The Lion of Judah has Triumphed!

By Hazel Holland

"Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed." Revelation 5:5 

I was compelled to paint this picture of Jesus Christ’s triumph over death after discovering that He wasn’t in soul sleep while He was dead in the grave... After a lifetime of believing error I was overwhelmed with joy and many tears as I discovered the length and depth that Jesus Christ went to for you and me. He literally left no stone unturned! His powerful words from the cross reverberated throughout His creation causing even the rocks to be torn apart when He cried out, “It is finished!”

Knowing that Christ disarmed the powers of darkness and overthrew them by triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15) I painted them in defeated poises as they look on with horror at seeing Christ enter Hades to redeem the spirits of the righteous dead... However, when I painted the light coming from Jesus over them it exposed the darkness in their faces and many of them faded so that they now blend into the rocks! Darkness must flee when Light is present! 

You can see the spirits of the righteous dead rejoicing a little better in the larger copy of the painting at the link given below. They are rejoicing because they are about to be released from the upper regions of Hades (Paradise) and taken to be with Christ... The yellow-orange color is not meant to suggest heat, but only the light that must have been so overwhelming when Jesus announced to them that the plan of salvation had been completed!

I chose not to portray Christ going to the lower regions of Sheol where the souls/spirits of the wicked are held for judgment, because I could not visually portray such awful torment where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. I will leave that with God. More about that later on another post...

As you read the rest of this post here I pray that the Holy Spirit will hold you in His arms as He speaks the truth in love to your heart through the clear words of Scripture. You can also see a larger copy of this painting if you scroll down to the end of the page at the link shown above.

.........

I would also like to encourage you to check out another depiction of this same event that speaks of the love in the Father's heart for us all done by Ramone Romero:  The Plundering of Sheol

No More Shame

By Hazel Holland

"Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame" (Psalm 34:5). 

This is the first time in my life that I have ever tried to seriously do a self-portrait. I have always found faces hard to draw and paint, and never thought they would come out looking like anything close to the original. But after my friend, Leila, did a photo shoot of me several days ago I was impressed that God wanted me to paint a watercolor of myself being released from shame! 

As we were looking at the hundreds of pictures she had taken for the photo shoot I became aware that I had acted goofy in so many of them in an attempt to cover-up my embarrassment of having the focus of attention on myself. I hammed it up because I was having pictures taken on a bad hair day. I was sure that the angles that were used to take some of the pictures would make me look like I have a double chin…and they did. The close shots at times accentuated the flaws in my skin, hair and body. They were not pretty to see. Many of the pictures were not perfect because I am not perfect. 

But more importantly, I found that Leila was trying to give me a "loving perspective" of myself through these photos. She wanted me to be able to see myself with humor, and in light of how God sees me. She succeeded in her task. 

God sees me freed from shame. That is why I chose to call this watercolor painting, “No More Shame”, because by naming this emotion I am now publicly acknowledging that I have power over its destructive patterns in my life in Jesus’ name.

Shame in and of itself is a normal human emotion, because it shows us that we are human and have limitations. It tells us that we make mistakes, that we are not perfect, and that we need help. Healthy shame tells us that we are not God. 

But when shame as a normal human emotion is transformed into shame as a state of our being, then shame becomes our identity. Now we believe our true self is flawed and defective, resulting in toxic shame that always necessitates a cover-up—a false self that is neither flawed nor defective! 

As a result of growing up in a very dysfunctional and abusive home, I believed that I was damaged goods from an early age, and so I unknowingly began the process of trying to cover up the many faces of toxic shame… My worth was measured by what I did or did not do—not by what was inside of me. I believed I was a “human doing” rather than a human being. Although it has taken many years to free myself of this menacing enemy, I am now learning to reduce toxic shame by transforming it back into healthy shame.

I do this my admitting that I am not perfect, and that I make mistakes. I do this by setting up healthy boundaries that reflect my human need to love others, and be loved by others in healthy ways. Overwhelming feelings of hopelessness that use to be a part of my life are now a thing of the past.

