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The Earth will Bring Forth its Praise 9 'X8' muriel |
The green of summer and the red and gold of fall have all vanished; brown earth with dead plant life is under layers of snow with only scrubby limbs protruding. Everything lays dormant waiting for spring. As artists we have learned to look for the beauty in any season and as children of God we need to learn likewise.
We do not think about the earth praising its maker by bringing forth its vegetation, but it does. There are places and seasons that are barren; without water, without life, and no substance, yet the earth still brings forth its praise. In its barrenness there is beauty.
Art is a form of praise. When we write or paint, we are giving back in recognition what the Master Creator has done for us and in us by giving us eyes to see and ears to hear. Lifting up our talent to Him is like echoing back His beauty. He has revealed Himself in His creation and we paint and write saying "So be it, Amen, Amen, Surely, Surely, I see it." At that moment we shout “Hallelujah!” Revelation has just occurred. The Lord has shined His Light, and we have responded.
In desperation and destitute of souls, we all lie dormant waiting for the revelation of God. He gives us eyes to see and a heart to receive. God meets us in our fallen condition and changes us and restores us to a new creation. He puts spring in our hearts. Our changed lives will bring forth praise. We, like the Earth, are responding with “So be it, Amen, Amen, Surely, Surely, I see it. The Lord has shined His Light.”
Recently, I received words from a fellow Pagosan whose eyes have been opened and his heart and life has been changed. I wanted to share his praise with you. If the earth brings forth its praise, then we in gratitude, who have a voice, need to do even more so. Part of praising the Lord is encouraging others to share their story allowing their Light to shine. The following words are the witness of a barren soul who has been changed. There is a new song is in his soul.
“Isn't our Lord’s glory and love divine? God pulled my soul back from the depths of hell on earth and restored my faith! From a drunkard and the man that was hidden away inside himself; hiding in shame; to a man, a real man that knows humility and shame, and I am fine with that because the blood of Christ has washed away my sin. Yes I am ashamed and sorry for the things I've done, to the people I've hurt, and will never return to those ways.
I will walk tall with the presence of the Lord in my soul and working thru me. My lil light is getting stronger and I'm gonna let it shine!” Respectfully, Johnny Ray Maes
As I read his full testimony and shared his pain, I wanted to cry. Why would a young child have to go through the things he went through? Was God watching? My knowledge of God is that He is always present and He knows and He does all things right for an expected end. So when I hear of barrenness and hurting years, I know this man’s song is sweeter than if he had not known suffering.
He witnessed that there was a man by the name of George Daniels who he met in jail. Mr. Daniels witnessed the Light; he took time to tell Johnny the truth. The Truth had to be in him in order that he was able to do so. He gave Johnny hope and directed him to a better life which comes through Jesus.
In Romans the scriptures say that the earth groans and travails for the revelation of the children of God. The earth can lie in peace for this one soul who has been revealed by the power of God. Johnny continues to praise God and is forever grateful and indebted for the courage of Mr. Daniels who cared enough to tell him the truth.
I question the pain of children, it seems so unfair, but then I look out at the snow and the barren ground underneath, and I know this season is necessary for spring. God is faithful and will bring forth His praise in these children. It is our responsibility to pray and tell them the truth.
It is up to us who have been given the privilege of seeing beyond what our eyes can see, to bring forth His praise. We are putting our “amen, amen, so be it” to His faithfulness, God is there in all seasons. Sometimes it takes a man like George Daniels to speak his praise to a troubled soul.
My heart shouts, “Amen, amen, so be it, Hallelujah. Another child of God has been revealed.”
