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Thanking God Everyday

Far too often do we only reach out to God when we need or want something. "Lord, please help me pay my bills." As a child I remember praying for God to allow me to win my games. There is of course is nothing wrong with asking for anything from God as Luke 1:19 says ""So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." However, prayer with God does now always need to be a 911 call, a 411 call is equally as welcomed.

Spending time with God is so important for spiritual health. We can't continue to live in the world, and expect to have a close relationship with Christ.

As we go about our lives we are constantly blessed. Did you eat today? Did you have a place to sleep? Thank God for what you have. Let Him know that you are his child, and witness his blessings in your life. Begin to thank Him for everything in your day. You will be so surprised at how long you can go on thanking Him for everything in your life. In my prayer journal, I like to list 5 things that I am thankful for everyday. This also keeps me on alert throughout my day to see His blessings all around.

By remembering to both Thank God and let Him know your prayer needs, you will begin to see God's presence ever more clear in your life.

Print : Lord, Teach Us to Pray by Ron DiCianni
Click here to buy the fine art print

Posted on July 28, 2010 10:33 AM

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Ron DiCianni Speaking in Barstow Sunday July 18

Ron DiCianni will be traveling to Barstow, CA this weekend to speak at two locations.

At 9:00 am Ron will be speaking at Barstow Marine Base Memorial Chapel, and at 6:00 pm at Crossroads Assembly of God.

For more information, you can contact Crossroads Assembly of God at their website www.barstowassembly.com.

Posted on July 15, 2010 1:26 PM

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Read The Bible in One Year

Have you ever read The Bible in one year? Have you ever wanted to? I have attempted to do this with many new year's resolutions, but have given up at some point. However, I still dream of a world where everyone that I come across with will have read the Bible each day. Can you imagine how wonderful this would be?

Recently I found a tool online and thought it would be a good idea to share with the Tapestry Productions family. I have been using this to help get me back on track. On CBN's website they have a service that will email you everyday with a passage to read. This is a part of their online Bible service that is completely free.

Recently, we discussed how to set up your own devotional space. Remember to follow those tips while you read the Word.

It is also a good idea to read the passages from a study Bible. Many time in our lives we visit the same passages over and over, and begin to skim over the true meanings. By reading these passages with a new perspective, you may be given new insights into the nature of the passage.

To learn more or to sign up for the emails, please visit http://bible.cbn.com

Posted on July 6, 2010 3:42 PM

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Looking for Ministry Profiles

Here at Tapestry we take our mission very seriously, and hope to do everything possible to increase the Kingdom. We are very excited to launch a new section of our blog... Ministry Profiles. Tapestry is looking for Ministries from around the world that are doing their part to help people dedicate their lives to Christ.

Maybe you are reaching out to a new group of people, or using Ron DiCianni's prints for ministry. Whatever you story is, we want to hear it.

Please email us at blog@tapprod.com with your story.

Remember to include:

Name of Ministry
Location
Mission
Website
Photo or Logo (if possible)
Description of your Ministry/History

Looking forward to hearing your stories!

Posted on June 28, 2010 11:22 AM

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The ABC's of Salvation

This past Sunday, my pastor helped remind us of a simple Sunday school lesson that many of us have been taught, the ABC's of salvation: Admit, Believe, Confess. This simple little lesson is what many new believers and those who have not committed their life to Christ need to hear.

I have heard it too many times; my friends who I take church say "sure, I would like to be a Christian, I would like to be saved, but there are too many rules." This happens when they hear a message about everything that need to cut out of their life. But this is not what being a Christian is all about. Being a Christian is your relationship with Jesus Christ as your personal savior, and living your life for Him!

The ABC's of salvation are
1. Admit:
Admit that you are sinner and that you can not free yourself.
Rom 3:23

2. Believe :
Believe that Jesus Christ died for you.
Luke 5:32

3. Confess:
Confess that Christ is Lord and your only way to Salvation.
Acts 19:18

It really is that simple to start your new life. Becoming a Christian is something that you can do right now! When you go through life with Christ by your side, you are not afraid of the challenges that face you. And the best part is that at the end of this life, you will spend eternity in his presence.

