The Master’s Touch by Karen Ruhl
I love to paint and work with different mediums from canvas to wood. I learn something new each time I work on a new project. Most of my projects include some type of paint—I guess I am a kid at heart and love to use my brushes. I stopped by an art store and found paint called Master’s Touch on sale. Of course, it went in my cart. The other day, I opened the new paint and used it for a project. I loved the paint and the way it glided on my canvas and I thought about how I need to spend more time with my painting and really study so I would grow. All at once, it made me think about our Master, our Heavenly Father, and The Master’s Touch. After I started studying the Word and praying for wisdom and knowledge, I felt His touch and recognized when He was talking to me. Not audibly, but through scripture, photos, or by someone saying something that confirmed what I heard. Have you ever felt the Master’s Touch? Maybe you are taking a walk and just feel his presence in everything around you. Or you welcome a new baby into your family and can see the Master’s Touch in this new creation. For me, I can feel his touch when I am out with my camera, reading scripture, or singing praise songs. “But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8 ESV) I love this verse, and I believe God has given each of us talents to use for the Kingdom. Looking back on all my jobs and experiences, I can see how He wants me to use those talents today. I feel his touch when I am following His word. 4PAGE | M3 AG A Z I N E N A M E
On the same day I used The Master’s Touch paints, I opened a new packet of brushes called The Fine Touch. The brushes and paint together worked so well together. I realized these were not even professional brushes. They are student brushes and paints. The quality is great and certainly all I need. And yet, I knew at that moment that I still needed to take more lessons and to read and watch videos to strengthen my talent. With the magazine, Craig and I are reading scripture, articles, and creating content every day. We are in the Bible, yet we have to remind each other that we need to study together. There is a plethora of information on the internet to help you study. Many books are available, and your local churches have Bible studies and small groups to help you learn. Being a student of His word is how we grow in our faith. We learn about the gifts He gives us, and how we should use them to encourage and help others. We change. We love deeper. We learn to speak differently, to share His word and wisdom. We seek others that share our faith to help build us up. Yes, we change once we have felt The Master’s touch. I encourage you to find a good Bible-based church. Go to a few and see how you react to the preaching and the people who attend. Find a place to learn and grow. Like painting, you must study, practice, and put effort into learning more. I pray you feel The Master’s Touch each day as you study, pray, and listen for His voice. Blessings to your day. - Karen
