Be Wise

And being warned of God in a dream
that they should not return to Herod,
they departed into their own country another way.
Matthew 2:12  kjv

When the you receive the Light of Christ into your life you are on the right path home. If fact, you are home and you have an eternity, starting now, to enjoy the relationship of being home with your Heavenly Father.  You now have the insight to see through the earthly kings like Herod, or any other power to destroy you. So mount up on your camel for 2012 and take the right path.

Overjoyed

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Matthew 2:10 kjv

The True Shepherd

When he has brought out all his own,
he goes on ahead of them,
and his sheep follow him
because they know his voice.
John 10:4 NIV

Greatest Night

For unto you is born this day
in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 kjv

Face to Face

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Luke 2:30-32kjv

Mary Ponders

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11  kjv

It's A BOY!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:  . . .
Isaiah 9:6 kjv

News News News

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying
which was told them concerning this child.
Luke 2:17 kjv

O Holy Night - Josh Groban

Reserved

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled,
and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1 Peter 1:4  kjv

Last Straw

So you also must be ready,
because the Son of Man will come at
an hour when you do not expect him.
Matthew 24:44 niv

Heavenly Hosts

And suddenly there was with the angel
a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:13-14 KJV

Quiet Night

"Quiet Night"   8'x10.75" Acrylic on Canvas

I can't imagine how terrified those shepherds must have been as the angel of the Lord spoke to them concerning the birth of Jesus. Most Biblical accounts of mankind encountering an angel have caused great fear. They are not like the cutesy angels in the gift stores. These are members of God's army, the heavenly hosts, and they only show up if there is a very good reason.

The shepherds may have known of the prophesy concerning the Messiah, but what are the chances that it would happen in their lifetime or even to them personally?

In this painting I wanted to focus on the very moment before a shepherd boy would fall face down scared out of his wits; the moment when we'd hear him whisper, "Did you hear that?"or "What is that strange glow?" or just plain, "Oh my God..." and really mean it.

After his recover, the boy would never be the same. Christ had come just as the prophets said He would. This would be the greatest night of all. The shepherds had to go witness these things which the angel had told them. What a change this would make.

This sort of change can happen today to anyone who seeks out Jesus like the shepherds did. Well, not exactly the same. It is not done by trekking down to Bethlehem, but by trekking to God in prayer and asking Him to confirm all that you've heard. Then, like the shepherds, one realizes that yes, it is just as it has been told through His Word, and things will never be the same.

Take the time to be still, as at night in a shepherd's field, and see what God is saying to you. Can we return to our simple life, like a shepherd boy, after meeting with the King of kings? I don't think so. It could be your greatest night of all.

Can We Return?

 The angel said we should not fear,
        as he proclaimed the Savior’s here.
The Prince of Peace this simple night,
        with humble birth yet glorious light.

Can we return to what we’ve known,
        when after all that heaven’s shown?
The Prince of Peace, you too have heard,
        Christ came for all, the Living Word!
                                            - George L. Richardson

                               Biblically Inspired: Luke 2: 8-17 NIV

JOY

 

But the angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news
of great joy that will be for all the people.
Today in the town of David
a Savior has been born to you;
he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10,11 NIV 

Joy to the World!

DITL Sheep...Delight in The Lord

Does this typify you today? Are you one of God's joyful sheep? Maybe not so much. You may have experienced a shearing lately, or possibly you have had the wolves after you, your tail may have been cut off, or someone has tried to make mutton stew out of your carcass.

Life is not easy for a sheep, but it can be joyful in a different sense than the feelings of great pleasure. A complete joy comes from remaining in the love of God and by loving others. That is what Jesus said in John chapter 15. As part of the flock, we will never have it easy, but in the midst of life we can have green pastures and still waters. Jesus said that we are His sheep and we know His voice and we will follow.

I write this as a reminder to you, and to myself, especially on those days that I feel like one of those dumb sheep that don't know which way to go. Take comfort that none of us know which way to go. That is why we need a shepherd, Jesus.

So, try to think of it this way: Our fleece will grow back, our Good Shepherd will protect us from the wolves, you look kind of cute with your tail bobbed, and most stew pots are really too small for our carcasses.

Be Joyful today as we celebrate the third Sunday in Advent counting down to Christmas when we will sing "Joy to the World !" which is really more about His second coming, but oh well, His sheep will sing on anyway.

Psalm 9:1, 2 The Message:
I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart,
I'm writing the book on your wonders.
I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy;
I'm singing your song, High God.

