Become More

## Embraced by God's Living Hedges\n\nImagine the ancient beauty of English hedgerows. Unlike simple barbed wire fences, these are living walls, some hundreds of years old, meticulously cultivated. Branches are trained to interweave, creating a barrier far stronger than any single plant could be. They're not just ornamental; they keep things in place and become vibrant ecosystems, providing shelter and life. Yet, like stubborn sheep, we sometimes try to push through these boundaries, getting scraped and cut, not realizing they are there for our safety and well-being. On one side, there is safety, sustenance, and a shepherd's watch; on the other, an unknown that may not be for our good.\n\nThis image offers a profound glimpse into God's presence in your life. The Psalmist writes, "O Lord, you have searched me and known me... You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me." This isn't surveillance; it's an active, intentional search, much like a parent seeking a lost child or a shepherd pursuing a stray sheep. God's knowledge of you—your triumphs, your mistakes, your deepest thoughts—comes from an active, unwavering love and concern. There is nowhere you can go where God cannot find you, and nothing you can do to make God stop loving you.\n\nGod's "hedges" in your life are not meant to restrict your joy, but to provide a secure and life-giving space. These boundaries, whether they come through spiritual wisdom, healthy relationships, or the loving support of community, are designed to keep you close to the source of light and love. When we allow ourselves to be known, both by God and by each other, we step into the strength and comfort of this divine hedge. The church, for example, is meant to be one such living hedge – a place where people miss you, reach out, and remind you of the hope you have in God.\n\n**Next Step:** Reflect on the "hedges" in your own life—the relationships, wisdom, or spiritual disciplines that keep you tethered to God's love and purpose. How might you cultivate these more intentionally, allowing them to offer strength and life?\n\n**Prayer:** Gracious God, thank you for actively searching for us and for the hedges of love you place around us. Help us to recognize your protective presence in our lives and to embrace the community that reminds us of your unfailing grace. Amen.

Ever ask your child, "What did you do at VBS today?" only to get a one-word answer like, "Nothing" or "Good"? We’ve all been there!

Welcome to the Parents Podcast for Rainforest Falls! This quick intro video explains how this daily, 5-minute companion series is designed to help you connect with your child’s VBS experience this week—without the awkward interrogation.

What is this podcast all about? Starting Monday, we’ll release a bite-sized video every day of VBS week. Each episode is designed to give you "The Inside Scoop" on what your kids actually did and learned today.

Whether you are a regular part of our church family or this is your first time connecting with us, we are so glad you’re here. No insider jargon, no performance pressure—just encouragement for your parenting journey.

👉 Subscribe to the channel and bookmark this playlist so you don't miss our daily updates starting tomorrow with Day 1!

Thanks for sharing your kids with us this week at Rainforest Falls!

From the moment of creation, before we had done anything, God declared us "very good." This profound truth speaks to the unearned, prevenient grace that surrounds us. Our inherent goodness is not a reward for our actions, but a foundational gift from a loving Creator. We are blessed not because we've earned it, but because God is good, and we are made in God's image. This grace empowers us to live as blessings in the world. When we recognize the abundance we've received, we are invited to ask, "What good can I now do with the good that I have received?" This is where our co-creative spirit and our call to stewardship intertwine. As you conclude your week, reflect on this boundless grace. How can you respond to this gift by extending kindness, offering support, or simply living with a heart full of gratitude? Step into the weekend aware of God's wild grace, letting it flow through you to bless others and all of creation.

When God entrusted humanity with dominion over creation, it was not a license for exploitation, but a sacred calling to stewardship. We are appointed as caretakers, responsible for nurturing the earth and all its inhabitants. This means actively participating in the well-being of the world God called "good" and "very good." Like a gardener tending a treasured plot, we are to work with intention, foresight, and reverence. This stewardship extends beyond the physical environment; it encompasses caring for our communities, our relationships, and even our own spiritual health. How are you being called to be a caretaker today? Perhaps it's in a mindful choice about resources, a gentle word to a neighbor, or committing to a practice that sustains your soul. May your hands and heart be guided by a spirit of grateful responsibility, honoring the Creator by cherishing all that has been given to your care, not just for today, but for generations to come.

From the very first day, God was a creator, bringing forth light, sky, land, and living things. And when humanity was formed, in God's image, we too were imbued with a unique capacity to create. We are not just inhabitants of this world; we are called to be co-creators. This isn't limited to grand artistic endeavors; it manifests in countless daily ways. Think of the relationships you nurture, the meals you prepare with care, the encouraging words you share, the solutions you craft, or the communities you help build. Each act, big or small, is an echo of God's own creative spirit. We are constantly bringing something new and good into existence. How can you intentionally engage your creative capacity today? What good can you bring forth? Whether it's a thoughtful gesture, a problem solved, or simply cultivating beauty in your surroundings, remember that your ability to create is a divine gift, making the world a more vibrant reflection of God's loving design.

