Keep the Passion Alive: Recent Episodes
Janet Odani
This is a podcast aimed at encouraging you on your creative journey to share your gifts with the world based on biblical scriptures.
A gift opens the way and ushers the giver in the presence of the great (Proverbs 18:16)
And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin." And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God." Luke 1:30-35 (ESV)
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:3-7)
For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:16)
Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)
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 surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7)
The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses His people with peace (Psalm 29:11)
For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. (I Corinthians 14:33) ESV
“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." Genesis 8:22
Of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command. (1 Chronicles 12:32) NKJV
To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build, (Ecclesisastes 3:2)
Then the LORD answered me:“Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it. For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end, and will not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and not delay. " (Habakkuk 2: 2-4)
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand. (Zechariah 4:10) NLT
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6) NIV
Faith carries the notion of confidence, trust, and assurance in God. Faith gives the believer a conviction that what he expects in faith, will come to pass
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Hebrews 11:6
He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 ESV
He did not waiver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God. Roman 4:20 NKJV
"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 ESV
Humility is important in creativity
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:12)
Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5)
A talent/natural gift is the inherited and self-developed ability to do something well. A spiritual gift is a God-given capability/skill endowed by the Holy Sprit on Christians for the purpose of carrying out their function in the body of Christ.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10) ESV
To one He gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. (Matthew 12:15)
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Romans 11:29)
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10) ESV
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7) NIV
Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you . (Exodus 31: 1-6)
Your gift is unique - strive to maintain your uniqueness in your creativity.
“So, God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God, He created them; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:14)
"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)
What do you see? What is your vision regarding your gift?
Having a vision gives you direction and clarity around your creativity.
Matthew 6:20 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light."