By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, reflecting on the 2026-2027 Great Commission Artists theme, The God Who Whispers

Scripture references: And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. (1John 4:16 NIV)

Scripture: And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)

Medium: Watercolor on Canvas

Years ago, as a young woman, wife, and mother in her 20’s, I longed to know that God was real. I had been searching and reading other believers stories at that time, hungry for truth. One night, I stayed up late, telling God I couldn’t go to bed untill I knew that He was real. He met me in what felt like I was being picked up into the most loving hands I had ever known and held there for I don’t know how long. This connection to His love changed my life forever as the Bible came alive to me, and my faith began to grow rapidly. Over the years, learning to hear His voice led to paintings He has orchestrated through me to speak to others about Himself. Though powerful beyond words, God is so near, loving each one of us with a gentleness and care that He wants us to realize. “Whisper His Name” is an invitation to encounter this love. Praise the great name of Jesus!

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You are real and want everyone to know that You love us individually. In joy and in sorrow, let us whisper Your name for You are always there and available for all who call upon You. Amen.

© Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, 2025

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By Megan Monson

Scripture: And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (Mark 1:35)

Scripture:  I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5 NIV)

Scripture: He has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV)

Medium: Acrylic Paint

Reflection: One way to rest in God is by being intentional with our time. In Mark 1:35, we see that Jesus rose up early to pray alone. Following His example, we can carve out time for Him, and, oh, what abundance it brings! We give Him our time, and He gives us so much more! His holy presence touches us, and His word brings nourishment to our souls.  

We can also rest in Him throughout our day by continually bringing our hearts and minds before God and His truth. This way we provide a sanctuary for our inner world and are more resilient when discouraged or distracted.

Day by day and glory to glory, we are changed, not by our own effort, but by God’s Spirit. We are encouraged that the great work that started in us at salvation will be perfected. Surely, while we rest in Him, we can take heart that He is working all things for good and making everything beautiful in its time.

Beloved, let us pause and take a moment to remember and meditate on the things of God, because this place is the beautiful rest that transforms us, just as the caterpillar, in the stillness of a chrysalis, is transformed. 

Pray: Lord, thank You for providing a way to draw near through Your son Jesus Christ. Help me to remember You throughout my day and find time to be alone with You regularly. In this sometimes distracting world, please help me fix my gaze on you so I can be transformed in You. Amen.

© Megan Monson 2025

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By Barbara Bonnell, Fresh Oil Artist.

Based on Ephesians 6:18 and Voices of the Faithful, an anthology of devotionals written by missionaries.

Scripture: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayer requests.” Ephesians 6:18a (NIV)

Scripture: “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Matthew 9:13 (NKJV)

Book: Voices of the Faithful, anthology edited by Kim P. Davis and Beth Moore.

Media: Pastels

Reflection: My artwork depicts the missionary story, “Noticing the Insignificant.” This devotional piece told of a missionary and two others, who, while on a walk, asked God to lead them to someone open to the gospel. During their walk, two little boys began waving and wanted them to eat mangoes with them. Thinking these boys would not be an answer to their prayer, they were not eager to spend time with them. However, they felt led to do so, and God answered their request in a wonderful and unexpected way.

Taken to a home filled with several family members, the missionaries ate their mangoes and shared the gospel message. As a result, the father and an alcoholic son responded positively to the message. Thereafter, many others in the village also became believers in Jesus Christ, the village began Bible studies, and a Church was started.

I was inspired by how God answered the missionaries’ prayer request when they chose to do what seemed insignificant but was actually the means to their request being fulfilled.

Praying in the Spirit and according to God’s will stands out in this story to me. Being sensitive to the leading of the Lord and trusting Him can bring many great blessings to our life, as well as to others. And, additionally important for our walk with God, we are in the Will of God.

Prayer: Lord, as You said in Matthew 9:13, You didn’t come to earth to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. We rejoice in learning of this true and inspiring story where lives were changed and hearts made new through Your mercy, love and power. As a result, many others also received the gift of salvation and eternal life. May we respond to Your leading in our own walk with You so that we are a faithful witness and can be used by You to further Your kingdom. Amen.

Copyright © Barbara Bonnell, 2025

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By Debbie Gustafson, Fresh Oil Artist.