I have hope and assurance of who I am in Jesus Christ. I know He is able to use my God-given authentic true self as a witness of His healing power and transforming love. He has indeed freed me from the toxic shame that use to bind me! Let us celebrate the truth that He has taken away our shame!

I Chose You

By Hazel Holland

"Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18:16-17

I began painting this picture yesterday after realizing the struggles that many of us face when it comes to trusting our Abba--our Daddy. Because of broken relationships, hurtful childhoods, and the numerous disappointments of life, a lot of us have learned to protect ourselves from further hurt by guarding our hearts so as to shield ourselves from really experiencing intimacy with God.

But He is calling us to come to Him like a little child... He is calling us to get in touch with that child-like part of us that is spontaneous and carefree, and that is not afraid to embrace life because we know that our lives our safely hidden in God. We can risk reaching out to love others unconditionally because He first loved us!

After I painted the child's hand reaching up to God, and God's hand reaching down to grasp the child's, I was impressed to paint city tenement buildings in the background. The message I was receiving from Him is that behind those brick and stone walls are children that He is calling to Himself...little children as well as adult children. They all need to know who Jesus is, and that God is pouring out His Spirit so that they can be drawn to Him. They all need to know that He knows them by name, and is eager and willing and wanting to embrace them with His strong arms of love and draw them into His heart.

Can you hear the cry of the Father's heart as He calls out to us to bring His lost children home? Each one is precious and chosen and known by Him. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to give us God's heart of agape love for those He is calling to Himself. We are called to be His ministers of reconciliation as we partner with God and with one another to bring His beloved children home. "Father, thank You, that You reached down and took hold of us before we ever reached out to you! Now we are forever gratefully Yours!"

See: Love is the Deciding Factor

A Spirit of Lawlessness

by Hazel



I painted this watercolor this afternoon to illustrate something I saw in the Spirit about twelve years ago...something that I didn't begin to understand until today!

In this vision I saw someone dressed up like Robin Hood, holding his bow and arrow, getting ready to take aim. All of a sudden he pulled back on the bow string and an arrow went flying through the air beyond my line of vision.

Immediately, a large group of "spectators"who had been watching this "sports" event off to the right began to loudly cheer with seditious laughter as "Robin Hood" hit his target. Having successfully "hit" his intended victim, the marksman reached around to get another arrow out of his bag.

Just as he was about to release the second arrow, I heard the Spirit say, "Lift up the shield of faith!" Again the crowd of "spectators" applauded their "hero" as his second arrow hit its mark again.

I knew by the sound of the ugly laughter that this crowd of "spectators" was not human, but rather a gathering from the hordes of hell. I shuddered as I saw that they were unable to contain their demonic glee and their foul appreciation of seeing another human being fall prey to their trickery and lies. But I was stumped as to why God was using "Robin Hood" as the archer, and his "merry men" as a gathering from the hordes of hell in this vision.

To read the rest of this post go to this link: http://sound-the-trumpet.blogspot.com/2008/03/spirit-of-lawlessness.html

A Man of Sorrows

By Hazel Holland

"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering... He was pierced for our transgressions, and He was crushed for our iniquities...and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:3-5).

I was compelled by the Spirit to paint this watercolor this evening. I think God wants to drive home the truth to us that Jesus really did carrying our sins upon Himself... The cross that I painted Him carrying is a symbol of Him bearing the weight of our transgressions and sicknesses upon Himself so that we can be healed! He took your punishment and my punishment upon Himself so that we can walk in the freedom of the new covenant gospel. We can stand tall in Jesus Christ, and no longer be held down as “prisoners of the law”!
(A larger copy of this painting can be seen at the bottom of the page at this link: http://transformed-by-truth.blogspot.com/)

Prisoners of the Law

By Hazel Holland

"...Only in Christ is it (the veil of the old covenant) taken away" ( 2 Corinthians 3:14).




