The Story Behind

"The Lamb Won"

Dr. Mrs. Nina Gunter, Director of World Missions for the Church of the Nazarene told a story about a little church in the former Soviet Union after the fall of Communism. That former underground church now had permission to put a sign over the door of their church. What would they paint on it? What name could they give their tiny church?During a prayer meeting one man spoke up quietly. "I will paint the sign and bring it here tomorrow."He returned the next day with the sign. They nailed it above the door for all to see. It simply read . . .

"The Lamb Won"

When Dr. Gunter finished telling the story, immediately, I knew what the picture should look like. I knew that in the softness of the lamb's fur there would be the faces of people who made up the body of Christ, who were a part of bringing the message of Christ to the world.

After that, it was just work...leg work, mind work, art work. I gathered snapshots of friends who had participated in short and long term mission projects. It would be their faces I planned to draw onto the lamb. Next, I asked a friend if I could take pictures at her lamb farm. She said yes, so I drove out to the farm and shot 3 or 4 rolls of film of a bunch of very skittish little lambs.
Next it was off to the photo shop. By now it had been over a month since I had heard the story. I was intent on getting the drawing done. The message had touched my heart profoundly and I knew it was a picture that had to be drawn. I dropped off the film and impatiently waited for the pictures to be developed.

When I went to pick up the developed film I almost passed out when the clerk said there had been a problem and they could pitch one of the rolls and give me a replacement or ..." Please, just let me see the pictures. Then I can decide." What had happened? I could’t stand it. Was God trying to tell me that this wasn't right, that this wasn't His picture? My hands were shaking as I pulled the photos out of the package. To my absolute amazement they had been double exposed: there were people's faces on the lambs. It wasn't’t a reprimand or anything from God, He did want my attention to be on Him, though and not on this drawing. And, it was confirmation. Beyond anything people could do or had done, He won. That’s the story. It’s been several years now and it still amazes me. The Lamb Won.

I hope you enjoy the web site. Please share any comments by contacting me through the link below.

God Bless,

Rusty

New Dramatic and Prophetic Drawing - See Below

Drawing in the Light of Scripture Devotional - January

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid.   Mark 10:32

Ever study a verse so deeply as to be able to draw a portrait of the people involved?  This is a great one to pour your heart into for the New Year.  First thing, look at the surroundings, landscape, etc. The path, a physical climb from countryside towards a major city. As for the people, lets look at our Old Testament Connector, Moses in Ex. 33:12-15. Next, please read the OT Connection –Deut. 31:3,6,8. Now look ahead to Mark 11.
Before the fanfare of throwing cloaks, there was awe. Did someone think of Moses? Or were there whispers from Zechariah? Before the frenzy of cutting tree branches, fear. Who was this Man? Then did someone start speaking Deuteronomy? Before the donkey ride, Jesus was walking resolutely into the jaws of death.  He knew what was coming.

Remember, following Christ and answering the questions bound in these verses can astonish us and sometimes be very frightening.  You must never go forward without His presence leading the way. 
This year, figure out where you are in this verse, Mark 10:32, along this journey.  Then pick up your art stuff determined to illustrate God’s word with your life.  Go along now, paint it alive!

  tL1

Rusty.

"Watch Out "

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The Story Behind

"Watch Out "

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matthew 7:15

Watching today's political, entertainment, religious and social environments, the drug and gang scenes, terrorism in the name of religion and the frantic drama going on in the lives of friends and family pulled me to Matthew 7:15.  I’ve seen illustrations of this verse portraying a wolf standing there with some wool wrapped around it, rather innocuous, harmless looking. But that’s not what this verse says: “inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” 

Do you also note what else this verse warns us of?  They come to us.  So be on your guard, in every arena. Truly appearances can be deceiving. Not everybody who says "Lord, Lord..." is really the sweet little lamb they pretend to be.

Watch out.

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