"Come, O Breath" | September 2021

“Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.”  Ezekiel 37:9-10.

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”  Isaiah 40:8.

~

The style and imagery of this painting at first glance may come as a bit of a surprise.  I don’t normally paint skulls.  As I prayed into September’s painting, I heard the Lord say, “paint the breath of life, dry bones come to life!”

On their own dry bones and a skull often represent death and decay, however we must remember that the details in this painting do not simply end here. Rather, it is mirroring the anticipated beginnings of the biblical story that is found in Ezekiel 37. I would encourage you to make time, to review the whole chapter and meditate on the words from the Lord for this season and what it can mean for us today.

 As we dive a little deeper, we begin to clearly trace the breath of the Holy Spirit enveloping over these dry bones; to both hear the word of the Lord and arise from the graves. This breath symbolically represents the rushing wind of Holy Spirit, bursting forth to clothe the body with skin and sinews of flesh. This breath, Ruach in Hebrew, means the creative life force of God.  Just as God breathed life into Adam for the first time, forming a living man, He told Ezekiel to command the breath into these dry bones.  I see this as a prayer strategy in this season, to command the breath of life into dead, dry places to come alive again!  God’s presence & power drawing the four corners of the earth to woe all of creation back to Him.

 We see these bones came together to form a great army, and yet if the body of Christ cannot be united as one, we hinder our witness and compromise the coming of generational revivals to take place. Our need to display community and connection is integral to our effectiveness and ministry; “…and the bones came together, bone to bone.” (Ezekiel 37:7). May we leave no room for the enemy to work through open doors of offense, un-forgiveness, opinions or pride. Let us be a people who join hand in hand, shake the dust from our feet and journey upwards and onwards in Christ, as the mighty army of God.  Letting the old flesh die, for the breath to breathe anew in us and into the Church.

 The Withering Flower:

Capturing the breath as wind blowing in a painting is difficult, unless there is a subject tangibly being blown.  I immediately saw petals dancing in the wind and heard the verse in Isaiah, “the grass withers and flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”  I love how God uses metaphors all throughout His word. In this verse, human fragility is compared to flowers falling and grass withering.  Like the flower, our life is fleeting, only here for a moment, but the Word of God endures forever.  Much like the dry bones, we too are dead to our sinful nature, until accepting God’s saving grace through His Son, Jesus, the Word became flesh spoken at creation – we then receive the breath of life, the Holy Spirit, breathed into our ‘dry bones’ to fully live, here and in eternity. 

Our Need for Hope:

“Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’” (Ez. 37:11)  I want to stop for a moment and highlight the word hope, because this little word is imperative to lay hold of.  You may find yourself or the current state of the world in a season of the wilderness, be encouraged that the Lord is near; however you must also chose to respond. May we make room for Him to breathe afresh over us, and to not allow your hope to become distorted and appear deferred. Be reminded that you are the gatekeeper of your hope, but you do not have to go about it alone. “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him” (Proverbs 30:5). Ask the Lord to help you protect your hope so that you would be able to test all things, endure the course – and when you have done all you can do, stand.

Prophesy Dead Things Back to Life:

In chapter 37 of Ezekiel the word “prophesy and to be prophesied” is spoken of 7 times. The Lord actually commands Ezekiel to prophesy to his own heart, while both speaking and believing that all things are possible to Him who is able.  I urge you to see past the stale tomb, where dead things once lay, and be reminded that we serve a God and King who has conquered over death, hell and the grave! May we take this truth up, so that as a people, we can walk in the available power and authority freely given to His beloved to rise in Him again; “Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel.” (Ez. 37: 12).So I ask you, what graves are you living from that God has called you to prophesy you out from? Have you asked Him? Be open to hear his voice over those things big and small.

This message is three prong. First it is a word for the corporate body; reviving our lost hope to be brought back to Him. Secondly, we are given a command. We are asked to prophesy, and prophesy with boldness and complete authority because of His sacrifice. And thirdly we are to acknowledge and revere the Word of the Lord in all we do; For then all will know that the Lord has spoken and caused these great wonders to happen.

