Are you experiencing a fire?

Friday February 24 2012

2 Timothy 2:21 “If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for His purpose.  Your life will be clean and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”

After my disastrous episode of finding the “old” clay unusable, the next year I ordered new clay so I could complete my plans.  I remembered “working” the cool, moist clay with my fingers when I was enrolled in art class and I wanted my students to have the same “hands on” opportunity. 

Many times a “treasured” piece of artistic structure created by the students, fell and broke and I thought how indicative of our lives this was.  We are so fragile and easily broken in our weak human state but if we manage to hold on to our faith, we also know that the Mighty Potter can mend us if remain pliable and the end result of allowing Him to “fix” us will strengthen our walk with God.

 

The most breakage’s occurred in the kiln, where the heat was intense, but the firing process is an important step because it gives the object strength. Then it is glazed and baked again. When the first coat of glaze is applied, it looks dull and the colors are usually quite mundane and drab but after the firing and removal from the kiln, it is completely reformed, not in shape, but in appearance, it is smooth like satin and the brilliant colors are bright and shiny and it is much stronger than before.  The firing has transformed it into a thing of beauty and strengthened it to be useful as well. It takes the entire process to make it lovely and useful.

Are you going through a “fire” today? Are you being tested in the “coals” of learning?  Remember, when the “Potter” molds you, He does it because He loves you and wants you to be beautiful and useful.  He transforms you into a new creature that will be “fully alive” and then the Master himself will use you because you will be the “vessel” that He can use.

Prayer for today: Oh! Lord, I know I have a great deal to learn and I want to be supple and ready to do what you want me to do.  When I go through the ‘fire” help me remember that you are with me and you will not give me more than I can bear.  I know I am special in your sight and you love me.  Lord, I love you and thank you for the time you are investing in me to make me more beautiful.  Help me to be a vessel you can use. In Jesus name, Amen.

He did not throw the "clay" away!!

Thursday February 23 2012

Isaiah 45:9. “Destruction is certain for those who argue with their creator. Does a clay pot ever argue with its maker?  Does the clay dispute with the one who made it, saying, “Stop!, You are doing it wrong!  Does the pot exclaim, How clumsy can you be?”

Isaiah 64:8. “And yet, Lord, you are our Father.  We are the clay, and you are the potter.  We are all formed by your hand.”

It is imperative that we become supple as new clay so the Lord can use us for His purpose.

When I was transferred to my first large school as a grade six teacher, my initial goal was to impress my Principal and colleagues with my “expertise” I just didn’t quite know in what area my strengths were.  As I was rearranging my new classroom, I found two large boxes of new clay that appeared to be unopened.  “Aha!” I thought, “I will teach my students to complete an awesome clay project and integrate it into the mandatory Greek unit for Social Studies.”  I knew there was a kiln in working order so I thought I had it made!

When the time was right, I hauled the clay out of it’s hiding place, intending to use it with the students the next day. As I started to unwrap it, I detected a stale, mildew odor coming from the treasure and then I realized the plastic wrap had holes in it that had let in too much dry air after the over watering had taken place. As I attempted to shape it, I realized it was outdated, dried out and unusable.  Someone told me it would work if I soaked it in distilled water for several days but I was out of time and my plans dictated a completed art project in a couple of days. I proceeded to disperse of the clay (in the garbage can) and wrack my brain to think of another project! So much for impressing my new staff!

I learned “old and dry clay” cannot be used to create usable objects. I realized, through this, God needed me to be supple and moldable in order for Him to be able to use me.  New clay is uncontaminated and pliable but clay that has been stored incorrectly is not usable.  It is our responsibility to make sure we are utilizable vessels for God and part of that responsibility is ensuring that we protect ourselves from becoming “stiff” and “stale” and unusable.

God also impressed upon me that He never gives up on us.  Even though there was a time in my life when I was not in the “right” place for God to use me, He did not: throw away the “clay” like I did when I thought it was useless and I was unwilling to wait for it to be restored.

Prayer for today: Father, Thank you for having patience with me and loving me through a time of rebellion.  Thank you for your grace and forgiveness.  Help me, Lord, to remain close to you, abiding in your perfect love and staying pliable and ready for your use. My desire is to be used by you and to be ready and willing for your perfect plan.  In Jesus name, Amen.

