Creation Speaks by Shawn Brown
By Shawn Brown
Creation Speaks by Shawn BrownJan 05, 2023
How To Give 100% To Work or Ministry
Colossians 3:23 NKJV
Hearing God's Word: Slow Down and Reflect On What's Right Before You
Slow down. That's the word that sunk in on my way to work. We get hurried during the day trying to get somewhere we aren't as fast as possible.
That's the realization I had on my way to work this morning as I tried to get ahead of the slow cars and get past the yellow lights. The Lord put on my heart, "Slow down." '
"Slow down" took on much more than "don't speed." We can get so caught up trying to get ahead that we miss what's right before us.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8 nkjv
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Moving Mountains: Asking, Seeking and Knocking
When you see your lack, pray.
When you feel circumstances will never change, pray.
When you feel lost and alone, pray.
When you feel like an outsider, pray.
When you feel you can't get ahead, pray.
Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking.
When you are weak, He is strong.
He is patient, and He is kind.
And always remember what luke said, "men always ought to pray and not lost heart."
Read the devotional here.
The Perfect Law of Liberty
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." James 1:17
Listen in as I reflect on a few verses in James 1.
"See the freedom of God in his sunsets-never a second like one of the foregone!-in his moons and skies-in the ever-changing solid earth!- all moving by no dead law, but in the harmony of the vital law of liberty, God’s creative perfection-all ordered from within. A divine perfection that were indeed, where was no liberty!" George MacDonald.
What is keeping you from knowing His Love?
What is Keeping you from knowing the Love of the Father?
Lay down your load and follow Jesus. Do you know the love the Father has for you?
Passages in this episode:
Matthew 16:6 "Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”
Matthew 19:17 "Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
"The disciples, forgetting who is lord of the harvests of the earth, cannot understand his word, because filled with the fear of a day’s hunger. He did not trust in God as having given; they did not trust in God as ready to give. We are like them when, in any trouble, we do not trust him." George McDonals pg. 80 Unspoken Sermons Series I, II, and III
Something Better For Us
"And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us." Hebrews 11:39, 40
Join me as I spend a few minutes reflecting on Hebrews 11.
Good Things To Come
"But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation." Hebrews 9:11
The Light of Man and a Watered Garden
Then God said...
When God speaks, mountains move, the dead are raised, and a new life begins.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ." Ephesians 2:4, 5
He takes that which is formless and void and makes beauty and life. He heals the brokenhearted and gives hope where all seems lost.
When John was in prison, he sent his disciples to go ask Jesus if He was the coming one.
Read devotion here.
How I'm Learning To Be Creative Again
God has not called us to disconnect from work and repress our natural abilities and creative desires; he calls us to be more human and expand upon what we have. We are to influence the world in our work, not the other way around, where the world impacts us.
He Will Finish The Work In Your Life
I'm excited to kick off a new series called Through the Journal. In this series, we will be going through my journal and sharing thoughts I've written down about scripture and what God is doing in my life. God is at work, and as we will discover in this episode, He will finish the work He started in you.
The following are scripture references from this devotion.
"For Zion's sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burns." Isaiah 62:1
"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6
"Then they said to Him, 'What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' Jesus answered and said to them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.'" John 6:28, 29
Psalm 13:5-6 Trusting God
Psalms 13:5-6 NKJV
Behold Our King Comes
Behold, our King comes.
"Strengthen the weak hands,
And make firm the feeble knees." Isaiah 35:3
Are you tired and weary?
Come to the living waters and drink.
Come to the living city of God.
Soon the earth will blossom, and the trees will clap their hands.
The curse will be no more.
The lame will walk, and the blink will see.
We'll run through blossoming meadows,
and dance in the city's streets.
Pain and sorrow will be wiped away.
Death and sorrow will be no more.
Behold, the King comes.
Behold, He comes quickly!
Nothing Is Lost
Nothing is lost even though you have experienced things you wish you could change. Your suffering and not having all the answers is not a lost cause when you are in Jesus. Know that loss now is fullness later. Listen as we discuss the hope we have in Christ.
"as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." 2 Corinthians 6:9-10
What A Daylily Teaches Us About Life
In my yard, I have daylilies growing. Each spring, they show off beautiful flowers. An interesting fact about daylilies is if left to themselves, they will never flourish as much as they should.
Read the devotion here.
