• The Flow of Co-Creating with God in Your Art

    ISSUE #032

    Have you ever wondered what it actually looks like to co-create with God, not just dedicate your art to Him, but truly sense His presence leading you as you create? I used to think of my art as something I did for God. But over time, I realized He was inviting me to do it with Him. That shift changed everything. My studio became more than a workspace—it became a sanctuary where Heaven and earth meet.

    This week, we’re exploring what I call “The Flow of Co-Creation”—five simple steps that help you move from striving to abiding: Intimacy, Revelation, Agreement, Response, and Incarnation. My prayer is that as you read this, you’ll feel a fresh awareness of His presence in your creative process. May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.

    Cheering you on,
    Matt Tommey

    PS – Don’t miss all the great artist mentoring resources we have available for you. Click here to find out more.


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    Capturing God’s Glory Through the Lens

    This week, meet Randall Evans, a fine art photographer from Kentucky whose breathtaking landscapes reflect the peace and presence of God in creation. From misty ridges to ocean waves, Randall’s camera reveals the wonder of the Creator’s design—reminding us that beauty itself is a form of divine invitation to slow down, look closer, and worship. READ MORE

    CONNECT

    Scripture: “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”John 15:4–5 (NIV)

    Everything meaningful in your creative life flows out of intimacy with God. Before you pick up a brush, step behind a camera, or sit at your easel, pause and remember—He’s already there. You don’t have to invite Him to your studio; He lives in you. As you abide in His presence, creative ideas flow like living water, and fear gives way to freedom.

    Prayer:
    Lord, thank You for being the Vine that sustains my creativity. I yield to Your Spirit today—teach me to listen, flow, and trust as we create together. Let every mark, color, and form be a reflection of Your heart through my hands.
    In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Action Step:
    Before every creative session this week, pause for one minute of stillness. Breathe deeply and say aloud, “Holy Spirit, I yield to You.” Watch how the atmosphere shifts as you acknowledge His presence.


    CLARIFY

    When it comes to your creative journey, alignment always precedes acceleration. Many artists struggle because they separate their “studio life” from their “spiritual life.” But in the Kingdom, there’s no divide—your creativity is part of your worship. God wants to flow through your art, not just bless it from afar.

    Take a few minutes to clarify what co-creating with God looks like for you this week. Where might you need to say yes to His nudges instead of letting fear or perfectionism take over? Remember, faith says “yes” even when the outcome is unclear.

    Action Step:
    In your journal or sketchbook, write down one creative idea or project you sense God inviting you into—but you’ve hesitated on. Circle it, pray over it, and take one small step of obedience this week.


    CREATE

    Co-creation isn’t just spiritual—it’s deeply practical. Exodus 31 describes Bezalel as being “filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts.” That’s what it looks like to be both filled and skilled. Excellence isn’t about perfection—it’s about partnership.

    Create in an atmosphere that welcomes God’s movement. Put on worship music, light a candle, or hang Scripture near your workspace. Keep a sketchbook nearby for divine ideas and impressions. As you grow in both skill and sensitivity, your creative process becomes a living collaboration with the Creator.

    Action Step:
    Dedicate a corner of your home or studio as your “sacred creative space.” Keep it clean, inspiring, and ready. When you enter, whisper, “This is our space, Lord—let’s create together.”


    CULTIVATE

    The final stage of co-creation is incarnation—when your ideas and God’s inspiration take tangible form. Every painting, sculpture, or design you make becomes a vessel for His glory—a table of encounter where others can experience His presence through your work.

    Your art doesn’t have to preach to carry His message. The Spirit within you naturally flows through your colors, textures, and themes. Release what you create, trusting God to use it in ways you may never see.

    Action Step:
    This week, share one completed artwork—online or in person—and tell a brief story about how God met you during the process. You never know whose heart He might touch through your obedience.


