Wednesday 28 December 2016

BLOSSOMS WITHIN THE HEART

Pam Finlay
"Blossoms Within the Heart"
Acrylic on Canvas
December 2016
 

In the world there can be false peace.  God’s peace is internal, not external.   The Prince of Peace is our peace and His peace we will find when we seek the garden within.  The heart is where our God is and He desires to blossom there.

The two flowers Holy Spirit gave for this painting are the Lily of the Valley and the Poppy.  The Lily is symbolic of purity and the red Poppy of remembrance. Look how far the Lord has bought you and remember where your help comes from. The Poppies grow among the olive trees.  Both of these flowers are known for springing up out of the earth suddenly and flourishing.  When we ask Jesus into our life He gives us new life. He causes us to spring forth and flourish.   He waters our garden with His Holy Spirit and He clothes us with His beauty and His fragrance.  Praise Him for all that He is doing.  He is a marvellous God. 

God took me to the book of Hosea and Song of Solomon where His message rings loud and clear. 

This scripture is a promise of God’s blessing
Hosea 14: 5 I will be to Israel, like a refreshing dew from heaven.  Israel will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars of Lebanon
6 Its branches will spread out like beautiful olive trees, as fragrant as the cedars of Lebanon (NLT)

Song of Solomon 2:2 Yes, you are my darling companion, You stand out from all the rest.  For though the curse of sin surrounds you, Still you remain pure as a lily, Even more than all others (TPT)

 Matthew 6:28 So why worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil or spin (NKJV)

 Job 14:9 Yet at the scent of water it will bud and bring forth branches like a plant(NKJV)

 Isaiah 61:11 For as the earth brings forth its bud, as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations(NKJV)

God’s Kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  We can infuse the world like a refreshing dew with His peace as ambassadors of His Kingdom.

Blessings,
Pam.
 
 

Monday 26 December 2016

SOUND WAVES

"Sound Waves"
Pam Finlay
Acrylic on Paper
December 2016
 

I wondered what butterfly I had been given to paint this morning until I looked through a book I own called “One Hundred Butterflies” by Harold Feinstein.  I found it right there on the pages of the book except it was not a butterfly but a moth, a “Madagascan Sunset Moth” to be exact.  There is always something new to learn about God’s creation every day. 

On discovery I found that these are unique moths in that they are “diurnal” meaning that they come out during the day and not at night like most moths. Because of this they are often mistaken for butterflies, especially because of their stunning coloured wings.  Predators can’t touch them because they eat food that is poisonous to their predators.  One smart moth.  It’s their large wings that get them noticed.   The iridescence of colour that look like a kaleidoscope, ever changing in the light.  The moth has no pigment in their wings and all of the colours are actually reflected light giving the appearance of colour when they fly.  Their wings are often asymmetrical too and reflect certain wavelengths of light due to their unique structure.  All the moth needs is light to guide it.  Moths are also known to have acute hearing and they hear sound through their wings.  Sound travels through the air waves allowing them, through their wings, to hear higher frequencies and sense sound vibrations.  They are sensitive little creatures and so much was found about them this morning as the canvas became a picture of them to show and tell.   These moths have been created by God for us to enjoy and marvel at their beauty and uniqueness.  Through nature God is able to teach us and speak to us.  He manifests His glory in amazing ways.   

John 1:3 Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.
 
Blessings,
Pam.

Saturday 24 December 2016

THE SWEET SMELLING AROMA

"THE SWEET SMELLING AROMA"
Pam Finlay
Acrylic on Canvas
December 2016
 
This painting is of  Freesias.  In this painting they symbolize the sweet fragrance of Christ. 

Freesias are known as the 7th wedding anniversary flower.  In the bible the number 7 signifies completion and perfection.  The number 7 is first mentioned in Genesis 1, God rested on the seventh day. This scripture signifies completion.   The Lord desires for His bride to come into perfection, in a place of calm and in His peace.  The garden within needs to be holy and pure, that's God's divine blueprint.  Amazing how Holy Spirit chose for me to paint these flowers for such a time as this.  Yellow Freesias were traditionally used to convey friendship.  White freesias symbolise innocence.   God desires that we be his friend as He is our closest friend, closer than a brother.  Freesias have the most amazing fragrance. The aroma of Christ Jesus is sweet smelling.  That's what God wants us to be, our lives  a sweet fragrance unto Him and others.  A pure heart is a gift from God, His secret garden is within you.  Spread His aroma wherever you go.  