Let us be reminded of the promised hope that our valleys of dry bones are being exchanged for the Spirits’ transformative power that is living within us. His unyielding grace that is constantly longing to captivate and flood the temple of our hearts with the knowledge of His name.

May dry bones comes back to life and become a mighty army in this day!

 -Mindi  

This collection of mini 'garden' paintings were birthed through one-hundred days of prayer. The Lord took me through a season where he challenged me "to learn how to pray" on a whole new level.  He invited me to go back into the 'Garden of the Word,' into the secret place with Him and pray.  I began to see each flower along the journey of painting through the Bible, going back to that time with God.  These mini 'garden' paintings are prayers gathered along the path, journeying deeper into the truth of His Word and promises.

New Beginnings | Nehemiah - mini fine art print

For we are the fragrant offering of Christ, a body of people who have both collectively and personally counted the cost to be poured out in surrender. Our lives are to mirror the image of His Son, His work to be completed through His beloved ones. For we are carriers of His presence and partakers of His glory to a lost and dying world. The church is the embodiment of His perfect love, so that His Spirit may indwell within us. The mystery of His breath of life stirs within each of us, speaking forth hope in both authority and maturity of faith. For as believers, we are commanded to “take courage” and be of good cheer, no matter what trial we are facing. Be reminded, that we stand victorious!  May our shortcomings never hold us stagnant, but instead propel our need to remain dependant on the completed work of the cross. Declaring over our failures, the promise of His blood and the final work that “It is Finished” (John 19:28; 19:30 KJV). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16, KJV).

Purity & Holiness | 1 Thessalonians - mini fine art print

To be known by the Lord, we must walk on the narrow path with Him. We are asked to steward an unseen garden that is found within us. We must ask, what fruit do we bare? Do we heed His voice, and give ear to His instruction? Take a moment this week to set your mind on the path you are walking. Do not be discouraged when you are hard-pressed on every side, instead ask the Good Gardener to tend the soil of your heart and break ground with His presence. He is faithful to steady your mind and soul as you trust in Him.

Faith | Luke: mini fine art print

Each garden mini painted, can be paired with each book of the Bible. Today I invite you to walk through the Garden of the Word, experiencing the aroma of God's grace, His love, His presence and His character.  My heart is for the paintings are to draw you in to read the Scriptures and hear from the Lord for yourself.  Let Him take you on a journey to see the Bible in a new way. They beautifully punctuate God's grace from Genesis to Revelation, and the fragrance of worship through prayer & painting, featured in the book, "Garden of Grace."

Awaken & Watch | Jeremiah: mini fine art print

In closing, be sure to stay tuned! As I have my first Art Collection book arriving this Fall titled, “Garden of Grace.” This coffee table book is both a witness of the gospel and inspiration for all denominations to encounter the living Word through art. All sixty-six paintings of every book of the Bible in one book! This is a timeless treasure overviewing the entire Bible through art and creativity. This project was a labour of love, directed by the Holy Spirit, and taking four years to complete.

Be sure to pick up your copy when our pre-sale books are available to order, limited quantities available. We will keep you posted!

- Mindi Oaten

“And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Luke 10:2

“And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.” Genesis 17:7

“And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” Luke 1:50

~

This painting has multiple meanings for me personally.  I will start with where it came from… My Grandpa passed away at the end of July, returning to his heavenly home.  What a glorious day that will be!  After hearing of the news, I sat at my easel staring at a blank canvas.  I was thinking of my Grandpa and all he meant to me and about his life while on earth… I began to paint.  This is what came out of that time.  My Grandpa was a generational farmer.  He farmed his whole life.  Wheat fields remind me of him.  One of my most cherished memories of my childhood was growing up in North Dakota, going to the farm where my Grandparents lived, experiencing farm life.

