BOUND IN JOY

Casey Siegel | Not for sale

Charcoal and Acrylic/ interactive piece 

A woman in the darkest of prisons hugs the scrolls of Philippians to her heart. Imagine her foot is chained like Paul's would have been -- a mere 18" from his guard.   

I keep thinking: eighteen inches of chain that limit us in every possible way -- reflect with me: Could I look to Christ in praise and adoration while chained and imprisoned? Could I pen a book that is called the "happiest of letters," from the seemingly darkest of times? Could I see opportunity to share the Gospel, love my enemy, live out my faith...? Would others see me bear the Fruit of Righteousness in my chains?

If the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, dwelled in Paul and he was able to find joy while in his chains -- then we can do this, as well; because, that same Spirit resides in us! And we too, can look forward with the greatest joy; even if we are bound in chains, one day. Let's advance the Gospel as diligently and zealously as Paul, so all of our brothers and sisters can find salvation in Christ Jesus! 

The Kingdom of God is here.  

And, y'all:

Our King is coming.  

HEARTFELT PRAYER CARDS

Annie Winkler | $5.00

Watercolor, colored pencil, black ink       

Scripture Focus: Philippians 1:3, 1:7, 2:3-4, 4:4, 4:6

I create Heartfelt Prayer Cards as I pray for specific people who God brings into my life. I pray for them as I create the card, and once it is complete, I write a note of encouragement and mail it to that person. While reading through Philippians, Paul’s JOY letter, I prayed for specific people and mailed them the cards. I recreated the cards to share with you.

For this particular set of cards, I prayed for these specific people: My daughters as young moms, one of my cousins who recently got engaged, my niece who is struggling with infertility, and my friend who is being treated for drug dependency and depression. I also created a thank you card for my neighbor. Experiencing the true JOY in Christ as described in the verses I chose occurs when we put our trust in Christ knowing that He is at work in our lives. I pray for God’s perspective and assurance through all of life’s ups and downs. Praying specific scripture over others while designing cards is a powerful form of prayer to me.

JOY IN OUR CHAINS

Andrea Darby | Not for sale

Acrylic/Mixed Media   24”x36” canvas 

Contact Artist if interested in purchasing

“But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.”  Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.”  ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

While writing to Gods people in Philippi Paul had an attitude of humility and joy in the face of suffering. I too, hope to consider others needs even when my own life appears hard... knowing Christ is our ultimate source of Joy. I hope to continue to be bold for Christ … in life, or in death.

Symbolism within the artwork: 

•Chains: 9 links & 2 wrist holds just like the chain Paul wore attached to the soldier guards while imprisoned (as displayed in basilica of Saint Paul in Rome)

•Pitcher: Roman style from 61 A.D. covered in green patina to symbolize the living metal that represents Christ. Paul’s chain is attached firmly to pitcher.

•Gold: liquid gold, pouring out symbolic of Phil.2:17 even the soldier guards, chained to Paul, were ministered to by the words of Christ, pouring through Paul’s writings. 

•Letter: entire book of Phil. is displayed in pieces throughout the background of the artwork. 

•Loops: symbolic of the trips back and forth from Philippi to Rome from Paul and Timothy and Epaphroditus. 

•Red background: symbolic of Christ blood

•Black background: symbolic of the dark imprisonment and hard times in life.

LOVE CAME DOWN

Shannon Swope | $85.00

Fused Glass

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.”   Philippians 1:9-10

The more we know about God, His nature, and His character, the more we will understand what real love looks like, especially as revealed in Jesus.

“This is how God showed His love among us:  He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.”  1 John 4:9

The yellow represents Jesus, the Light of the world. The red represents God’s love, spilling down from heaven. 

MANY GIFTS

Willis Miller | $425.00

Original Oil

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Art can be such a loving thing led by God. His plan is way more complicated than I will ever see, but I’m thankful when I see just a small part of it.  Art to me is way more than about painting and God has opened doors for me to honor Him through my art. In the past, God called me to write a book and it took over 10 years to complete with my wife by my side correcting my English. It is now in the permanent collection of the University of Arkansas, numerous universities and in the Fayetteville Library.  I told a friend once after I had given him the book that it bothered me that it was not reaching more people. He said to me, "Your plan is not God's plan. When I read the book, I needed it."  When we think on excellent and praiseworthy things, they can bring Glory to God in His plan. 

Recently I published a coffee table book of 40 images with scripture. It too is now in the Fayetteville Library. Since then, sales have profited, which goes to Ovarian Cancer Research. My wife died from Ovarian Cancer. So I think about all the wonderful things God has done through art, and I cannot thank him enough. It sure isn't as simple as what I paint. It really has nothing to do with it. It is a joy in the Lord thing, more than I can express.  