I painted these two watercolor paintings yesterday to illustrate a scene I had seen in a vision several months ago. Why is this "army" on all fours? Why are they not able to get up, stand, walk and fight?

See:  http://transformed-by-truth.blogspot.com/2008/03/army-in-disarray.html (Vision).
http://transformed-by-truth.blogspot.com/2008/03/army-in-disarray-interpretation.html (Interpretation).

To view larger copies of these watercolor paintings scroll down to the bottom of the page at this link: http://transformed-by-truth.blogspot.com/2008/03/army-in-disarray.html

The Cross

By Hazel Holland

I painted these watercolors this afternoon as I remembered my son's final words in a dream that God gave me back in 1995. In the dream as we were both looking up into the night sky a huge cross of light appeared in the heavens. I quickly realized that Rob couldn’t see it, but before I could say anything the cross of light turned into a large wooden cross with a huge knot in the center of it. The words that escaped from his lips caused me to be overcome with the joy of the Lord as I heard him exclaim, “Now I see!”

My prayer is that each one of you will come to “see” and accept the incredible gift of God’s love that has been given to each of us in Jesus Christ. May the Spirit reveal to you that although our world is but a speck in a universe of billions of galaxies, you are, and forever will be, His first love!

I AM

By Hazel Holland

After writing a word from His heart this morning I was inspired to paint this water color this afternoon as I thought about Sara, a young friend of mine, who is going through a difficult time in her life right now. You can read the word from His heart here.

To see a larger art print please click here.

Look to the Light

By Hazel Holland

I wrote this poem after receiving the Vision of the Trees.  Then last night I did this pastel to illustrate the last tree in the vision that didn't draw attention to itself...


You stand so stately, tall and green.
The most perfect tree I've ever seen.
How your lights sparkle and make you glow.
They're clear as crystal—you steal the show.

At first you stood erect, alone.
Now another tree comes to take your throne.
Blue light’s flicker where they've been placed.
On every branch so perfectly spaced.

Sadly I watch your beauty fade
Just like the sparkle the other pine made.
Now another tree glitters where you once stood.
Its multicolored lights for a moment look good.

Then suddenly you vanish before my eyes
And in your place to my surprise
Is a forest of trees, shimmering, bright
Like silent sentinels guarding the night.

All of a sudden a string of lights appear
To circle the forest in a shackle of fear.
Again and again the cord wraps around
Until the forest is nowhere to be found.

Again the scene changes its wintry face
As a fir displays its beauty and grace.
The soft rays of Light make everything new
As each branch glistens like morning dew.
Now rainbow colors rest on each needle.
Its glory surpasses a mighty cathedral.

Then I heard His voice so gently say,
"Look to the Light while it is still day.
Don't make your own light when you can't see.
I am your Light; look up, It is Me!
Even when you walk through the darkest night,
Trust in My love, walk by faith, not by sight."

"Forgive us dear Lord for what we have done.
We repent of our pride, we submit to Your Son.
Break the chords of our bondage--we will be free.
Bring us back from captivity.
We renounce our light, and receive Your fire.
You are our Light,our heart's desire."

Lover & His Beloved

By Hazel Holland

I painted this water color yesterday. Actually it was early this morning after I had posted "His Beloved Daughter" on my other blog.  I didn't realize it was in the early hours of Valentine's Day when I painted it! I believe the Lord wants to share His heart with us through this painting... In spite of the darkness seen in her heart, the Beloved is offering her heart just as it is to her Lover knowing that His blood covers her sins completely...

This picture came as a result of writing the post, “His Beloved Daughter”, that reveals my past struggles to love and accept myself, and finally discover who I was in Christ. I wanted to illustrate my brokenness and His willingness to receive and love me just as I was/am. Here are a few of my thoughts…

A friend pointed out the striking similarity between this painting and the Father's Broken Heart that I had done earlier. As I was painting this picture I noticed the similarity, too, and I wanted to make it different, but I couldn’t as much as I tried. I don’t believe this is a coincidence, because God was compelling me to paint it as He brought His heart on me to do it.