Based on Revelation 4:11 and The Awe of God: The Astounding Way a Healthy Fear of God Transforms Your Life by John Bevere.

Scripture: “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 4:11 (NASB1995)

Media: Watercolor Pencil, Watercolor.

Reflection: While reading The Awe of God: The Astounding Way a Healthy Fear of God Transforms Your Life by John Bevere, I rediscovered the power of creation’s beauty to draw my attention to our awe-worthy God.

In the fall, we await the peak of color in the leaves we commonly see. We are invited to see God using His paint brush as He dips it in the most beautiful colors to inspire us to focus on Him and recognize the Artist behind the creation. He is there, awaiting our worship and praise, and the common becomes uncommonly beautiful and inspiring.

Prayer: Dear gracious and expressive God, may my senses be receptive to Your expressions of creativity and beauty around me so that I may see Your handiwork and then see You. I ask that I might grow closer to You and worship You in reverence and holiness. Amen.

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By Diane Tobolt based on Ephesians 3:20-21

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end, Amen.

Medium: Digital Art

Reflection: “Exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…” That phrasing has always amazed me. Not just more than we ask or think, not just abundantly above all that we ask or think, but exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or think! The Amplified Bible goes even further: “Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us…” God’s vision is so much greater than ours.

God is not bound by our weaknesses, though they tend to fill our vision. He can work in and through us in ways that we don’t even know. How often have you heard a song that speaks directly into your need or words of comfort and encouragement that touch your heart? These glimpses of eternity are carried by other people who are unaware of the eternal effects wrought in us.

Beethoven was deaf when he composed his last symphony. Fannie Crosby was blind when she wrote “Safe in the Arms of Jesus,” and so many other hymns. The Apostle Paul, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King, Jr. were all imprisoned, yet their examples as well as their words reach down through the years and touch lives today. Our deafness, our blindness, our struggles and limitations don’t hinder the working of God in our lives or our ministry to others because grace doesn’t depend on us. As we keep our eyes on Him, it is His power that works through us.

“The worship of God is not a rule of safety – It is an adventure of the spirit.” Alfred North Whitehead

Prayer: O Father, help me to take my eyes off myself and keep them fixed on You. It’s so easy to let circumstances or duties or annoyances fill my thoughts and attention. Remind me to refresh myself in worship, seeing Your glory and marveling in Your love. Let me be a vessel for Your use as You pour out Your love to a hurting world. 

© Diane Tobolt, 2025

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By Debbie Gustafson based on Matthew 19:14 and Psalm 63:2.

Media: Watercolor, watercolor pencil, technical pen.

Scripture: Matthew 19:14 (NIV) Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Scripture: Psalm 63:2 (NIV) “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and see him?”  Psalm 63:2

Reflection: I put a lot of thought into how to execute this painting with the theme of beholding God. What first came to mind were the words of an early hymn that asks, “ what language shall I borrow?”  I pondered this because I found it hard to describe what it is like to come into the presence of God and sense profound awe as I behold Him. 

I chose to present Jesus as he would’ve been at the time the gospels were written, but I tried to present the children in a current and international way. My art reflects how to behold Jesus as a little child would, how to see Jesus as open-hearted and loving, and the indiscriminate love of Christ in welcoming one and all into His presence.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for providing Your Son that we might know Your love, forgiveness, and attention to our needs. May our heads and eyes focus on You; may our hearts be humbled before You; may we pause in our daily lives to gaze upon You. And, most of all, may we come to You as children do.

Amen

© Debbie Gustafson, 2025

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By Barbara Bonnell, based on Psalm 119:11 and Psalm 119:105

Medium: Watercolor

Scripture:  Psalm 119:11 (NKJV) Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Scripture: Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

This painting, showing a woman carrying a Bible, represents a person following the Lord Jesus Christ—her love of Him and the Word of God.  She walks with assurance and peace because she has “hidden” His Word in her heart, and that Word protects her from sin and shines light on her every path. Through Scripture, God reveals truths about Himself, the sinful nature of the human heart, and His power to change our hearts through the Lord Jesus.