    The Core4 Focus Planner™

    A 90-Day Undated Planner to Help You Stay Focused, Grow Spiritually, and Make Measurable Progress in Your Art

    “This planner is my “tool of intentionality” and sits next to my Bible and journal. It’s also the perfect size to hang on to as a way to go back and celebrate the work that I’ve done. Thanks so much!” – Debby


    WATCH & LISTEN

    Episode: 5 Steps to Creating Your Art with God

    LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

    LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

    This week’s episode dives deep into the five steps of co-creating with God: Intimacy, Revelation, Agreement, Response, and Incarnation. Matt shares how learning to assume connection with the Holy Spirit transforms the way you create—no more striving, no more fear, just flow.

    Hear how God wants to partner with you daily in your art, turning your studio into a sanctuary and your work into an encounter for others.

    Key Takeaway:
    You’re not creating for God—you’re creating with Him. When you embrace that truth, your art becomes a doorway for His presence to touch the world.


    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    If you’ve ever wished you could get real-time, Spirit-led guidance from me—on creativity, business, or faith—you’re going to love UncleMatt.ai.

    This new AI-powered tool helps artists clarify vision, overcome fear, renew their minds, and stay spiritually grounded while pursuing their art. It’s not replacing the Holy Spirit—it’s pointing you back to Him. Think of it as your creative coach, biblical encourager, and business advisor all in one place—available 24/7.

    👉 Try UncleMatt.ai today and start receiving Holy Spirit–centered guidance as you create, plan, and grow.


    WORSHIP

    There’s something powerful that happens when Heaven touches earth—when the wind of the Spirit meets the fire of our devotion. “Where Wind Meets Fire” captures that sacred collision perfectly. It’s a song about awakening, co-laboring, and staying in step with the Holy Spirit.

    As you listen this week, let the lyrics draw you back to that place of holy surrender and divine partnership. Just like in the studio, this is where creativity and presence meet—where your yes becomes the spark God breathes on.



    Apply to Be a Featured Artist

    Would you like to be considered for one of our artist features? We love sharing the work from our friends around the world who create unique, beautiful and inspired art, regardless of creative medium. And just a reminder, your work does NOT have to be overtly faith-based to be considered. Interested? Just complete this application: https://forms.gle/vmtyk6wg3hSuUAhi9

    Resources for Christian Artists

    If you’re ready to grow as an artist in your faith, art and even business, then check out these affordable resources for artists just like you.

  • Your Voice Carries Healing – Spiritually and Physically

    ISSUE #009

    Hey my friend! Have you ever noticed how much better you feel after worshiping, praying out loud, or just letting your creativity flow without judgment? There’s a reason for that—and it’s not just spiritual.

    It turns out, God wired your body with a built-in system of healing called the vagus nerve, and activating it is one of the simplest ways to calm your mind and body. Singing, praying aloud, creating—these aren’t just nice things to do. They’re transformational tools, both spiritually and physically.

    This week, I want to help you connect the dots between your creative calling and your God-designed nervous system. Psalm 59:16 reminds us to “sing of Your power… and shout for joy in the morning”—because joy, peace, and healing are released when we open our mouths and engage with God’s presence. Whether you’re in a high moment or fighting through heaviness, your voice is a weapon and a healing balm. Don’t let the enemy keep you silent—lift your voice and watch peace flood your studio.

    I’m cheering you on always!

    In His love and creativity,
    Matt Tommey

    Click the button to subscribe for free to The Weekly and get an email reminder every Wednesday so you never miss an issue. 


    CONNECT

    Activate Peace by Using Your Voice

    “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.” — Psalm 59:16 NLT

    God didn’t design you to suffer in silence. He designed your body to respond to worship. Speaking God’s Word aloud, singing in the Spirit, and declaring truth over your creative process actually stimulates the vagus nerve—bringing peace to your nervous system. It’s how faith and science beautifully collide.

    Prayer:
    Lord, thank You for the gift of my voice. Help me use it to declare Your truth, sing Your praises, and partner with You in my creative process. Fill my space with Your presence and bring healing to my spirit, soul, and body as I lift up Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

    Action Step:
    Start and end each studio session this week by declaring Psalm 59:16 aloud. Let your voice set the spiritual tone in your space.


