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Have you ever wondered why singing worship songs or praying aloud makes you feel physically better? There's a fascinating neurological reason behind it, and it's all part of God's incredible design for your well-being.

The vagus nerve—running from your brainstem through your face, vocal cords, heart, lungs, and digestive system—is your body's built-in peace activator. Research shows that singing and praying aloud are two of the most powerful ways to stimulate this nerve, releasing calm throughout your entire being. It's biological proof of what scripture has always taught: expressing worship isn't just spiritually beneficial—it physically transforms your body.

When Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Acts 16, they didn't just silently hope for rescue. They sang hymns, literally activating God's designed pathways for peace in their darkest moment. Their breakthrough wasn't just spiritual; it was neurological. Similarly, when you're battling anxiety or negative thought patterns, staying silent gives those thoughts power. Breaking the silence through declaration, worship, and prayer disrupts the enemy's grip and releases God's peace into your physical body.

For those called to create, there's even more good news. Studies show that just 45 minutes of creative activity significantly lowers stress hormones—even in people who don't consider themselves artists. When you create, you're not just expressing yourself; you're tapping into the image of God within you, activating divine pathways for healing and wholeness.

Ready to experience the full power of God's design for your well-being? Start by using your voice. Pray aloud, worship with abandon, and speak God's promises over your life. Your creativity isn't just a gift—it's medicine for your spirit, soul, and body. Subscribe to the Thriving Christian Artist podcast to discover more ways to align with God's design for your creative calling.

References:

• Porges, S.W. (2010). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
• Zaccaro, A., et al. (2018). How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review on Psycho-Physiological Correlates of Slow Breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
• Newberg, A., et al. (2006). Neural correlates of glossolalia (praying in tongues): The measurement of regional cerebral blood flow during glossolalia. University of Pennsylvania study; also cited in How God Changes Your Brain (2009).
• Francis, L.J., & Robbins, M. (2003). Personality and glossolalia: A study among Pentecostal ministers. Journal of Psychology of Religion and Spirituality.
• Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association.

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Ever felt that creative spark and wondered where it truly comes from? Your studio isn't just a workspace—it's potentially sacred ground where divine partnership happens.

The concept of sacred creative spaces has deep biblical roots. In Exodus, we see artisans Bezalel and Oholiab filled with God's Spirit to create objects that would transmit His presence throughout their community. Like them, you've been gifted with creativity that flows directly from the Creator Himself. Whether you work in a dedicated studio or a quiet corner of your home, that space holds potential for divine encounter.

Hebrew gives us beautiful insight into creativity through two interconnected words: "yetser" (internal formation/imagination) and "yatsar" (external creation/crafting). Both spring from the same root word meaning "to form or fashion," revealing how creativity moves from inside out—just like God's kingdom operates in our lives. Your studio becomes the meeting point where internal vision takes external form through partnership with the Holy Spirit.

Transforming your creative space into holy ground can be beautifully simple: play worship music to set the atmosphere, use thoughtful lighting to create peaceful conditions, surround yourself with Scripture and inspiration, maintain organization to minimize distractions, and practice sketching as spiritual response to divine inspiration. Most importantly, assume connection with the Holy Spirit who already dwells within you—you don't need to beg for His presence, only raise your awareness of His nearness.

When you intentionally dedicate your creative space to God, something remarkable happens. Your art improves, often producing unexpected beauty, and you yourself are transformed. What you create shifts from mere decoration to powerful declaration of God's goodness. Your yielded creativity becomes a channel through which heaven touches earth.

Ready to experience this transformation? Begin today by dedicating your creative space as holy ground. Pray over it, anoint it if you feel led, and watch how God's presence elevates both you and everything you create. Share this episode with other artists who need this perspective shift, and together, let's become that army of creatives revealing God's glory through our art.

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Are you an ENT artist—creating Every Now and Then whenever inspiration strikes? You're not alone. After mentoring artists for over 16 years, I've discovered the critical difference between those who merely dabble and those who truly thrive isn't talent—it's consistent, intentional habits.

