Today I continue the series on prophetic art as Jennifer Koch—founder of Melbourne-based Patmos Arts, and gifted prophetic painter—shares some of her journey. [1]

I also ask Jenny the question, ‘What advice would you give someone who would like to get started with prophetic art?’

Beginnings

Jenny’s talent for art was evident at an early age, through drawing and painting. But she stopped at the age of 16 and didn’t do any for about 10 years.

Then—some 25 years ago—Jenny decided to pursue her interest and began to take classes in painting.

However, it would be another decade before she would make the connection between her talent and the gift and call of God.

‘This is how God has Wired me!’

Being a lover of worship, Jenny often wished she could express her love for God through music, and play the guitar—after all, isn’t music the primary way that worship to God is expressed?

It had never occurred to her that her gift of art could be used to worship and serve God.

Then one afternoon—Jenny can recall the moment as vividly as if it were yesterday—she was worshipping and listening to a song by Van Morrision called ‘When Will I Ever Learn.’

‘You brought it to my attention that everything was made in God
Down through centuries of great writings and paintings
Everything lives in God
Seen through architecture of great cathedrals
Down through the history of time
Is and was in the beginning and evermore shall ever be

When will I ever learn to live in God?
When will I ever learn?
He gives me everything I need and more
When will I ever learn?

Whatever it takes to fulfill his mission
That is the way we must go… [2]

It was like a sudden awakening. Jenny says:

“Through hearing the lyrics I suddenly began to see God’s purpose for visual arts. That my love to paint and to draw was no chance thing—that God had a purpose for it in my life and worship. And, that it is a valid form of worship.

I made the connection that this is how God has wired me up. And that I don’t have to try and be anyone else, it’s the package that He wants me to be.”

The Warrior Poets

Not long after that, Jenny joined with friends Tony and Teresa Fraraccio, who are prophetically gifted musicians and worshippers.

They formed a group called ‘Warrior Poets.’ Jenny would paint whilst the band played and worshipped.

Warrior Poets took their unique blend of worship and art, not only to churches, but also out in the marketplace.

Being in a prophetic environment with Warrior Poets helped stir up the prophetic gift in Jenny. And being out in the community stirred an enduring passion in her heart to paint messages from the heart of God to those who did not know Him.

Early Prophetic Painting

The first time that Jenny remembers one of her paintings having prophetic significance was at a church service one evening where the Warrior Poets were ministering.

During that day, she walked out onto her property—that was situated at the top of a valley—and was impacted by the way that the fog hung over the valley. That evening at the church, she painted the valley and the fog. To Jenny’s amazement, the painting tied in with the sermon that was shared that night.

Having caught the vision, Jenny’s prophetic gift  began to be more evident through her painting.

The Warrior Poets also took their prophetic art and worship out into the community. Jenny says, ‘The Warrior Poets would worship in the marketplace… people didn’t know, and I would be painting and I would always get lots of comments.’

She recalls a time when Warrior Poets visited the ‘Mind Body Spirit Festival’—a New Age festival held in Melbourne, Australia. At that time, the festival had a mainstage, as well as booths and stalls. The Warrior Poets were allocated a ½ hour slot on the mainstage.

‘I did a painting with lots of hands in it. When I finished a lady came over. She was blown away because she had just been to a ‘School of the Prophets’ and she had some words of knowledge about her hands being instruments of healing.

She had just left her job to start a new venture and when she saw the hand painting she was gob-smacked [astonished] and said to me, ‘I want to buy your painting—just name your price!’

The Journey Continues

Since this time Jenny has continued to paint prophetically, although she is no longer with ‘Warrior Poets.’ She has founded Melbourne-based Patmos Arts, a creative community which uses art classes, excursions, retreats and more to encourage individuals in their artistic gifts.

Patmos Arts is currently working with Michelle Sanders of Kaleidoscope (a church community based in Pakenham, Melbourne) developing a course called ‘Art and Soul’ which is focused on overcoming depression through art. [3]

Jenny has won awards for her painting, including a recent 1st prize at the local Yakkerboo Art Show in the Contemporary Art section.

Advice for a Beginner Prophetic Artist

Here is some advice from Jennifer Koch for anyone who would like to get started with prophetic art: [4]

• Take art classes
• Look at other peoples work
• Get around ‘arty’ prophetic people
• Engage in a local church community
• Above all else be close to the heart of God yourself
• Learn to hear His voice and recognise the things that are significant to you–because that is most likely the things he wants you to paint.