I cannot thank God enough for what He has done and is doing, saving a sinner like me and still using me to serve Him. I cannot ask for more.                      www.willismillerfineart.com

PEONIES

Shannon Torgerson | $395.00

Paper, Acrylic Ink, Pastel, and Wire on Canvas

Philippians 1:28 “and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.”

Paul is speaking of living your life in a way that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. This verse cut right to my heart. I feel called to create, but my fear of ‘whatever’ has prevented me from submitting anything for public viewing. I was struck by the reality that a lack of fear is a powerful witness to myself and to my enemies. I then determined I would think of Christ and not myself, and I would submit an entry for this exhibition. 

I love making paper flowers, and I don’t think I will ever tire of making paper peonies. The varieties seem to be endless, and the way light and shadow play on the paper as I shape it delights me.

POURED OUT

Shannon Torgerson | $395.00

Mixed Media Collage on Panel 

Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Phil 2:17

Chapter 2 of Philippians made me think of “shining lights in the world, who held fast to the word of life.”  Those who have deeply impacted my life in Christ are Amy Carmichael, Elisabeth Elliot, and Tim Keller. They each lived in different times and cultures, and faced very different challenges, yet served the same God, and held to the same word of life. I love that Elisabeth was deeply inspired by Amy, and likewise Tim’s faith was shaped by Elisabeth’s life of faith and obedience. My faith has been profoundly influenced by reading and listening to how their lives were poured out as an offering.  

Their lives inspire me to consider the time and place and culture I find myself in. How can my life be poured out for Christ right here, right now? 

PRESS ON AND REJOICE

Jackie Spedding | $150.00

Fabric and Embroidery

Philippians, written by Paul in prison, abounds with joy and rejoicing.  Amid the struggles and suffering of Paul’s life, he looked to Jesus’ example.  I echo Paul’s words in Philippians 3….”but I press on…But one thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on…..”  And all the while, rejoicing, for my home is heaven.  And what is my earthly gain?  The peace that passes all understanding.

SHINE AMONG THEM

Christa Harrison | $110.00

Digital Design

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.”  Philippians 2:14-16 NIV

It’s sometimes hard to be a Christian in this generation, especially as a 24 year old. Life throws stuff at me every day but as long as I “hold firmly to the word of life” then I will shine among them like “stars in the sky”. 

SHINE LIKE A STAR

Kathleen Woolsey | $55.00

Silver, Wood, Cubic Zirconia

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation."  Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.  Philippians 2:14-16a NIV

The pendant begins with a piece of wood chosen for the grain that twists and turns like a crooked path. The wood is cut and sanded to roundness like the Earth where it grew. Then, within this chaos, a gem is set; it sparkles all the more brightly because of its dark surroundings.

THE GIRL ON THE ROCK WALL

Rita Wiley​ | Not for sale

Original Oil

Giclee prints available for purchase

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing: but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.      Philippians 4:4-8

I love this passage of scripture because it is so simple and easy to understand. And when I read it through for this lesson, the photo that I did this painting from popped in my head. It, too, is so simple. It seems to say, be happy, don't worry, and keep your eyes on the beauty all around you.

TRANSFORMATIVE TRUTH

Rebecca McChristian | $195.00

Acrylic Reverse Painting on Plexiglass                                                                                         

Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.   Philippians 2:14-16 NIV

I wanted to depict the power of God’s word and the transformative work this truth creates in believer’s lives. 

The word is represented as a book- The Bible. It reveals to us Jesus’ blood as payment for our sins and is the central focus of the piece. The blood is woven in with a flame that represents the Holy Spirit who is the guide to our growth and understanding of God. The power of God is displayed in the explosion of white and signifies the power of God that gives new life. 

This scripture says that when believers work with God to perfect our spiritual growth and understanding we become like stars shining in a crooked and depraved world.

Jesus is the Light OF the world and so He has prominence in this piece, but believers are His lights IN the world for everyone to see.

"HALAKHA" THE WAY - COME WALK YE IN IT - A PORTRAIT OF THE APOSTLE PAUL

Sabrina Palomino | $0.00

Soak stained acrylic on raw canvas

COMPLETION

Rachel Grace Borntrager | $300.00

Watercolor, acrylic, oil, gold leaf, and pastel on 1.5” stretched canvas with floater frame 16” x 20”

For a few years now I have been interested in the idea of what wholeness means. When I read through Philippians, Paul’s greeting especially caught my attention, specifically, “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. I chose an assortment of media to represent the idea of completion based off a broken terracotta vessel and kintsugi (Japanese tradition of repairing valuable pottery by making it even more valuable). In the process of making this piece, my mind turned to 2 Corinthians 4 which says, “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”       

GLASS HALF FULL

Michelle Jordan | $350.00

Watercolor on watercolor canvas

Inspired by the verse "do everything without grumbling or arguing. So that you may become blameless and pure "children of God" without fault in a warped and crooked generation, then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:14-15 and Philippians 4:12 "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation"

The "slanted top of the glass" represents the world we live in being warped and crooked.

