Finding Divine Inspiration: Working With the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity

by J. Scott McElroy

"This book has challenged me to develop a more listen-to-the-inspiration-of-the-Holy Spirit-lifestyle." -Eric Poland, Emmy Award-Winning Producer "With God's direction and inspiration the arts can be one of the most powerful tools the church has for opening hearts to the Spirit's voice." -Dr. Marus Warner, President, Deeper Walk International Collaborate With God! God will speak to humanity in as many ways as His people are willing to hear. If you are willing, there are ways to convey God's word that you may have never imagined. Listen beyond the ordinary, and you will express the extraordinary! God wants to infuse a transforming wave of divinely inspired creativity into the culture and the church through His willing partners. Finding Divine Inspiration is full of practical steps and exciting biblical, historical, and current examples to help you collaborate with the Great Creator in your life and work. Includes Exclusive Interviews God wants to include you in an amazing creative collaboration to bring His messages to the world in unique ways- unleashing your true creative potential!

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Christian, Creative

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2008

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle for this book is “Working with the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity”. It delivers. This is also not just for artists, although a bunch of artists are the ones who recommended it to me. This book is not just for musicians or writers either. This book is for everyone. It is my personal belief that everyone has something that they either do or can do in a creative manner. Even if it’s problem solving in a corporate office—you need creative solutions to do that!

The other reason why I think this book is for everyone is because it’s another one of those Christian books that has a topic all right but it’s really all about how to live the Christian life. This will be one of my rare 5 star book reviews.

To read the rest of my review please visit my blog:
http://www.cherylcope.com/finding-div...

[LOVEROFBOOKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I underlined much of this book for its good points and helpful tips on collaborating fully with the Holy Spirit in my creativity. I had never even heard about a subject like this but was very drawn to this book and now I know why.

McElroy shows us how much better and stronger our creative pursuits (and indeed lives) will be when we invite the Holy Spirit in to partner with us. He shows us scripture about how God collaborated with others in the Bible too. Most of all, our art/creative outcomes, once anointed by God will touch and/or heal others, many others, than if we did not partner with Him.

A handy question and answer section in the back is helpful too. Loved this book!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished a small group with Scott McElroy, the author, as our leader and it was a fabulous 13 week journey. I learned how to think about creating my art while including God as my collaborator. God has given me this great gift and I should be in connection and prayer with him before I start any real artwork or life event. Scott includes many interviews with other Christian artists and has a wonderful way of making you think about your own art as something that can be attained through a deeper relationship with the ultimate creator,God, himself. Highly recommend because it makes you think about your specific talent which could be dance,writing,music,etc.

[Jamie Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a creative, or someone who wishes to be creative (in all honesty, the first thing we learn about God is that he created the heavens & the earth, and since everyone is made in the image of God, that means we're all creative, no matter what our medium is - so everyone), you need to read this book. It makes you see the creative process in a whole new light & press in to the collaboration with the Holy Spirit you were meant to pursue!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I followed its guidelines and had seen God working through my writing. God was also talking through this one!!

[debbie-anne Hogarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really insightful, and helpful view of being a creative, allowing the Holy spirit to work through and within you.

[Ruth Ropper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book a very practical book on how to develop your creativity with God by listening to the Holy Spirit and being guided in whatever your chosen field of creativity is. I would recommend it to anyone who was wanting to explore their spiritual creativity.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally enjoyed this book. As an artist ~ a painter ~ this was a book I heard about from a lady in a Christian artist group at our church. She recommended it, and I decided to give it go, since I've been wanting to take my art to new level, and find more meaning in the content of my work. The author is very contemporary and has many good thoughts and philosophies about Christian artists living in a turbulent world, and how to approach ones art, be it visual arts, performing arts, music, commercial art, or whatever, in the light of serving God and his plan for the world as revealed in Scripture. So, as you see, there are many complex and spiritually focused directives involved in this read, but as a Christian and an artist, I found it to be a good meditation guide, helping me focus on being true to myself when I approach my painting. I found some good information that I can use in my personal journey and felt it was a worthwhile and inspiring book. Perhaps not for everyone, but if you are seeking divine inspiration for your artistic endeavors, you might like to read it.

[T]

I have not read this book, but I must admit that a book that states that it gives "practical" steps to creativity makes me cringe. Sounds a bit counter-productive to me. Isn't the goal of being reinchanted with creativity to escape the practical, the expected, and the conventional? I never want a book whose mission it is to inspire me creatively to use the word "practical." If I am missing out on a good read because of this, by all means encourage me and persuade me otherwise.

[Mindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Martha]

Wonderful book on how to collaborate with God in the creative process.