The Miracle of Rising Above Lies

Sometime amazing happened as I painted at the Prophetic Conference at Living Stone Christian Church last month -- something far beyond anything I could have imagined. As I brought the images to life that the Holy Spirit had placed on my heart to draw, the Lord began to break deep-rooted lies in my life -- things that I thought I had dealt with. But there was another level of freedom HE was bringing me to.

As a child I loved art, and wanted to be an artist when I grew up. But adults discouraged my dream. They said art was a frivolous luxury for the rich -- nothing important -- just a decoration -- not anything useful -- and nothing anyone could make a living out of. Three times in my life I walked away from art. Three times the Lord brought me back. Slowly, I began to see that the Lord had a purpose for His artists, and that the gifts HE gave us were meant to be developed and used as the Holy Spirit directed.

So I began to illustrate, paint and create art books with Jesus leading the way! And I saw time and time again, how the Holy Spirit moved with loving-kindness when hurting people saw the art HE prompted me to make. But at this Prophetic Conference, as people came forward and expressed how they were touched by what the Lord gave me to paint, the Light of God and the Truth of His Word seeped deeper into those dark, hidden, secret places in my heart, and God’s love rooted out the pain from my past. A new freedom and a greater understanding permeated my entire being. The taste of freedom was in my heart and in my hands. I felt light, uplifted, and FREE to be the artist HE called me to be!

So don’t be discouraged and think the talent or gift you have isn’t valuable. It is! And so are you! Jesus Christ has a plan and purpose for you that is greater than anything your mind can conjure. Seek Him first, and HE will bless you with a plan for your life that is written in Light -- the Light of Truth that breaks every lie, every hurt, every wound, every curse, and sets the captives FREE!  

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The Miracle of the Roaring Train

When the Lord, Jesus Christ, calls us to do something, and we step out in doing it, HE does amazing, and sometimes miraculous things.

On the opening night of the 2015 Karitos Christian Arts Conference Retreat, I gave a short, 10-minute presentation, using images that were projected on a huge screen that took up most of the stage. In preparation for this presentation, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to use a piece of train art for the last slide. Then HE led me to add movement to the train art, and while it was being shown, to release words HE had given me several years earlier. 

When I came to the part, “Unleash the Holy Spirit within you! Yield to God’s ways and you will hear the rumble and roar of Heaven…” a train zoomed past Barrows Auditorium. People inside heard its rumble and roar. Even the stage manager stopped the presentation momentarily, to rejoice in what the Lord just did, and to make sure everyone knew that the noise they just heard was the train rushing by!

So when the Lord God asks you to do something, don’t be afraid to step out. If sound effects are needed, HE will add them! And if God wants a part of the presentation to be emphasized, HE will do that too! 

All honor and glory and praise to Jesus Christ!

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The Miracle of Answered Prayer

Taking a class in paper collage opened a new door for me. At first, I found it fascinating, but wasn’t happy with the piece of art I created. So at home, I experimented with making different effects from small pieces of paper that I tore out of magazine photos. Transitioning one set of colors into another became fun, and the more I played with the paper and glue, the more I saw the potential for this technique to become a fun workshop to share with others. So in January I offered a “Growing your Faith through Art” workshop using torn paper.

One of the local galleries was offering a paper competition in March. It was a juried show, and I wondered if I would have time to create a piece of art before the deadline. My schedule was too tight, so I asked the Holy Spirit to help me create something beautiful during the workshop that I would be teaching in January. The workshop started, and I showed the attendees various ways to work with torn paper. They dove into the project with eagerness. Then I started making a piece of art, along with them. After they finished their art and went home, I was surprised at the way my picture was turning out, and decided to continue working on it – refining it, redoing sections, and adding new things. 

After it dried, I showed it to my husband, and he liked it. Different people who stopped by the house also made positive comments about it. So I decided to enter it into the paper competition. Two weeks later, I received an email saying it was accepted! Thank you, Holy Spirit, for enabling me to come up with an acceptable piece of art during the only time slot that I had to work on it. To me, this was a miracle!
 