    CLARIFY

    Focus Your Heart and Hands for the Week

    With everything pulling at your attention, clarity is a gift you have to cultivate intentionally. Instead of letting your day run you, take a moment to pause and ask the Lord, “What’s my focus this week in the studio?” Is it starting something new, finishing a long-standing piece, reaching out to a collector, or simply creating in peace?

    Clarity doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from alignment. When you start your week with God, He’ll help you focus on the right thing, not just the next thing.

    Focus Prompt:
    What’s one specific action God is leading me to focus on creatively this week?

    Action Step:
    Write your focus at the top of your planner or post it in your studio. Example: “This week, I will complete the background layers for my newest painting while staying in a posture of worship and trust.”

    Let that clarity guide your decisions, your schedule, and your energy.


    CREATE

    Making Art is Medicine

    Did you know just 45 minutes of creative activity lowers cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone? And that’s true even if you don’t consider yourself “an artist.” Creating taps into your God-given design and brings healing from the inside out.

    Creative Insight:
    Your time in the studio isn’t a luxury—it’s part of God’s prescription for your well-being.

    Studio Action Step:
    Set a timer for 45 minutes this week and let yourself create freely without overthinking. Let your art be a response to God’s presence—not a performance.


    CULTIVATE

    Use Your Voice to Connect Authentically

    When you share your art publicly, your voice is just as important as the visual. What you say about your work, your process, and your journey can invite others into deeper connection—not just with you, but with the Lord.

    Marketing Tip:
    Record a short voice memo or video explaining the heart behind a piece you’re sharing this week. Post it alongside the art to increase engagement and connection.

    Weekly Outreach Idea:
    Message 2–3 followers or collectors with a personal voice note thanking them for their encouragement. Watch how your authenticity opens doors.


    TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

    Tool: Voice Memos App (iPhone) or similar audio recorder

    Tip: Use your smartphone’s voice recording app to capture spontaneous prayers, declarations, or worship songs during your creative time. These moments of Spirit-led expression can later bring encouragement, clarity, and healing.

    Action Step:
    This week, take 5–10 minutes at the start or end of your creative time to record yourself speaking God’s Word over your journey. Play it back later to reinforce truth and remember what God is doing.

    👉 Learn how to use Voice Memos on iPhone


    LISTEN

    This Week’s Episode: How Worship & Creativity Heal Your Nervous System

    Have you ever wondered why you feel physically better after worshiping or creating? In this episode, I explore the vagus nerve—the biological pathway that connects worship and creativity to peace in your body. From Acts 16 to scientific studies, we’re seeing that God’s design for your voice and creativity is more than spiritual—it’s therapeutic.

    Key Takeaway: Worship, declaration, and creativity all activate your body’s healing mechanisms. Your voice is more powerful than you think.

    Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at
    matttommeymentoring.com/podcast


    WATCH

    This week’s worship recommendation is a powerful declaration song that aligns perfectly with our focus. “I Speak Jesus” by Charity Gayle is a bold anthem that reminds us of the authority and healing power in the name of Jesus. As you sing or listen, remember—your voice carries Heaven’s authority. Speak His name over your studio, your family, your creativity, and your mind.

    🎶 “Your name is power, Your name is healing, Your name is life.”


    FEATURED ARTIST: Mark Ford

    A New Beginning on the Canvas and in Christ
    📍 Website

    For Mark Ford, the journey back to art wasn’t just a career pivot—it was a spiritual awakening. His rediscovery of painting coincided with a powerful move of God in his life, and since then, every brushstroke has become an act of worship.

    Mark grew up along the coast, surrounded by the rhythms of tides, the beauty of seabirds, and the peaceful presence of marine life. Today, he brings those scenes to life through acrylic coastal paintings on canvas, capturing the essence of the shoreline he loves so much.

    Art has always been close to Mark’s heart. “My mother was an artist with an impressive career,” he shares. “She introduced me to painting early on, and unlike my brothers, I was hooked.” His life has always been woven with creativity—from touring the country with his musically inclined family to working hands-on in the construction world. But when a construction-related health limitation forced him to stop working, Mark turned his attention back to art—and back to God.

