When the Spirit Comes - Bible Art Journaling
It is a challenge to think of how to bring concepts in the Spirit realm out in visible form. On this page, the visual shape of swirls and whirlwind represent wind and the work of the Spirit. We cannot see the wind, just the effect it has on what it touches. That is the feeling I was trying to achieve here. I've been experimenting with deli paper and paint, and colored pencils lately. Also used a white pen to accent the large words and a bit of collage.
Jesus is talking:
"When the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth,
for he will not speak on his own authority,
but whatever he hears he will speak,
and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
All that the Father has is mine,
therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you."
John 16:13-15 ESV
These Bible pages are the last verses in the book of John and the beginning of Acts of the Apostles. When I was in John 15, there was so much on those two pages, I didn't have enough room to highlight some verses that are meaningful to me, John 15:13-15. Even though the verses are a few chapters back in the book, it seemed like a good transition, both talking about receiving the Spirit. For me, the art on the left page also are similar to clouds, reflecting some of the mystery of the promise of the Holy Spirit and Ascension of Jesus In Acts 1:8-9. These verses challenge me, are mysterious, leave me wanting more, more of the awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in my life, to experience more of God.
"you will receive power
when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem
and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the end of the earth.
And when he had said these things,
as they were looking on, he was lifted up,
and a cloud took him out of their sight."
Acts 1:8 ESV
In 2010 I had an awakening to the Holy Spirit that I had not realized before. It changed my life and intimacy with God. I am so grateful. Now when I read the Bible, it is more alive, new, personal.
There is a short chorus hymn that echoes the longing of my heart
by Daniel Iverson, 1926:
"Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me,
fill me, use me,
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me."
The chorus was inspired by Acts 10, where Peter was visiting Cornelius and his household:
"While Peter was still saying these things,
the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word."
As I turn the page in Acts and read of the coming of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, I am in awe, humbled, and asking, what does this look like for me now?