Generations:

As I thought about the wheat fields, I realized I have a harvest in my bloodline through my Grandpa and how God works through generations.  We are all part of a family.  God designed humanity to come through generational lines.  Each family has natural and spiritual callings and assignments, generational inheritances, but also curses.  When born again into the family of God, through the blood of Jesus, he gives us authority to break curses off our family lines and step fully into the inheritance of the Kingdom, reclaiming what the enemy may have stolen from us through the generations.  We can reclaim a spiritual inheritance no one can steal through the Lord.  Today, ask the Lord to restore and reclaim His purposes and plans through your generational line… cancel every attack coming against your family and pray blessing on the generations to come that they will walk out every assignment God has purposed to accomplish through your family. 

The Harvest:

When we become a member of the family of God, we are all called to be a labourer in His harvest field.  There’s a mighty harvest of people who need to be welcomed into the family of God… we are all called to be part of that harvest in the area of our assignments.  Let’s pray for the laborers of His harvest to go out into the fields.  Everywhere we go is the harvest field.  The harvest is plentiful; in our towns, neighborhoods and communities.  Lord, rise up the laborers in this hour!  We are entering a harvest season like never before. 

Bowing Wheat:

When wheat is fully matured, it bows its head from the weight.  This is when it’s fully fruitful, ready to be harvested.  The fruit of this wheat will produce the bread of life.  It reminds me of the parable of the wheat and tares.  The wheat that is humbled and bowing in the presence of the One with the heavenly sickle, will produce food.  The tare who refuses to bow will not be fruitful and will be separated out.  Lord, keep us submitted and humbled to your ways, so we will produce good fruit.

The Monarch Butterflies:

I painted two Monarch’s representing generational transformation.  Two represents union, male and female, producing life… the generations.  The monarch butterfly has a migration path from Mexico to Canada.  It takes up to four generations to migrate on their journey to pass the torch to the next cycle of generations.  It’s amazing how God designs every aspect of creation in generations, even the butterfly.

I pray this simple painting speaks to your heart and stirs you for the harvest.

Mindi  

“O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

^“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” 1 John 5:3-5

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”

2 Timothy 4: 2-5

~

Happy New Year!  Can you believe we made it through 2020?  It’s hard to believe the year we just had; ups and downs, the world changing right before our eyes.  When praying for what to paint in the first month of 2021, I heard the word, “Victory!”  It’s time to walk victorious.  It’s time to walk and not waver in Truth.  2021 will be a year to advance the Word and God’s truth, for in him we are victorious in all circumstances.  We must enter the year standing confidently in who we are in Christ, overcomers.  Rising above all situations and seeking the Lord for his wisdom and ways. 

The Hourglass:

This represents time.  We live in earthly time, bound by hours, days, months and yearly cycles.  We know the Bible speaks of Jesus returning, but no one knows the day or hour.  We must be ready at all times for his glorious return.  I know every day we are closer, it sure feels like last year was a wakeup call to what is important… there is no time to waste!

The Holy Bible:

This is our compass of Truth.  Everything we need to know is in the Scriptures.  Over the past couple years, I’ve been hearing the Lord telling me how important it is to studying and know the Word. A hunger for the Word has grown in my life.  As we get closer to the end times, the Word needs to be written on our hearts in order to discern false doctrine.  It has to be more about the Bible than books and opinions.  It is the only way we will KNOW Jesus and his ways. 

The Laurel Wreath:

Laurel leaves symbolize victory!  It is a symbol of triumph and were awarded to victors.  In Biblical symbolism, the laurel can mean “Flourish,” to grow luxuriantly, to achieve success or prosper, and to reach a height of development or influence.  Although we see the wicked succeed and achieve everything their hearts desire, God promises that the righteous will flourish (Psalm 92:12) and God will not forsake his faithful ones.  God’s idea of flourishing isn’t always in material things and successes of this world, we flourish in our faith and knowledge of Him, living victoriously in our salvation through Christ.  There is nothing more rewarding than that!  Walking in relationship with Jesus, we flourish in the garden of life.  We see from a heavenly perspective and glorify him in all that we do.

The Background:

I chose to paint a landscape as the background.  God’s creation and the dawning of a new day!  The promised land he has for each one of us on the horizon. The sun rising.