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The Miracle that Resulted from Reading a Story

Three wonderful, unexpected people stopped by our house. We offered them something to eat and drink, and a lively discussion began between two of them. The third person felt left out. She looked like she was getting ready to leave. I invited everyone to stay and listen to my husband, Paul Lloyd, read from his novel, “Fulfillment.” He is a professional author and speaker, so I knew our friends would enjoy his reading. 

We migrated from the kitchen to the family room, and Paul began to read part of the first chapter in front of the fireplace, where a nice fire was warming up the room. Immediately, the guests noticed that Paul knew when to place emotion into the story and how to emphasize sentences that tickled the listener’s ears. Peace and joy descended upon the room as Paul read his unusual and delightful scenario of how a teenage girl might respond, when Mary encountered the angel in the Christmas story. 

When he finished, an interesting dialogue ensued. Everyone shared their thoughts, which then led to further discussions. Soon, our company realized they had a lot in common not only with us, but also with each other. We had a marvelous evening together, and no one was in any hurry to leave.

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the miracle of being united in Christ’s love, as Paul shared the love of God in his novel. Thank you for bringing people together who thought they had nothing in common, only to discover they shared the same deep concerns, and experienced some of the same trials. Thank you for expanding circles of friends, and the joy that emerged when we honored your name.

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The Miracle of Painting in the Dark

It was exciting to have the opportunity to do a piece of prophetic art at church the Sunday before Christmas. Three other artists would also be painting in various sections of the large sanctuary. And since I would be off to the side and near the front, my painting needed to be big enough to be seen from across the room. Although I had done prophetic worship art before, it was my first time painting at Living Stone Christian Church.

God is faithful when we trust Him, so when I sought the Lord for wisdom, direction, and what image Jesus wanted me to paint, the Holy Spirit placed a wonderful idea in my head. As I sketched it out, it became apparent that the 24" x 36" painting needed to be worked on ahead of time, so I could finish it during the 45-minute worship and drama time.

When Sunday morning arrived, I made sure I was at church early enough to set things up. As the music began, I picked up the paintbrush and started to fill in the sections that needed to be completed. With joy and enthusiasm, I painted in an atmosphere of lively worship, letting images of dancing trees emerge from the background. This was such a fun way to worship Christ, using the art talent HE had given me.

Then the drama started, and that’s when something unexpected happened. The lights went out. I waited for them to come back on again, only to discover that a spotlight would be used to highlight the actors, while the rest of the sanctuary remained dark. It was then that I remembered something about the drama director mentioning that I should bring a light. Why hadn’t I paid more attention to her words?

It was too late to find a light to paint by, so I asked the Holy Spirit for help. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I noticed that the white spots on the canvas, where the holly leaves needed to be filled in, were slightly visible. Since the palette of green paint was already in one hand, the paintbrush in the other, I aimed for the white spots, trusting the Lord to guide my hand. When the lights came back on, all the holly leaves were finished. I quickly rinsed the brush, added more yellow ochre to the rock, threw golden glitter on it, and quietly slipped out of the sanctuary.

As I was washing out the paintbrushes, my heart was filled with joy because of what the Holy Spirit had done. HE gave me the idea, guided me along the way, and prompted me ahead of time to outline the holly leaves, knowing that the lights would go out, and then HE enabling me to paint in the dark. All honor, glory, and praise to the Lord God Most High! Thank you, Jesus Christ, for this opportunity to see your Hand at work and to paint for You.

