Kind of makes you go hmmmm

During the course of owning a retail art business I have recognizes there are (at least) three types of art buyers. There are those who purchase art they are told to buy either by friends or designers. There are those who only purchase art that "matches their sofa" and will not look at anything that isn't in their style, color, etc. Finally, there are those who purchase art because they have taken the time to be engaged by the art and at times the artist. The art speaks to their hearts and changes their lives. I have realized this is a great parallel to how we approach the Lord and faith. There are those that believe what they are told to believe by others. There are those that believe that which fits comfortably with their attitudes and lifestyle. And finally there are those that engage in the process, seek the Lord and allow Him to touch their hearts and change their lives. We know which one the Lord desires as His Word tells us that He longs to have compassion on us, that He draws near to us as we draw near to Him, that He hears when we cry out to Him. Lord, may I engage with You every step of the journey.

Entrances

"He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: 'I know your deeds. Behold I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.'" Revelation 3:7-8

From birth to death we strive to be accepted and gain entrance whether it be to schools, organizations, relationships, careers, ministry, etc. Our training starts early as at a young age we are selected for the school play, spelling bee, or Sunday School Christmas program. We learn to interpret qualifications and only select those events for which we believe we'll be chosen and given entrance. We put plans into place in hopes of achieving the next level. We translate, speculate, and educate as we manage our success on this journey of life.

Jesus offers another way. Believe. Obey. Abide. All counter to the ways of man. In John 3, Jesus tells us, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." Later int he chapter we're told, "Whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." Believe in Him, do not deny His name; enter into the kingdom of God.

Jesus told His disciples not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised (Acts 1). They obeyed and received power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. They became witnesses "Both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Men obeyed and nations gave entrance. What is the Lord requiring of you? Obey His voice and leading; enter the gate that opens before you.

Jesus says, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15). It is Jesus that places the open door before you. It is Jesus who has the key. It is Jesus who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one can open. Abide in Him; He will grant you entrance to a life of fruitfulness and harvest beyond your expectations.

"For I know the plan that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.'" (Jeremiah 29:11) Hallelujah! Believe. Obey. Abide. Entrances will be granted to you.

ENTRANCES
Open doors beckon,
Gateways to new horizons,
Open pathways to new adventure,
Guided in the journey,
Surrendered to the path.

Painting is 24"x48" For purchasing information, please see the website or email me.

Welcome

Welcome to Heartbeat of God, expressing God's heart through art and word. This blog began a year ago as an email distribution. With much encouragement from many, I have begun this new chapter of "Heartbeat". I invite you to comment, to ask questions, etc. It is my hope that as the word and art go out, God's anointing will go out with it and will accomplish all that He intends. For you who are on the email distribution, I will continue to send the Heartbeat newsletter to you. For those of you who would like to receive the email newsletter, please let me know and I will add you to the list. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe in His loving arms. This painting is titled "Hem of His Garment" and is the cover art for the book "Heartbeat of God". The original is 30"x30" and is owned by Becky Davis of Granite City, IL.