The "glass half full is a reminder not to grumble, argue, or complain..." but believe "that all things will work out for good because I love him."

The "upside down clear reflection" is an example of how God's ways can look very different from mine and yet his ways are always best.

The "hummingbird" was chosen because of its small weak frame, and yet it is the fastest most acrobatic creature God has made. It flies forwards, backwards, up, down, and upside down... Reminding me that in Christ I can do all things.

HER NAME IS HOPE

Michelle Jordan | $300.00

Watercolor on watercolor

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation

Philippians 4:12b

Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in me will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6

Hope dances in the rain because she knows the sun will come out again. This image for me reflects what HOPE is - a stubborn belief that God is faithful even when the evidence suggests the opposite.

"The rainbow" was a sign given to Noah and now to us. That although we experience storms in this life, in heaven we will no longer. Soon I will be in heaven without pain, sadness, or trials of any kind. I will be with the one who made me and saved me forever.

HUMBLE HUT

Alan Morgan | $250.00

Oil on linen 8” x 10”

Tucked into a creekside parcel, “Humble Hut” sits below towering mountains and spruce-fir forests. The dwelling’s small place in this grand scene is meant to emphasize a state of being satisfied with less. In Philippians 4:11, Paul states that he had learned to be content, whatever the circumstance.

Tabernacle frame also by Alan Morgan

MIRACLES ON MIRACLES

Flora Anderson | $2,000.00

Soak stained acrylic on raw

In this piece, my intention is to capture the joy and peace that come from the multitude of miracles that surround us, urging us to pause and truly take it all in. Even amidst adversity, these miracles are merely waiting to be noticed. I believe we are abundantly blessed, and when we take the time to truly see, we are overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude and peace that surpasses understanding. When we slow down and open our eyes, we unlock a world of wonders that often go unnoticed especially during the hard times. This painting serves as a gentle reminder to appreciate the miracles that surround us at all times.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

SHINE LIKE STARS

James Jordan | $0.00

Photograph

Philippians 2:15-16

Before I go to bed, I often like to go into the backyard at night and pray under the stars. It's not that I think that God is way up there. It just puts my mind in a state of awe, likening in a cathedral. A few years ago, my family and I went on a trip out West, and that is where I took this photo. You could see the stars so much better there.

Paul said, "Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life." We are called to shine like stars by the way we live. I'm not sure why Paul said "shine like stars" instead of "shine like a lamp" but the people of old used stars to find their way. Perhaps we re to live in such a way that we, too, shine like stars so that people can find their way.

As beautiful as these stars are in the photo, there isn't one that seems to stick out more than the rest. Each is doing its humble part to shine. But shinning together in unity is a sight to behold. 

YOSEMITE VALLEY

Howard Thompson | $0.00

Photograph

As you look down into the vastness and beauty of the Yosemite Valley you can only feel the wonder and your smallness. How humbling. Like the same attitude of Christ for in comparison to the view, He made himself nothing. Although God, Jesus was still a servant - like the water falling and the clouds moving. The clouds by day that block Half Dome are like God hidden in the highest places of heaven and earth. Every tongue (water flowing) will confess that Jesus is Lord. The whole scene gives glory to God the Father.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.

Philippians 2:5-10

3 Layers: “In Christ,” “Unity,” and “Live Up”

Elizabeth Koerner | Not for sale

I am actively involved in the fashion community here in NWA and have had amazing opportunities to use the fashion platform to have spiritual conversations and express the love of Jesus to others.  As I start each fashion project, I pray and seek God’s direction.  However, this is the first time I have designed specifically to capture and translate particular spiritual ideas directly from the Bible into clothing.  I have been challenged, encouraged, and reminded of the incredible kindness of God to me and the body of believers as I have spent many hours considering these ideas while praying and creating. 

From Philippians, three themes captured my thinking: “In Christ,” “Unity,” and “Live Up” [to what you have already attained].  These three themes inspire the three layers of this dress. 