Do you have any thoughts, questions or experiences to share on this topic? I would love to hear from you–use the comments box at the bottom of this post. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Notes:
[1]  Jenny describes this painting of the violin and the mantle as follows:
‘The violin, is to me one of the most expressive instruments. It can be played in a way to express great joy and alternatively great sorrow. It is a metaphor for how we live our lives, we choose how it is played.
The violin is resting on the striped coat, which represents Joseph’s coat of many colors. It is a symbol of betrayal yet also favour. The rose of Sharon, most fragrant of all roses but only when crushed.’

I will be sharing more of Jenny’s story next week as I share my discussion with Jenny on ‘The Practice Of Prophetic Art.’ You can find her website and view more of her artwork at: www.jenniferkoch.webs.com

[2] An excerpt from ‘When Will I Ever Learn’ by Van Morrison.

[3] Find out more about Kaleidoscope Community Church at their website here: http://www.kscopecc.org.au/

[4] This post should be read in conjunction with last week’s post: ‘What Is Prophetic Art?’

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog http://propheticpeople.com/

On team with David McCracken Ministries

This week I continue the series on prophetic art, as I ask the question, ‘What is prophetic art?’ and review the Biblical foundations and guidelines for it.

Ministered to Through Prophetic Art

A painting by Jennifer Koch displayed in our church foyer depicts large pottery vessels, standing in the pouring rain and filled to overflowing with water. [1]

At times when I was dry and exhausted, the painting served as a reminder that the answer to my need lay in a fresh infilling of Holy Spirit—and that I could be positioned to receive that infilling from God on a continual basis.

Creativity in Biblical Prophecy

A prophecy is a message from God—given through a person who is filled with the Holy Spirit—that conveys the heart, mind, will and intent of the Father.

A prophecy can be spoken, sung, or written, but a prophecy is not restricted to words.

In the Bible, prophecy took many forms. For example, it was given:

• Through verbal announcement
• In writing—much of scripture is recorded prophecy
• By way of songs and poems (many of the Psalms are prophetic in nature)
• It was also enacted, as God used the lives and actions of the prophets to speak to His people (the story of Hosea, for example)

The prophet Ezekiel drew a picture of the city of Jerusalem on a clay tablet and enacted a siege against it. (Ezek 4:1-2) He carried out prophetic drama under the instruction and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Other prophets gave prophetic signs, such as Isaiah’s shifting of the sun’s shadow. (2 Kings 20:9)

It seems that there is no limit to the creativity of the Holy Spirit in conveying a message from God to people.

What is Prophetic Art?

Much of prophecy in scripture, such as the books of Ezekiel and Revelation—was given through vision. The prophet Jeremiah saw pictures, like snapshots. (Jer 1:11-14)

Many of us who operate in the gift of prophecy are also familiar with receiving prophetic revelation in the form of pictures or visions.

The word ‘revelation’ comes from a Greek word meaning ‘unveiling.’ In other words, the Holy Spirit has revealed (unveiled) an insight from God that could not be known by natural means.

A prophetic artist reproduces that picture, vision or concept in art form.

It takes more than skill or talent to be a prophetic artist. The prophetic artist is someone who has a spiritual gift of prophecy, and who is also gifted and called by God to minister through art.

As with all prophecy, intimacy with God is of primary importance—as is love for people.  (1 Cor 13)

The variety of ways that prophetic art can be created is endless, including sculpting, pottery, drawing, carving, painting, crafts, photography and graphic design.

Prophetic art can be symbolic, or metaphorical, such as Jenny’s painting of the pots. This symbolism can be Biblical, but can also be something that is understood culturally. Prophetic art can also be a literal rendering of something. Prophetic may include a word or words, as with the artwork depicted above— ‘Courage,’ by David McCracken.[2]

A well-known prophetic symbol in the Bible was crafted in bronze.

Instructed by God, Moses crafted the image of a snake on a pole. When God’s people, having repented of their sin, looked at the image of the serpent, they were physically healed. (Num 21)

The raised image of the serpent that brought healing was also prophetic—representing Christ’s work on the cross. (John 3:14)

Interpreting Prophetic Art

The artist can use words (verbal or written) to explain the message in the art.

However, the message of prophetic art is often conveyed directly by the Holy Spirit—as He anoints and directs the understanding of the person viewing the art.