How I Find Peace
Are you looking for peace in your life?
Peace is not the absence of problems, and peace is something we can experience when we are going through difficulties.
The scripture says, "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
Listen as we discuss this topic.
God Shows Up
There on the beach, Jesus showed up and had breakfast with the disciples.
I love the story John writes about Jesus showing up on the beach. There that early morning, the disciples were worn out from toiling all night and catching nothing, and Jesus asked, "do you have anything to eat?" They answered, "No." Then Jesus instructed them to cast the net on the other side, and they listened, and their catch was great. Then John said, "It is the Lord!" God showed up, and they had an excellent breakfast. Just ask Peter.
A City Restored and Our Hope
As believers, the hope we have is not grounded in what is happening now but is anchored in him. You may be facing difficulties beyond what you care to, but in it, you have hope. It would be easy to surrender to the cold dark chamber of fear and live under a cloud of defeat. Yet in the dark moment, though you don’t feel him, he is right there with you. Oh, that God would strengthen your weary hands.
Read more: https://creationspeaks.com/podcast/a-city-restored/
It Is Well With My Soul
Can you say, "It is well with my soul?"
What is flowing out of your life? Would you say that kindness, gentleness, forgiveness is flowing out of your life? The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Set aside that which is causing anxiety, or anger and receive the word that God has put in your heart.
Listen in as we discuss these topics.
A Life Well Lived
It's easy to sit, think and write about what you want, which is good. But know there will be friction and difficulties when you set out to reach them. Don't let that crush your dreams.
A piece of pottery or hand-turned wood products did not come with ease. There was shaping, carving and much friction to become that piece that carries a weight of glory.
So when I put down this pen, I know I'll be greeted by conflicts and decisions. Endurance and doing the hard thing will be required. A life well lived is not done on the sidelines. A life well lived is one of ups and downs. A life well lived finds a secret place, a secret place of strength.
Read more here:
https://creationspeaks.com/podcast/a-life-well-lived/
A Trail, a Field and Life In Unlikely Places
A little trail on the edge of town winds through a beautiful field teeming with life. There is much to see and experience and maybe even receive it as our own. Of course, I do not speak of a physical field in a geographic location. Perhaps this field is right outside, and you never once noticed that little trail leading into it. But today may be different, and you decide to venture off and take in the nature and abundant resources waiting for you.
I read from Ephesians 6 this morning. It was quiet. I had a good cup of coffee in hand, and the sun was fighting to make an appearance. As I sat, I thought about what Paul said regarding the work we do, we are to be sincere and to do our work as unto Christ, and when we do our work, don't do it just to be seen by man but "doing the will of God from the heart." Paul said, "whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord." Ephesians 6:6,7 Jesus said not to do your deeds to be seen by others but to do our deeds in secret and God will "reward us openly." The temptation is to do things to be seen, but the kingdom of heaven is different, much different.
How much faith do we have? When we align with the calling of Jesus, we find a better way, and I would suggest it's freeing. Jesus said that His yoke is easy and burden light. If we would give up greed, trust the Father will take care of us, and stop trying to position ourselves to be seen by men, we would be freer indeed. By the grace of God, we will. May we take His yoke upon us today. Oh Lord, change my heart.
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Use Your Voice to Be an Encourager
This world is a difficult place with many challenges we face. As the church, we should make it our mission to be an encourager. There is plenty of criticism and plenty of arguments happening, even in the church we see so much division. As believers, the writer of Hebrews writes that we should encourage one another daily.
"...but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today..." Hebrews 3:13
Being Fulfilled Our Our Work
"Your hands have made me and fashioned me;
Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments."
Psalm 119:73
Your hands made me and formed me. Give me understanding.
We can try to figure life out or look to others for answers, but we cannot answer. So may we pray, Lord, give me understanding.
We can spend a lot of time figuring out our purpose because we think we will know our identity if we know our purpose. But our identity is not what we do. Our life and identity are made complete in Jesus.
What are you putting your hope in; a job, a skill, or someone else?
Listen as we discuss this topic.
It's Time To Show Up
Do you realize you have a purpose behind what you do? Each of us has something given to us by God to share with those around us.
Did you know that extraordinary people are only ordinary people who did something with the gifts and talents God gave them? As a believer, if God is dwelling in you, then you can do extraordinary things.