He is the potter, we are the clay:

Wednesday February 22 2012

Isaiah 29:16.  “................He is the potter and He is certainly greater than you.  You are only the jar He makes.  Should the thing that was created say to the one who made it,” “He didn’t make us?”  Does a jar ever say, “The potter who made me is stupid.”?

God created you and he has a plan for your life. When we forge ahead of God because we think we know what he wants us to accomplish, we always fail.

 

I was enrolled in an art class that had quite an extensive clay component several years ago. I have never excelled in artistic creativity but as I started to work the cool moist clay with my fingers and started forming shapes and different forms, I began to feel almost successful at molding creations that actually resembled familiar shapes. Never did I experience one telling me that I did a lousy job! 

We are like clay jars, created by God, to be used by him for whatever purpose he sees fit. We need to be ready to be used by God in His way. One way to do this is to be familiar with His word, The Bible, and to be in constant communication with Him (in prayer) so we can easily recognize His voice and calling.

Prayer for today: Father, Thank you for my life and the way you created me.  Help me to be all that I can be without complaining or coveting others. I know you love me just the way I am but Lord, I want to be ALL that I can be and only with your help is this possible. I am so glad you are a faithful God and you are willing to teach me and wait for me to become what you desire for me. In Jesus name, Amen.

Be Yourself

Tuesday February 21 2012

2 Timothy 2:20. “In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay.  The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use.

In my years as a teacher, I came to know many students and each one was unique in appearance and personality, even with identical twins, I soon learned the differences and I realized how creative God really is. Because we have been compared to clay vessels, I believe this verse confirms our diversity. Uniqueness is truly a gift to celebrate and we are to be thankful for who we are created to be. It is a “hindrance” for us to always wish we were someone else

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The prayer for today: “ Oh Lord, keep me pure so I can honour you by becoming what you created me to be.  Help me to strive to be like pure gold and silver but also to be content with who I am. Help me to remain like new clay and allow you to mold me into being someone who can be useful to you and I will give you all the glory and honour and praise!  In Jesus name, Amen.

Become more positive

Monday February 20 2012

Romans 12:12 “Be glad for all God is planning for you.  Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.”

This is easier said than done, right?

 We know this is impossible to do without the help of the Holy Spirit. 

I remember a lady at a church I went to for several years who seemed to always be thankful......for everything!  Actually it became quite exasperating at times.  I remember thinking, “”I wonder what she’s really like?” One Sunday, it had been raining for about two solid weeks and everyone was complaining about the weather.  I just happened to make a comment about the “dreary” weather to her and she came back with, “Yes, isn’t it wonderful? When God waters my garden, he waters everything.  When I water it I miss spots all the time!”  And there were several other comments she made to me that were similar. 

Finally one day I stopped competing with her and saw her for the positive person she really was.  I started to pray and ask the Lord to help me see with new eyes.  Little by little, I started to appreciate the things around me.  I heard people complaining about the weather and the government, and the price of gas and inflation but I kept on asking the Lord to help me see the positive.

 Now I am the person that everyone gets exasperated with because I have trouble seeing the negative side of things around me. That’s not to say we shouldn’t be realistic about life but to see things as Jesus might see them is a gift.  Ask the Lord to help you be a more positive person this week.

Prayer for today:  Heavenly Father, I am not a very patient person, naturally but since I have allowed you to work in me, I feel like we might be making progress.  Thank you for helping me become a more positive person.  In Jesus name, Amen.

A Sunday Read

A Weekend Read!

A Journal Entry from 2002;

My husband and I have spent the last two winters in a 28’ motor home.  After we retired, it seemed a good thing for us to try and escape the cold and snowy Alberta winters.  Considering our Canadian dollar, Victoria BC seemed like a great alternative. I have to admit I was a bit dubious about living in confined quarters for six months.  I spent time in prayer asking God if this was really what he wanted me to do!  It seemed as if there was no alternative so in September we set out to experience our first adventure in 200 sq. feet of space.