No verbal or written explanation was necessary, for example, for the Holy Spirit to convey the meaning of the pottery vessels in Jenny’s painting to my heart. Inspired by the Spirit, I recognised the Biblical symbolism and applied it to my situation.

Like much prophecy, prophetic art can be confirmation of something that God has already revealed to us.

Weighing up Prophetic Art

‘Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.’ (1 Thess 5:19-22)

As with all prophecy, prophetic art is subject to Biblical guidelines.

It is vitally important that the prophetic artist is connected into a Christian community (local church). As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12-14, New Testament prophecy operates in the context of church life where there is the contribution of other gifts, as well as leadership and accountability.

The revelation (the art itself), as well as the interpretation (the meaning applied to the artwork—whether by the artist or the viewer) should be weighed up. [1]

Prophetic art should not contain any elements that are inappropriate, or could be misconstrued.

All prophecy should be assessed in light of:

1. What the Bible says
2. The nature and character of God
3. The accountability of Christian leadership
4. The inner witness of the Holy Spirit

Do you have any thoughts, questions or experiences to share on this topic? I would love to hear from you–use the comments box at the bottom of this post. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Notes:

[1] Jennifer Koch is founder of Melbourne-based Patmos Arts, and a gifted prophetic painter. I will be sharing more of Jenny’s story over the next couple of weeks. You can find her website and view more of Jenny’s artwork at: www.jenniferkoch.webs.com

[2] David McCracken has used a combination of painting and wood-burning to produce this prophetic artwork. The picture of the stag jumping out from the thicket—risking all to leap from a place of safety into wide open spaces—speaks volumes more than the words alone.

[3] For more information about weighing up prophecy, see the following posts:

How To Exercise Your Prophetic Gift Part 3: How Can You Tell Your Revelation Is From God

4 Things You Can Do With Your Personal Prophecy

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog http://propheticpeople.com/

On team with David McCracken Ministries

Over the next few weeks I will be focusing on the theme of prophetic art. I recently interviewed Jennifer Koch, founder of Melbourne-based Patmos Arts, to learn more about this captivating subject. For more information and a description of this painting by Jenny entitled, ‘Rose of Sharon’, see the notes at the end of this post.

Art, like music, has a powerful ability to convey a message and to stir the soul.

Surrendered to God, art—in any medium—can be used not only for enjoyment, appreciation, or for other intended purposes; it can also convey a message from the heart of God the Father.

The Power of Art to Convey a Message

Some years ago during services held at our church on the theme of worship, our band played the song, ‘Heart of Worship’ by Matt Redman.

Whilst the worship team played, an unusual sight unfolded on the screen overhead.

It was a video of Jenny Koch painting onto a large clear sheet of Perspex. The camera was positioned so that the viewer could see both the unfolding painting and Jenny behind the Perspex with her brush at work.

Throughout the song, Jenny painted, until the finished picture was revealed—a bride in an attitude of prayer and worship.

The congregation was transfixed as the words of the song and the meaning of the painting converged.

‘I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and it’s all about You, it’s all about You, Jesus.’

After one of the services, Jenny encountered a lady she knew, who was not a regular churchgoer and new to the journey of faith.

The woman appeared to be emotionally shaken, and it was evident that the Holy Spirit had touched her during the service. All she could say was, ‘I didn’t know it was like this, I just didn’t know. And it was the painting that did it.’

To this day, Jenny cannot recall the incident without being moved to tears. At that moment, she cried in her heart, ‘Oh God, this is what I live for!’

God’s Love and Gift Of Art

‘In the beginning God created…’ (Gen 1:1)

“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts– to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship… Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you. (Ex 31:2-6)

In creating people in His image, God also gave us the capacity to create. One of the ways in which this creativity can clearly be seen is in the arts.

The value that the Father places on art and craftsmanship can be seen in the furnishings of the tabernacle and later the temple—places where He chose to dwell in His manifest glory, be worshipped, and reveal Himself to His people.

Consider for example:

• The veil of the tabernacle included an artistic design of cherubim ‘by a skilled craftsman’ (Ex 26:1)
• The crafting and symbolic design of the priestly garments (Ex 28)
• Artwork in the temple, including the temple walls, which were carved with cherubim, palm trees and flowers (1 Kings 6:29)
• The magnificent statues of Cherubim (1 Kings 6:23-28)
• Movable stands that featured lions, oxen and cherubim in bronze (1 Kings 7:29)

These artistic designs were not intrinsic to the function of the tabernacle and temple, or to the office of the priest, and yet God chose to place them there for their beauty and for what the designs themselves represented.

