some of the inspired words of Lois B. Cheney from her devotional, God Is No Fool.
“One morning I awoke with a desire I wanted to fulfill. It concerned a way I wanted to be.
This was a matter to lay before God. This was a matter for prayer. The desire was for a power and goodness, and I wanted the prayer to be right. I would preface my request with an acknowledgement of my unworthiness. This wasn’t false; I knew it, and God would accept it.
All day phrases and words came to me. My special prayer took shape. I would set aside a time. I would approach him in truth.
In the evening I closed myself away from others. I read from his word. I reviewed the phrases and words of my very special prayer.
Before I got really settled down, I was flooded with the answer, and I was the way I wanted to be.
But I felt cheated…I had wanted that moment of communication with God. Then I thought I heard something.
‘I heard you this morning.’
I think I have a lot to learn about prayer.”
There are some people who have the knack of deep-felt prayer. Their words can astound men and if they are from the heart they will get to the throne of God. Read some of the prayers of Joseph Parker–they are amazing. However, we need to be mindful of the Pharisee who went to prayer and before God, and man, he proclaimed he was so fair and wondrous. Next to him, in humbleness stood one who prayed from the heart, “Forgive me, for I am a sinner.” Hmmm, out of the mouth the heart speaks.
“Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
–James 4:3 (KJV)