The Point

"The Point"  2.5"x3/5"  Acrylic on Mini Canvas

This miniature painting is an image one might find on any popular calendar. Lighthouses are usually located on a point of the seacoast where it is at the best position for ships to view when they are seeking their bearings. Being found on a calendar reminds us that no matter what day it might be, even when it starts out pleasant, the weather could turn in an instant and then the need for help getting home becomes imperative.

Our need  for getting home, in the storms of life, can be found in the Savior of the world. During Christmas time we celebrate the one who is our personal lighthouse.

In America, where physical comforts abound, we might not see the need for a Savior, because we don't realize that the weather is changing and the threat on our souls is imminent. Jesus said, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" Matthew 16.26 NIV

During this season of wanting, buying, and never being satisfied, may we take a good look at the seas around us and determine if we are heading for trouble. Are we in need of a lighthouse for our souls? Jesus came to be our lighthouse in the sense that He can lead us back to a right relationship with God the Father, but like a ship, we need to seek Him.

This painting is called "The Point." For a lighthouse to be effective it has to be positioned at the point where it can save. Jesus came into this world to do the same; to position Himself at a point where He could save us. This point is at the cross where He sacrificed himself for our sins.

I pray that many this season get "the point" of what Christmas is all about, and then seek Him will all of their hearts. He can save your soul.

The Census

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name  Philippians 2:9 kjv

The Birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-7 NIV

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Get Away Cabin

"Get Away Cabin"  53/8"x77/8" Acrylic on Masonite Panel

Are you looking for that rest and peace ?
Have the circumstances of life exhausted you?
Do you need a "Get Away Cabin?"

God provides a place of peace for His natural world, and He does the same for you and I.
The time can be now. The place is within the depths of your soul.

Christmas is a time to celebrate, because God sent the Prince of Peace for the whole world. He didn't come that the world would be without its troubles, but that we could have peace in the midst of it all. It is an inward peace; a peace that comforts. Through a trust in Jesus, one can find that peace that goes far beyond a "Get Away Cabin," like one might imagine in this painting. God's "Get Away Cabin" is where His children live. It is a place of warmth and light, of truth and rest, and He provides it without charge. This place has been paid for with the life of His Son. You are invited, as His child, to come to His "Get Away Cabin" not for just a season, but for ever.

Get Away Cabin
A place of rest,
A place of peace,
A cabin in the night,
From the world so very cold,
Provides both warmth and light.
                             - George L. Richardson

Biblically Inspired: Isaiah 9:6, Luke 7:41-50, John 14:27

Our Hope

"Our Hope"  291/2" x 393/4"  Acrylic on Canvas

     Even though we have only just begun, we know the stress of winter seems so harsh as the season drags on, leaving the hope of spring as its only rescue. Nature sets quite an example in not losing heart over momentary troubles.
     During Advent we recall the time leading up to the birth of the Messiah and His promised return. He is our Hope in life as spring is the hope of nature. In this, our time of waiting, there will be a winter of intensity in our lives that cause our branches to strain and sometime split under the stress, but we can still have hope for what is to come. This hope is like spring in the way that it is sure to come and not a hope that is a childish wish.
     Place your hope in The Lord!

2 Cor 4:16-18 NIV
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Our Hope

With God our help,
We will hold out,
As branches fail their their leaves,
For a time not kept or seen,
With greater hope than that of spring.
                      - George L. Richardson

Unsafe Harbor"

"Unsafe Harbor"  2.5"x3.5"  Acrylic on Mini Canvas

When writing about the attributes of a harbor, many would liken it to a place of safety and rest. This is also true for me, but sometimes I think about a harbor as a place where I've been safe and at rest for too long. If you feel the same way, it might be time for you and I to venture out of our calm surroundings, and see where the Lord would have us set sail.

Jesus set sail when He left the safety of heaven to voyage on the "Mud Puddle of Mankind." He set out, like all of us set out, as a baby. His Father sent Him. He sent Him with no other navigational chart than the chart of His love which He followed to the end of His earthly voyage.

The Father invites you to get on board with His Son. It may be your first time at sea, or if you're like me, you've just been hanging around the port for too long. It might be time to for us to shove off.

Yes, Jesus calls us from the safety of our harbor. Safety, for some, is found in not making spiritual waves with those around us, or possibly our harbor of rest might be in an indulgence that keeps us in dry dock, or it may be something else that prevents us from experiencing the high seas.

