Sunday, July 26, 2009

Stepping Stones: What Is In Your Vessel?

Transformational Tip
A banner add came across my screen yesterday as I was using the internet; "10 ways to be happier in 2 minutes or less." Wow, what a deal. I would really like to know how many people clicked onto that add in search of the quick-hit happiness.
Why is happiness so fleeting? When we do find it...why does it leave us so quickly? Scripture tells us that God created us as earthen vessels; but I believe I am such a leaky container that I can never really get filled and stay filled; I need to be filled over and over again.
While we are earthen vessels, God designed us to fill our vessel with heavenly content...to fill our vessels with Him.
Where do you go to "fill-up?" What do you put in your vessel?
Today, remain in the presence of Your God. He is anxious and ready to fill you with His Glory-gifts. But this takes time...do not rush this process. Do not rush in and grab cheap sale items in the bin in the front of the store and make a quick exit. Go to the back of the store where the valuable items that take more commitment to "buy" are kept and patiently pursue quality that lasts. Stay with Him awhile today and experience the awesome privilege of communing with Your Lord and King.

Prayer
Dear Father God,
Without You my emptiness is profound. I know that I am an earthen vessel...and a leaky one at that. I need to be filled and refilled with You my Father. Please fill me with Your love, joy and peace. Because Your gifts leak out of me, I need your continual presence...I need You endlessly for renewal.
I have been empty for so long Father...for as long as I can remember. I always knew that I was a leaky vessel. I saw myself as a defect...a mistake. But I rejoice in the awareness that I am not a mistake...that this is exactly how You made me...to keep me looking at You, coming to You for renewal. Thank You Father. All praise and glory be to You.
I pray father that You also fill me with Your Holy Spirit...the most precious treasure of all. Fill me with Your holy scripture. As You fill me with Your gifts, let Your beautiful light shine through me like a Lighthouse to other people's lives. Let me do Your work today Lord, in ways that I don't even understand. I pray in need and through Jesus Christ - AMEN!

The Truth
However, we possess this precious treasure (the divine light of the Gospel) in (frail, human) vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:7
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven
Matthew 5:16