"Behold A Sower Went Forth To Sow"
12x24 acrylic on canvas...Stolen!
"Bluegrass on the River"
20x24 acrylic on canvas...Stolen!
Psalm 29:11
9x12 acrylic on masonite...Stolen!
This is the 2nd time that I've ever had a painting stolen...interestingly enough, the first time was at a nursing home. I guess some little old lady just couldn't pass up that farm scene...reminded her of home, maybe. This time, however, someone stole not just one, but three! I have to admit, there's mixed emotions with this. I'm somewhat honored that someone liked my work, but for crying out loud...did they really like them so much that they're willing to risk the penalty of the law???
Every time we take something that does not belong to us, our conscience bears witness that we have stolen. Stealing is breaking the 8th commandment...that righteous standard that God has proclaimed to show that every man comes very short. That law, which is engraved on every man's conscience, screams out every time we steal that we are breaking God's law and therefore we are thieves. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul declares to not be deceived...the thief will not inherit the kingdom of God,
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?
Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor
effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God"
The fact is, we can not live up to God's righteous standard...and there is a penalty for this. However, the good news is that a Substitute has been provided. The just penalty and wrath that we deserve, God has placed on His Son, Jesus Christ. He willingly died on the cross to settle God's wrath for
everyone who will believe in Him. Three days later, He rose from the dead and now offers us everlasting life and the power to live in Christ's righteousness. Without this "only Savior of the world", we would all perish. This "belief" is not merely an intellectual knowledge, but a full trusting in the promises of Christ...What does it look like? It is a repentant faith that is daily turning from sin and turning to God. It is treasuring Him above all things.
I, like everyone else, hate being stolen from...especially when it's something that I've invested countless hours in. But, I have to trust God that He has a plan in this and that He will be glorified. I pray that this person or persons will come to the knowledge of Christ and His ultimate work on the cross and find forgiveness...and therefore, return my paintings :)
