Expression
Expression is feeling closest to God when you are creating - whether it is through writing, painting, playing an instrument, filming, dancing, etc.
What is Expression?
Connecting with God through Expression means you feel close to God and commune with Him while creating. God loves creativity! Not only is He a creative God, but He made you in His image. This means you have creativity in you, whether you know it or not. He has given everyone gifts and the ability to create within those gifts. Whether the expression is a hobby or an activity you use to pass time, you can encounter God through it.
Invite God into the process of using your gifts by welcoming His presence as you create. Ask Him what gifts He has given you! Your gifts and passion come from the Lord. Seek God’s heart for the gifts He has given you by asking Him, “What would you like me to do for you?” He is never short of inspiration. When you ask Him for ideas, He is near to create and connect with you!
If it's been a long time since you've created, ask God to breathe fresh life into your creative expression. No matter the type of creativity—it belonged to God before it ever fell into your hands. Give it back to the Lord and know you can always begin again. There is freedom, healing, and deliverance in His presence as you give your expression to Him!
As you grow in connecting with God through Expression, know that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Release the pressure of performing or doing something right the first time. When a child brings their father a drawing they made, the father delights in that gift! In the same way, God loves when we create with and for Him. Regardless of the outcome, He delights in your creative expression. Welcome the opportunity to create with your Dad in your daily encounter. When we create, we are expressing ourselves, being vulnerable, and offering it to the Lord.
Get the Expression Ministry Plan
Watch how others connect with God through Expression!
Suggested Activities for Expression:
Visualize the Bible as you read. God created your mind to be creative!
Communicate the dreams and visions God is giving you through your creative expression. The Holy Spirit empowers you to fulfill a vision with your unique gift.
Steward your gifts. Grow in your creative expression by learning new techniques with the Lord.
Have fun! The Lord is with you as you create! Ask Him for ideas and vision when you get stuck. God can speak to you through an idea, a daydream, a phrase, or a conversation with someone. Be aware of His presence and when He is speaking to you.
Avenues of Creative Expression:
Painting • Drawing • Writing • Interior Design • Film • Dance • Music • Design • Innovation • Building • Cooking • Knitting • Fashion
supernatural encounters, pt 3
Connect with God through Solitude + Expression Sermon
Connect with AXL
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What is AXL Creative Co?
AXL Creative Co. is a Housed Vision of Mercy Culture that exists to equip and empower sons and daughters to advance the Kingdom of Heaven through their creative expressions.
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Download the Creative's Prayer
Check out this prayer that AXL designed for creatives. Add it into your daily encounter as you connect with God through Expression.
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More Resourcees
To continue growing in connecting with God through Expression, follow AXL on social media! They’ll be sharing resources about their podcast, devotionals, and more.
Grow in how you connect with God
Learning how we connect with God shows us how we can enter into His presence daily. While you may have a best way to connect with Him, you can connect with God in all the ways. Use this guide below to help you grow in connecting with God through Expression by pairing it with your favorite way.
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Expression + Fasting:
As you fast, ask God for creative solutions to the things He has put on your heart. Creativity does not just have to be art, it can be creative solutions to bring Heaven to earth! Journal with the Lord what He is speaking to you about as you fast. By drawing or writing, you may encounter God in new ways as you fast.
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Expression + Adoration:
In your daily encounters, focus your mind on the attributes of God, picturing yourself dancing with Him or being near to Him in proximity. Write a new song unto the Lord. What you offer to God is your love to Him! Expressing your adoration pleases Him, even if you only know a few notes!
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Expression + Meditation:
Meditating on God’s word can look like creating what you are reading. As you draw, paint, write a song, etc., you are allowing God’s word to go deeper in you. Use creativity to enhance your meditation as it brings you into focus on what God is speaking!
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Expression + Creation:
We often lose inspiration to create. When we go outside of our normal routine, our expressions with the Lord can be ignited again. Ask the Holy Spirit how He has created you and how you can be creative. As He leads you to grow in creativity, follow His leading!
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Expression + Solitude:
Being in solitude oftentimes leads the way to encounter the Lord and create with Him. Make time to get away to create and see what intimate expression comes out of these moments.
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Expression + Conversation:
Creating in vulnerability always brings conversations with the Lord, when we dance, sing, or draw in a way that is authentically how we feel, it allows for a response from the Lord. Allow yourself time to feel and hear the responses from the Lord as you create.
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Expression + Movement:
In connecting with God through Expression and Movement, you have to die to yourself. What that means is that you are focusing on pleasing God and not man! Dance unto the Lord! Dancing takes vulnerability, but in this vulnerability, you will encounter God deeply. He will meet you in this movement.
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Expression + Learning:
As you process information, allow yourself time to create what you are learning. This may be the bridge you need to pull information from your head to register inside of your heart. Just as you seek God for revelation, seek Him while you create with Him! What you create out of what you have learned in your daily encounter can bring others into an encounter too.
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Expression + Reformation:
As you connect with God, ask Him for His creative solutions to the things He has put on your heart. Pray for the crooked ways to become straight as He reveals His creative expression in the earth. Creativity is a way we can get loud for righteousness. Ask God what He is asking you to create as an offering unto Him!
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Expression + Compassion:
Ask the Lord how you can be creative in how you lavish love on other people. He may give you an innovative idea, a meal to create, a place setting for a table, or a design to give away that will cause others to encounter God. He is a creative and compassionate God, He will draw you into deeper encounters through Compassion as you grow in connecting with Him in Expression!
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Expression + Remembrance:
As you connect with God through remembrance, reflect on what He has done in your life in past seasons. Create something with Him that expresses your gratitude for His faithfulness.