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 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.

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

The post Behold Him first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

She wandered into the Wonder.

She followed close to the man who makes miracles.

She stepped out in faith because she knew He holds the world. 

She knew He heals the world.

She looked for her Father’s face in everything.

She believed in beauty; she saw it in everything and in everyone.

She leaned in close to see, she knew we are all image bearers.

Some radiated His peace and love, but all needed it radiated back to them.

She fell short and so did all the rest as they wandered.

She met some on the narrow path, some in the desert lands, some in the wilderness; He was there, so she was there.  

She could see the connection between all creation.

She could see The Creator in all of creation.

She could see when He held her gaze.

She wandered into the Wonder.

She would wander until He called her home.

Until then, she carried the wonder with her.

Art “Wander into the Wonder” Copyright © Kris Newlin, 2023; Poetry “Copyright @ Kris Newlin, 2024

The post Wander into the Wonder first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

Remember!

When the going is rough

and resistance is tough,

Be Strong!

Endure through your trials,

and search for the smiles,

Take Courage!

When your heart is alarmed

and you’re facing great harm,

Don’t Fear!

When you cannot find hope

and are struggling to cope,

Don’t Despair!

There’s no time or place

when you can’t find My face,

I’m Here!

I’m with you forever

In every endeavor,

Always!

Art: “Still” Copyright © Rachel L., 2020

Poem: “Remember My Words” Copyright © Liz Kimmel

Poem inspired by Joshua 1:9 in The Message version

                                                            “Haven’t I commanded you?

                                                            Strength! Courage!

                                                            Don’t be timid, don’t get discouraged.

                                                            God, your God, is with you 

                                                            Every step you take.”

The post Still first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

a musty, earthy smell escapes its plastic prison
as I open a new block of clay
calming me, connecting me to the earth
taking me home

a slab is cut
fingers curl the slab as hands begin
to wedge the clay like playing in mud as a child

a memory flashes
a young son and daughter fly into the house
mud covered faces, arms, legs
eyes sparkling with glee “we’re mud monsters!”

slapping the clay on the wheel, moistened hands surround it
as it starts to spin, the world disappears
alone with the clay, I become the mud monster
pushing and pulling, challenging the clay to become what I want
though often I follow its lead, allowing the clay to become what it wants

from dust we were created, connected to the earth forever,
holding a piece of earth in my hands, molding it into something beautiful
I feel its energy
energy that flows through everything
renewing, grounding

Image “Master Potter” Copyright © Shannon Wirrenga, 2023

Poem “Untitled” Copyright © Gail Lipe, 2024

The post Master Potter first appeared on Great Commission Artists.