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8)
For I am the LORD your God, You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy(Leviticus 11:44) 
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:15) 

Blessings
Pam

 

Saturday 10 December 2016

PRECIOUS AND SIMPLY RADIANT - THE PEARL AND THE JASPER STONE

Precious and Simply Radiant
The Pearl and the Jasper Stone
Pam Finlay
Acrylic on Canvas
 
 
 
 


 

The Jasper Stone, mentioned in scripture is described as most precious and clear as crystal, having transparency and brilliant light emanating. In the Old Testament the Jasper Stone is the last stone on the Priestly Breastplate and the gemstone of the tribe of Benjamin.    In the New Testament the Jasper stone is the first foundation stone of the New Jerusalem.   Jesus is the first and the last.  He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.   

The pearl is made when an irritant such as a grain of sand makes its way into the soft tissue of an oyster.  The twelve gates in Revelation 21, each gate was of one pearl. 

Jesus is referred to as “The Pearl of Great Price.  Jesus paid the price.   He paid the debt He did not owe so that we could have eternal life.  We were bought at a price.  He was ransomed so that we could experience freedom.  Christ is infinitely valuable, glorify Him in everything you do. We are of great value to Him too in His Kingdom.

When the Lord searches within your heart he finds this precious treasure and sees the value that radiates from within.  As we are polished by Him our beauty is revealed in the true form.  He is forming you like a multi-faceted diamond, with precious features like the Jasper and the Pearl, shining forth in His glory.  You are His treasure and so very valuable. 

Scriptures: Revelation 21:11,19-21, Matthew 13:43-46, 1 Corinthians 6:20, Revelation 22:13, Revelation 1:8, Exodus 28:15-30.

Blessings and love,

Pam


 

 

 

Tuesday 29 November 2016

WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED

"We Will Not Be Silenced"
Pam Finlay
Acrylic on Paper
November 2016

In under half an hour this painting came about yesterday afternoon.  I was led to call it “We Will Not Be Silenced” through the prompting of the Holy Spirit. As I was painting I was given the scriptures from Isaiah 62 Verse 1-5

1 For Zion’s sake, I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch

2 The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give

3 You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

4 You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your lands shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is In Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you and your land shall be married.

5 For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your GOD rejoice over you.

6 On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen, all the day and all the night they shall never be silent.  You who put the LORD in remembrance, take no rest (ESV) 

Those watchmen on the walls, they are vigilant and unwavering.  Jesus is pleading for us, the priesthood of Christ Jesus. We are His delight.  He is able to save us.  He is our advocate. 

Hebrews 7:25 Therefore, he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him.  He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. 

 The accuser of the brethren has been thrown down (Revelation 12:10).  He cannot silence God’s people.  Jesus is continually interceding for us.  Through the cross He secured our salvation.  When He cried out “It is Finished” He cast out Satan forever.  Jesus will always be there for His redeemed. Through our salvation He reconciled us back to Him, and He imputed His righteousness to us.   The price was paid on the cross of Calvary.  His intercession is never-ending.  Christ Jesus is our only mediator.

1 Timothy 2: 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God, the Man Christ Jesus

6 Who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time.

It’s time to rise up and fight, read the word of God and declare it daily.  We have the sword of the Spirit, the word of God as our weapon.  

Ephesians 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (NKJV)

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (ESV)

Blessings,

Pam

 

 


Wednesday 23 November 2016

THAT BIG RED BOW

"That Big Red Bow"
Pam Finlay
Acrylic on Paper
November 2016
While painting yesterday I looked at a background and immediately saw a “big red bow”.  I knew there must be a reason why this showed up so clearly in my painting and sensed it meant “in common union”, bound together by God’s love. 

Bows historically have been traditionally tied on gifts to mean bringing people together in peace and harmony.  That’s what God does, He unites people together in Him.   He desires for us to bond together and be there for each other too, having that last bond of friendship. 