~

I am excited to see what this year will bring!  An incredible time to be alive and be part of God’s plans in the earth.  We are watching history be written right before our eyes.  Walk in VICTORY and stand on the Truth of his Word, I pray this painting blesses you and is an encouragement of the victory we already have!  Walk into 2021 with the authority you’ve been given through Christ Jesus.  He goes before you to fight and gives you victory.

“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”  Deuteronomy 20:4

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

I am declaring victory in all areas of your life as we enter this New Year!

God Bless,

Mindi

"Prepared for a Purpose" | 24" x 30" acrylic on canvas

painted live during the Levite Summit online event & given to my Collector Club members for November 2020 

click here to get a copy of the fine art print

 ~

“I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” Isaiah 22:22

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Ps. 91:4

“For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
 My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.” Ps. 139: 13-16

~

I had the opportunity to be a presenter and paint live for an arts & worship conference called the “Levite Summit” here in Canada this month. I painted live during the worship portion of the webinar and planned to use the opportunity to paint my November Collectors Cub painting!  (some may have already saw the pictures, but didn’t know you would be getting it!)  What an experience… I felt the presence of God so strong during worship as I created this painting and now get to share it with you all. 

As I prayed for November, I kept hearing the word, “preparation” and saw this nest and eggs.  Then I saw a gold key appear in the nest.  This is what I felt as I sketched it out:

We are being prepared, a season of preparation for what’s to come.  In a time of shaking, he protects us, he comforts us, he disciplines us to get us stronger, free from old sins and patterns so we are ready!  We are “nesting” in a process to birth new songs, brand new ideas and assignments.  Trust God in this preparation time.  We are being given new keys to overcome, open new doors and take authority over the darkness.  The butterflies are almost ready to fly!  Get prepared, rest in his love, you were born for such a time as this!

~

I thought I would share an email from a participant of the Levite Summit, it gives beautiful layers and confirmation to this painting, she gave me permission to share: 

With regards to the prophetic painting Mindi did - WOW!!! It was incredibly significant for every person we prayed for!  When I saw the nest, God immediately reminded me of a revelation He gave me last August.  Holy Spirit led me to search up the 15th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which is "Samekh". It means "to uphold, lean upon, to support".

On the website 'Hebrew for Christians' on Samekh, there is a part where it talks about "The miracle of samekh".  Samekh, combined with the preceding letter of the alphabet, Nun, spells the word "NES" which means "Miracle". BUT, because I am originally from South Africa and Afrikaans is my native language, I know that "NES" is the Afrikaans word for "NEST"!

Now you understand how the painting reminded me of this revelation!

The cool thing is that "Nun" means "a person who is bent, someone who humbles himself in brokenness and submission to the Lord God."

So, according to this website, the combination of samekh and nun that forms the word NES (miracle) means:  "A person of faith is a walking miracle! The Lord gives support to the fallen and broken ones who put their trust in Him.”  Indeed, this is directly illustrated in Psalm 145, an acrostic Psalm that begins its verse about Samekh as follows:

"The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down."

I feel that this is part of the message God gave at the Levite Summit!

The cursive way of writing this letter is also a circle, which looks like a NEST! God's love and glory which has no beginning or end!

Sukkah also starts with a samekh, indicating that God's omnipresence is our support and shelter. God is active in His support for creation and we are passive in relying our trusting in His provision and care for our lives.

The painting really opened up so much revelation during the prayer ministry - about resting in the comfort of God's perfect, never-ending Love and protection - surrounded... Even in life's storms, here we are safe and receive from Him revelation, keys to His Kingdom, and are being transformed.  And in letting go of our burdens, we become light as a feather!

Col 2:2 (TPT) " I am contending for you that your hearts will be wrapped in the comfort of heaven and woven together into love's fabric.  This will give you access to all the riches of God as you experience the revelation of God's great mystery - Christ (in us)"

The comfort of being and resting in the center of God's love, in the "nest" of safety and protection that He has woven together... Trusting Him completely, staying/abiding there, and receiving from Him revelation, all of this while He transforms us into the likeness and image of JESUS (the butterfly).

Thank you for an amazing day!! May God bless each of you tremendously!!

