Thriving as an Artist in the Church by Rory Noland Chapter 1 "How To Keep Your Passion Alive"

- Passion Killers: 1. Being bogged down by routine. 2. Pressures of Life. 3. Accidental Landmines 4. Perfectionism.

On Perfectionism: Winston Churchill once said, "Now do not go out and imagine you are going to paint a masterpiece, because you will not." Rather, go out and paint for the fun and enjoyment of it. Is being an artist fun for you? If not, is it because you are striving for perfection instead of doing the best you can with what you have?

- Realise that God is at work all around, even when you are meeting your friend. God could be working for you to be closer to him/her, and there is no greater joy knowing that He is using me to impact the lives of others.

- When God invites you to use your talent for Him, do not hesitate. Say yes to whatever artistic adventures the Lord brings your way, through prayerfully considering each request as the possibility exists that they might be part of an adventure God has in store.

- All too often when the church asks us to get involved, our first thought is whether or not our talent will be suitably on display. Instead, our prayer should always be, "Lord, what are you up to, and what can I do to help?"

- How will I know if an adventure is from God? An adventure may well be coming from God if it includes ministering to others. It may also be from God if there is a sense that you and He are partnering together.

- Sometimes we are oblivious to the work of God in our midst because we are so focused on the task at hand.
-> When passion wanes it is usually because the sight of God's big picture is lost.

- Be open to the possibility that God may ask you to use your gift in ways you never considered before.

- If you are faithful in the little things, God will give you more. (Luke 16:10, 19:17)

- In addition to saying yes to God, we need to be ready when He calls. David was ready with his harp when King Saul needed the ministry of music.

- Never let your skills get rusty. Keep your skills sharp so that you can be ready when the Lord has a mission for you to accomplish.

- Go into depth with your craft, be creative and explore new ideas and methods.

- The most lethal passion killer known to Man is Hurry. We may be doing worship and quiet time with God, but our minds are always preoccupied with other things. Prayers have degenerated into rapid-fire one-liners thrown heavenwards while on the run between appointments. We are talking at God, not to God. It is similar to the case of Martha and Mary, Martha having bothered with many menial tasks that were unimportant, while Mary focused on the one thing that was, Jesus who was in her house.

- If you only know God in the spotlight of public ministry, you are missing out on an opportunity for deeper intimacy.