Vessels

Hi everyone... sorry I've been leaving you hanging a bit of late. I've been switching up my devotions some mornings. Sometimes I do more prayer. Sometimes I do devotions with Brad. Sometimes I just want to do them without a computer. While I still love writing it out, I also value being with God in different ways.

He will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. —2 Timothy 2:21

I just finished reading the Timothies recently, and I loved it... as I always do. But I love this verse that was in the ODB this morning. I actually looked up the word for 'vessel' on wordreference.com, and it had as its first definition, a tool for transporting water. That was actually the definition I liked the best. The others said something about a container, but as a transportation device I love it. We are not meant as vessels just to hold God's Holy Spirit, being holy and sanctified to ourselves. We need to be prepared for every good work... useful... 'transporting' His Spirit, His love, His holiness, His goodness to everyone. Make me a vessel today, Lord.

⁶An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. ⁷Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁸Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. ⁹He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. -Titus 1:6-9

This verse reminds me of how I have been so blessed to have many elders (although we tend to call them deacons... or often 'pillars of the church') who have supported and encouraged me through the years. Perhaps that's why I've always felt so connected to the COB. Even as a young girl, people would encourage me... call on me for certain things... and show me the ways that I should walk. Women who would come and make a huge dinner for our Thursday night kids program; youth who would help out with Vacation Bible School all week long; adults who would volunteer at service programs on the weekends; sunday school teachers; choir directors; nut roll volunteers; the list goes on and on and on. And whatever they did... they did it with a smile. I saw in a very real way that what these people did... they were doing it with all their heart, their soul and their strength for the Lord... with love and joy. And their encouragement is a very real reason for who I am today.

But my 'elders' influences haven't stopped. Just last night I got together with the Graduate Christian Fellowship, and I'm so thankful for the encouragement that each one of them provide to me. These are some of the most intelligent people I've ever met... and sometimes I feel like I don't quite fit in for that reason... but they're also amazingly devoted to our Lord. Despite the challenges of running in an academic circle and proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior, they do it. Their support meant so much to me last year... and it still does now. Lord, thank You for placing them in my life... I don't know what I would've done last year without a group like this. Help me to be an encouragement to others in the same way.

I Wanna Be Like Christ

A Disclaimer: So, I feel I should explain that I've decided to take a Sabbath break from the computer (not from my devotions... but from the computer). It's nice to have some time away from being in front of the computer all day and see the other things that need tending.

This saying was originally "I wanna be like Mike" referring to Michael Jordan, but I think Christ is much more appropriate for us.

Through the Spirit (predestined?)

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. ²⁷And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. ²⁸And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ~Romans 8:26-29

I've always loved this verse. It's a beautiful reminder that the Spirit intercedes for us (who have been called to his purpose). I know that the idea of predestination confuses a lot of people, but to me it simply recognizes God's power and omniscience. He is the beginning and the end, very literally. He can be the one who was and is and is to come. As the one who is, He is with us right now in our decisions, but the one who is to come knows what decisions we have already made (as He looks back on us through time).

Anyway, the part of this scripture I'm looking at this morning is how we are to be conformed to the likeness of His son. Lord, we do wanna be like Christ... though it's impossible... teach us to come closer and closer... just a closer walk with thee.

Through God's Work in Us (so we can't boast)

This is what the LORD says:
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,

²⁴ but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,"
declares the LORD. ~Jeremiah 9:23-24

What a beautiful verse to read this morning. I love this verse that encourages me not to boast in wisdom or strength or riches but only in the Lord. The Lord has given me whatever intelligence or abilities or material goods that I might have. In His kindness and goodness, He has given me so much. I really do delight in the Lord this morning as I count my blessings: my family who is always there for me, my friends who encourage me and lift my spirits, being able to study, my love who means so much to me... so so much more.

And not just that, but this morning I love this verse, because it encourages me. I feel so weak, so small, so unworthy of a place in ministry. There are so many things that would seem to make me unfit, but I praise God for the amazing blessing that He would choose to use even me. And I thank Him for the way He promises to work through me... so that it will all be to His glory and I can boast in Him. Change me Lord, work in me... I praise You for all that You do... that You may be seen in my life.

Through Choices (fighting the good fight)

But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. ¹¹But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. ¹²Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ~1 Timothy 6:6-12

Not just our prayers and our characters, but our life choices should also reflect our Lord, Father of all. Right now I am praying so much that God would take me and lead me. But even in my prayers, I have faith that at some point, God will use me in ministry. And all of our choices, not just the larger ones should reflect God. So many people fight about money... I think that's why Jesus talked about it so much in His time here. Instead, we are told to 'fight the good fight.' In other words, stop fighting about trivial things and fight the fight of faith! Look at what is important, don't wander from faith.