Are people waiting for you to show up? Showing up has nothing to do with the number of likes you get. Showing up can be as simple as giving a cup of cold water to a child.
Listen to this podcast as we discuss our calling and stepping up with what God has given you.
The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:25
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Feeling Overwhelmed? Be of Good Courage!
"The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
The floods have lifted up their voice;
The floods lift up their waves.
The Lord on high is mightier
Than the noise of many waters,
Than the mighty waves of the sea."
Psalm 93:3,4
There is hope when you feel like your problems will overtake you, and the future looks difficult. Listen as we discuss finding courage and peace in difficult situations.
Other verses discussed: Isaiah 43:2 and Psalm 27
My Soul, Wait Silently For God - Reflections on Psalm 62
Life can have many difficulties. Sometimes it seems the trials never end like endless waves crashing on the shore. The Psalmist was in a difficult time and we get to look inside the mind of the Psalmist and how he handled this difficult situation.
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The Story Begins With Him
When Things Look Impossible: Surrender To The Goodness of God
Where Self-help Ends
When You Think Things Won’t Work Out
The Provision of the Father, Our Heart, and God's Plan For You
"For your Father Knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." Matthew 6:8
A Hope Settled In Heaven
A devotion about Psalm 119:81-88.
We want our issues to have a quick resolution, but that is not always the case. Such is the case of the writer of Psalm 119. In verses 81-88, you see the Psalmist is weary when he says, "my soul faints for your salvation" and "my eyes fail from searching your word." He wonders and prays how long until God comforts him. Are you growing weary from searching for answers?
The What Ifs and Should Haves
What kind of what-ifs and should-haves do you have rolling around in your head? Maybe things didn’t go as you hoped they would- your dreams had the life sucked out, your friendships have gone south, and finances are in shambles. It feels like death has touched everything you once loved.
The Meaning of Trees
I’m learning it’s not so much about what we can accomplish and more about receiving from Him. Jesus teaches us to pray, “give us this day our daily bread.” He did not tell us to pray for enough for today and tomorrow. Regarding tomorrow, Jesus tells us not to worry.
One evening I went for a walk. As I walked, I was thinking about the trees around me. These beautiful, magnificent healthy trees stood tall and strong. At that moment, the thing that stood out to me was thinking how you really can’t observe them growing. Only with the accumulation of days can you see evidence of the growth that’s been happening all along.
Life is like that. Some days seem slow and uneventful. We wonder what our purpose is and if there is more to the day than there is. But ordinary days is where growth happens, little by little and day by day.
Looking for More Peace In Life
Do we think about lovely things? Do we look for beauty everyday day, or do we only see what is broken? Do we always rejoice, and does joy fill our hearts?
In the same section of scripture, Paul writes not to be anxious but pray about all things. He says God’s peace, which surpasses understanding, will guard our hearts and minds. It is God who supplies our needs in the difficult moment.
It’s easy to spend so much time thinking about our life and trying to figure out everything. That, too, can lead to us being restless and frustrated. To be honest, we can’t figure out everything. God has plans that surpass our understanding. Spending countless hours stressing and figuring out life seems to be an exercise that is limited and lacking.
I do not think it’s wrong to plan and make goals, but we must understand “man plans his ways, but God directs his steps.”
Rather than being consumed by our plans, may we fill our minds with the things of God.
Prayer: Lord, I do want to think about that which is lovely, just and pure. I know I spend a lot of time thinking about my plans and ideas. I spend much time trying to figure out life and dwelling on the cares of life. I desire my days to be full. May I see your provision, and may I trust you. For it’s in you we “live, move and have our being.”
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The Thoughts We Think And How To Have Peace
Do you want more peace in your life?
Do you think about lovely things? Do you look for beauty each day, or do you only see the broken things in your life? Do you rejoice always, and does my joy fill your hearts?
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On Days and Off Days
I know there is meaning every day; I don’t always understand what that is, but things are happening behind the scenes. Are you looking for answers to your day?
Lately, I’ve been asking what the essence of the day is. Some days do fill so full and rich, while other days feel off. I suppose even the off day lead somewhere and are part of a bigger picture I don’t see.
Off days are difficult. Don’t we all want to have days we feel focused and accomplished? Unfortunately, that does not always happen.
Read the full article at CreationSpeaks.com.
What's In Your Hand and The Transition
We are dreamers, thinkers and idea generators.
