By Diane Tobolt

Scripture: And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace, to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:76-79 NIV) Prayer of Zechariah

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

Scripture: She (Hagar) gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13 (NIV)

Medium: Digital Art

We all go through it, those times when all around us is darkness–uncertainty, doubt, fear, a diagnosis, a death, a storm that blows us towards the rocky shores, or a change of circumstances that will take us into uncharted waters. Sometimes all we can do is hang on. But however alone we feel, we are not abandoned. The “God who sees me” is constantly present, an anchor in the storm, a resting place in the turmoil, and a light in the darkness.

God’s light steadily illumines our path – even if it’s only the next step. 

Prayer: O Father, let me rest my soul in you, no matter the circumstances or storms. You are my ever-present help, and you lead me in the path set out for me. 

© Diane Tobolt, 2026

The post Guiding Light first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

Media:  Watercolor, Acrylic

By Barbara Bonnell

Scripture: “My heart is steadfast, O God, I will sing and make music with all my soul.”  Psalm 108:1 (NIV)

Music, a wonderful talent the Lord has given us, is perfectly suited for praise and thanksgiving to God. The Bible speaks highly of music several times. In Psalm 108, the Psalmist David conveys what so many others do with words: “make music with all my soul.”  Music not only speaks to the musician’s heart, but also to our hearts as well.  We listen, enjoy, feel contented, or experience grace for deep needs in our life. 

Beautiful, God-breathed music can lift us to higher thoughts, replacing our worries with rest and peace.  During hard times, music has the power to sooth, comfort, and encourage us. At the same time, it also teaches Biblical principles and reinforces God’s Word. For that reason, music is an important part of worshiping the Lord and a talent through which many people bring joy, hope and God’s love to others.

This painting represents a young man who is focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is outside in his yard playing his instrument and singing as his heart rejoices in the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, music stirs our souls and inspires us as we worship you. Thank you for this wonderful part of life.  I pray for those with musical talent that they may lift up their voices and play their instruments to your honor and glory. And for those of us who may not be musical talented, may our music-filled worship lead us to serve you according to your purposes.

© Barbara Bonnell, 2026

The post Young Man’s Musical Moments first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

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

The post Whisper His Name first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

By Debbie Gustafson, reflecting on the 2025-2026 Great Commission Artists theme, The God Who Whispers

Scripture: Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what time or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them. To whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven; which things angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1 :10-12 ASV)

Scripture: Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (Luke 15:10 ASV)

Media: Watercolor. Watercolor Pencils, Markers

Reflection: Prior to making this painting I’d been pondering and meditating on how God whispers biblical truths to the angels. The concept of seeing behind their wings invites the viewer to ask what emotions or what responses they might have at the pivotal points of Scripture and divine activity. The angels desire to look into and understand the wonderous gift of salvation available to man. It’s a gift not available to them. It fascinates them, and when a person chooses to trust in the work of Christ, they rejoice greatly. Though the angel in the painting doesn’t reflect great emotion, the image reminds us that one should try to see behind the wings and ponder their response to God. There’s a unique correlation between their view of spiritual things and the character of God. Even though the Bible may seem silent on these things, what is there wets one’s appetite to understand more about the depth of God’s love, plan, forgiveness, and character.

Prayer: Precious heavenly Father, I thank you so much for your word, and what You’ve said about angels. I thank you that as I understand more about them, I also grow in my understanding of You. While I ponder how precious and unique the gift of salvation is, I pray that on a daily basis that you would give me deeper insight into this gracious provision. Though a sinful person, I rejoice that I can live eternally with You, my Creator, and like Your angels, be forever fascinated by the depth of salvation’s mystery. Amen.

© Debbie Gustafson 2025

The post If We Could See Behind Their Wings first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

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

The post Transformative Rest first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

By Barbara Bonnell

Scripture: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fulness of God.  (Ephesians 3:16 – 20 NIV)

Media:   Watercolor, Watercolor Pencil

Reflection: This painting represents a person in quiet meditation and reflective moments with attention and thoughts focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ dwells by faith through the Holy Spirit in each believers heart. To be established in the Lord’s love is a wonderful reality the Lord freely gives to all believers.  As He surrounds us with His everlasting love and His power, we are fully covered by Him.

Looking and trusting Jesus, whether we need direction in decisions to be made or we greatly desire to worship and praise Him, our hearts can commune with Him. When we are still and quiet, looking to the Lord Jesus in a set-apart time, He nourishes and strengthens us. We may have prayers to bring before Him, or perhaps He puts prayers in our heart that we haven’t yet thought of. He may give us deeper thoughts on a Bible Verse to consider or provide inner rest from problems we may be facing. The beautiful Bible verse from Ephesians 3 tells us how God totally surrounds us with His love. Spending time with the Lord in quiet moments brings purpose and spiritual growth to our lives. No matter how busy or hectic our schedules are, we can turn our thoughts to Jesus and focus our hearts and minds on Him.

Prayer:  Lord, thank You for rooting us in Your love and giving us the Holy Spirit who never leaves us. You have made a way for us to know You—and to know Your love and power will keep us and all who follow You safe and strong. Our lives find guidance, hope and love through You. It is by Your power the Holy Spirit dwells within us, leading us in faith to listen to your voice and teachings. As Christian believers, may we be faithful in seeking time to quiet our heart to be spiritually nourished by You. Amen.

The post Quiet Moments first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

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

The post Answered Prayer Request first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

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.

The post Focus on Leaves first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

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

The post World Without End first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

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

The post The Little Children Behold God first appeared on Great Commission Artists.