Rhythms of Renewal OBS Week 5 — Create

Create helps us build the Kingdom, grow the Church, and make us more like Him. ~ Rebekah Lyons

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. — Ephesians 2:10

The blank page.

Sometimes it stares back at me with a little snicker. And even a wink.

Let me tell you a secret. Before I can write, I have to be well-rested, fed, and filled up with the Holy Spirit and decaf or Perrier. If not, I get caught up in the “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” cycle. I’ll remember that there’s a load of laundry to do, the bedsheets to change, the dishwasher to empty, the car to vacuum and wash, that call to make, bills to pay, plants to water, books to return to the library, dinner to prep, and the garage to organize. I may even get desperately avoidance-oriented enough to iron! Then, once I’ve gotten over myself and remembered that it’s not about my gifts but it’s about what the Lord will do as I cooperate with Him, the ideas begin to hum and rumble.

God did not design us to create on our own. Instead He invites us to create with Him and take care of His Creation. ~ Rebekah

Creativity takes rest, calm headspace, and a spirit of offering unto the Lord. That’s when the truth pours out. That’s when art becomes poignant and thought-provoking. It’s when notes become the melody you can’t shake. That’s when the text pops off the page and touches the heart. I have to remember that it’s not me mud-wrestling words on the keyboard, but it’s through Jesus. And the same goes for you, too. It’s in Jesus!

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. — Ephesians 2:10

How awesome is it that He prepared what we would create in advance! When we step out bravely to try something new that we’re called to do, God is already in it! He’s already done the prep work.

We’re all so uniquely creative! Eric is a professor of Old Testament but writes futuristic sci-fi that my brain, nor yours, could ever dream up. Kristy hit 50 and wanted to try something new so she took a night class on mosaics and now she has a thriving business and a whole new career creating mosaic art of Jesus. Katy is a teacher, but brings home the bacon making wedding and specialty cakes almost too most gorgeous to eat but too unbelievably delicious not to! Brian was a producer and manager in the music industry until he switched gears to pursue his passion of modern oil painting.

And all you accountants, computer coders, electricians, receptionists, caretakers and really, anyone with more traditional jobs — you’re all incredibly talented and unique in ways God has gifted you too! Create is not just about artistic pursuits. It’s about your God-given abilities and gifts.

God never calls us to anything that doesn’t require all of Him. If we’re killing it in life and we don’t really need God, there’s a strong chance that we’re not in the center of His will. ~ Rebekah

This life is really all about Jesus. All for Jesus. Everything we have is a gift from Him so everything we do can be an offering to Him.

For me some of that “all in” living has included wild turns I never expected such as serving my family in homeschooling for fourteen years when I expected to be out in the work force. Adopting after having my heart broken through two failed adoptions. Choosing to get pregnant again after two brutally challenging pregnancies and two miscarriages. Adopting a final time from Ethiopia. Writing prose and poetry and crafting ideas for a stage play someday in the future. Following the Lord into a whole new life working at HarperCollins Christian Publishing at the absolutely perfect time. And, looking forward to new adventures at 49+ in the winding road He continues to lead me on!

However He calls us to create, whatever gift He calls us to offer the world, He is still saying, “This is My vision… that I entrust to you to steward because I’ve given you everything you’re going to need to fulfill it. Through Me.”

God already has prepared in advance what your creativity is going to produce. And, it’s for His glory!

Go on and create! If you are stalling because whatever your blank page is winking at you… wink back!

This week in your study:

1. Watch the video for session five on our study home page. Take notes in your study guide on pages 95-99 and then please come join the conversation with our OBS community afterward!
2. Go through the discussion with your group or on your own on pages 100-103.
3. Read Part 4 of Rhythms of Renewal.
4. Grab your Bible and enjoy your personal study this week on pages 105-112.
5. Join the conversations about the study and get to know fellow participants in the private Facebook group!

Scriptures this Week

Genesis 1
Ephesians 2:10
Romans 12:6
Genesis 2:15
Exodus 35:10-15
John 1:12
Psalm 103:12
2 Timothy 1:7

Prayer for the Week

Jesus, we love You. Thank You, God, that You made us all so different and creative and quirky! Thank You that You have given us unique gifts to offer the world for Your glory. Help us to not get distracted by everything that can wear us out and bog us down, and to enter into brave creativity for You. May our lives honor and glorify You! We love You, Lord. Amen.