I thought too of the scripture in Joshua 2 and the scarlet cord.  Upon searching I discovered in Hebrew language the word “Tiqvah” means hope.  The Strong’s dictionary defines it as a cord, expectation, hope, thing I long for.  The cord of scarlet thread in the window in Joshua 2.  That scarlet thread was Rahab’s hope.  We put our hope in Christ Jesus as our sure foundation.  He is our hope. 
I also thought of the scriptures from Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (NKJV)
And Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (NIV)
It all started with that big red bow and again the Holy Spirit led me on a path of discovery. 

Jesus is our living hope and we are all wrapped up in Him.
Blessings and love,
Pam.
 

Tuesday 22 November 2016

REDEEMED

"Redeemed"
Pam Finlay
Acrylic on Paper
November 2016
A new painting called “Redeemed”.  The first scripture that was placed in my spirit as I was painting this was
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death(NKJV)
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.  Redeemed by His mercy and saved by His grace.  God provided the ultimate sacrifice so that we could have the gift of eternal life.  The Lion of the Tribe of Judah has prevailed.   Jesus has redeemed us to God by His blood. The atoning blood of Christ redeemed us to God.   Help us Lord to be faithful witnesses to the blood of the Lamb. 
Other scriptures I received while painting were:
Ephesians 1:7 In union with him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our offense, according to the riches of God’s grace. (ISV)
1 Peter 1:19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God (NLT)
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed; for I, the LORD you God is with you wherever you go”(NJKV)
Jesus, He came as the Lamb to serve and He is coming as the Lion to reign. 
2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God! He always leads us triumphantly by the Messiah and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of knowing him (ISV)
Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty.  Let His name be praised forevermore.
Blessings and love,
Pam
 
 
 
 

Sunday 20 November 2016

GOING HIGHER, GETTING BRIGHTER

Going Higher, Getting Brighter
Pam Finlay
Acrylic on Canvas
November 2016
As these golden daisies reach towards the sun they open up and bask in the warmth and let their little light shine.  The earthly garden a reflection of God’s heavenly garden.  That place of intimacy where you can smell the fragrance and rest in the cool of the day.  Smell, taste and see of God’s goodness in the garden in delight. 
Blessings
Pam
 
 


Wednesday 16 November 2016

IN THE FLOW

IN THE FLOW
Pam Finlay
Acrylic on Canvas
November 2016
 
The journey within is what counts.  Opening your heart takes you deeper into the garden of God, the scent of His presence flowing into you.  Like the flowers we are His innermost works of art.  Inspiration came from the scripture below. 
Song of Songs 4:
13 Your inward life is now sprouting,
Bringing forth fruit.
What a beautiful paradise
Unfolds within you.
15 Your life flows into mine,
Pure as a garden spring.
A well of living water
Springs up from within you,
Like a mountain brook
Flowing into my heart.
 (The Passion Translation)
 
As I was writing this I was listening to Julie True’s song “Quietness and Trust” and the lyrics were speaking to my spirit – It’s not about doing, it’s about being, in quietness and trust that’s where my strength is, it’s going lower…………..
 
Love and Blessings
Pam


Thursday 10 November 2016

PEACE - "SHABBAT SHALOM"



"PEACE"
Pam Finlay
Acrylic on Canvas
November 2016
As I began painting yesterday I kept hearing the word “Peace”.  Then the Holy Spirit gave me the words “Shabbat Shalom”, not knowing the meaning I was amazed that He had placed these two words in my spirit.  Shabbat means Sabbath and Shalom means peace.  On the seventh day, the Sabbath, the day of rest, His perfect peace will restore wholeness to you.   I was sensing that this was His message for this time.  PEACE  PEACE   PEACE, the gift of Jesus Christ’s peace. 
John 14:26-27
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit , whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
27 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.  (NKJV)
 Blessings and love,
Pam
 





Tuesday 11 October 2016

THAT GOLDEN GLOW

Pam Finlay
"That Golden Glow"
Acrylic on Canvas
October 2016
 


A new painting called "That Golden Glow".  I can liken this painting to the sun indwelling a golden field of flowers, a carpet of radiance.  There is an emanating glow that is coming from the bride in a place of purity and peace.  She is shining with wisdom received from the Holy Spirit.  From that amber light of indwelling, is a heart of faith breaking open and being filled with love like the flower petals unfurl to the light of the sun.  The Pattern Son, Jesus Christ, is Lord of all!!! 
Blessings,
Pam
Scriptures resonating are Proverbs 3:17-19, Isaiah 42:5-10, Job 37:22, Isaiah 60:1-5,  Ezekiel 44:4.