When I was in grade school, my teacher said to my mom, “Shawn’s a good kid, he’s here, but he’s not here.”
I was a daydreamer exploring imaginary worlds, running through the woods, all inside my mind.
I’m still a dreamer. I spend hours exploring ideas and dreams. Maybe that’s why I enjoy writing. Writing gives me an outlet to pull the thoughts from my head and get them on paper.
I’m wondering how I’m going to transition from that thought to what I have to say. Yes, it’s all connected.
Read the full article on CreationSpeaks.com.
How I'm Learning To Find Happiness
I was flipping through my journal this morning, reflecting on a few ideas about our work, happiness, future, and our daily bread. Do I hold the future lightly, or do I tie being happy to a future outcome? The Proverb says that man plans his way, but it's God who directs his steps.
Listen as I discuss these ideas.
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Great Things Are Found In The Dark: Ask, Seek and Knock
I was thinking this morning about some of the ideas that I have. It’s actually a common occurrence writing in my journal and pondering those thoughts. What about you? Do you have ideas about your future?
Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7,8
The meaning of life is not something kept only for a few. It’s available for the asking. It may not always be what we think, but it’s open to us if we really desire the answers.
Read the full article here.
Flourish In The Day
Don’t miss what God has for you today. You need to cast those worries on the Lord that you are carrying around in your pocket. Here’s a thought I wrote about a year ago in my journal...
Read the full script on CreationSpeaks.com.
Thoughts From The Journal: Our Work
“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Ephesians 4:7
This morning I read through Ephesians 4. Take a few minutes to read through the scripture and write down what stands out to you. For me, a few themes stood out to me as I read. Those themes were:
Each believer has received grace. He has given spiritual gifts. We are called to put on the new man. Our faith should impact our conduct toward others. Our work and conduct is spiritual work.God has given each of us spiritual gifts. Those gifts differ from one another, but the intent is to bring growth to the body of Christ. Don’t be afraid to share what God has put in you.
Read the full article on CreationSpeaks.com.
A Catalyst For Change
You can be a catalyst to change in the world around us. More than ever, we need peacemakers to step up to bring healing to our communities. Are you ready? Listen as we reflect on Luke 6:27, 28 & 6:30
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you." Luke 6:27-28
"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38
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The Greatest Adventure and Overcoming Fear
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Driven By Circumstances and The Peace of God
Are we driven by our emotions and circumstances? How do we overcome and let the peace of God rule our hearts and not the things that happen to us? On a given day we can experience both good things and difficult things. Tune in as we discuss letting the peace of God rule our hearts and not the things that happen to us.
Removing The Joy Stopper
Do you want to experience joy?
Right now God is with you and his heart for you is that you would experience the fullness of joy. Joy is not for a few lucky people. Joy is not for those who do everything right. It may surprise you but joy is for you today. If you aren't experiencing joy there is a good chance that something in your past or something in your future is stifling that joy. If that's the case I have good news for you. Joy is within reach today. Listen in as we discuss how you can experience joy.
Read the transcript here.
The All Encompassing God
Your Joy Made Full
It's the Lord's heart that we have fruit in our lives and that our Joy is made full. God doesn't want you to lead a selfish fruitless life. Maybe you feel down because you realize that you have been doing things out of selfish motives to build yourself up. God has a way for you. Tune in as we discuss how God desires to bring out that which is good in your life.
The Foundation Is Love
Where is real freedom found and how do we find it? Is freedom having more money, a new job, having your own business? Tune in as we discuss where our real freedom is found.
20% Away From Happiness
We think that if we have just a little more we will be happy. If those things we think will make us happy don't then where can we find the happiness we so eagerly desire? Take a couple of minutes and listen as we discuss this topic.
The Heart Behind It
What’s your motive? Listen as I reflect on a couple of verses in 1 Thessalonians 2
The Inner Garden
How's your inner garden?
Gardens bring beauty and sustenance to those around them. A well-tended garden will bring fruits that delight the eye and nourishment to the body. On the other hand, a neglected garden will be overtaken by vines and weeds, which choke out the fruit of the garden.
Like a physical garden, we all have an inner garden. How would you describe your inner garden? Would you say it's well-tended and one that's filled with love, joy and peace? Or is your garden overrun with anxiety, confusion, anger, worry and frustration?
