Jesus gives us hope.
Jesus gives us courage.
Jesus gives us direction.
Jesus gives us love.
Jesus gives us His power.
As VBS is known for, the songs are catchy and by the fourth day you find them playing inside your head.
(Unfortunately, I only know a few words from each song so the same phrase keep playing, "Light it up! Light up the world.")
One of the neatest things about VBS this year is something that is called "God sightings."
At the end of the VBS day we all get back together and the kids tell of God sightings they had since the day before. After a few sightings are shared, a little candle is put on the cross.
And since the kids know it will be asked the next day, they keep a look out for God.
What is a God sighting?
A time, a place, a moment when you see God present.
How do you know God is present? Here are a few verses to guide you:
"Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow." James 1:17
"the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9
Is there anything or anyone good in your life? That and they are a gift from God. That's a God sighting.
Have you experienced love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness or self-control in yourself or from others? Those are straight from the Spirit. That's a God sighting.
Do you have tasks to do each day? Do you have good work to be part of where you bless others and benefit your world? That's a God sighting.
Have you ever been forgiven? That's a God sighting.
And if we realize something is a God sighting, we can then say, "Hey, thanks God." Or "Thank you Abba Father." "Thank you Jesus."
God's not picky how you thank Him. But it is a very good thing to have a thankful heart.
Psychology Today says, "Studies show that we can deliberately cultivate gratitude, and can increase our well-being and happiness by doing so. In addition, gratefulness—and especially expression of it to others—is associated with increased energy, optimism, and empathy."
So, how about you? What's your God sighting today?