God in Us

I John 4:7 DEAR friends, let us love one another, because love is from God and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

But there's more...

I John 4:9-10 God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His 'One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him'. Love consists in this: Not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the 'propitiation for our sins.'

It's not just love. It has to be the kind of love that can only come from God. 

And folks, I do not have that in me without the Holy Spirit in me. I have to lean on Him daily for provision to help me love the unlovely. Because I too am frequently unlovely. Hey, I'm not being overly humble, so are you, Sunshine.

But this is God in us. When something is beyond human comprehension or obvious personal gain, then it can only be attributed to God working in and through us.

So, when I...

...forgive without restitution or apology, I show forth God in me.

...do something without being asked, simply because it is the right thing to do, then I show forth God in me.

...do every single task whether great or small to the very best of my ability, I show forth God in me.

...give even when it hurts, I show forth God in me.

...turn the other cheek, I show forth God in me.

...avoid gossip and backbiting, I show forth God in me.

...tell the truth even if it costs me something, I show forth God in me.

...apply myself with a single-mindedness to excellence, I show forth God in me.

...extend a friendly hand to a new person in my sphere of influence, I show forth God in me.

...let go of petty things and cling to the promises of God, I show forth God in me.

...remember that Obedience to God is always the most important thing, I show forth God in me.

Lessons from VBS

Vacation Bible School Lessons:

1.) People want to be involved at your church in real, practical work. You have to let them be useful. They want to volunteer and work and be engaged. Now let them. Tell everyone yes and give him/her a job.

2.) Never underestimate the power of vomit to clear a room.

3.) If a child tells you he/she has to pee, believe it. Every time. Even if it's a drill you can never be too safe.

4.) Not all hot dogs are created equal.

5.) Teaching the new VBS music is a young person's game. I'm not kidding. It's like aerobics for 2 1/2 hours a night.

6.) I thank God every single day He didn't call me into elementary or preschool ministry.

That is all.