Love, Hanlie Schuch

Be prepared for what’s ahead!  Rest in Him.  He has a great plan for you in this next season!

A Time and A Season | 24" x 30" original painting

painted for my Collectors Club, October 2020

original painting available, click here.

“He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him. I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king’s demand.”  Daniel 2: 21-23

~

I’m not sure about you, but when autumn leaves turns to shades of fire, the air is crisp and the wind blows… I feel a transition.  In the natural there is an obvious change in season, but spiritually I feel it as well.  Especially this year.  We are moving into a new season on the earth and in the heavenlies, I feel the transition.  The Lord sure surprised many of us with the year 2020, not what most of us would have expected.  But he knows what he’s doing, and I believe he used this “shaking” to wake us up to who he is and what he plans to do.  Have we stewarded this season well?  That is what I keep hearing in prayer.  Have we used this time of pause to consider our ways, align with God’s will and promises, repent for wrong thinking, wrongdoing, come back to the Father’s heart… as the leaves fall, I pray everything dead in our lives falls away, goes into the ground for a time of rest and reset, and bloom in due season with even greater fruit than before.  I was reminded of the famous verses in Ecclesiastes and the Scripture about the seed falling to the ground and dying: 

“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12: 24-26

Transition can be both unsettling and exciting.  Not knowing what lies ahead, in our personal lives, in our countries and the world can be scary, but also exciting if we trust in the Almighty and partner with his plans that will come, he ultimately promises restoration and all things new.  The Lord has been reminding me in these times, to remain focused on his Word, trusting his plans and dying to self so he can use me to multiply many seeds.  What do we need to let go of in order for God to breath on according to his will?  What areas do we hold onto that keeps us stuck in the past?  These are questions I have been challenged with as I cross over to a new season.

Much like a tree losing its leaves in the fall, there is a purpose designed for this. The leaves go into a cycle where they do more good for the tree in the ground, to produce nutrients it needs for the winter months.  When the tree is leafless, it can’t make food. But it doesn’t get hungry. Instead, it rests and prepares for the new leaves.  Leaves are really important for the tree, but sometimes it’s better for the tree to let them go. They can save all the good bits and when there is enough water, they can use them to grow brand new leaves.  Leaves “sense” the season changing and respond accordingly.  We can learn so much from God’s creation.

I think that’s the biggest challenge in life, waiting on the appropriate time and season of the Lord.  We need to learn how to be sensitive to his times and know the season we are in.  Both personally and corporately.  The best way to know, is lean into the Lord.  Have that personal relationship with him, in the Word and in prayer… and he will give you wisdom, understanding and instruction to move forward in due season.

This painting is obvious.  Beautiful fall leaves capturing the warmth of the season on display.  Sometimes things should be just that simple.  When I prayed about the October painting, I kept seeing the fall leaves and a Bible opened.  And I heard the Lord say, “A time and a season, during transitions in seasons, we have to be have to be grounded in the Word and in prayer to hear instructions.”  We may feel impatient at times and move in our own strength, but we must wait for it, keep praying and not move ahead of God’s timing.  He purposes times for a reason.

“For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”  Habakkuk 2:3

~

Who doesn’t love receiving a bouquet of flowers?  I know I do!  Flowers are one of the most simple and beautiful gestures a person can give or enjoy from the garden.  The very beauty and fragrance of flowers is a gift from God.  They are reminders of Eden, walking with God in the cool of the day, the place we were created to be, in close communion with Him.  The Bible refers to our prayers like an aroma pleasing to God.  Just as Jesus offered up himself as a fragrant sacrifice for us, making the way for New Testament believers, our prayers are a scent pleasing to God that reach him directly through Christ.   

For the past couple months, prayer has been on my heart.  I felt a deep conviction from the Lord that I need to take prayer way more seriously. I felt a stirring inside that I need to set aside time, as a sacrifice in my day, to intentionally pray.  Jesus would rise up before dawn to spend time in prayer, to stay connected to the Father.  “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed in to a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35. 