Posted on June 28, 2010 9:42 AM

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Evangelism on The Internet

The internet today has to grown to play enormous role in our daily lives. Everyday over 1 billion people access the internet for everything from social networking to shopping. Many Christians have embraced the internet and have been able to use its power to reach an amazing amount of people. However, in the Christian community, there still remains the idea that the internet is the devil's playground, full of sinful websites.

In this day in age, we need to use the internet to carry out our calling. Can you think of a greater way to reach the world than the world wide web? Each person who uses the internet has a great opportunity to share their faith with the world, and bring those who can connect with them to Christ.

Here are some of the online evangelism ideas from OurChruch.com from their recent, 20 Ways to Share Your Faith Online series:

1. Use your Facebook to share your faith
They suggest posting Bible verses and devotional thoughts on your page for your friends to see. You can also comment on group or friend's posts with appropriate Christian resources.

2. Starting a Blog
Blogs are free and easy to create and generally come up pretty well in search engines. Everyday people search for answers to all sorts of questions from divorce to parenting. If you share your thoughts from a Christian perspective on the subject, imagine the impact that you can have on someone's life.

3. Post Videos
Many churches today have embraced digital technology and have begun to post videos of their sermons. Post these videos on your Facebook profiles, blogs, and anywhere else you can think of. If you church has not been able to post videos yet, help them. YouTube is completely free and easy to use.

You can view the entire series on 20 Ways to Share Your Faith Online on OurChurch.com's blog blog.ourchurch.com, or Click Here.

Posted on June 22, 2010 10:27 AM

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The Resurrection Mural Receives Prestigious Honor

Ron DiCianni's Resurrection Mural was recently honored by The Art Renewal Center as one of the top 100 pieces of Fine Art in the World. The selection comes as part of the 6th International 2009/2010 ARC Salon Competition and is open only to selected masterworks from top artists.

We can only thank God for the incredible recognition of what many are calling the definitive masterwork on the subject of Christ's Resurrection. The impact of this mural is reaching far beyond the Christian community, and is beginning to impact the lives of those around the world.

As a part of its award process, The Resurrection Mural will be displayed on the Art Renewal Center’s website as well as in their catalog.

About the Art Renewal Center:
The Art Renewal Center (www.ArtRenewal.org) is dedicated to promoting and encouraging excellence in the visual arts and has long been a champion of technically well crafted and especially pleasing fine art worldwide. Established as a reaction to the growing trend in modern art to abandon technique and instead strive for shock value and bizarre trends couched as novelty, the ARC champions Fine Visual Art in the vein of the Renaissance Masters.

Posted on June 18, 2010 10:49 AM

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Sharing Our Art With Others

In the last 6 weeks God has blessed us with a little over 3200 people coming though in groups to view The Resurrection Mural. It’s amazing to see and such a miracle when you consider that we spent a total of $241 offering people the chance to come see it before it heads to the museum.

In those conversations that have spawned with so many of the visitors, there is a consistent theme… “I’ve been so touched here today but how do I bring this message to my friends, family, church, neighbors, etc?” It’s a great question and it goes to the heart of what we do here at Tapestry.

This is one of those times when the flippant answer and the considered answer are the same thing… bring a print of the paintings into your lives/homes/churches/schools, etc. That’s one of the core reasons that we exist… to take the original piece that is proclaiming the Gospel and then reproduce it for the purpose of reproducing that impact in others lives.

It may sound like a sales pitch… but it’s not. The first thing you do with a new Christian is get him his own Bible (you don’t want him sharing yours forever… right?). Every driver needs their own license… right (I can’t drive just because my wife is licensed!). The same dynamic exists here… if you want to continue and multiple the impact of what one of these paintings has done in your life… you need to bring a copy of it into your life, home, school, church, etc so that it will touch those in your sphere of influence with the same Message that touched you.

So, I’ll encourage you just like I have encouraged so many these last few weeks. Invite prints of these paintings into your life and then use them to reproduce and multiply the same effect it had on you to your friends, neighbors, family and church. You’ll be amazed what God will do.

Posted on June 10, 2010 10:53 AM

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Five Things to Consider Before Buying Christian Art

In today's busy world it?s important to surround yourself with things that truly inspire the good in you to come out. As Christians, we are called to live our lives Biblically and for many, reminders are needed throughout the day to stay on track. One way you can be reminded of Christ's love is by purchasing Christian fine art for your home, church or office. Christian paintings can serve as a visual reminder of what the Bible is all about. However, when it comes to investing in Christian fine art, there are some things that you should consider.