You need to know I am the type of person who requires my own space and “alone” time and my husband is even more so inclined. Needless to say, we both had concerns but we were ready for an adventure. The worst thing that could happen was maybe we would come home sooner than the spring???

By God’s grace, for that’s what it was, we had a fabulous winter.  We became better friends than ever, and we thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company.  We also learned much.  We learned, some of the things that used to seem important really weren’t and we learned to be more giving, with “alone” time and understanding each other. We learned to accept each other’s shortcomings and realized we each needed to make some changes within ourselves. 

My husband became a great cook and also cleans from time to time, mind you it only takes about 7 minutes to clean a small motor home, I learned how to dump the tanks and drive this machine. My most important lesson was to become less controlling, more submissive, and realize that it is really God who controls my life.  I also learned as long as I allow God to control my life, it goes pretty smooth and when I run ahead or lag behind, things get rough.  I learned to be more “lay-back” and not “sweat the small stuff “ (as someone has eloquently said often......)  I learned my husband is a wonderful man and we love each other very much, even though our beliefs are very different. It is possible to thoroughly enjoy each other in confined quarters.

The second winter was even better than the first. We are now accomplished RV’ers and looking forward to our next winter in the fall.

I’m not sure if it comes with age or experience but I know I am a better person when I stop trying to control every situation and really allow God to intervene in my life.  I have often asked the question, “Why did you create me this way, Lord, if it’s going to take the rest of my life to strive to be what you really want me to be?” As I allow my will to become His, I am more at peace and I daily experience new wonders and many blessings that I know I often missed before. I wonder how I can convey this message to young people today?   If only we could realize how perfect God’s will is for us and learn to accept it while we are younger, we would not waste so much time “floundering.”

Don't be afraid to be different.

Friday February 17 2012

Romans 12:2. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.”

It sounds as if Paul is recommending total submission to God here, doesn’t it?  We are a rebellious people and as such, we have a strong desire to follow our own path but we read here that we should let God transform us into a new person and actually “change” the way we think. 

This is totally adverse to what the world is teaching us today.  In our society we are told to “follow our own dream” and “claim our rights” and be “ourselves” and “don’t let anyone tell you what to do.” It is considered a weakness to be submissive in any area of life.  We have preached this to such an extent that it has affected common sense and manners. 

Many of our young people think it “not cool” to display good manners. The element of respect has all but disappeared in some of our youth.  Tolerance is the valued idea today and despite the mess our world is in, there is an evident absence of God and Biblical values taught in our homes and schools.

No! It is not considered, the “in” thing to let God tell us how we should think but that is exactly what we must do.  For it is when we are in the perfect will of God that we find how truly wonderful and pleasing and perfect his love is to us.

While God is ultimately in control, our job is to align our own will with his.  Seek to do his will, spend time with Him, communicate with him, get to know him, listen for His voice, search His word and meditate upon it, learn to live the way He intended for you to live.  We know He is a loving God because He IS love.

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, My prayer today is that you will continue to reform me to what you want me to be.  Let me be pliable so that you can work with me.  Let me be usable to you, Lord.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Bloom where you are planted

Thursday February 16 2012 

Romans 9: 20. Who are we, mere human beings, to criticize God?  Can we as creations of God say, “Why have you made me like this.?”  When a potter makes containers, he makes some for valuables and others for garbage.

Romans 9: 22  God has every right to exercise his judgment and his power but He also has the right to be patient with those who are the objects of his judgment and are fit only for destruction. 23.  He also has the right to pour out the riches of his glory upon the objects of his mercy.

We, as mere humans, have a tendency to put God in a box. We all have our own ideas of what God is like. Some think God plays with us like a puppeteer while others think God doesn’t really care about all of our problems.

 We are not in a position to ever question God about his actions. As I read more of his word, the message becomes clear that He is my creator and I am in awe of his greatness. We are not in a position to judge anyone else because God will do that and we are not in a position to complain about our existence or who we are because He is our creator and it would be insulting to him to complain about whom he created.