Sometimes I worry that pursuing a PhD might be selfish, because it's another 3 years with little income... and afterwards I'll still have my debt from college... but looking back on my life I know that I have been so happy and been so close to God at the times when I have had the least. I trust that He will help me to provide for a family when that time comes, that He will be in my heart, and that is the most important thing.

Advice from 1 Timothy 4: All Good Things, Youth, the Gift

³They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. ⁴For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. ⁶If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

This morning I'm especially thinking of this verse, because I feel like sometimes I personally as well as we as a society run to rules in order to make us feel safe. If we only do this, it will work. We do need to follow principles and guidelines, but thinking of something that is forbidden forgets the importance and centrality of the issue. For instance, if you are forbidden to drink... that's it. But if you choose not to drink, you can explain... it's because you think of families and situations where alcohol is a problem and think of it as a non-necessity, money which could be better spent for those who have no food... but explain that all things are good and not to be rejected. This verse, in fact, is a part of the reason that I'm not a strict vegetarian. If someone offers me something, I do receive it in thanksgiving, recognizing that they have given it as a blessing to me and to their own household... because the giver is blessed, as I am blessed for the gift.

¹¹Command and teach these things. ¹²Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

<sup>I'm so thankful this morning for my dad... who just celebrated some odd number of years, which I'll call 50, because I honestly don't remember. Maybe it's 64? Well, 50 is a nice number. He'd always take the time to answer the questions I had as a child. Doing my devotions and journaling in middle school, Dad would come in to wish me good night or sing me a goodnight song... a time that was more challenging than for many dads I'm sure. I'd ask him questions about Paul's ideas on slaves and women... on the rules of the old testament and all the wars... on why Cain's offering wasn't accepted if he was in charge of fields, not livestock. But he encouraged me and didn't look down on me in my youth. I hope to start a 'quiet time' or devotional practice with my own kids (if I have them someday)... from a very early age and to always show them... as my father does, that we need to make time every day for the Lord.

13</sup>Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. ¹⁴Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Sometimes I wonder so much about this verse. I'm praying to You, Lord, for guidance. Show me where You would have me go. I want to use my gifts to Your glory... and knowing that my church has called out gifts of ministry in me is something serious to consider. Speak to me, Jesus, and help me to devote myself to You and discern Your will for my life... because that is what I desire.

I Will Make You...

Fishers of Men...

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." ²⁰At once they left their nets and followed him.

²¹Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, ²²and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. -Matthew 4:18-22

We are all called to follow him, but if we really think about what that means... it's scary. We are called to action... immediate action. Sometimes I'm saddened by the fact that we Christians are "tomorrow" Christians. After this, or after that, I'll do this. When the truth is that for our own sake and the sake of others, the time is now. But I think some of our fear has to do with the fact that we forget Christ's promise, "I will make you fishers of men." It's not the fishers of men part that we forget, but the "I will make you" part. Most of our objections are: I don't think I can, I don't know how, how will I be good enough, what should I do.... but it's not about us, rather God working through us... making us what he needs us to be, if only we let him, if only we follow.

Able to Speak...

"Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."

⁷ But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. ⁸ Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

⁹ Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth."-Jeremiah 1:6-9

This passage from Jeremiah has always been a favorite of mine since I was very young, because I've been called upon to speak by my church quite frequently: during worship service, during Sunday School, at Christmas Eve service, at various conferences. I'm always amazed and appreciative of my church that gave me opportunities to speak as such a young child... probably around 15 the first time. But it wasn't always easy to do... especially presenting at a conference in the DR at age 21, I felt like I was only a child... how could I do this? But God puts the words in our mouths.

Lord, I thank You for using me... what a beautiful blessing. And I ask that You continue to work through me... a shy quiet girl, nothing special about me- it's easy to see Your work in my life, because it could not be me... but You who makes me Yours.

If You Look for the Good...

You Will Surely Find it.

In God's Way
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way. —Psalm 119:37

When people tell me they have no time to pray or to read the Bible each day, I'm tempted to ask them how much time they spend doing other things: running, watching tv, talking with people, surfing the internet, writing emails, etc. All these things that we chase after (and yes, I am very guilty of this) are worthless. Like the old hymn, I pray to "fix my eyes upon Jesus" so that "the things of earth may grow strangely dim."

In God's Works
¹² For this is what the LORD says:

"I will extend peace to her like a river,
and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream;
you will nurse and be carried on her arm
and dandled on her knees.

¹³ As a mother comforts her child,
so will I comfort you;
and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."

