Good morning on this good Monday. I’m glad we can begin this week together in the Pastor’s Workshop!
Our current series is called “Begin with Basics”. Our premise is: “When you start right, things go better. And when things go better, you can finish well”. The Scriptural foundation for this series comes from Genesis 1.
Our first message focused on the very beginning of all things – “In the beginning, God…” (Genesis 1:1). We celebrated how when you begin all things with God, you’re starting in the best way possible. That’s true whether it’s the day, the week, the month, or the school year. We saw how we can start these with prayer (for the day), worship (for the week), Communion (for the month) or Blessing of the Backpacks (for the school year). In each case as you start out with Jesus Christ, things will go better and you will finish well. This message was called “Starting Right”.
Our second message highlighted how every crisis holds a challenge to get creative. We noted how “being creative” is who we are as a people of faith. We have a creative and creating God, “In the beginning, God created …” (Genesis 1:1). As part of God’s good creation God made us in God’s image, giving us the capacity to create. We can exercise that gift and get creative by asking open-ended Kingdom questions and following where God leads. This sermon was entitled “Get Creative”.
Our third message, the message for this week, guides us in using our creativity. When we get creative, we “shine a light”. In the beginning God created Light. In Jesus Christ, the Light became incarnate (took on flesh) as the Light of Life. In you and I the Light gets reflected through good works that glorify God. The title for message is “Shine a Light”.
Our texts for this week will be Genesis 1:1-3, John 1:6-9, and Matthew 5:14-16. They are just a few of the many beautiful scriptures inviting us to “walk in the light”.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, 2 the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. Genesis 1:1-3
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:6-9
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
As you know on Monday we spend time saturating ourselves with the Scriptures. We read and re-read, and write and re-write the three texts above. We use several translations (see Biblegateway.com). We paraphrase these Scriptures in our own words. We want to internalize the message of the Scripture as much as possible.
As you read and write, what are the words and phrases, the ideas and images that capture your attention and inspire your imagination? Take note of these. The Spirit is bringing them forward to you for use in your message. Don’t let them “get away”. Write them down!
Since it’s Monday I don’t want to keep you too long. You (and I) need to get to work.
Blessings on all you do today, both in the Workshop and in whatever places of witness where God takes you. Make sure you “Shine a Light”! And I’ll see you tomorrow in the Pastor’s Workshop.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for the beginning of this new day and the blessing of this new week. Thank You that You are in these new beginnings, ready to create in love and calling us to join You in that blessing. Thank You that we can exercise our creativity by shining a light of Your goodness into the hearts and lives of others. By Your Spirit strengthen us for that witness as we start into all before us in the name of Jesus Christ our Light and our Lord.