When I began to paint I had no idea what I was doing. All I knew was that I wanted to hold up my hands and offer Him my heart just as it was... Then as I prayed the Spirit impressed me to paint Jesus looking down on me from the cross with His blood falling upon me. As I began to do this I recognized I had portrayed my heart as I wanted others to see me--not how He saw me. I had painted my heart all red with no darkness inside. I had covered up my broken and imperfect heart so that it would look like an acceptable offering to Him. But that is not what He wants! The Father’s heart was broken for us by the sacrifice of His Son. He accepts willing and contrite hearts. He wants us just as we are so that he can change us into His image...

Then, Like Peter, I wanted Him to wash all of me, not just my “feet”, so I began to paint His blood running down my hands and arms symbolizing my need to be totally covered by His sacrifice for me. But I believe the Lord would say to us, “When you offer Me your broken and contrite hearts, you are totally covered by my blood! There’s nothing more that you can do, because it already has been done by Me! Rest, my Beloved, in the knowledge that I AM your Lover! I accept you and adore you just as you are! And I will change you from glory to glory…”

The rainbow above Jesus symbolizes the truth that He is the Promise Keeper! He will fulfill His promises to us because we are Beloved—His Bride.

I know at times in my life when I have reached out to God He has felt so far away. We have all experienced that at times. But the truth is, because He has already given us His Spirit to live in us, He is nearer than the breath we breathe. I wanted to convey the truth that He is near--not some distant God, but very close to us. He is God with us—Emmanuel!

As we lift up our hands in intercession, bringing Him the hearts of His beloved and hurting children, He will not fail to keep His promises to us. His arms are outstretched, reaching out to embrace and receive this world’s hurting sons and daughters… He is calling us to bring them to Him just as they are, and allow Him to perform the miracle of His transforming love upon their broken and imperfect hearts.

* A larger copy of this painting can bee seen here.  

Fruitfulness

By Hazel Holland

This was one of the first oil paintings I did many years ago at a time when there seemed to be very little fruitfulness in my life. I wanted to create something beautiful on canvas so that I could forget about the ugliness I felt inside of me... If only I could wipe away the sad memories and erase the bad decisions with one stroke of my oil brush...

Now as I look back at that time in my life when I was walking through a desert valley... I was not deserted or alone because God never abandons His children. He was in the valley with me. He supported me when I stumbled along in the desert. He wiped away my tears when the sorrows of life seemed impossible to bear. He carried me on His shoulders when I was too lost to even know I needed to be found.

But the most beautiful thing I learned about God is that when the Master Artist dips His divine oil brush in His blood to wipe away our mistakes, they do not remain covered up underneath another layer of paint. They are totally removed from the canvas of our life as if the error was never there in the first place. And in the place of our deepest brokenness He uses His oil brush to paint a beautiful picture of our fruitfulness that now comes from Him!

Limitations of Life Within The Fish Tank

By Hazel Holland

Recently the Lord urged me to paint what I had seen in a vision that I received from Him while praying for a friend twelve years ago. Although this water color painting falls short of the beauty of the fish tank I was shown, it reveals the message that is on God's heart...

As I was painting this picture of my friend in the fish tank trying to swallow tiny air bubbles that came out of the filter in order to stay alive, my heart became strangely moved with a deep sorrow... I hadn't fully understood what this really meant twelve years ago when I received this vision, because I was also in the “tank” sucking air bubbles to try and keep alive…

"Lord, release us all from fish tank living into the Ocean of your Amazing Grace where we can drink daily of Your River of Delights. Lord, You are the air we breathe! We’re tired of being bound to man-made “filtering systems” that keep your Holy Spirit from breathing His true Life-giving Energy and Presence into us. Lord, we want the quality of Life that comes from living in You with no filters, because You came to give us Life to the fullest!"