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The Miracle of Asking for Help

A group of us ladies, who knew we needed training, participated in a seminar called “Breaking Bondages to Set Captives Free.” Lois Koss, from Tree of Life Ministries, led the gathering. She spoke into the deep places in our hearts that needed to be ministered to. She gave us wisdom and understanding through Scriptural truths. She shared testimonies of Christ’s faithfulness and the joy of seeing Jesus set people free! Her enthusiasm, assurance and teachings about what God calls us to do, the authority HE commands us to walk in, and the resource she gave us to use, not only strengthened our faith, but also lifted our countenance. Hope arose within us. Doubts and lies were replaced with truth. Bondages were broken. One lady who suffered with severe back pain through most of the seminar was prayed for and went home feeling much better. We were given a new boldness in learning to step out in faith, and a reminder to rely on the Lord when ministering to others.

One of the participants said it was the most Holy Spirit infused, teaching, healing and equipping seminar. I agree, and thank Jesus Christ for the miracles that resulted from a simple act of asking for help in our moments of weakness. And I especially thank HIM for sending Lois Koss to open the door to new levels of the love and freedom we have in and through Jesus Christ.

For when we find ourselves in unexpected situations where there is deception and evil influences, wisdom calls us to recognize our own weaknesses and gain understanding in the ways of the Lord. And when we do this, HIS perfect love casts out all fear.

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The Miracle of Unexpected Rest

During the past three month there were many local happening in the art and literary world, plus opportunities to learn, help and grow. All of these were exciting to be part of, but exhaustion reared its head. There was one more call to make before I could take the evening off. 

When the person on the other end of the phone asked about the mid-week class on “Signs, Miracles and Wonders,” joy bubbled up from within. I began to relay what I had learned, and found myself speaking in the most calm, relaxing voice about the hidden treasures revealed in Scripture -- things the instructor pointed out to us that were simply amazing! 

As I talked, peace descended upon me. I could feel my body slipping into a restful state. Every word that came out of my mouth carried complete calmness. It was like the Holy Spirit took over. I was so grateful because I was too tired to carry on a conversation without divine help. And while the Holy Spirit empowered my words with peace, I found myself resting in Christ at the same time. 

When the conversation ended, the peace continued. I went to bed and woke up the next morning feeling more rested than I’d felt in weeks. It was a welcomed miracle. Only once before, had I felt the Holy Spirit take over my conversation when I was too tired to proceed. And now HE did it again!
 
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Dance of the Leaves

Today, the air smells wonderfully clean. There's a feeling of freshness and delight in the atmosphere. The tops of the tallest trees ripple like the ocean waves in the early morning breeze, while the lower branches and smaller trees remain silent. The smaller trees listen to the rustling foliage. If they want to participate in today's dance of the leaves, they will need to reach higher.

Sometimes, we are like the smaller trees. We find ourselves missing out on the joy of dancing in the breeze. We walk around grumpy and sad, instead of happy and glad. We forget that the Holy Spirit eagerly waits to lift us higher, so we, too, can put on a thankful heart and be filled with the joy of Jesus Christ.

May the miracle of God's wonder-working power lift you higher as you hand your burdens to Jesus and fix your eyes on Him. If you found this post encouraging, please share it by clicking the Facebook, Twitter or other buttons below.

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Spectacular Spring Buds

Tiny, strange-looking buds break through the rough bark. Odd shapes and brilliant colors dazzle our eyes as we wonder what type of flower or leaf this tree will produce? Sometimes it's hard to imagine how something so peculiar-looking can turn into a beautiful tree that will shade our yard from the hot, summer sun.

As we step out in faith, we may feel peculiar, awkward or even unsure. Others might even think we act odd. But that should never stop us. For outward appearances are not an indication of inward beauty. And beginnings never look like the end. They are only a starting place. So when the Lord calls us to step out of our comfort zone, we need to see it as a pathway that leads to bearing fruit. And when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, we begin to understand that He is pulling out of us what Jesus Christ has planted in us.

May the new creation that you are in Jesus Christ come forth in splendid and spectacular ways that reflects the majesty of the King and delights God the Father, who rejoices over you with singing. For it's not how others see you, but how God sees you that makes the ultimate difference.