The Bible itself has inspired great artists over the centuries to produce masterpieces.

And today, believers continue to be inspired of the Holy Spirit to produce art that brings God glory—and speaks of His love and glory to others.

Introducing Prophetic Art

Over the next few weeks, with Jenny’s assistance, I will be focusing on the topic of prophetic art, featuring the following topics:
(Click on the links to view the articles)

1. What is prophetic art?
2. The journey of a prophetic artist—and advice for beginners
3. The practice of prophetic art

We’re looking forward to having you journey with us!

Do you have any thoughts, questions or experiences to share on this topic? I would love to hear from you–use the comments box at the bottom of this post. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Notes:

[1] Jennifer Koch is founder of Patmos Arts. I will be sharing more of Jenny’s story over the next few weeks. You can find her website and view more of Jenny’s artwork at: www.jenniferkoch.webs.com

[2] Jenny’s description of the above painting, ‘Rose of Sharon’ is as follows:

The raw technique of this painting symbolises human emotion at its most basic form.
In my paintings the archway is always a symbol of hope.
The Rose of Sharon is the most fragrant of alll roses- only, though, once it has been crushed.

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog http://propheticpeople.com/

On team with David McCracken Ministries

Greetings from Melbourne, Australia where we are enjoying Autumn, my favourite season of the year.

Today it is Mothers Day, and as I write, my family are cooking my favourite food for dinner. My son is travelling home from the city on the train and my Mum and Stepdad are soon to arrive for a time of celebration together.

Family events such as Mothers (and Fathers) Day, Christmas, birthdays and other occasions are not always happy times for many of us. Maybe you have experienced difficulties with family relationships, whether through frustration, separation, the passing of a loved one, or relational breakdown.

Today, I want to share a message of hope.

This morning I preached a message entitled, ‘God, The Master Craftsman’ and I would like to share a part of it with you.

Isaiah 64:8 says,
‘Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.’

Our Heavenly Father is a Master Craftsman who not only creates, who not only restores, but can make something beautiful out of something broken.

And as we see in the life of a woman called Naomi, He can take a situation where a family has been shattered and redeem it to create something wonderful and of great significance for His purposes.

Click on the message title below to listen to the podcast in MP3 format. To save the file to your computer right click on the link and select “Save Link As …” (Firefox) or “Save Target As…” (Internet Explorer).

Helen Calder: The Master Craftsman

Note you may have to wait a few moments for this message to load. I do apologise for the poor sound quality of parts of this message...

Do you have any thoughts, questions or experiences to share on this topic? I would love to hear from you–use the comments box at the bottom of this post. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog http://propheticpeople.com/

On team with David McCracken Ministries

Stolen Car Recovered

Our neighbours were distraught when their car was stolen from outside our local supermarket on Christmas Eve. At the time they told The Hunk and me about it, we were just on our way out the door for an engagement but we said, “We will pray now as we’re in the car.”

We climbed into our car and immediately started to pray that God would reveal where our friends’ car was, and that it would be kept intact. Suddenly, it was as though I received a gift of faith for this situation. “Thank you Lord that you are revealing where the car is right now!” Instead of asking, we continued to thank Him.

We later learned that at that very time, some other neighbours had been going on an evening stroll, when they decided to turn up a street where they didn’t normally walk. There was our friends’ car!

The answer to prayer was another seed sown into their lives to learn that God cared personally for them.

Praying for the Needs of Non-Christians

As Supernatural Christians, our radars should be alert for whenever a need comes up that we can pray about. When our prayer is answered, Jesus is the only explanation for what takes place. As soon as we offer to pray, we are giving God an opportunity to reveal His love and power to people in need.

I don’t remember ever having a negative response about prayer being suggested. When we offer to pray, we are saying, “we care.”

If a person has a felt need and it is not appropriate for you to pray for them on the spot, you can let them know when you will be praying. That way, they will be able to relate an answer to the prayer itself. As soon as you have an opportunity after speaking to them, send up a quick prayer. If they have a time they particularly need prayer, such as a medical appointment, it is important to remember to pray. I put a reminder alarm signal on my mobile phone if prayer is needed at a certain time.