God wants to free all of us who have found ourselves confined by the limitations of life within the tank! You may read more about this The Fish Tank vision in my "Sound the Trumpet" blog.

My Secret Place

By Hazel Holland

This is a copy of my first oil painting. Because I enjoy flowers and meadows and mountain streams in the Springtime, I wanted to paint a picture that would be my own private getaway... a place that I could escape to when I needed to get away from the stress of life.

I would imagine myself sitting beside this mountain stream, listening to the babbling brook as I drank in the beauty of this Alpine meadow. But as much as I love nature, the beauty of God's creation only brought momentary relief from the cares of life. It didn't bring lasting peace to my weary soul.

Then I discovered Someone who could quiet my restless spirit and calm my troubled soul. I could go to Him with all my stresses and problems and He always welcomed me with open arms. Being in His presence I found rest from the cares of life... I discovered the secret places of His heart for me, His beloved child. He has become my Hiding Place, my Safe Getaway that I can go to at anytime. He's always inviting me to come walk with Him in His green pastures and rest beside His still waters so that He can refresh my soul and free my spirit. Now all I want to do is love and worship Him!

Reflections of the Past

By Hazel Holland

Yesterday I remembered the last place where I had hidden this oil painting... For over twenty years I have moved it around from one place to the next... trying to forget the sad circumstances under which I painted it. But today it came out of hiding! Today I choose to no longer hide the pain of my past mistakes and broken relationships! Today I choose to share God's love through it all...

Tough Times

By Hazel Holland

When I painted this oil many years ago I wanted to honor my grandfather's memory... his frugal ways and the simplicity of his life style. But I had a difficult time getting his face and hair just right. So I decided to add a beard to his mustache, and extra hair to the top of his balding head.

But then the painting looked too bare and uninteresting so I decided to add a dog. I hesitated at first of putting a dog in the picture, because my grandfather disliked animals, and would have reluctantly shared his meal with this furry friend. 

After placing the dog in the picture I realized that the painting spoke eloquently of my grandfather's ways... He was a recluse who enjoyed the solitude of sitting by a warm fire, eating a bowl of bread and milk, alone with his own thoughts. He would have dismissed the dog's presence, and ignored his pitiful begging. 

Although I loved my grandfather, and lived with him and my grandmother much of the time as a child, I could never get close to him. He was always distant and removed, and didn't appear to be very interested in what was going on around him most of the time. 

As I got to thinking about this painting recently I realized that as a child I was the little dog in the picture who was "begging". I was "begging" to be heard"... "begging" to be noticed... "begging" for some expression of love that would let me know that I was valuable to my grandfather.

Then I realized that sometimes we view God like a distant grandfather. We behave like God is so far removed from our daily lives that He cannot possibly be interested in our every day needs. We feel like we have to beg and plead in order to get His attention and be heard. 

But that is not who God is. He is the opposite of my grandfather. He is not emotionally absent. Scriptures reveals that God enjoys His children so much (God has no grandchildren), that He dances over them with singing (Ephesians 3:17). We don't have to beg God or plead with Him for anything because He is very attentive to our needs. David says of God that he has never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging for bread.

How much more willing is God to give us "bread" than we are to give good gifts to our children? We don't have to "beg" Him for "food", but to open our hearts and minds and receive the Living Bread that He has already given us so freely in Jesus Christ.

God is My Redeemer

By Hazel Holland

"Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him.  So shall it be! Amen." Revelation 1:7

Cabin in the Woods

By hazel Holland
 

All Creatures Great & Small

By Hazel Holland

I did this oil painting many years ago.  However, just recently the Lord impressed me to start sharing my artwork with others so that you can be blessed as you see God's heart expressed in the beauty of all His creatures.♥

More Oil Paintings

He Made them All

By Hazel Holland

I did this oil painting many years ago.  However, just recently the Lord impressed me to share the gift that He has given me with you so that you may also be blessed as you see His creatures living together in harmony.♥

More Oil Paintings 

From His Heart to Yours

By Hazel Holland

I painted this watercolor many years ago and just stashed it away in a file drawer because I didn't have room in my house to hang anymore artwork.