Our inner world will outflow into the physical world. What will that outflow be in your life? When we allow the negative to overtake our minds, our inner world begins to overflow into the real world by how we act toward others. We all have these moments, but as a good farmer, just as the garden can be tended to produce good fruit, we can have lives filled with love, joy and peace.
Listen in as we discuss having a fruitful inner garden.
Increasing Your Peace In Your Life
How do you increase peace in your life? Join me as I discuss some ideas on increasing peace in your life. You don't have to be full of anxiety, anger or fear but you can be filled with peace that comes from the Lord.
Either This or That - How To Make Decisions
You have ideas and dreams, but maybe that's all they are right now. Perhaps you are stuck trying to decide what to do when you have more than one choice? We can get paralyzed, not knowing what to do and end up doing nothing.
If that's you, check out today's episode on making decisions. I hope this encourages you to step out and do something with what God has given you.
For more, visit our website at CreationSpeaks.com.
Tomorrow's Worry Is Today's Energy Killer
Are you worn out thinking about something in the future?
The cares and worries of tomorrow will deplete our energy today if you let them. Just recently, I felt worn out thinking about something I had to do in a few days. I was already feeling tired from the day at hand and then just thinking about that future was making me feel even more tired. I noticed what I was doing and realized I don't need energy for that activity until that day.
Dealing with anxiety about some future event is something we all deal with, but how do we regain our energy now and not let the future wear us down? The scriptures instruct us how to overcome the worry of tomorrow.
In this podcast will discuss how we can overcome by reflecting on the following:
Remember God's provision for each day. He will provide for that future event when that time comes. Bring your needs to Him in prayer. Don't be anxious for anything but bring those needs to God in prayer. Trust the Lord with all your heart. As you look at the scriptures, you see how God was faithful to provide over and over again. God does the same today. Rest in His love for you and know that He will meet your needs.Take A Risk and Put Yourself Out There
Do you have an inner world of art, ideas, and dreams, but until now it's only remained in your inner world?
Each of us has something unique we can give to the world around, but it's going to require us to take a risk. If you desire to have growth in your life must take a chance and allow those ideas to see the light of day.
What Keeps us from taking a risk? Click hear to learn more.
Looking for reasons to take that risk and put your gifts out there for the world to see? Visit our website to discover more.
When Your Day Takes A Turn For The Worse
Did you start your day off in a good mood but then it took a turn for the worse? Things like getting cut off, someone is crossing you wrong at work, messing up a project or worries about the future can all cause you to worry, get angry and can throw off your day. You thought it was going to be a good day, but then all the sudden it all changed. When that happens, how do you put your day back on track? Listen in, and I hope to encourage you and offer you advice on how you can turn that day around for good.
We'll cover the following verses:
“Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes.”
Song of Solomon 2:15 NKJV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”
Galatians 5:22 NKJV
God Saves The Best For Last
Do you find yourself in a place of discouragement, and the joy you once experienced has run out? In this podcast, I discuss how God takes the common and turns it into joy.
You might feel discouraged and overlooked, yet maybe God is saving the best for last. I spend a couple of minutes discussing how Jesus turned the water into wine and how that can be an illustration of what God can do in our lives.
We serve a God of hope, and through Jesus, he can bring refreshment and joy to our souls.
“Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” John 2:10
Finding Meaning In A Socially Connected World
Are you discouraged today trying to find the meaning of your life? Are you depressed scrolling through social media and feel your life isn't as meaningful of what you see others do?
In our socially connected world, I feel we try to find validation and meaning through social media. We look for the likes and approvals of others and compare our lives to others by what we see them doing on social media.
What we do for a job or the likes on social media does not define who we are. What we see others doing on social media does not represent who they are. There is way more to our lives than the image we portray online and what others portray of themselves.
We are made for so much more, and Jesus wants to have a living fellowship with us. It's from that relationship with God we find fulfillment and purpose. A result of experiences Gods love for me will be an outflow from our lives that blesses others.
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." Jesus
Make Progress and Stop Getting Paralyzed By Decisions
Do you want to know how to make decisions? Progress comes from making good decisions yet making those choices can be daunting at times. How do you decide what path is best for you? You want to progress but you feel stuck trying to make the best decisions for your life. In this episode, we’ll discuss how to make decisions and move forward in your life. You are able to get unstuck and have success!