Jesus rode out many storms in His day, and in the end, He became our Savior. He invites everyone one to receive that gift of salvation and join his crew. As with all crew members, He expects all hands on deck and willing to follow Him as Captain of one's life.

Today it is time to leave the safety of the harbor and set sail with Jesus for the rest of your life. If you wonder what He'll have you do on board, put your mind at rest. It will most likely involve some fishing, which is exactly what I am doing with this blog.

Finding Hope

"Finding Hope"  2.5"x3.5"  Acrylic on Mini Canvas

   Unlike like the Pilgrims, who had a three-day feast, we all did the best we could in one glutenous day. Now it is on to the rest of the holiday season starting with Black Friday. For many the whole season can be "black" in the sense that it doesn't live up to the Hallmark movie or the storybook tale, "Twas the Night Before Christmas." This is true for many people, and there are many ways that people try to cope.

   This tiny art card (2.5"x3.5") I entitled, "Finding Hope," reminds me of the season of despair that some find themselves in. We can see the grandeur of the mountain top in the distance, but for us there is a wide, cold and snowy expanse to cross with dark forests on either side.

   No one should feel reluctant to seek counsel for serious depression, but for a follower of Christ, when the blues of life are creeping in, their is reason for hope through faith and prayer. In Psalm 42:5 NASB, it is written, "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence."

   If one looks back at this little painting, there is a pathway in the distance. It may take some effort on our part to find it, but there is a path. May God bless you with the help of His presence during this season leading up to Christmas; the birthday of Jesus Christ who is the Hope for all the world. If you don't know Him, I pray that you will seek Him through prayer. Tell God of your need for "His presence" in your life. He will show you the path.

Happy Thanksgiving Day

"The Empty Tomb"  24" x 48" Acrylic on Canvas

     It may seem odd to have a painting of an empty tomb as a representation of Thanksgiving Day.
In itself, a tomb would let the air out of a celebration, force voices to be lowered, and turn our reflections inward, and suppress our appetite for a time of thanksgiving.
     Yet, one very special tomb has the complete opposite affect. For the believer, the empty tomb of Jesus creates a sense of jubilation, giving power to one's speech, a desire to share one's inward thoughts, and all with a genuine appetite to celebrate, with thanksgiving. It is only in the empty tomb that one experiences a full sense of gratitude for the things He has done.
     Let the Thanksgiving Day Celebration begin!!!

The Empty Tomb

The empty tomb,
Oh, what a thought,
Thanksgiving full of gloom,
But not for those who know the power,
Of Him who left that room,

The empty tomb,
Is full of Truth,
All things were made through Him,
To prove He was God's only Son,
He came to life again,

The empty tomb,
Is full of Hope,
For what it does recall,
He who died and came to life,
is life and light to all,

The empty tomb,
Is full Love,
The sacrifice for sin,
He gave what we could not provide,
For all our souls to win,

The empty tomb,
Is full of Grace,
He gives to all who come,
So come along with grateful hearts,
Come all, and not just some,

The empty tomb,
Is full of Joy,
A jubilation shout,
God's steadfast love is what we say,
Thanksgiving's all about.

                    

                                 - George L. Richardson

Biblical Inspiration:
Genesis 1:1   In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
John 1:3   Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
John 1:17    For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
1 John 2:2   He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 1:9   If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Matthew 28:20b   ...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Psalm 107:1   Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Grace Notes of Thanksgiving

    Recently I read an article entitled "Grace Notes of Thanksgiving" by David Brickner, that appeared in the newsletter, "Jews for Jesus" November 2011.
    He talked about "Grace Notes" in music as "musical ornamentation: a special series of notes to increase the interest and enhance the artfulness of a melodic line." Mr. Brickner went on to write how "God provides His children with grace notes: little reminders of His mercy and sovereign care for us that pop up and intersect with the challenges of our daily lives." The Bible is full of reminders of how God cares and keeps His promises to His children.
    May I suggest that we could be like the scriptures in the way that we give account of the "Grace Notes" God has delivered in our lives. So pick up your triangle, and make a joyful sound to those around you this Thanksgiving season. Proclaim just how good God is as you recount the "Grace Notes" that God has orchestrated just for you. 