In Christ: Phil 1:1, 1:26, 3:3, 3:9, 3:10, 3:14, 4:7, 4:19, 4:21 

Sheer Layer: This foundational sheer layer represents being “in Christ” - covered completely and still visible as His creation.  The repeating three lines of emphasis represent the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  

According to Philippians, being in Christ means we are holy, glorifiers, servants, found, righteous by faith, knowing Christ, becoming like Christ, ones with perseverance, called heavenward, guarded, at peace, without need, in community.  

Unity: Phil 2:2, 2:3, 2:4, 2:7, 2:8, 4:1 

Unity is the middle layer of this look.  Unity is represented by repetition and the use of various white fabrics in this and all these layers, representing purity by Christ’s shed blood. 

According to Philippians, unity in the body of Christ means we are to stand firm, striving for one faith.  We are to be as one, like-minded, having the same love, loving one another, being one in spirit, humbly valuing others above ourselves, making ourselves nothing, serving one another, and being full of joy.   

Live Up [to what you have already attained]: Phil 1:27, 2:5, 3:16 

The outer layer represents our attainment in Christ.  The repetition of the three lines represents the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. 

According to Philippians, we must live based on our settled righteousness in Christ.  We have regal standing.   We are ready and able to experience what is already true about us. We can stand firm, live belonging to Christ, live highly valued, live understanding we have great worth, live with purpose, live with a secure future, and live in unity and humility. 

CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

Frances Okubo | Not for sale

A mark of spiritual maturity is having a higher view of reality. We are more than our material selves, more than our appetites and life here on earth. If our view is limited to the here and now, we may be enemies of the cross, as demonstrated by our everyday conduct.  Do we walk the talk? As plain as the sky is before us, and as plain as God spelling it out in His Word—we are to be eagerly awaiting the return of our Savior.  In His power, He will change our mortal bodies into glorious bodies like His own as He brings everything under His control. The concept of already-no-yet applies here. We are citizens of Heaven, where the Lord lives! Fix our eyes on Heavenly things. Fix our eyes on our Beautiful Savior, Jesus Christ—our singular and greatest Hope. 

CONTENTMENT IN TODAY

Selby McDowell | Not for sale

“Contentment in Today” depicts a shady haven found within Joshua Tree National Park. The landscape of this park is located across the Mojave and Colorado deserts, where greenery is a rarity! In Philippians 4:10-23, Paul discusses learning the secret of being content in any and every situation through the strength of Christ. We faced excruciating heat while hiking in Joshua Tree with my husband and daughter. We followed a trail and stumbled upon this place to rest in the shade. We were thankful to find this place to rehydrate and reapply our sunscreen before returning to our hike. It was a small but sure reminder of God’s faithfulness, even in a desert. I hope that this painting can serve as a reminder of our call to find contentment each day in Christ.  

EMPOWERED TRANQUIL RESILIENCE

Beth Wright | Not for sale

Paper Collage 

“Empowered Tranquil Resilience” 

"Empowered Tranquil Resilience" is a visual reminder of our journey as Christians, drawing from Philippians 4:8. The red turmoil background signifies the lies of the enemy that we face. At the same time, the transition to serene blues represents finding peace through trust in God's word. 

The artwork depicts the idea that Christ empowers us to conquer the adversities symbolized by the red shades. The battlefield of our mind transforms from turmoil to tranquility by anchoring ourselves in God's truth. Just as a mosaic is made of different imperfect pieces coming together, this artwork illustrates how a testimony is not defined by your past but rather redefined by who God says you are. Through Him, we can find empowered, tranquil resilience.  

FRAMED GRAPHIC ART

Frances Okubo | Not for sale

Early writers were masterful at wordplay and use of literary devices and repetition. One useful method is a chiasm. Picture it like building a sandwich with the outer layers matching, working its way inward to the central thought. In this early hymn of Christ that Paul incorporates, a chiastic structure emerges where Jesus is center stage. Chiasms are all over scripture! Our lives should be like a chiasm! What or, more importantly, who is at the center of our lives? 

Christ Jesus, our LORD JESUS, is why we all live, breathe, move, and have our being. He is the center of any meaningful conversation. “For to me to live is Christ, to die is gain,” says Paul. What does that mean? What are the implications of such a declaration and life-long commitment? What does that translate into my daily walk, thinking, and opinions? How am I living out Jesus’ words to LOVE GOD with all my heart, soul, body, mind, and strength? How do I love others the way He loves people? Am I willing to follow Christ’s example, in obedience to God, to the death? I ask myself these questions and pray to Him for courage as I live daily in the face of life’s ups and downs. I pray to be like Jesus.  