If the prayer is not answered the way you would like it to, give God room to move in other ways—the way He sees fit. By offering to pray you have exercised the supernatural power of caring. You have asked the Holy Spirit to move in their lives. The miracle of healing or breakthrough may not happen then or there, but the recipients of your prayer witness other miracles: divine peace, God-sized coincidences and provisions are all ways that God answers prayer.

Lose the Jargon

“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible… To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” 1 Cor 9:19-23

When praying in the hearing of non-Christians, it’s important to pray in a straightforward and seeker-friendly manner, avoiding ‘Christianese’—spiritual jargon, or formula-type prayer.

The person needs to hear in his or her own everyday language, what we’re praying for. This helps them realise that we don’t serve a religious or performance-oriented God, but a loving and relevant God that they can connect with right where they’re at. A side benefit of learning to pray without relying on jargon is that we have to think about the principles behind what we’re praying (I confess I often find this difficult!).

Woman Healed of Cancer in a Supermarket

My friend Bob Leach writes, [2]

‘I needed to get home help for one day a week. A lady called Pam came twice before another lady was sent permanently. After that, I only saw Pam a few times in passing in the shopping mall, and we just said, “Hello.”

One day, I was shopping in Woolworths when Pam came to me and said, “I have cancer and I am to have an operation in May.” I said, “I am sorry to hear that, can I pray for you?” So there in the crowded supermarket I prayed for her healing and comfort and added that I would pray for her every day, particularly on the 5^th May.

I was back shopping in Woolworths 17^th August and there was Pam, hurrying over to me, saying, “You healed me, you healed me!” Of course, I said that I had nothing to do with the healing but Jesus did. I said, “Let’s give thanks to the Lord,” so we held hands and gave grateful thanks and praise to a wonderful God for His healing love. Then I asked if she would like Jesus in her heart and be born again, so she repeated the prayer after me. We hugged, and then I got her a New Testament Bible from my car.

I did not see her again for two years, and again in the same supermarket. She excitedly said, “I have not seen a doctor for two years, I am so well.” She had three scans in six months that clearly showed growths on her uterus, but the operation showed all clear. She said, “They had no answer, but I knew it was the prayer.”

How wonderful is our God! He is everywhere, even in a crowded supermarket ready to answer a simple prayer.’

A Power Encounter does not Guarantee a Changed Heart

It is important to realise that just because someone sees the power of God in action, it doesn’t mean they are going to soften their heart towards God. We’ve had friends who saw demonstrations of God’s power and personal care towards them countless times, yet still refused to yield their lives to Jesus.

In Jesus’ time, multitudes of people saw and were touched by His miracles, but they didn’t necessarily turn to God. Where were those multitudes on the days before Pentecost when a mere 120 believers gathered together? In Matthew 11:20, Jesus denounced the cities in which most of His miracles were performed, because they did not repent.

It is vital that we get our motives right so that we do not get discouraged and give up when people continue to resist God, even when there is supernatural evidence of His existence and love. [1] Here are some reasons why we give God room to move in power in our unchurched, everyday world:

• Obedience to Jesus (Matt 28:18-20)
• Love for people (1 Cor 13)
• Demonstrates the Kingdom of God (Luke 11:20)
• The Holy Spirit flows through our lives (John 7:38)
• We were created for this! (John 14:12-14)
• Jesus gets the credit, the glory, the fame (Acts 3:11-16)

Questions for Reflection or Discussion:

Think of an non-Christian friend in your world. Focus on one area of felt need that they have in their life. Write a prayer that you could pray if you had opportunity to pray with them—avoid using Christian lingo or Christian prayer practices an unchurched person would not understand.

What opportunities can you think of in your everyday life that you can stop and pray when needs arise, great or small?

Do you have any thoughts, questions or experiences to share on this topic? I would love to hear from you–use the comments box at the bottom of this post. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Notes:

See also: Pentecost: How God Exploded My Box

This article is an excerpt from my book, ‘How To Be A Supernatural Christian In Your Everyday World,’ a beginners’ guide to prophetic evangelism.

Find out more about the e-book here:

‘How To Be a Supernatural Christian In Your Everyday World’

It is available [until the end of May only] for free download on the David McCracken website here:
http://www.davidmccracken.org/Resources—FREE-This-Month.php

[1] See 2 Peter 3:8-9 for a comment on God’s patience towards unbelievers

[2] Bob Leach is now in his 90’s and continues to share about Jesus with people wherever and whenever he can

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog http://propheticpeople.com/

On team with David McCracken Ministries