Creativity

Even being “Boring” can make the message memorable!

God is Creator, which means His creativity knows no limits. One of the ways I love seeing His creativity on display is in the ways His love story is communicated to humanity. The prophets used some highly creative and sometimes startling ways to get God’s message across. But I especially like how Jesus communicated the message of the Kingdom of God to His audience.

He used…

  • Seeds and sheep
  • Farmers and friends who needed a late-night snack
  • Lost coins and lost sons
  • Grapes and goats
  • Pearls and prodigals
  • Stuffy judges and smart bride’s maids
  • Bridegrooms and buildings
  • Banquets and bread
  • Servants and silver coins

He told people who had gotten locked into an inaccurate interpretation of Scripture, “You have heard it said…but I tell you” just to get their attention.

These simple, everyday, common items reminded people of the eternal message. The objects didn’t become the message, but just a way to remind and reinforce the biblical truth Jesus was sharing.

That’s why I use poker chips … Lego pieces … plastic eggs … bookmarkers … flip-flop key chains … aluminum tabs from pop cans … glow sticks … and even name tags to creatively tell the Creator’s love story in a memorable way.

How are you using God’s creativity to tell His story?

Encouraging Presence

Have you ever been down in the dumps? Ever been discouraged or blue? Have you ever felt like no one gets you? In those moments, have you asked God for encouragement?

The Apostle Paul was feeling a little down, and he asked God to send him encouragement. God answered this way

But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.

Paul says in the next verse, Titus’ presence was a joy.

This word for encourage simply means showing up for a friend. Do you realize you could be a huge source of encouragement to someone just by showing up?

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” —Walter Winchell

Who needs you to just show up by their side today? Just by showing up, you could be the answer to someone’s desperate prayer for encouragement.

Go, be there for a friend!

Still Glowing

I’m so proud of our team from Calvary Assembly of God who helped Light The Night last night in downtown Cedar Springs. In fact, they lit it up so bright, I’m still glowing!

Here are just a couple of pictures to give you a little feel for the festivities (more pictures are on Flickr here). We had a huge inflatable slide, some great games with prizes, and lots and lots of yummy treats—candy, fresh-made popcorn, cotton candy, donut holes, apple cider, and more candy!

God gave us such favor with our location on Main Street right across the street from City Hall, and He gave us great weather too. Prayerfully a whole bunch of people in Cedar Springs saw that we know how to have a good time.

We were the light of Jesus in our community last night. May we continue to shine just as brightly for the next 365 nights, as we’ve already been invited to be back next Halloween. Yea, God!

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