    That turning point was sparked by a gift from his daughter: Unlocking the Heart of the Artist by Matt Tommey. “The book was fantastic,” he recalls. “It gave me the inspiration and clarity I needed to start a real relationship with God.” And that relationship quickly became personal. “One night, God spoke to me in a dream. I saw a full-color sunrise over my favorite coastal spot, and He told me to paint it and name it A New Beginning.” Mark obeyed, and it marked the beginning of a Spirit-led creative journey.

    Since then, Mark has experienced God’s grace and inspiration in his studio again and again. One special moment came when he felt led to paint a prophetic piece for his niece, who was struggling through law school. “God told me she needed something beautiful to remind her of her strength and support. I painted a group of ibis in the surf at Miami Beach and gave it to her.” She wept when she received it—and today, she’s a successful attorney. “Thank you, God!” Mark says with gratitude.

    His spiritual rhythm is grounded in daily prayer and showing up in the studio consistently. His encouragement to others?
    🙏 “Pray and worship God. Ask for His help, clean out the trash in your head, and LISTEN.”

    Whether he’s painting waves, birds, or sunrise scenes, Mark Ford continues to create from a place of trust and obedience—sharing beauty, peace, and the presence of God with every piece.


    Apply to Be a Featured Artist

    Would you like to be considered for one of our artist features? We love sharing the work from our friends around the world who create unique, beautiful and inspired art, regardless of creative medium. And just a reminder, your work does NOT have to be overtly faith-based to be considered. Interested? Just complete this application: https://forms.gle/vmtyk6wg3hSuUAhi9

    Resources for Christian Artists

    If you’re ready to grow as an artist in your faith, art and even business, then check out these affordable resources for artists just like you.

  • How Artist Mentorship Accelerates Creative Growth and Skill Development

    My friend, have you ever felt like there’s so much more inside you—so much untapped creative potential—but you just can’t seem to break through to that next level on your own?

    That feeling isn’t just your imagination. It’s a divine nudge, a holy whisper that you were created for more. And you’re right—solo journeys can only take us so far.

    “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” – Proverbs 11:14

    God designed us to grow together, to learn from one another, and to be sharpened like iron sharpens iron. That’s exactly why artist mentorship isn’t just helpful—it’s transformational for your creative growth.

    How Mentorship Fast-Tracks Your Artistic Development

    1. It Creates Sacred Focus for Your Creative Vision

    When you’re trying to develop as an artist on your own, it’s easy to get pulled in a dozen different directions. Today’s watercolor tutorial. Tomorrow’s acrylic workshop. Next week’s exploration into mixed media.

    While exploration certainly has its place, there’s tremendous power in focused development that comes through mentorship. Inside Created to Thrive, we help you:

    • Clarify your unique artistic voice and vision
    • Limit your artistic palette to develop mastery rather than scattered progress
    • Create a personalized developmental roadmap that builds on your strengths
    • Focus your creative energy where God is leading you specifically

    As Wendy, one of our Created to Thrive members, shares: “Through this mentoring program’s teachings, I’ve been able to refine my style and hone my skills while feeling deeply supported. It’s honestly ‘the best’ and has been a constant source of inspiration.”

    2. It Provides Expert Eyes on Your Creative Journey

    One of the greatest challenges for developing artists is the inability to accurately see ourselves and our work. We’re either too critical or not critical enough. We miss both our greatest strengths and our blind spots.

    A mentor provides the invaluable gift of experienced perspective—eyes that have traveled the road before you and can see what you cannot:

    • Identifying your unique creative strengths that you might be overlooking
    • Spotting technical issues before they become habitual
    • Recognizing when you’re playing it safe versus taking inspired risks
    • Guiding you to push beyond your comfort zone at the right pace

    In our weekly Live Q&A sessions and Expert Hours, we provide personalized feedback that accelerates your growth far beyond what tutorials alone could ever accomplish.

    3. It Aligns Your Creativity with Your Divine Design

    This is where secular mentorship and Kingdom-minded mentorship dramatically diverge. True creative acceleration happens when your artistic growth aligns with who God created you to be.