The Core4 Focus Framework™ has transformed thousands of artists' lives, and today I'm breaking it down for you. First, Connect with God daily—not as a spiritual checkbox, but as the wellspring of your creativity. When you journal, declare biblical affirmations, and rehearse God's promises, you're establishing the foundation for everything else. As Jesus said, "Apart from me, you can do nothing."

Second, Clarify your focus each day in God's presence. Use your divine imagination as an internal artist's studio where God plants and nurtures ideas. Third, Create consistently—whether it's 15 minutes or several hours. Showing up in your studio is like raising a flag that says, "I'm ready to receive Your blessing today." Remember, inspiration often arrives after you begin, like priming an old pump.

Finally, Cultivate relationships by sharing your work regularly. Your art cannot bless others, generate income, or create impact if it remains hidden. These four habits—Connect, Clarify, Create, and Cultivate—form the ground that God can bless with increase and momentum.

One of the saddest outcomes would be reaching heaven having used only a fraction of your artistic potential. Don't let that be your story! When you partner with the Holy Spirit through intentional habits, your creativity becomes a highway for God's Kingdom to flow through your life.

Ready to transform your creative practice? Join thousands of artists receiving our free Thriving Christian Artist Weekly newsletter, or take the next step with our Foundations Course or Artist Mentoring Program. Your calling deserves your attention—because you were created to thrive!

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Find out about The Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program 

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Your story matters—every bit of it. Not just the polished highlight reels we share on social media, but the beautiful parts, the broken moments, the victories, and even the chapters we'd rather erase. God intentionally crafted you as His masterpiece, designed with purpose and a unique story He delights in.

When David wrote "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" in Psalm 139, he wasn't simply acknowledging basic human design. He was expressing awe at how intimately and intricately God created each of us. The same Creator who spoke galaxies into existence took time to weave you together with all your nuances, gifts, passions, and quirks. You are not random or accidental—you are handcrafted by the Lord with divine intention.

Many artists believe their struggles disqualify them from creating meaningful work or sharing their journey. Yet those very experiences that tried to break you often become your most powerful creative fuel. God uses all things—not just the pretty parts—to weave together a testimony of His redemptive power. When you begin sharing your authentic story through your art, something remarkable happens: the fears that once paralyzed you start giving way to freedom. Your creative expression becomes more than self-expression; it turns into a stepping stone others can walk on toward their own healing.

Ready to discover how your complete story can transform your artistic journey? Join our Foundations course where we'll help you excavate the deeper parts of your heart with the Holy Spirit, find healing in those places, and discover God's vision for your creative future. Remember: you were created to thrive.
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Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

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The paralyzing fear of sharing your artwork might be the very thing keeping you from walking in your divine calling. Whether you've felt that rush of pride when completing a piece only to immediately want to hide it away, or you've struggled with thoughts like "I'm not ready yet" or "It's not perfect," you're experiencing what countless artists battle. But what if this fear isn't actually wisdom at all?

Fear often wears the disguise of prudence, whispering seemingly reasonable hesitations that keep your art hidden. "Maybe I need to grow more first" or "This isn't the right season" might sound wise, but these thoughts frequently mask deeper insecurities rooted in the lie that "if you really knew me, you'd reject me." The truth? This voice of accusation and fear isn't from God.

Scripture offers powerful perspective through 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." The Greek word for power here is dunamis—the same root as "dynamite"—representing the explosive, transformative force that God has placed within you. This power, combined with love that compels action and a sound mind that provides spiritual focus, forms your divine equipment for overcoming artistic fear.

When you hide your art because of fear, you don't just limit your own journey; you rob the world of encountering God through your creativity. Art becomes a means of grace, a light shining, tangible evidence of things hoped for. Your creative expressions can become mountain-moving, roadblock-destroying forces in others' lives when offered to God with even a mustard seed of faith.

