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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Curled up like a cocoon, the ice-covered leaf hangs from its branch like a piece of art. Various shades of brown fill the cells that are held together by a web of tiny, straight-lined veins. The dryness of the old leaf and its sharp lines contrast the smoothness and moisture of the ice that encompasses it. The icicle suspended at the bottom of the leaf reaches out like hungry tongue. This frozen droplet also contains many miniature water droplets, giving it a crystal-like appearance.
Why is this leaf so hungry-looking? Is there something that lies within? Is there unseen beauty waiting to emerge from its protective covering? Or is the leaf looking for more to life?
There is always more to life than what we see. There is also great beauty that lies within each of us that is hungering to come out. But too often, we only see the dryness of our own lives. We may think the best years have past us, or we wrap our hopes around the things that are close at hand. But the best is yet to come. For these are the days the Lord is speaking life to the dry bones. He is calling His people to rise up and come forth. Jesus Christ is bringing out the beauty from deep within. And all who want to be part of this adventure are welcome.
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The flickering light on my writing tablet caused me to turn around and look outside. Rough wind jostled the tree branches close to the house. Joyfully, the sun's rays danced across the room. What glorious freedom the leaves have to swing and sway high above the ground. They dance with delight to the melodies of the whistling wind.
Only a month ago, the tree was barren and leafless. But the spring rains came, the temperature increased, and a glorious crown of rich green covered the enormous tree. The foliage produced an abundance of shade with its thousands of leaves. It became a shelter for birds, a home for squirrels, and a resting place for those looking for a refuge from the hot sun.
Be like a tree flourishing in the Lord. Display the foliage of truth — the abundance of God's promises that offer shade and shelter from the hot sun of blinding temptations and false promises that burn and destroy. Let the beauty within you emerge as you burst forth in the joy of Jesus and dance to the tune of God's love.
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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