Just recently when I retrieved it from its hiding place I was surprised by the depth of the colors of the little blue and mauve for-get-me-not flowers.  How insignificant and small they seem, and yet what richness and beauty their presence brings to the larger bouquet.

Then I heard the Spirit speak to my heart... "Nothing in My creation is insignificant no matter how small it is.  Because you are made in My image you have significance and purpose and are designed to be a blessing to others.  The aroma of Me in your life is like a sweet smelling perfume.  You are like a bouquet of freshly picked flowers whose scent fills the whole room.  You are my beloved creation, made in My image to fulfill your purpose and destiny in Me."

Promise of Hope

By Hazel Holland

During the storms in our lives when we feel like the darkness and disappointments will never come to an end, God reminds us that He is our God of Hope...

Mountain, "MOVE!"

By Hazel Holland 

This “human mountain” of terrified children that I saw in a dream twelve years ago depicts the “covenant from Mount Sinai that bears children who are to be slaves” (Galatians 4:24). This watercolor painting will be the book I am writing, "The Naked Truth..." that was originally called, "Say to this Mountain, MOVE!” 

Promise of Peace

 By Hazel Holland

"and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

I painted this watercolor in the Spirit a few weeks before Christmas (12/07).  I pray that its message of hope would bring you encouragement and assurance as you look to Jesus who is your Peace. He fulfilled the work God gave Him to do when He died on the cross for you. Because it is a finished "work" He sent the Holy Spirit to be with you and in you so that you could come to know Him personally, and share His love with others.

Morning Glory

By Hazel Holland

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (Psalm 42:1-2).

I painted this picture in oils at a time when I was trying to make sense out of the turmoil of my life. After going through many years of "wandering in the desert" I was hungry and thirsty for the living God to satisfy my unmet needs. He did not disappoint me.

Morning Reflections

By Hazel Holland

"In the morning O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3

Just recently the Lord impressed me to make this oil that I painted many years ago available so that others can be blessed as they see the beauty of God's heart expressed in His creation. 

I was going through a very dark and difficult time in my life when I painted this early morning scene.  The sunlight that is breaking through the mist and is reflected in the pond reminds us that even when things seem hopeless, God is our hope and His mercies are new every morning.

Father's Heart (2)

 By Hazel Holland

Here's another view of the Father's Heart that I painted that expresses how He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. He identifies with us in our pain. Indeed, He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. May your heart be healed today as you reach out to be embraced by His.

Father's Heart (1)

By Hazel Holland

 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me... to bind up the brokenhearted..." Isaiah 61:1

About ten years ago a friend of mine was in a coma for about a week. Before she died the Lord gave me this picture in the Spirit as I prayed for the family to be comforted in their grief. Because of my step-mom's recent death, the Lord brought back this vivid picture that I received at that time of God's heart being broken as He identifies with the deep feelings of our sorrow and grief. The Father's heart is broken for you so that your heart may be healed.

Trumpet at His Lips!

By Hazel Holland

"For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first" (1Thess. 4:16).

I was compelled by the Spirit to paint this watercolor a couple of months ago on the day of my step-mom's funeral (11/26/07).  I wanted to bring hope and comfort to my dad, and step-sister, and her family after my step-mom, Mary, died from a stroke, followed by a heart attack while eating a Thanksgiving meal the day before Thanksgiving!

You can imagine the shock and grief in the timing of our unexpected loss...  Amazingly, painting this brought me out of my own depression over my family's grief and into His sweet presence.

(This is the first watercolor painting I painted in the Spirit from a vision that I received in 1995 while worshiping at a Cleansing Streams Weekend Retreat).