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Fish Story

With a gentle calmness and quiet curiosity, the big fish swims to the end of the tank to greet the little boy. It does not swim off and hide like the other fish. It is not nervous, jittery or fearful, like its companions. It appears confident and unruffled, exhibiting a tranquility that seems uncommon to fish.

The boy stares eye-to-eye at the fish, then runs to the other side of the tank. The fish follows. The boy runs back again. The fish chases after the boy like a puppy chasing after its owner. The boy stops and looks intently at the fish. The fish stares back. The boy shows the water creature its new toy. The fish eyes the toy with interest. The boy talks to the fish. The fish listens intently.

The connection between the fish and the boy seems uncanny. While the other fish are consumed with self-preservation and staying close to protective crevices, the white fish appears to be more interested in things beyond itself. It shows no fear. It seems eager to connect with the outside world.

Just like this white fish, we need to learn to walk through life with a gentle curiosity about people, about creatures unlike ourselves, and about God. When artist Natalie Totire saw this photograph, she said, "There is just something admirable and attractive about animals that take an active interest in humans and what they're doing. It's almost an example of how we should act toward God."

May the Holy Spirit strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ and give you grace to take an active interest in what God the Father is doing today.

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The Gift of a New Day

Darkness slowly crawls into the background as the sun peeks its head over the horizon. It's another dawn, another day, another opportunity to enter into life. But am I ready to embrace the gifts that await me?

As the sun rises, will my heart also rise up with brightness and joy? When the daylight pushes away the darkness, will I also be willing to let go of yesterday's pain? When the sparkling dew or the morning frost washes the day with newness, will I also be willing to wash away the memories of past mistakes so I can embrace the new opportunities that come today?

Awaken, O my soul, and enter into this new day with a right heart, a positive attitude, and forward-facing thoughts. Help me, Heavenly Father, to embrace your gift of a new day with joy and thankfulness. Thank you, Jesus Christ, that You will be walking me through today. Holy Spirit, break through every barrier that binds me, and let me feel your guidance every step of the way.

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Zeal in the Wind

Only a few leaves remain on the poplar tree, but they glisten in the sunlight and dance delightfully in the wind. They are more jubilant than the surrounding maple trees that still have most of their foliage. What causes one tree to clap its hands with excitement while the other trees sway casually in the breeze? Is it the way the leaves are attached to the branches that enable them to be more attuned to the breeze?

Attach me to You, Lord Jesus Christ, in a way that causes my spirit to soar. I want to dance in the wind of your Holy Spirit and praise You with zeal and excitement, like the tree outside my window. Thank you for the light of your awesome love that causes my heart to want to stand up and cheer for You.

May you breakthrough every obstacle that is keeping you from dancing in the wind of the Holy Spirit and being filled with the joy of Jesus Christ. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

The Wind of Joy

The leaves and the branches bend and sway joyfully in the wind.
They do not stress or strain, but clap their hands with exuberance.
This is where we need to be:
Flowing freely in the love of Jesus Christ...
Enjoying the wind of the Holy Spirit...
Riding on the waves of God's grace...
Dancing delightfully through the storms of life...
Well-rooted and well-grounded in the Word of God...
Fearless of what is happening in the physical realm...
Rejoicing in what Jesus shows us in the spiritual realm.
Rise up, children of the Living God.
Rise up and be like the trees that way joyfully in the wind.



May you breakthrough the barriers that are keeping you from dancing through the storms of life and sailing on the wind of God's Holy Spirit. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

Dispersing Clouds

Fragments of dark clouds race across the early morning sky. It's rare to see them move this rapidly, especially when the cloud cover over and behind them is cotton ball white. I wonder where the small dark clouds are going. Is it God pushing the darkness out of our lives, so more of His light can shine through? Is it the wind of His Holy Spirit saying, "No more!" and kicking out the darkness? Are the dark clouds being pushed away or are they running away?

Two more dispersing dark clouds dash by my window. The larger one stretches out its ugly neck and hunches over the smaller one beneath it. Within seconds, it devours the smaller cloud and races onward.