¹⁴ When you see this, your heart will rejoice
and you will flourish like grass;
the hand of the LORD will be made known to his servants,
but his fury will be shown to his foes. -Isaiah 66:12-14

We have seen the beauty of what the Lord has done for us. I have seen Him come to comfort me and teach me. I love the image of a mother comforting her child. This is one of the few texts which likens our God to a mother. Usually talked about "our Father who art in heaven," I admit I wonder how much that might be derived from a language miscommunication. Many languages have the single neutral form parents as going to the word 'padre'... which means both Father and Mother. For me, thinking of God as both Father and Mother of all creation reminds me of His majesty... reminding me that God isn't simply a human form but so much more... so much greater than I could imagine.

In God's Word
¹I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— ²for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

⁸I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

⁹I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, ¹⁰but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

¹¹A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. ¹²I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. ¹³For Adam was formed first, then Eve. ¹⁴And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. ¹⁵But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. -1 Timothy 2:1-3, 8-15

While I usually gloss over this difficult parts of scripture, I was struck by this Word this morning... remembering the context it comes from. I don't think we can read this letter without recognizing that it is a letter. A letter is addressed to someone for a specific reason. And here, verses 1-3 state the reason as being to solve a problem and restore peace to the area. The recommendations following it then are simple instructions meant regarding that certain area.

About the dress code, I remember how things were in the DR this summer. People there would see a girl in modest not tight jeans/pants and think it made them extremely attractive... which a Dominican woman in a tight short skirt did not attract any attention at all. It's all based on the society and what has been deemed attractive or appropriate. While here in the states, it might be exactly the opposite. That further suggests to me that Paul is talking to specific things that are happening in this circumstance.

About the submission, it's toomuch to go into here. Read "I Suffer Not a Woman" if you're interested in alternative readings to this passage.

Following His Voice, His Ways, His Leading

<sup>His Voice

2</sup>The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. ³The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." ⁶Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them. -John 10:2-6

His Ways

⁵ You come to the help of those who gladly do right,
who remember your ways.
But when we continued to sin against them,
you were angry.
How then can we be saved?

⁶ All of us have become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf,
and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

⁷ No one calls on your name
or strives to lay hold of you;
for you have hidden your face from us
and made us waste away because of our sins.

⁸ Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.

⁹ Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD;
do not remember our sins forever.
Oh, look upon us, we pray,
for we are all your people.

¹⁰ Your sacred cities have become a desert;
even Zion is a desert, Jerusalem a desolation.

¹¹ Our holy and glorious temple, where our fathers praised you,
has been burned with fire,
and all that we treasured lies in ruins.

¹² After all this, O LORD, will you hold yourself back?
Will you keep silent and punish us beyond measure?

<sup>His Leading

12</sup>I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. ¹³Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. ¹⁴The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord, it's a busy day... but I want to follow you through all of it. I want so much to hear Your voice. I thank You so much that I can hear You again calling me... I asked You, and You have been faithful, Lord. I'm so happy to listen to Your comforting, encouraging voice and follow. Help me to be faithful.

Help me also to follow your ways and recognize that a sinner and a mere human, I need You to change me and mold me like clay. I pray that You would still use me, like Paul, though I am the worst of sinners... that I might be able to point to Your unlimited patience.

You are amazing, Lord! Work in me... change my heart... prepare me to do Your work, Father, because that is all I want to do... to be Your servant in whatever capacity You would have me. I pray that I may be as willing as Levi to leave everything and follow You.

Take My Life... And Let It Be...

²⁴Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. ²⁶What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? ²⁷For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." -Matthew 16:24-27

The ODB this morning talks about a woman who 'lost her life' through self-sacrifice, but gained great rewards. I don't think this is quite the point of this verse. Though 'losing your life' for Christ may seem like a sacrifice at first, it is not. You gain so much more. In fact, it is only through this loss, that you can have anything at all... (I think of Paul- so that we cannot boast.)

And it does challenge me. Does 'losing my life' mean turning away from my studies? What does it mean in my life to 'deny everything'? How and where can I follow Christ, because it is what I want most... or perhaps that in and of itself is following Him... being prepared to follow Him above all is, being prepared to giving it up, wanting to follow Him most of all. Lord, teach me to follow You. Give us guidance on where You would have us go, what You would have us do.

⁶ And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD
to serve him,
to love the name of the LORD,
and to worship him,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to my covenant-

⁷ these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations."-Isaiah 56:6-7

This verse speaks of how God is gathering in more people... expanding His flock to include eunichs and foreigners. Yet, the part that I find so beautiful is in the very first part of verse 6. "...who bind themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, to love the name of the Lord, to worship Him...." What does it mean to bind myself to the Lord in a very real way? How can I best serve Him? Lord, I want to serve You... show me how and where and when. Help me to listen attentively to Your call, to recognize Your voice, and to follow whatever You say.