I encourage you to  “bloom where you are planted.” We are not always content with our situation but if we are in God’s will then it is up to him to place us where he needs us. Our unhappiness and grumbling and complaining is not conducive to his plan. Every time we accept our assignment with gratitude and thanksgiving, praising Him for walking with us, no matter our circumstances, He hears and blesses us. Life becomes an amazing adventure when we realize who is really in control. When we learn to revere God and rely on Him every minute of every day, we can face any situation with the assurance that God’s mercy is being poured out upon us.

Prayer for today: Thank you, Lord for your mercy and grace, poured out upon me this day. Help me to be content in any circumstance and refrain from complaining. Thank you for who I am and help me to be a vessel that can be used by you. I want to be available for your use, Lord. Help me to turn my experiences into an opportunity  to bring glory to your Holy name. In Jesus name, Amen. 

God shows mercy to those he wants to show mercy to.

Wednesday February 15 2012

Romans 9:17 & 18.

“For the scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, “ I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you, and so that my fame might spread throughout the earth.” 18) So you see, God shows mercy to some just because he wants to, and he chooses to make some people refuse to listen.”

Are you frustrated because you have a loved one that is not listening to you as you profess salvation and urge him/her to accept Jesus as their Saviour. If the time is not right for that person to accept the “gift” then all your talking will do no good.

 The Bible says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” It is not the “preaching” we do that brings many to know Him but the love we show, this is what enables God to be displayed in a tangible way so that others may know there is something special and different in being a child of God.

God is ultimately in control!  For our own satisfaction we want to do God’s will. “God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (1Peter 3:9) and yet here, it seems, that predestination controls all.  

Even though God is always in control, He allows us to make our own choices.  Many times we bring about our own demise by making bad choices.  Usually it is because we did not consult with God before the decision was made.

This was not God’s intention. Humanity was created in the image of God and was meant to acknowledge and consult the Creator on all things. Instead, human beings have claimed their destiny as a man made responsibility, making all decisions without consulting God.  As a result, many bad things are happening to people and everyone has questions. “How can a loving God allow these things to happen?”  We are so far removed, in this old sinful world, from what it was created for.  We have wandered so far from the “path” of created intention and many of our children are not even aware there is a Creator who  loves them.

Despite the choices of humanity, we are still created in God’s image and therefore we know He loves us, however, He chooses who receives his mercy and some of us are here just to  display His power. When we choose to follow him, we know that He is always and ultimately in control and so we don’t worry or fret because things don’t always go our way. It is an awesome comfort to realize God is in control and that he loves us no matter what.

Prayer for today: Thank-you, Lord for being in control and lavishing me with your love. You are an unchanging God and I know I can always depend on you. I want to return your love, Lord so I ask you to guide me and look to you for direction. Help me to be patient with others as you are patient with me. I love you, Lord. In Jesus name, amen.

We can not earn our way into heaven!

Tuesday February 14 2012

Ephesians 2:9. “Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”

So it doesn’t matter how hard you try to win God’s favor, it will never be enough to enter into eternity with Him.  He has already paid the whole price and all we have to do is accept him and come to him through the blood of Jesus Christ. So don’t run around trying to win a place in heaven, just “stand” and let Him forgive you and save you.

He saves us because he is a merciful God and it is only by His grace that we can be saved. We cannot take credit for our eternal life.  Can you imagine what heaven would be like if we had to earn our place there?  I fear there would be bragging and boasting and some would feel like they deserved to be on a higher level than others.  Instead, none of us really deserve to be redeemed, we are all sinners but the wonderful news is that Christ died for our sins and made atonement for us, He is the ultimate sacrifice and so our freedom from death is a free gift because God loves us just the way he created us

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My friend, take comfort in the fact that God loves you, Christ died for you and you can know the wondrous love of the Father and all the good things that He has prepared for you here and for eternity and all you have to do is accept Him.

Prayer for today: Dear Lord Jesus, You have made it so easy for me to know you and I am thankful that you love me without me trying to please you. Lord, I also know that as I grow in my spiritual walk with you, my desire is to be more Christ like and in order to do that, I want to do things that will bless you. So in my feebleness, I desire to do good things for you and I pray as I take action to please you, my faith will increase,  thereby showing others that you are a God of love and forgiveness. Help me to be active for you, Lord. In Jesus name, amen.