Shop to the Glory of God!

I know the Bible says we are made in the image of God. (Genesis 1)  But I have often failed to see the connections.  Lately, however, I have come to recognized the personality of God.

For instance, God is creative–hence the beauty and majesty of creation.  God is a little sassy–Jesus told some Jews their father was the devil.  (John 8:44)  God enjoys a good mystery–but then again He loves to tell us what is going to happen next. Almost like we need a spoiler alert.

Right there in Genesis three God starts alluding to a time when Jesus will crush the head of Satan thousands of years later.  God tells Abram he will be the father of nations years before Abraham ever has a son.  He goes on to tell Abraham his descendant’s will be slaves in another country for 400 years.  (Genesis 15) Half-way through the Bible God uses the prophet Isaiah to spell out the death of Christ. (Is.53)  And by the end of the New Testament, He has told us what is still yet to come…a new heaven and a new earth.

So if you’re wondering why it’s hard to keep a secret…don’t worry…you’re just like your Father!!

But one of the best attributes of God is…He is an extravagant giver.

He’s the kind of God who turned the hearts of the Egyptians to give the Israelites gold, silver and clothing for their journey out of Egypt.  He’s the kind of God that had a Promise Land in mind for those who loved Him and followed His commands.  He’s the kind of God who came to save the world, heal the sick and rescue the lost.  Yet, He found time to go to a wedding.  And when it looked as if the party might have to end prematurely, He provided 120 more gallons of wine.  He’s the kind of God who uses two fish and five loaves to feed five thousand people until they were SATISFIED. He’s the kind of God who sells everything He owns just for the chance to be with us. (Exodus 12; John 2;  Matthew 14; Matthew 13)

He’s a giver.  And there is something incredibly attractive about people who are givers.  I guess because when they give, they emulate God.

That’s one of the things I love about Shelene Bryan author of Love Skip Jump.  She’s a giver.  And because she’s a giver, God is using her to live out His Word.

In her book, she chronicles her journey with Christ. She shares how God plucks her out of the comforts of Beverly Hills and leads her to some of the greatest adventures of her life.  Adventures outside her comfort-zone, but inside her heart-zone.

By chapter nine, Shelene confesses the sin in her heart–her lack of empathy for the homeless.  So, of course God directs her paths.

Her church decides to partner with a inner city ministry located in South Central Los Angeles.  Shelene is placed in charge of planning a community barbeque.  The event is to be held within 3 miles of the epicenter of the Los Angeles riots after the Rodney King verdict in 1992.  Who would think a top-tier Beverly Hills party planner would be tasked with using her skills in one of toughest socio-economic areas in California?  God would…becasue He has a great sense of humor!

Fast forward to the day of the event.  Everything is going well.  The community has come out in support of the event.  But by the end of the event, Shelene notices a few teenage girls bickering.   She approaches them to see if she can help resolve the issue.  Apparently, one girl was upset because she didn’t get the Target gift card.  Shelene decides the best way to solve the problem is to get the girl’s number and take her for a shopping spree a couple of weeks later.

And she does.  Weeks later she shows up once again and takes three girls shopping.  She used some time and money to give generously to some girls who needed to know the love of her Father.

“God knows you and knows everything about your circumstances, and He will put people in your path He wants you to impact.  God did not need my money to take care of Jessie; He is always the provider.  He wanted my heart to show love to a young girl who needed Him.”  (Love Skip Jump, pg 98)

She is right…God is always after the heart.  He’s very creative in how He gets to our hearts. But it is always about the heart and He uses whatever means are necessary.

So, to all my top-tier party planners/shoppers–party and shop to the glory of God!!!