After shaping the heavens and the earth, God paused, then declared, "Let us make humans in our own image, according to our likeness." This isn't merely about physical appearance, but about something far deeper: our inherent worth, our capacity for relationship, and our profound purpose. To be made in God's image is to carry a sacred imprint, a reflection of divine love, creativity, and compassion. This truth means that every person you encounter, and indeed you yourself, bears this sacred mark. It calls us to see beyond surface differences and recognize the profound dignity in one another. What does it mean for your day to live conscious of this divine image within you and within those around you? How might it reshape your interactions, your choices, or your self-perception? Embrace this identity today, knowing you are wonderfully and uniquely made, reflecting the very heart of God in the world. Let your actions echo the goodness of your Creator.

In the beginning, chaos reigned. Darkness covered the deep, until God's voice broke through, commanding, "Let there be light." And with that command, order began to emerge from the formless void, separation from confusion, and clarity from obscurity. This fundamental act of creation reveals a God who does not shy away from disorder, but instead transforms it with intention and love. Today, we often face our own moments of chaos or uncertainty. Perhaps our inner world feels cluttered, or our outward circumstances seem overwhelming. Take a moment to breathe. Consider the divine spark within you, a reflection of the Creator who brought light to the darkness. How can you, in your own sphere, invite order into disarray, or shed light on what feels unclear? Trust that the same power that spoke creation into being is at work within you, guiding you toward clarity and purpose, transforming your own landscapes from chaos to a beautiful, divinely ordered space. You are a part of this unfolding goodness.

This sermon explores the profound message of Genesis 1, likening God's creation of the universe from chaos to building a complex Lego set. It highlights God as a loving, creative force who patiently brings forth beauty from disorder, a stark contrast to violent ancient creation myths. Emphasizing humanity's unique role, we discover we are made in God's image, not just in appearance, but as "co-creators" with a sacred responsibility to be caring stewards of all creation, extending God's grace and goodness into the world.

## From Chaos to Co-Creators Think about those childhood Lego sets. You’d open the box, dump out a seemingly chaotic pile of bricks, and then carefully sort them. Piece by piece, following instructions, you’d transform that jumble into a recognizable castle or spaceship. It's amazing how something so ordered and beautiful could emerge from such a disorganized beginning. This image helps us understand the profound story of creation in Genesis 1. The scripture describes an Earth that was “complete chaos and darkness” before God began to work. Yet, with patience, care, and immense creativity, God separated light from darkness, land from water, and brought forth life in all its forms. Unlike other ancient creation stories rooted in conflict, our God created a “very good” world out of loving intention. This loving, creative God then paused on the sixth day to do something truly unique: make humanity in God's own image – the **Imago Dei**. This isn't just about how we look; it's about who we are and what we are capable of. Being made in God's image means we, too, have an innate capacity to create. We are “God's created co-creators” – building friendships, communities, art, and even simple gestures of care. With this capacity comes a sacred responsibility: stewardship. The word “dominion” in Genesis 1 is better understood as “caretakers.” Just as George Washington, a farmer at heart, revolutionized crop rotation to ensure the land could sustain future generations, we are called to care for all of God’s creation. This care extends beyond the physical Earth to our relationships, our communities, our church, and even God's Word. It's about taking the “wild grace” God has given us and asking, “What good can I now do with the good I have received?” This is prevenient grace in action, God's loving goodness already at work in us, empowering us to be blessings. ### The Practice Where in your daily life can you embrace your role as a “co-creator” or “caretaker”? Consider one specific area – perhaps a relationship, your local community, or even a small task at home – and reflect on how you can bring order, beauty, or sustained care to it this week. ### The Prayer Creator God, thank You for the grace that goes before us, making us good and capable of creation. Help us to see ourselves as Your image-bearers, called to be co-creators of good and faithful caretakers of Your amazing world, for generations to come. Amen.

When faced with conflict or unkindness, our natural inclination might be to respond in kind, or to escalate. Yet, there is a profound power in gentleness, an unexpected strength in offering grace where it's least expected. This 'gentle revolution' of love has the capacity to disarm tension, bridge misunderstandings, and transform hearts. It creates space for genuine connection, moving past the surface of conflict to see the human being underneath. Think about a situation today where you might be tempted to react defensively or harshly. Instead, consider how a gentle word, an unexpected act of kindness, or an offer of hospitality could shift the dynamic. Like a cool treat on a tense day, proactive love can soothe irritation and open the door to dialogue and reconciliation. Embrace the transformative power of being sensitive and forgiving, allowing love to become the surprising catalyst for peace in your sphere of influence.