Take practical steps today: declare truth aloud when fear attacks, start sharing your work in small ways, and release the need for perfectionism. Remember, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." Your art matters more than you know—it's time to let it shine.

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Enroll in The Foundations Course Today at http://www.matttommeymentoring.com/foundations 

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Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

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Comparison is perhaps the most pervasive challenge facing artists today, silently eroding confidence and stealing joy from the creative process. This episode tackles this universal struggle head-on, offering both spiritual wisdom and practical strategies to break free from the comparison trap.

Drawing from Galatians 6:4-5, we explore the biblical perspective on comparison and discover a powerful truth: God has custom-designed your artistic journey unlike anyone else's. When we fall into the habit of measuring ourselves against others, we're essentially telling God that His unique design for us isn't enough. This realization alone can be transformative for artists struggling to find their place in a crowded creative landscape.

The comparison cycle is insidious—beginning with a casual scroll through social media and potentially spiraling into creative paralysis or self-doubt. I share my personal struggles with comparison throughout my artistic career and how recognizing these patterns changed everything. You'll learn four practical strategies to overcome comparison: practicing daily gratitude, limiting social media consumption, intentionally celebrating others' successes, and maintaining laser focus on your specific assignment from God.

Ready to transform your creative life by breaking free from comparison? This episode provides the roadmap. Whether you're just beginning your artistic journey or you've been creating for decades, these principles will help you embrace your God-given uniqueness and create with newfound freedom and purpose. Join our Foundations Course if you're ready to go deeper in establishing your artistic identity in Christ and finally experiencing the creative freedom you were designed to enjoy.

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Find out more about The Foundations Course at http://www.matttommeymentoring.com/foundations 

*Podcast listeners get 75% off when using the PODCAST75 coupon code.*

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Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
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Ever wonder if your artistic struggles mean you've missed God's calling? When marketing feels overwhelming, business challenges mount, and self-doubt creeps in, it's easy to question everything. I've walked this path myself—the last two years brought some of my biggest professional challenges as shifting markets and changing landscapes left me wondering if my trajectory had changed.

These tactical troubles—marketing confusion, business overwhelm, inconsistent studio time, pricing frustrations, and imposter syndrome—can feel like flashing warning signs telling us we're failing. But here's the transformative truth: your struggles don't indicate failure; they signal growth. You're learning, developing, and expanding—exactly as you should be.

Scripture offers us powerful anchors during these storms. Romans 11:29 reminds us that "God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." He hasn't changed His mind about your creative calling just because things got difficult. Galatians 6:9 encourages persistence: we will reap if we don't give up. And Philippians 1:6 assures us that God will complete the good work He started in you.

To navigate these tactical challenges while staying aligned with your divine trajectory, I offer three proven approaches: refocus your "why" daily through intentional time with God, simplify by focusing on just the next step rather than trying to solve everything simultaneously, and surround yourself with supportive community rather than struggling alone.

You aren't behind, disqualified, or forgotten. You're exactly where you need to be—in process, becoming everything God designed you to be. Don't miss our free Thriving Christian Artist Weekly newsletter for regular encouragement, tips, and featured artist stories. Subscribe now through the link in the show notes and join thousands of artists discovering how to thrive in their creative calling!

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

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The creative process isn't just something artists do on the side—it's the fundamental mechanism through which the kingdom of God operates. In this profound exploration of prophetic creativity, Matt Tommey shares revelatory insights from his 30+ years as both a professional artist and worship leader.

Matt unpacks a transformative understanding of creativity as "seeing and agreeing"—perceiving what God is doing through the Holy Spirit and aligning our hearts with that movement. This process becomes the channel through which heaven literally enters earth, whether through music, visual art, business, or any creative expression. When we grasp this principle, mountains move and lives transform.

The connection between faith and creativity emerges with startling clarity as Matt suggests replacing "faith" in scripture with "creativity." Creativity becomes the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Our creative expressions—whether songs, paintings, dance, or entrepreneurial ventures—manifest tangible evidence that what God revealed in the spiritual realm is actually real.

