Consider the Vessel

Consider these things -- a crystal goblet, a teapot, a baby bottle, a garden hose, a drain pipe -- what do they have in common? Each one is a container -not meant for storage but for transferring. Whatever passes through them leaves a deposit.

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
2 Tim 2:19-21

We are vessels - containers. What we take into our spirit and give out to others is our choice. Will we be vessels of honor - used to transfer God's peace and joy, used to share His goodness and the truth of His Word? That which we allow to flow through us will leave a deposit on us. If we think on things that are negative and produce fear or anger or resentment - that is what will flow through us. If our mind is filled with the Word of God and His wonderful promises - that is what we will pour out to others. What comes out of a 'vessel' is what is stored inside. A pot filled with sour milk will not pour out oil, a pipe coated with mud cannot supply fresh water.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Phil 4:8

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Servants who Lead

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:11

Are you hoping - praying to be used by God? Are you already aware that God has called you to one of these? The next verse says:

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:12

For one to be a good leader - one must first, have the heart of a servant. God's highest calling is to be a servant, as His Son was a servant. As we reach out to others we can be His hands drying a tear, His arms drawing someone near, His voice speaking encouragement and love. Each one is given a special gift. One may reach out in compassion, one may speak in wisdom and knowledge, another may pray with passion, and others will impart understanding. We are - each one of us - different from the others. We must recognize that difference, appreciated that difference and welcome the difference. The Lord has created His body to be interdependent. We serve each other and - in serving - we lead. Celebrate the differences and learn from the 'specialists'! Give to others from your special gift. Don't hide it, give it away. In giving it away to others it will grow. We only become good at the special gift Father has given us by using it.

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Surprise Attack

~ Persecution is not the
manifestation of another person's hate for you.
It's a manifestation of Satan's fear of you ~

I received an email from someone who had read recently been subjected to attacks that - naturally - caused pain. The hurt was made greater because the attacks came through other "Christians". Often these experiences take us completely by surprise. We expect it from the 'others' - but are devastated when it comes from someone we trusted.
The enemy is always ready to manipulate a situation, a feeling a misunderstanding - his purpose is to kill, steal and to destroy God's people - that is his agenda! (John10:10) Be vigilant and be aware. We will not always agree - but - we have been given the commandment to "Love one another". I must examine my own feelings and reactions. It is easy to walk in love in the good times. When the attacks come - that is where my love is tested! I want to be able to show His love in every situation - whether I am being encouraged or whether I am being opposed - in agreement and in disagreement. The question I must ask myself - "Are the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, acceptable in your site, oh Lord?" (Ps.19:14)