PHILLIP - CITY OF JOY

Brenda Godwin | Not for sale

Step out of the shadowed columns. Make your way down into the sunlight, and you will sense it. There is joy among the people walking the streets of Philippi. Catch the gaze of that citizen you’re just passing and feel the warmth in his eyes and his smile. Ask, and he’ll tell you about men named Paul and Silas, Timothy and Epaphroditus – men who came into their city, told them very good news, and showed them how to walk with joy – in any circumstance life brings. 

Philippians 4:10-11: I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.  Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  

"Whatever the circumstances” are the keywords to me.  My Mantra is “Living with hope.” I am a cancer survivor of 24 years.  Willie and I were at Grace Church in Little Rock.  Mark S. was our Pastor.  We fell in love with this young couple.  Mark and Lisa also went through the Cancer battle about the same time, and we both received a Miracle of Healing from God.  That is where I learned to feel the JOY in God’s strength, grace, and hope in my everyday life, whatever life’s circumstances were.  There is no comparison between JOY and happiness.  A simple prayer will bring that JOY amid the valley, while happiness comes in fleeting moments while living life.  To me, this is the point Paul was trying to make over and over to these believers: Rejoice. You serve a Christ who died for your sins, was resurrected, and gives you eternal hope.   

Willie and I went to Athens, Greece, and I fell in love with the ancient age of everything I saw.  The painting is from one of my photos. The forefront is in the shadows, and the sunshine is in the middle ground and background.  Most times, it is reversed in design.  Now, I feel the piece has found its story.   

REMEMBER EPAPHRODITUS

Kiana Cooley Hood | Not for sale

“Remember Epaphroditus” (based on Philippians 2:19-30) vs.30, “for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.” We who claim to be followers of Christ and believe in His word are soft; in this world, we are wrapped up in ourselves. How to be most comfortable, how to be most liked by others, how to grow our lives, and all things that inconvenience us are the end of the world to us. We know that brothers and sisters are dying to spread the good news, and we complain that sharing the good news may make the other person uncomfortable. Paul said, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” It’s time for Christians to count all our earthly possessions and status as loss and press forward to do as Christ set us out to do! Abide in Him, submit to Him, tell the world about Him! 

SECRET OF BEING CONTENT

Darryl Dunn | Not for sale

Inspirational Scripture: Philippians 4:12-13 

The word “content” is the object of the optical illusion. It should take the viewer a little effort initially to identify the word due to the three-dimensional shapes created from negative space between the letters. Many of us look to things we do not have (the negative space) and give them undue substance/value (the hollow 3D shape). These things can be a distraction (black color) to what we already have. All we need is provided through the sufficiency of God’s provision (the positive space and the gold background). 

SHINE

Liz Cox | $325.00

When considering the book of Philippians, this portion of scripture caught my attention: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Philippians 2:14-16a 

A word study of this passage revealed that the Greek word for grumbling is an emotional rejection of God’s providence, will, and circumstances for one’s life. The word for “arguing” means criticisms directed negatively toward God. 

Paul tells believers that we must have a right posture before God to be without blame as we live among unbelievers. 

To shine as lights in the sky is a metaphorical reference to spiritual character. “Shine” can be more precisely rendered as “you have to shine,” which means believers must show their character amid a dark culture, just as the sun, moon, and stars shine in an otherwise dark sky. 

“Holding forth” more accurately reflects the verb in the original text rather than “holding firmly.” Here, it’s the picture of believers holding out or offering something for others to take – the word of life. 

This painting is my depiction of the passage. Stars in a dark sky shine over a host of people of all sizes, shapes, and cultures – some are distorted, and some are disfigured by the “warped and crooked generation,” while others seem to shine and give light to those around them. 

SUCH THINGS

Mary Ann Echols | Not for sale

Philippians 4:8 informs us what to think about to guard our hearts. Intuitive painting allows me to think of the things that are “noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.” And the promise follows…: “And the God of peace will be with you.” Amen.  

What do you see when reflecting on this piece? 

UPSIDE DOWN KINGDOM

Felicia Chenault | Not for sale

Studying Philippians, one thing that sticks out is that God’s kingdom is often upside down and different than the world would expect - we will suffer, and yet we can rejoice in Him. 

Reading through Philippians 2:8-11, imagery from a trip to Paris came to mind - the wall of love where it says, “I love you” in so many different languages. That inspired me to write Jesus, the name above every name, in many different languages as the backdrop for the painting.  

I added the texture of the crown of thorns to draw attention to how he humbled himself to death and added the shadow of a king’s crown to show the juxtaposition of what was and what the world expected. 

In my life, in this season of waiting and deferred hope, Paul reminds me that even when suffering seems to keep coming wave upon wave, I can choose to rejoice and fix my eyes upon Jesus.