For those seeking to operate prophetically in their creative calling, Matt outlines the balanced approach exemplified by Bezalel in Exodus 31—being both "filled with the Spirit" and "skilled in workmanship." This dual emphasis prevents the frustration of spiritual impression without the skill to express it, while ensuring our technical proficiency remains infused with divine life.

Jesus himself modeled prophetic creativity, operating from the overflow of relationship with the Father, remaining ready to respond in any moment, and making room for supernatural manifestation in ordinary circumstances. His example challenges us to cultivate both structure and spontaneity, leaving space for those moments when the Spirit moves unexpectedly.

Ready to transform your understanding of creativity and experience the supernatural through your artistic expression? Discover how you were designed to co-create with the Holy Spirit and bring heaven to earth through the unique gifts God has placed within you.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
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Fear can paralyze Christian artists, trapping them in a destructive pendulum swing between two extremes: the fear that God won't provide financially on one side, and the fear that success will breed pride and damage their relationship with God on the other. This powerful episode tackles this common struggle head-on, offering liberating truth for creatives caught in this cycle.

Drawing from a thoughtful question submitted by a Foundations Course participant, Matt reveals how the enemy strategically uses this pendulum to keep believers stuck, perpetually swinging between scarcity mentality and success anxiety. The solution? Understanding the profound difference between fear-based religion and grace-filled relationship with the Father.

When we recognize that fear drives while the Holy Spirit invites, everything changes. Matt unpacks God's original intention for His children to walk in abundance in every area—unlimited relationship with Him, hearing His voice, walking in authority, and living aligned with His purpose. This wasn't just the design before the Fall; it's what Jesus died to restore us to.

The posture of our hearts shouldn't be fear but sonship—knowing we are redeemed children, joint heirs with Christ, and co-laborers with the Holy Spirit. As William Booth said, "I'm not waiting on a move of God, I am a move of God." When we truly embrace Jesus' words that "it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom," we realize that every blessing comes solely by His grace. This recognition transforms how we create, succeed, and live.

Ready to break free from the fear pendulum and walk confidently in your artistic calling? Click the link to join our transformational Foundations Course and discover how Kingdom thinking can revolutionize your creative journey.

ACCESS THIS 75% OFF SPECIAL HERE: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/offers/kT5pbVzo/checkout 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
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What's holding you back as a Christian artist? For many believers, the greatest barrier isn't lack of skill or opportunity—it's an internal battle between what Matt Tommey calls "sin consciousness" and "sonship consciousness."

Drawing from the transformative work happening in the Foundations course, Matt explores how our internal focus shapes everything in our lives. When we fixate on our failures, shortcomings, and perceived inadequacies, we create a world of limitation. But when we shift our focus to our identity as beloved children of God, everything changes—including our art.

Through a series of penetrating questions, Matt helps us examine whether we're living from a place of fear or freedom, duty or delight, hesitation or confidence. Are you beating yourself up because of unwanted thoughts? Do you approach God primarily with apologies rather than gratitude? Do you feel unworthy of God's blessing in your creative life? These indicators reveal whether we're truly walking in the freedom Christ purchased for us.

The good news is transformation is possible. God never leads us to condemnation—only illumination. By recognizing areas where sin consciousness has infiltrated our thinking, we can begin renewing our minds and embracing our true identity as artists in God's kingdom. This shift isn't just about feeling better—it's about experiencing lasting change that impacts every area of our lives, especially our creative expression.

Ready to experience this transformation yourself? Matt offers podcast listeners exclusive access to the Foundations course at 75% off the regular price—a nine-week journey proven to unlock the hearts of artists and build the confidence needed to thrive. Your Father delights in you and your creativity. Will you take the next step toward embracing that truth?

ACCESS THIS 75% OFF SPECIAL HERE: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/offers/kT5pbVzo/checkout 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.