God’s Word is the Living Word. It comes from God Himself, the Creator of all life.  What a privilege is ours to read the Bible and hide Scripture in our hearts! Thankfully, the Word is a “lamp to our feet” because we need Gods’ light as we live day-to-day with all that takes place in a lifetime.  His light can give us understanding, show us the way in which to go, and help us to make godly decisions. Daily, the Word of God and the Holy Spirit instruct, encourage, and strengthen us.

Prayer: Lord, there are no other words that can compare to Your Scripture. Knowing You and Scripture protects me from self-inflicted heartache. Because Your Word lifts my spirit to know You as Lord and Savior, I can give You thanksgiving and praise. Through Your Spirit, Your Word manifests Your power in my life. Thank You so much for all You do for us and for your great love and mercy in making it possible to know and follow You.  With joy and gratitude, I am privileged to read, treasure, and keep Your Word in my heart. Amen.

© Barbara Bonnell, 2025

The post Woman Carrying Bible first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

Title:   “Behold Him”

Scripture:  2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV): “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Artist Name:  John Bennett

Medium:  Acrylic and Luminecent Paint

Reflection:

In this Bible verse, we see that by continually beholding Jesus we are continuously changed to be more like Him.  We can do this on a daily basis by looking into the mirror of our lives and asking God to reveal what is needed to bring about meaningful change.  With the Holy Spirit’s help, through Bible study and prayer, we will be changed into the likeness of Christ.  Whenever God gives us a victory, He encourages us to build upon what He has already done by adding one glorious change after the other.  As we continually  grow, our desire is to reflect the image of Jesus to all people around us.

In my painting I imagined a time in the future where we will behold Jesus in all his glory.  Many will bring crowns earned for good deeds during their lives and humbly lay them at His feet. 

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, help me to know You more and more and to apply that to my life everyday.  Reveal all the things in my heart that needs changing and please give me more wisdom to follow You all the days of my life.  All in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

© John Bennett, 2025

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By Diane Tobolt, based on John 14:27 and Psalm 16:11.

Medium: Digital Art

Scripture: John 14:27 (NKJV) Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Scripture: Psalm 16:11(NKJV) You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Reflection: This art image speaks to me of peace, and of tranquility. So my first thought was to find the verse where Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you…” But when I found it, the second part stood out to me even more: “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

I tend to be a worrier – thinking about what needs to be done, how to do it, or what if I do it wrong. Like Martha, Jesus’s friend in Luke 10, I am troubled about many things. But Jesus points to a better way, because, in the end, it doesn’t depend on me. It’s all in His hands. He sees the bigger picture, the whole that I cannot see. And just as in the natural world, everything works together, I am right where I should be.

Because God promises to be with me, lead and guide me, I don’t have to be troubled because I don’t know the way. He knows the way. My part is to look to Him, behold Him as God, knowing that He will “show me the path of life.” (Ps. 16:11) Trusting in His promises, I can be untroubled and unafraid.

As I prayed about this message, I found more Scriptures for additional understanding:

Psalm 32:8 NKJV I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

Psalm 46:10 NKJV Be still and know that I am God.

Isaiah 46:4 NKJV Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs, I will carry you!

Prayer: O Father, refocus my eyes and my heart on you when my mind becomes anxious. You are so much bigger than my problems and my fears. You promise to lead and protect me. You take even my mistakes and foolishness in Your stride, and when I stray, You promise to find me. I can rest in you, knowing that I am where I belong. Amen.

© Diane Tobolt, 2025

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By Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, based on 1 Corinthians 2:8-10 and Discovering God Through the Arts by Terry Glaspey.

Medium: Watercolor

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:8-10 (NIV)  None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

In 2016, I painted a little painting in my quiet time that was very simple and titled “Entering a New Dimension With You.” Recently, while reading the book Discovering God Through the Arts by Terry Glaspey, I began a new painting, a larger piece that seemed a continuation of going deeper into what that might mean. This one has much warmer colors, and a heart is discovered near the center. The older I get, the more I feel drawn closer to God and His heart for me. The process of creating art doesn’t always result the way I think it will. But it isn’t my plan that counts. As I grow older, God leads me to a deeper level, a heart level, that I don’t have to understand.

Prayer:  “Father God, continue to take me deeper into your love and plan for my life even though I don’t always understand your ways.”

© Charlotte Laxen Helfritz, 2025

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