1. The Difference Between Print Types
Fine art reproductions come in a variety of print types. A good fine art print is made with high quality standards and include lithographs, canvas and giclee prints. Fine art reproductions are high-quality handcrafted replicas of original paintings that are made with excellence and adherence to a high standard of quality. Be sure to know which type you are buying.

2. The Difference Between Editions
When it comes to fine art, typical edition types are either open or limited. Open Edition (OE) means that there is no limited to the amount of reproductions that will be made. Limited Edition (LE) means that there is a set limit to the amount of reproductions that will be printed. In addition to these edition types, some publishers also offer signed, numbered, and artist touch up editions. These all will increase the value of the print.

3. The Inspiration
Christian Art prints can range from specific Bible occurrences, to interpretations of modern Christian living and themes. It is important to invest in a Christian fine art reproduction that is going to inspire you, and give you a daily reminder as to what the Gospel is all about.

4. Learn About The Artist
There are hundreds of Christian artists around the world, yet not all of them have value associated with their name and prints. While you should always follow your heart when choosing a print to purchase, make sure you take the time out to learn about the artist and their inspiration behind a print. Some of the top Christian artists today are Ron DiCianni, Michael Dudash, & Thomas Blackshear. All of these artists have added value to their fine art reproductions due to their notoriety.

5. Frame
Most Fine Art publishers offer either framed or unframed prints. Be sure to research the framing method that the company uses. Hand crafted custom frames will give your reproduction added value and appeal. However if you do not feel that the frame that accompanies the print will match your decor, you can always purchase the print unframed and take it to a framer yourself.

No matter which Christian art print you choose, be sure that you display it in a place that you will pass by frequently, giving you multiple opportunities to reflect each day. Displaying the painting in your home or office will also give you the opportunity to possibly minister to someone about your relationship with Jesus Christ, which could change someone's life forever.

Posted on May 22, 2010 8:03 AM

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How To Set Up Your Own Devotional Space

So often we run around day to day without spending time with God. One way that I have been able to commit to having a devotional every day is to create my own devotional space. This is an area of my house that I pass through every day, and it reminds me that I need to stop, reflect, pray, and spend time with my God.

As a Christian, we are called to give our lives to Christ, as he has done for us. How busy are you that you do not have time each day to praise Him, and study The Word?

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12.2

Step 1: Find a place in your home that you pass by everyday.
Don’t set up your devotional space in an area of your house that you rarely visit, or perhaps doesn’t bring about positive feelings, such as a place where you pay bills. It’s important that this space bring about peace and an inviting nature to spend time with the Lord.

Step 2: Place a comfortable chair there and make sure you have adequate light. Add a nice reading lamp if you need.
While this step may seem simple, it’s import to make your space comfortable, otherwise the distractions of low lighting, or an uncomfortable chair can get in the way of your daily reading.

Step 3: Make sure you have a small writing table, or side table to place your things on.
This is key, while reading your Bible every day is a great way to stay close to Jesus, reflecting and writing in your journal will allow you to truly engage with what you have just read. I know I am not the only one who sometimes needs to read a passage ten times before I grasp what it is what God is trying to tell me. Writing down your thoughts is an excellent way to keep your mind focused.

Step 4: Find Christian Art and put up on the wall.
This should be something that truly displays Christ's love for you. Ron DiCianni has made some incredible paintings that have inspired thousands. You can find great Christian art at Christian book stores, as well as online on websites such as TapestryProductions.com.

Step 5: Place your Bible, devotional and or journal on your table.
You may sometimes want to take your Bible with you, but I encourage you to leave a separate Bible in your devotional space. This way, The Word is always there.

Step 6: Each day, spend a given amount of time in your new devotional place.
Explain to your family that this is where you will spend meaningful time with God and that you are not to be disturbed. Read The Word, and reflect upon what you have discovered.

I hope this helps you with your walk with Christ. Since setting up my devotional space, I feel like I have become closer to God than ever before. My friends who stop by have commented how inviting my space looks, and I assure them that God is always inviting us to spend more time with Him no matter where we are.

Posted on May 3, 2010 7:55 AM

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