Sunday 18 September 2016

INTRINSICALLY WOVEN

"INTRINSICALLY WOVEN"
Pam Finlay
Acrylic on Canvas
September 2016
 
A new painting called "Intrinsically Woven".  The love of God is intrinsically woven into our hearts.  As we step into Him he encircles us with His DNA.  His presence is all encompassing.  He leads us into the realm of possibility, a place of complete intimacy.  God's great love is flowing like a river and the trees in the garden are pure light, trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord. 
 
Blessings,
Pam


Friday 12 August 2016

GOD'S HOURGLASS



God's Hourglass -
an artist book by Pam Finlay
August 2016

A week ago I was led to create a collage.  This collage was assembled in a short time into a book from words and pictures that seemed to illuminate from magazine pages that the Holy Spirit led me to. 

He gave me the words: joy, live, love, heaven, transform, reconnection and change, living jewels, new life, ask, the olive trees, home, reflection and creativity, treasures and gold, be creative and shine.

Along the way I discovered a picture of a clock with the time being 11.55pm and I heard in my spirit “It’s close to midnight”, a time of acceleration.  Everywhere I looked I saw hearts and cups.  I could also see an hourglass appear in the collage in the shape of 2 hearts in the figure 8.  The number 8 speaks of new beginnings in scripture.  God is filling our hearts through the passage of time as we remain on the narrow way.  I could see the resemblance of the hourglass to the birth canal, a narrow channel to press through to enter in to become fully opened.  God’s treasure is flowing in our hearts.  Our cup runneth over.  Overflowing in abundance is His grace, the golden oil of the Holy Spirit provides all that we need to keep our lamps burning.  He is filling us with His provisions and His blessings, we are sparkling like jewels.  Abundance through Jesus the Good Shepherd.  God has given us new life through Christ. 

 The scriptures that resonated for the words that He was giving are:

Psalm 23:
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my
cup overflows.

Zechariah 9:
16 And the Lord their God will save them on that day as the flock of His people, for they shall be as the (precious) jewels of a crown, lifted high over and shining glitteringly upon His land.

Zechariah 4:
11 Then I asked him, “What are these two olive trees on the right side of the lampstand and on the left side of it?”
12 I asked him the second time, “What are these two olive branches, which are beside the two golden spouts, that pour the golden oil out of themselves?”

Matthew 25: 1-13”The Parable of the Ten Virgins”
6 At midnight the cry range out: Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!”

Matthew 7:
7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you

Nehemiah 8:
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet wine, and send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD; neither be you sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Mark 12:
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. 

Proverbs 14:
11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

Proverbs 2:
4 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God
6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

2 Corinthians 5:
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 

I’m desiring God’s truth above all else.  The truth is His word.  Miracles happen every day.  Look to God and the door will be opened to you.   

Blessings and love,
Pam

 

 

 


Wednesday 13 July 2016

GRASS ROOTS CHRISTIANITY


Early last week I heard the words "Grass Roots Christianity" in my Spirit.  The Lord has been speaking to me that He doesn't want our Christian walk to be complicated.  He desires that we take steps forward, steps of faith.  Grass roots is not about special buildings or ceremonies, it is a church of the body of Christ.  Its simple FOLLOW JESUS, love Him and love others.  He wants His followers to get back to pure faith.  Nothing added.  When we get back to the basics we leave rituals behind and it's all about being intimate with Him and resting in Him.  
Simple faith can move mountains.  Faith as a grain of mustard seed.  With God all things are possible.  He is just asking us to believe and you will receive.  Pure faith is about loving God and loving people that's the simplicity of the gospel of Christ, ordinary people living extraordinary lives, focused on being led by the Spirit and encouraging others, ensuring everyone is valued and God's love is shared.  

Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, He died for us and rose from the grave so that we could experience resurrection life.  It's simple, follow Him and believe.  Set your sights on things above, live for today and know that He has the map of your life planned right from the beginning.  He is the substance of life and He is our highest aspiration.  Love you Jesus. 
Blessings and love
Pam 

Saturday 9 July 2016

GAINING GROUND - TAKING TERRITORY FOR JESUS

"GAINING GROUND"
by Pam Finlay
Acrylic on Paper
July 2016
 
 
A new painting called "Gaining Ground" - Taking Territory for Jesus. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah has prevailed.  He has already won the war. He is causing His people to make progress, to advance, to gain spiritual ground.  

No advance can be made without Him.  To gain ground we use God's word and that is when He opens things up to us. Time spent in His word is advancing us on our spiritual journey.  We're picking up speed and pressing forward to the goal. 

Paul explains this in the scripture in Philippians 3:14 

I press on toward the goal to win (supreme and heavenly) prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (AMP)

To lose it all is gain.

Philippians 3:8

Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege( the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him(of perceiving and recognising and understanding Him more fully and clearly).  For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One)(AMP)

 Consider everything loss compared to knowing Jesus.  Leave the past behind and reach for those things that are still ahead of you.  Focus and pursue the goal of the heavenly call of God.  You're on His winning side.

Blessings and love,

Pam 

 

Friday 4 March 2016

WATERFALLS AND WATERLILIES(WONDER BLOOMS)

Waterfalls and Waterlilies(Wonder Blooms)
Pam Finlay
Acrylic on Canvas
March 2016

On the 24 February as part of a demonstration for a workshop the background for this painting emerged.    Initially I could see many butterflies in the background but felt to leave it on the easel.  On the 29 February when I arose I heard the word “ravine” in my spirit.  I went to my art room and instantly could see a ravine in the background, water flowing like a staircase in between a mountain range.  When I looked up the meaning of the word “ravine” it described what I was seeing perfectly, a deep, narrow valley narrower than a canyon covered with running water.  A ravine is formed by a river in an area with little rainfall.  A gorge is a deep ravine, a deep narrow valley.  As I looked closer I could see that the water was coming from high up in the mountains and merging into the river that eventually became a waterfall, like crystal cascades.
Psalm 104:
10 You sent springs cascading through the valleys,
Flowing freely between the mountains and hills.
11 You provide drink for every living thing;
Men and beasts’ have their thirst quenched because of you. (TPT)
 
I could also see a pure, white dove flying in between the mountains close to the top of the range.   All of the tributaries merged into one stream.  Tributaries are streams that flow into a larger stream.  Becoming one with His living water, unity of the body of Christ to produce the latter rain. 
John 7:
37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirst, let him come to Me and drink.
38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.(NKJV)
Joel 2:23 Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the LORD you God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He will cause the rain to come down for you –
The former rain,
And the latter rain in the first month. (NKJV)

 
When we are thirsty He will fill us.  A large river is formed by many tributaries, streams, and it only takes for one stream to move and start the bigger flow happening.  A river begins as a small stream and gets larger, the further it flows.   A ravine is a passage or channel of water that has begun in the mountains and flows down into the valley.  We need Jesus’ living water to survive and thrive.  He is our source of Life.  He fills our valleys with His love.

John 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
1 John 5:
11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is His Son.
12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

 
The river of grandeur became a cascading waterfall as it came to the ledge of the rock and flowed into a deep and refreshing, peaceful pool of water.  God desires for us to become immersed in His living water so that we can bloom like the waterlily.  He showed me very large waterlily blooms in the water, and I heard in my spirit “Wonder Blooms”.   Jesus causes us to grow into a beautiful, fully opened flower.  He helps us to discover those “wells of salvation”.  He is the source of joy and refreshment for our hearts, in Him we experience the cool water of His grace.  His wells never run dry.  

