Draw Near to Me

I think God has a sense of humor. After all He created humor. I love His Word. Scripture written centuries, yea, millennia ago, that still speaks freshly into our lives.

I believe that in order to best understand it, we must read scripture in context. I strive to do this as much as possible. Yet, occasionally, God tosses me a funny nugget, totally out of context, that speaks perfectly to me.

Recently I was asking Him about this drawing season that I'm in. Should I continue? Should I paint instead? I was feeling the deadline of needing new work for the gallery. His answer?

"Draw near to me and I will draw near to you."

I literally laughed out loud.

Smile! A portrait study from a recent portrait course

OK, I hear You God. I will keep drawing. I do love drawing. Lately I can't get enough of it. Ironically, when I looked up the scripture reference, I found a gold mine of other wonderful guidance from the Lord, in context! It's in James 4. Here's some things James has to say:

• I have not because I ask not

• Sometimes I don't get what I'm asking for because I ask with the wrong motives

• God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble

• It is wise to submit to God

• Resist the devil (temptation, strife, etc) and he will flee

• Purify my heart, don't be double-minded

• God's law is above all other laws

• Don't make robust plans for the future, and definitely don't boast about them (more of that submission to God thing)

• If you know the good that you are to be doing but don't do it - that is sin

James has a way of being very direct. This list emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God. I need Him to draw near to me every day of my life.

So I draw. Because He says so. I am not making robust plans about it, but I know He will draw near to me as I draw near to Him. As I work on my skills, He is opening doors for me to use them for good.

I invite you on this journey with me. I will share with you what I am drawing and we will see where it goes.

A portrait of Pat to celebrate his retirement. Pat is a hardworking man who has done much good for many people.

I have a few more portrait studies too. I will post them on my instagram, you can find me at @lisaduboisart.

Since it's Christmas season, I want to share with you my artwork that is at Lincoln Gallery. I have a special painting there that I have put a special price on it just for the holidays. "Light & Truth" is normally $400. This month it is only $300, plus at Lincoln Gallery, if your purchase exceeds $200, you get $20 off. It is unframed, and has encouraging scripture written around the edges. It has lots of texture; you will best enjoy it in person.

Light and Truth: your beauty and strength is powerful when you draw near to God

I have two other pieces in the gallery this month too. One is a pastel, titled "Beckoning the Bee". Sunflowers and bees have a symbiotic relationship. This piece is 11x14", matted and nicely framed, $325.

Beckoning the Bee: this sunflower is anticipating the arrival of her bee friends

The last piece is a mini mixed media. "Look Up" is somewhat of an international piece for me. Collaged letters from my French exchange student peek through this painting of a black sea bird that I saw on Heron Island, on the south end of the Great Barrier Reef. "Look Up" is 5x7" on cradled panel. Makes a nice Christmas gift for $95.

"Look Up": What does he see?

In addition to all new artwork in Lincoln Gallery, we have expanded our gift shop for the holidays. We have small works, puzzles, journals, cards, ornaments and more. Please stop in and see us. We would be delighted for you to shop local and find that perfect gift for someone... maybe for yourself!

I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a joy-filled New Year. Through good and hard times, I pray that you draw near to God. He will draw near to you.

You are a masterpiece.