It happened so quickly, I had to gasp. What a demonstration of evil devouring evil to fatten itself! What a reminder of the importance of staying in God's light. And what an illustration of the vastness of God's love, portrayed by the white cloud covering high in the sky, compared to the fleeting wisps of evil, that damage and destroy, portrayed by the small, dark clouds. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your lessons with the clouds.

For more encouragement by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

Evergreen

A huge evergreen stands before me with its long branches extended halfway across the path. The branches appear strong and robust. The tree is a healthy shade of green. Even its pine needles look sturdy and radiant, as they sparkle in the morning dew.

This tree remains green all year long. It never changes color in the spring rain, the summer heat, or the winter snow. Jesus Christ is like the evergreen tree — always fragrant, always strong, always standing with welcoming, out-stretched arms. Jesus calls us to also be like an evergreen — green, growing, healthy, vibrant, sweet-smelling, and hospitable.

Healthy evergreens do not grow tall and beautiful by themselves. They need good soil, plenty of sunshine, and the right amount of rain. We are planted in good soil when our roots grow deep into the mighty love of Christ. Not only does Jesus give us all the nourishment and nutrients we need for life, but He is also the solid Rock of our foundation, that holds us secure in the raging storms.

In Jesus Christ, we have all the sunshine we need. We have the radiance of the Son rising up within us, the light of God the Father shining down upon us, and the brightness of the Holy Spirit guiding and directing us. As we seek the Lord and grow closer to Him, His light increases dramatically, and we shine brighter, too.

And we have all the water we need. God's Holy Spirit rains down upon us to help us soak up the nourishment that we need to prosper in Jesus. God's Living Water flows continually from the throne of Heaven to quench our thirst. And as we partake more of more of Christ, streams of Living Water begin to flow out of us, too.

We have all the elements we need to become mighty evergreen trees. We have the God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God calls us to prosper in Him, and as we yield to Him, He enables us to grow strong and tall.

For more encouragement by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

Wind of Hope

How quiet my room is with the air-tight windows. Outside, the trees bend and sway with the wind. They toss back and forth by an invisible force, and should be making some noise, but I hear nothing. The windows that keep the hot and humid air outside, also quarantine the sound. Dare I open the window to listen to the breeze, and possibly hear the singing of the birds?

Yes! I step to the window and push it open. The gushing wind roars like the ocean waves. An image of the tide, ebbing and flowing, comes to mind. Though I live far from the ocean, the surf never ceases to fascinate me as it brings both water and music to a dry and weary land. The sound of this ocean-like wind comforts my heart as it reflects the power of God's Holy Spirit blowing life, guidance and direction into my life.

When the ears to my heart are closed to God's mighty love, I hear nothing. But when I open my heart, despite the fear, discomfort, and inconvenience of stepping outside of my comfort zone, I begin to enter a new world. I begin to become aware of hidden things, to awaken to a power beyond imagination, to step into the love, gladness and acceptance of God the Father's arms, and to be welcomed by the joy of Jesus Christ. The wind of God's Holy Spirit brings refreshing, renewal, and blessings.

Holy God, I need to hear your Voice. I am overwhelmed by the many tasks that lay before me. Forgive me for shutting You out. I need your guidance, direction, and strength. I need to cling to You, Lord Jesus, like the leaves clinging to the branches of the trees. The leaves reflect the security of your love as they are held in place by your faithfulness. The foliage reflects its confidence in your competence as it's tossed back and forth by the storms of life. The leaves remain green and growing because they are attached to the source of nutrients.

I need to be like those leaves, Heavenly Father. I need to stay attached to the Source of All Good Things. I need to stay attached to You — delighting in the Lord, rejoicing in your goodness, surrounded by your love, and walking in your light. Let me be totally reliant on You, Jesus Christ, so I may become a mighty oak in the power of your love.

For more encouragement by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com