Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Written by Corina Díaz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Argentina

To talk about creativity, I would like us to think of two main ideas:

1. The word creativity comes from the Latin creare, which means to make something new, to shape something or to produce it.

2. We have a Creator God (creative), who created the universe and everything in it (Gen. 1)

These ideas are combined in that we have a creative God and we were created in His image and likeness, so we are creative beings, each one to a different extent according to the gifts we have received.

We don't need to be great designers or architects to think about creativity in a broader way, we just need to be filled with the Spirit of God to manifest what God has done in us.

Let's look at an example of this:
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you.”
(Ex. 31:1-6)

Bezalel and Aholiab were endowed with the skill of craftsmen, and above all with creative ability in the work of God, they used this talent for the kingdom of God. Have you ever wondered what your most creative way and gift is? How could you place it in the service of God?

In chapter 36 of Exodus, I want to highlight verse 2:
"Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work."

Do you feel impelled in the work of God? Don't worry if you don't know how, if this is your prayer, I can assure you that God is already working on this!

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #Creator #creativity #gifts #talents #guestwriter #blog

Written by Michelle J. Goff, Founder and Director of Iron Rose Sister Ministries

“I never realized that God gave me my love for decorating as a reflection of His attention to detail and decorating, like in the temple and the curtains.”

A sister in Houston shared this revelation after a lesson I presented exploring the significance of the extravagant and huge curtain that hung between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies in the temple. A handbreadth thick when it was torn at Jesus’ death on the cross, for God, it was more like a simple rip of a piece of thin paper.

Our God is Mighty. Our God is Merciful. Our God is Spirit. And our God is Creator.
Created in His image (Gen. 1:27), when we dwell in His Spirit and live as He has designed us to live, we can be mighty, merciful, Spirit-filled, and creative!

The fruit of the Spirit does not list creativity as a facet of His fruit (Gal. 5:22-23), yet I want you to take a moment and reflect on a time in which your creativity flowed in a way that could only be described as “inspired.” Where did that inspiration come from?

Makoto Fujimura, in his book Art and Faith: A Theology of Making, proposes that one of the most divine ways for non-believers to be introduced to God is through the arts. As Maker, God made us to make. As Creator, He created us to create. It is in that moment of creative making that we can build an in-depth connection with our Creator through His Spirit. Are we open to that? Do we recognize that opportunity?

Artists or “creatives” are more than just painters or sculptures. Some artists are culinary. Others are good with their hands and have a good eye for things like a seamstress or women who can “up-cycle” recycled items to design beautiful constructs.

My medium is words—a monologue, a poem, a Bible study, a lesson, a conversation, a song, or an expression. However, the best words have been creatively crafted by inspiration of the Holy Spirit and are not my own.

Bezalel and Oholiab (Ex. 31) were gifted in all kinds of craftsmanship. Kathy makes jewelry, Juana makes soaps, and Jocelynn makes lasagnas. Wendy creates websites, Molly creates spreadsheets, and Teresa creates connections. Jennifer designs curriculum, Mandy writes songs, and Pam gifts crocheted items. My sister, Chrys, creates vegan versions of recipes and shares them with others.

Every single woman listed delights in her craft and shares the fruit of her handiwork with others. When our creative gifts and passions are used in Kingdom contexts, we are filled with even more joy.

How have you been gifted to create? How can your creations be used to give God glory?

#IronRoseSister #HIStories #Creator #creativity #createdtocreate #artandfaith #gifts #talents #MichelleJGoff #blog