Plein air is a French expression that means "open air" and is a practice of painting in which artists work outdoors. Artists travel around the country, capturing moments with paint on canvas. In plein air competitions, artists submit work of scenes painted in a limited time period. Artists paint in thunderstorms, in 100-degree heat and in 30-degree cold. Plein air painting keeps artists from dwelling too much on the small details.

This art practice parallels what we do as Christians in this world as we "paint the picture" of our salvation in Jesus for others. We may be called on the spot to witness to others and have no time to prepare. In that moment we must speak from our heart and soul. The Holy Spirit helps us in this task: "The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say" (Luke 12:12). The conditions may not be perfect, but the message is just as beautiful no matter where you declare it. Like the plein air artists, you do not need to worry about the minor details or the exact words. God will make a masterpiece of your on-the-spot "word pictures" of forgiveness and eternal life found in Jesus Christ.
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Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,