    Inside Created to Thrive, we help you:

    • Discover how your unique spiritual gifts manifest in your creative expression
    • Learn to create from a place of Spirit-led connection rather than striving
    • Overcome the mindsets and lies that have limited your creative capacity
    • Embrace your authentic voice rather than imitating others

    As Maria from Texas experienced: “Within months I got out of debt, created passive income, stopped self-sabotaging. A year later I have a great monthly membership course and a cool gallery representing me.”

    4. It Provides Proven Frameworks for Creative Mastery

    Rather than the randomness of YouTube tutorials or the overwhelm of conflicting advice, quality mentorship offers clear, tested frameworks for development.

    In the Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program, we’ve organized over 240 video and written resources into 5 strategic modules covering:

    • Heart & Mind: Renewing your thinking and aligning with God’s truth
    • Art: Developing technical skills and your unique creative voice
    • Brand: Crafting your authentic artistic identity and message
    • Business: Building sustainable systems for thriving financially
    • Life: Creating harmony between your art, faith, and daily living

    These frameworks provide the structure and sequence that turns sporadic improvement into consistent mastery.

    5. It Accelerates Learning Through Community Wisdom

    There’s a special kind of acceleration that happens when you’re surrounded by other artists on similar journeys. The collective wisdom, shared experiences, and mutual encouragement create an environment where growth happens naturally.

    Inside Created to Thrive, you’ll experience:

    • Case studies from artists who’ve overcome the same challenges you face
    • Backstage Pass interviews that pull back the curtain on success stories
    • Monthly BizChats and CommunityChats for peer learning and support
    • A private community forum where questions get answered quickly

    This community aspect isn’t just encouraging—it’s exponentially growth-producing, as you learn not only from your own journey but from dozens of others simultaneously.

    The Transformation Available to You

    Picture yourself one year from now—creating work with greater technical skill, deeper spiritual connection, and authentic expression that truly reflects who God made you to be.

    Imagine looking back and seeing how far you’ve come, not through random efforts, but through intentional, guided growth alongside a community that cheers you on.

    As Rachel, one of our members who was previously rejected from art school shares: “My growth accelerated and my life transformed through the mentoring program.”

    My friend, this kind of accelerated creative development isn’t just for “special” artists. It’s available to anyone willing to invest in their growth. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. In fact, you weren’t designed to.

    Are you ready to experience the difference that Kingdom-minded mentorship can make in your creative development? The Created to Thrive Artist Mentorship Program is ready to welcome you into a journey of transformation.

    [Get Started Today for Just $14!]

    Frequently Asked Questions About Artist Mentorship

    How quickly will I see improvement in my creative skills? Many artists begin to notice shifts in their creativity within the first few weeks of joining the program. This often starts with mindset changes that unlock new creative possibilities, followed by technical improvements as you apply the frameworks and feedback. As testimonials show, some members experience significant breakthroughs within just 2-3 months of consistent engagement.

    What if I work in an unusual medium or my artistic style is different? Created to Thrive welcomes artists of all mediums—painters, sculptors, fiber artists, photographers, mixed media artists, and more. The principles of artistic development apply across disciplines, and our diverse community means you’ll likely connect with others working in similar mediums. The focus is on helping you develop YOUR unique artistic voice, not conforming to any particular style.

    How does spiritual growth connect to artistic development? In the Kingdom, your spiritual growth and artistic development aren’t separate journeys—they’re intimately connected. As you align your identity with God’s truth and learn to create from a place of rest rather than striving, you’ll discover new creative freedom. Many artists find that healing from past wounds and renewing their minds according to Scripture removes blocks that were limiting their artistic expression.

    I’m not a full-time artist. Is this program still for me? Absolutely! Many of our members are part-time artists balancing their creative calling with other responsibilities. The program is designed to meet you where you are and help you grow from that point—whether you’re creating a few hours a week or working toward full-time art making. The structure allows you to progress at your own pace while still implementing transformational principles.

    Explore More About Artist Mentorship Benefits