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits"  Psalm 103:2

The Light of God

 "The Light of God"    12"x16" Acrylic on Canvas

Biblical Inspiration: Psalm 56:13, John 1:6-13, John 8:12
Creation Inspired: In Arches National Park, Utah, the rock weathers through allowing streams of light to enter in a way that grabs one's attention. Similarly, when Jesus enters one's heart, it will grab not only your attention, but those around you leaving them in awe of the wonders of God.

The Light of God

The light that surrounds us,

       At times becomes focused,

Revealing His wonders to all.

The True Light of God,

Comes in a like manner,

When piercing a heart made of stone.

                                 - George L. Richardson

Wooly Night

     The night may be full of wonder, but for some it could be a deep time of wondering. If you were imprisoned because of your faith, the night could be an especially lonely time. It is a time when you would need to have your faith strengthened. Jesus warned of those who would hate us because of Him.
     Please lift up in prayer, those who are suffering in His name, that they would be strengthened in the faith, not only on the eve of the IDOP (International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church), but everyday. May the Lord give us an attitude of compassion toward them as if we were right there with them during those times of wondering, as we look in wonder to the Day of Christ's return.   Amen.

Veteran' Day

Title: Unknown   by Ron J. Bitticks   Co H Ranger 75th Inf.

     I would like to wish every veteran a most peaceful and satisfying Veteran's Day for the service you have given to your country.
     I am proud to have served in the same unit as Ron, in Vietnam, during 1969. He recently passed away from conditions resulting from being exposed to Agent Orange.
     Here is an example of Ron's work. He spent his career searching for truth and peace through beauty. As Professor Emeritus at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, he gave 34 years of himself to his students and to his art.
     If you are a veteran dealing with the after affects of war, may Ron's life serve as an example. You can make it.

The Gate of The Lord

"The Gate of The Lord"  16"x20" Acrylic on Canvas Board

Thoughts on "The Gate of The Lord"

 IDOP- International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church is scheduled for November 13. In an attempt to remember autumn, I posted the painting, "The Gate of The Lord." IDOP is a day designated not in remembering a season, but the season of life that many Christians around the world find themselves in. This season seldom changes. They are often oppressed, imprisoned, or even martyred because of their uncompromising love for Jesus. The one thing, and not the only thing, we can do is pray for them. Although they would want to be released from prison, free to worship, and free from daily threats, there is one frequent request; that we pray that there faith would be strengthened. Please pray for them on November 13 and everyday. More information on the persecuted church may be found at: http://www.persecution.com/

Biblically Inspired: John 10:9; Mat 6:25-34; John 1:12 

Creation Inspired: Autumn in Western New York State
   This gate could be seen in almost any rural setting. It is not so much the specific location that is important as the special invitation that is offered.

The Gate of The Lord

Look how He loves His creation,

And His Words says He loves us much more.

I will delight in the beauty of the season,

and rejoice as His child for ever.

There is peace while I'm here on the pathway,

for I have entered through the Gate of The Lord.

                                             - George L. Richardson

Happy Anniversary to Us!

    My wife and I are celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow, November 1, 2011.

     We began our anniversary celebrations early with a trip out west this past spring. A few of the places we visited are presented in the photographs posted below. My wife takes the pictures, some of which I use as references for my paintings. To me, she is the greatest travel photographer ever! She captures the essence of God's wonderful creation allowing us to recall often how much we are blessed by His handiwork.

    We plan to keep on celebrating this life that He has given us, as two made one, through Jesus Christ our Lord, for as long as He allows.

   May you all do likewise!

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon on Easter Morning 2011

Pike's Peak

View from Pike' Peak, Colorado

Mountain Pass

San Gabriel Mountain Pass

Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde National Park - Cliff Dwellers

Stressed into Beauty

"Stressed into Beauty"  22"x 36"  Acrylic on Canvas

Stressed into Beauty

     The leaves are almost down and the winter season will soon be here, but I am not quite ready for that. So, I have changed the header to remind myself of warmer times when we traveled out west this past spring.

     This painting was inspired by a visit to Arches National Park in Utah. Although the main attractions are the amazing rock formations, I also found an interest in the weathered wood of some of the trees. The weathering produced very dramatic textures in their trunks and branches.

     People too show the weather of time and struggles in their lives. As with the trees, this can create a beauty that only "going through it" can produce. As we, who are believers can attest, being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ often comes through the trials of life, as we are lead by the Spirit, with an intentional obedience to do His will in all situations.

  I hope your personal weathering continues to bring forth a true likeness of Christ in your soul to all those you meet.