As I was listening to the Lord one morning, I heard him say “you will need to pray next level prayers in the days ahead.  It will be needed for daily instruction in the times we are walking into.”  I saw a picture of being drawn into deeper areas of the Garden; a place of sitting with the Lord to hear his heart, lifting up praise and thanksgiving for who he is, for our salvation through his sacrifice, praying the Word as a weapon of truth and coming into alignment with God’s will and plans.  Let’s face it, we are in a battle between good and evil.  As ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven, we have been given authority to pray in the name of Jesus, to reign over the demonic forces coming against us.  It is time to preserver in prayer like never before. A call to deeper intersession, repentance, praise and thanksgiving, forgiveness, seeking wisdom and utter dependence on Him.    

This painting is a reminder to take time to pray from the secret place, the garden of your heart to the Lord.  When we spend time with him in prayer, the “golden bowls” in heaven are filled and please the Lord.  He hears our prayers.  The prayers of the righteous are powerful and fragrant, like a bouquet offered up to the King.  Prayers are more important now than ever before; we need them personally to stay grounded, to intercede for our cities and nations, for our loved ones, and all those who need a touch from God. Cultivate a garden of prayer.  

(Click here to order a fine art print of this painting.)

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 1 John 5:14

 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’  “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

“‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’  “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 

“Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’  “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”  Matthew 25: 1-13

“The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?”  “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied.  The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”  Jeremiah 1: 11-12

~

For the past couple of years, the parable of the ten virgins has been on my heart with a sense of urgency.  I was in prayer for this month’s painting and the picture of the oil jar and lamp kept coming to mind.  I have painted a few different version of this in the past, (click here to see "Get Ready" & "The Oil & The Light") but I felt the urge to paint it again for the Collectors Club.  This time, I saw an almond branch as well.  The oil jar and lamp signify to be ready and shine, while the almond branch is a symbol of awakening. 

The Oil and Lamp - There is a lot I could write about concerning this parable, but I will share a few of the key parts the Lord keeps speaking to me about.  I asked the Lord, what is the extra oil represent?  How do we make sure we carry extra oil so we are ready with a lite lamp…  I heard him say to me, “it’s walking with me daily.  It’s knowing me and my ways.  It’s the daily communing through the Holy Spirit, being truly born again and abiding on the vine.”  We see in the verses above, when the bridegroom came, the foolish virgins asked if they could enter, he says “I don’t know you.”  This is the divide of those who truly know the Lord and those who are false believers and try to get oil from others without paying the price for it ahead.  The foolish virgins were told to go buy their own oil… walking with the Lord costs something.  There is a price to pay for carrying extra oil daily to be prepared.

Everyone is responsible for their own oil according to this scripture.  It’s a personal preparation and choice to be ready at any moment to meet Jesus.  What is the cost?  Certain things will differ for everyone according to their own life and calling, but there are a few things in the Bible we all have in common: picking up our cross daily and following Jesus, dying to our fleshly nature and selfish ambitions, fully surrendering our ways to the Lord.  It may come with persecution, with the world hating you for the sake of Christ, it may cost you possessions, saying no to empty pursuits, friends, jobs, family, popularity, the latest trend, fitting in the crowd, etc.  But at the end of the day, would getting in the door be worth all these temporary things?  Absolutely! 

The Almond Branch - Nature is a parable of God’s working.  The almond tree is one of the first that awakens and blooms in the spring from its winter sleep.  In the Bible it is a symbol of awakening and watching.  God showed Jeremiah a vision of an almond branch as a sign that he is watching to fulfill his word to the prophet.  God is always watching.  The branch in the painting reminds me to awaken and be alert.  We can’t be lulled to sleep by the ways of the world and lose our focus on what God is doing.  He needs us to be his hands and feet on the earth to carry out his plans.  We need to be like the budding almond branch, the first to blossom, so others can see the beauty and need for a life in Christ. 

I pray this painting is a small reminder to be alert and make sure your oil jar is being filled daily.  Share the light of Christ with others so they can have their own lamp filled as well.  Every day the hour draws closer to the cry ringing out, “Here is the bridegroom!  Come out and meet him!”  We need to be like the wise virgins, ready with our extra oil.