 
Isaiah 12: 3Therefore with joy shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation. (NKJV)

 
He transforms us, we are made “a new creation” in Him and through Him.  Everything His living water touches receives abundant growth, a metamorphosis process.  I remembered how initially this painting was to become a painting of butterflies as I could see butterfly wings everywhere.  When I turned the painting around I knew Holy Spirit was prompting me to paint the great river of His living water, a river of grandeur and grace, the river of holiness, healings and miracles, signs and wonders, a great outpouring of His glory.  He is taking delight in the garden of your heart. 

Song of Solomon 4:
15 Your life flows into mine,
Pure as a garden spring.
A well of living water
Springs up from within you,
Like a mountain brook
Flowing into my heart. (TPT)
Isaiah 61: 11 For as the earth brings forth its bud,
As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth,
So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. (NKJV)

Psalm 46:4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God.
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. (NKJV)    
 
Blessings and love,
Pam
 
 

 



Tuesday 1 March 2016

HAULING IN THE CATCH

"Hauling in the Catch"
Pam Finlay
Watercolour on Paper
February 2016
 
God's catch is of hearts and souls.  The net is full of fish, a great spiritual harvest of God.   
 
There are seven people in the painting.  The number seven in scripture speaks of spiritual maturity.   There are fifteen fish in the net. One scripture that mentions both the numbers fifteen and seven is in Leviticus 23:34, entering into the Feast of Tabernacles.
34 Speak to the children of Israel, saying: The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to The Lord (NKJV)  
The scriptures that follow mention about the Sabbath-rest, entering in to God's perfect rest.  The seventh year Sabbath and the Year of Jubilee is mentioned in Leviticus 25:1-55. Hebrews 4:9,10 also mentions about the Sabbath-rest.   We are currently in a year of Jubilee. 

Holy Spirit also took me to the following scriptures and I noticed how they speak of a new direction.   The first scripture I was given for this painting speaks of a new direction.  
Matthew 4:
18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called a Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
19 Then He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men".
20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.  
These two disciples were called to take a new direction, a new path for their lives (NKJV)
In Mark 3:7 Jesus went in a new direction too and a great multitude followed Him.  
7 And Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples; and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and also from Judea (NKJV) 

Follow Jesus in the direction He desires for you to go.  Rest in His glory.  Enjoy His heavenly rest.  He is the only way.

Blessings and love,
Pam
 


Thursday 25 February 2016

THE HOLY CITY


Pam Finlay
"The Holy City"
Acrylic on Canvas
February 2016
This painting was started a month ago and in the background I could see many things but the most obvious were the rays of light coming down from the top left of the painting like a portal of light radiating from heaven.    When I placed the painting onto the easel this week straight away Holy Spirit showed me a carpet of gemstones in the foreground and in the background I could see Mount Zion.  Later that same day Holy Spirit led me to paint the tree of life in the painting and He also prompted me to paint the Holy City coming from above(a golden city) in the top left hand corner.  The “Son” rays are radiating from the Holy City and illuminating the whole earth with His glory.   The first scripture He gave me which led me to paint the tree of life was
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city (NKJV)
 
He also led me to Revelation 21:9-27, which speaks about the glory of the New Jerusalem.

The precious gemstones in the foreground of the painting represent the foundations of the wall of the city as spoken of in Revelation 21 and He also reminded me of the scriptures in 1 Peter which speak of “His living stones”  
1 Peter 2:
4 Coming to Him as a living stone, rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious,
5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.  His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light (NKJV)
 
This picture that Holy Spirit gave is a picture of our destiny in Christ.  We are to be bright lights radiating from the “Son”, like the scripture speaks of in Isaiah 60:
1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you,
2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.
3 The gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. 
4 Lift up your eyes all around, and see; They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side.
5 Then you shall see and become radiant, And your heart shall swell with joy; Because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, The wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you (NKJV)

The scripture from Psalm 24:7-10 is speaking to my heart too.
7 Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.
8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle
9 Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory (NKJV)
 
and Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you (NKJV)
 
 

As I looked at the finished painting He showed me a small but very significant yellow flower growing at the base of the tree.  God sees that one flower and He helps it to grow.  A very special picture of where the LORD is preparing to take us.  We are on a very special journey with the King of glory.  I am excited and expectant, aren’t you?
Blessings and love
Pam