    This is a comment to myself. I must admit that while trying to upload the picture in the header, I ran into some "trials of life" with my computer and the blogger site. I must admit I didn't really have a Christ like attitude in this struggle. It came to my attention that I should be weathering better. Thank you Lord for this test. I pray that I have grown from it. Please pray for me, that I would grow to be more like Jesus. - George Richardson

We want to see Jesus

I believe that as one reads the Bible, and especially the New Testament, the image of Jesus will form in one's mind, not with lines or form, but by words of grace and truth; not to present one with an artist's likeness of Christ, but to offer a change to one's heart into the likeness of Christ.

Like other churches, we have a time of singing before the formal order of worship. We call it a time of "Praise and Worship," but recently we have added what we call "5 and Alive." This is an opportunity for volunteers to express, in just five words, a thought of praise or instruction. We have taken the idea from 1 Cor 14:19, where Paul would rather speak 5 intelligible words of instruction rather than a thousand no one would understand. So as a challenge to us all, we are now voicing just 5 words that may have been meaningful to someone during the week or a special phrase in the songs that we sing.

This past Sunday, this 5 word phrase, "we want to see Jesus" appeared in a chorus we sung entitled, "Open Our Eyes' by Bob Cull.

I hope that this might be the desire of your heart.

Around the Bend

"Around the Bend"  30"x40" Acrylic on Canvas

Thoughts on "Around the Bend"

    I just wanted to share one more painting of the season before it is over.

   Autumn at Letchworth State Park (N.Y.) has the gorge wrapped in a quilt of many colors weaved by the One who loves to display this beauty around every bend.

   I did not, or haven't yet, written a poem to go with this painting.

Marker 21

"Marker 21"  23"'x47"  Acrylic on Canvas

Thoughts on "Marker 21"

     As you start this week remember that you can do what you set out to do in the strength that resides in you as you put your trust in the Lord Jesus.

 

Biblically Inspired: Ephesians 3:14-21; Exodus 3:14'; John 15.5

Creation Inspired: Finger Lakes Trail at Letchworth State Park

     This view is located on the east side of the park which is much less traveled than the blacktop roads on the west side. Time spent alone in creation revives one's strength while enjoying great vistas made by a Great God.

Marker 21

Through valley deep,

Your waters pass,

my soul recalls Your truth,

the One who heals and says, "I AM,"

strengthens me to know I can.

                                 - George L. Richardson

Meadow Life

"Meadow Life"  16"x20" Acrylic on Canvas

Thoughts on "Meadow Life"

The leaves are falling fast. Enjoy! The painting above speaks about the Way.

Biblically Inspired: Romans 1:20; 1 Timothy 1:15-17; John 10:1-5

Creation Inspired: Nunda, New York

    As with any park there are boundaries, but the beauty of creation has no limit. This area is not too far outside Letchworth State Park. God can proclaim His glory anywhere, draw us from any situation in life, and lead us into His Way everlasting.

Meadow Life
Invisible God, I see you. 
Creation speaks divine.
Invisible God, I hear you. 
Your Spirit whispers come,
Invisible God, I follow.
Your Son provides the way.
                        - George L. Richardson

Created to Live

"Created to Live"  40"x30" Acrylic on Canvas

Thoughts on "Created to Live"

     The painting posted above was done initially because I felt that it was a neat place to visit especially in Fall, but it came to be more about where we are in any moment of life's journey and why.

Biblically Inspired: John 13:12-17; 17:22, 23
Creation Inspired: Letchworth State Park, New York 

     This railroad trestle was built and positioned by man to be used for his purpose, and the river and its beauty was created by God for His purpose.

Created to Live

I am blessed to be one of His servants,

united with Him by design,

created to live for His purpose,

content where I am within time.

                                    - George L. Richardson

A Moment

"A Moment"   30"x40" Acrylic on Canvas

Thoughts on "A Moment"

     The painting posted above is a result of a brief trip to the Adirondacks State Park in New York Sate. I hope that many of you are enjoying "A Moment" in the beauty of this season.

Biblically Inspired: Mat 6:33; Isaiah 55:6,7
Creation Inspired: Adirondacks State Park, New York
     The many secluded lakes in this park offers a private showing of creation, for those who seek them out. These moments are also precious for seeking out the creator.

A Moment

If I should look, God provides the beauty.

When I seek Him, God provides the moment.

As I follow, God provides the way.

All I provide is praise!

                           - George L.Richardson

Petition To Free Asia Bibi