Jesus said that we are to be the salt of the earth. But as Pastor Glenn Swank of Barnegat Bay Assembly of God recently taught his congregation, if you dump the whole salt shaker on one bite, you ruin the steak. So God sprinkles the salt, disburses his kids, his salt, like dandelion seeds propelled by the breeze, to add his flavor, his presence in many situations.
As you walk the rows of tents at certain arts and crafts festivals, you may encounter some salt when you stop at the arched tent with a sign reading, “Lampworked Art Glass by Jim Spaloss”. It may be the gleam of the glass dancing in the sunlight that draws your eye to the sparkling beads and sculptures. But you may well get more than you bargained for when you pick up the gold-streaked, pink glory bead, or run your fingers over the raised droplets on the glistening dew drop bead. You may get a story about how God’s glory shows up in ordinary people, just like clear glass turns pink when fumed with 22 karat gold; or about refreshing dew that does not evaporate in the heat of the day; or about an artist who worships God as he sculpts glass. You may get a word of encouragement. You may receive a prayer for your insomnia or your upcoming back surgery. You may even get a hug from someone who five minutes earlier was a stranger to you.
Any or all of these treasures you may receive at this salt-filled artist’s booth, whether or not you make a purchase. The sign reads, “art glass”, but hope is dispensed here. Come, buy and eat, you who have no money. Come feast on Jesus, for “the one who feeds on me will live because of me”. John 7:57
Thanks to my friend, Cerity for sharing on Facebook about the recent teaching by Pastor Glenn, and for my friend, Pastor Glenn sharing what God placed on his heart to feed his flock this past Sunday.
ReplyDeleteOh, I do like this entry a lot and it makes me smile to think of you and Jimmy (and to see you in my mind's eye) being Jesus to people who come to your area. I know you bring God's love to those you touch.
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