Jesus Makes a Difference Everyday

Sunday morning retuning: “The Lord is enough for me” It was easy to say on Sunday morning, but how about since then? I am praying that you will experience the truth of that as you walk one step behind Jesus today. Thanks for reading.

That is our theme for VBS (Vacation Bible School) this week. I really enjoy this week every year, not only because it is a different schedule and routine for me (and I like different), but mostly because I get to be taught some truths I thought I already knew from a different perspective, that of a child. And I also love being infused with the contagious energy that working with several hundred kids brings.

There is an interesting dimension to the opening and particularly closing sessions this year. A common element of drama has been modified to include a very tangible, practical lesson for the kids. That lesson is that we can and should bring everything to Jesus.

There is a cross set up on the sanctuary floor where it can be easily accessed by the kids. Four of the five days of VBS, during the closing session, the kids will bring something to the cross. The first day it was sticky notes with words or a picture representing something for which they are thankful: gratitude. The second day, today, it was a band-aid with someway they help someone around them: compassion. Tomorrow they will bring rocks representing a sin they need to confess: forgiveness. And the last day a gift bow representing using our gifts to serve our world in Jesus’ name: gifts.

Each day the kids come to the cross. I wish you all could be there and see each day as hundreds of kids bring these things to Jesus. It is teaching them our theme for the week: “Jesus makes a difference everyday.” When we bring our gratitude to the cross, to Jesus, He makes a difference in us. When we bring our compassion to Jesus, difference. Sins, difference. Gifts, difference. We can bring everything to Jesus. We should be bringing everything to Jesus. How are you doing at practicing this simple truth?

You may be wondering about the other day. On one day the kids will take a small jewel home with them. It is meant to remind them of the great treasure of God’s grace. Jesus gives us that and we get to keep it. What a wonderful way to teach that God’s grace is a gift to us, and that we should accept and cherish it accordingly. How are you doing at treasuring this gift?

These are some pretty simple questions, but the way you answer them are truly life-changing. The way the kids answer them tells whether they are allowing Jesus to make a difference in their lives today, and the same goes for me and you.

Jesus, make a difference in me today. Turn me inside-out and upside down. Draw me closer to You, Lord.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy