June 16, 2012 ~ The Lord, our Potter

But now, O Lord, You are our Father,

We are the clay, and You our potter;

And all of us are the work of Your hand.

Isaiah 64:8

Thoughts~

Sometimes I just don’t recognize myself with all the molding, chiseling and forming that the Lord is doing on this “clay” spirit of mine. Where is the old me and what did He do with her?

Currently I am experiencing a time of waiting as I wait for Him to reveal some specific plans to me. Waiting has never been easy but it seems I am far better off in enjoying the wait rather than fighting it. There is an art to waiting, and I find it is best to continue doing whatever it is I am doing, knowing He has heard my prayer for direction, and that He will reveal it at the perfect time. In the meantime, I continue on with my day to day life, anticipating the next bit of clay being added to my vessel.

When God has a plan for me (for all of us) He refines us so He can use us in other people’s lives. He uses us as a vessel to bring Jesus, joy, hope, encouragement, healing, blessings and so many other things to people in need. We are His pliable clay and He will mold us just right for the job we have to do for Him. His intention is never just to make us look pretty; we are used for His purposes. And we are all so unique, just like the immense variety of clay pots that are found in garden nurseries.

Over the past few years my clay formation has looked more like this rough clay pot in my opinion: layer upon layer of building me up, changing things, creating in me a desire to serve Him no matter where, no matter how, and no matter when. Adding handles that He uses to carry me to new paths and purposes. I actually like it and feel a tinge of excited hope constantly, sensing that He is about to say “Surprise! Here we go, Becky.”

Whatever the surprise may be, it is God’s doing.  I am the clay, He is my potter, He has the plans and I will wait to be turned into His vessel of choice.

Action~

I wanted to share this beautiful painting and a poem that I love with you.  I hope you enjoy both.

The painting is by Ron DiCianni and he sells prints on the internet. His web site is: http://www.tapestryproductions.com/originalartwork/artist/rondicianni/theclay.php

Clay In The Potter's Hand

There is One who always knew me
Shaping my heart within His hand
Reaching out to hold me
Helping me to stand.

Living waters pour over and over
To soften this vessel of clay
That I may better serve Him
In the mission fields each day.

I am The Potter's work
Set upon His wheel
Teaching me His Ways
In how to care and love another.

Our Father reached out to me
The Spirit of Peace I feel
Etching His truths across my heart
As I sing upon His wheel.

The Potter is not quite through
There's more work on me to do
Holy waters still gently pour
Upon my soul-
Now being
restored.

Julie Pisacane © 2006

Pray~

Dear Father, thank You for molding me with a special purpose in mind. Thank You for being my Potter.

Trusting in Him,

Becky

Listen to the Potter's Hand by Hillsong

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June 15, 2012 ~ Put Others First

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.

Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

not looking to your own interests but each of you

to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:3-4

Thoughts~

At the end of my day, after a whirlwind of activity and interactions, I felt I was not really being heard as I talked to a friend on the phone. It seemed that what I was saying just wasn’t capturing my friend’s attention because she so much wanted to talk about her day and her issues. But before I allowed a pity party to come on, I reminded myself of this wonderful life changing verse. I call it the unselfish verse because that is what Paul is telling us: put others before ourselves. Only God can give us the grace to do this because as humans, we tend to want the attention. Humility is such a gift from the Holy Spirit and I ask for it every day, to learn how to be humble.  It does not come naturally to me. But is sure came naturally to my role model: Jesus. He listened to hearts, not just words.

Like anyone, I want my time to talk, but sometimes I must give up my time slot and allow others to take center stage. Some people are lonely, unsure of themselves and maybe they even have a deep need for extra attention so I’ve found that they need to talk more than I do.

After sharing something that is really important to me tonight, I stopped for a response and my friend gave me a totally inappropriate answer and fumbled around so much I could tell she only heard a few words that I had said. This happens often and to be honest, there are times I want to say “did you really hear what I just said” but I know that would cause a rift and so I let it go. Because my role model would have.

To me, Paul is wisely sharing his heart as he advises us to “value others above yourselves” for he knows that is what love is all about: thinking of the other person and not ourselves. Hard as it is, the Holy Spirit can teach us how to do this. And we find giving love is better than receiving it after all.

Action~

Even if you aren’t a memorizer, write this verse out on a few cards or print the image. Place one in your car to reflect on while you’re driving, one on your refrigerator, and one by the phone or wherever you hang out a lot. I have one in my shower in a baggie here it sticks to the wall. I need to be reminded that God wants me to give up my desire to be heard and learn to hear others more intently.  By listening deeply, we are able to hear clues for the hurts and struggles that others are experiencing and we can offer encouragement and prayers.

Pray~

Lord, I know You always hear every single word I say and know every unspoken thought.  Thank You for being there for me. And thank You for teaching me humility and the skill of listening and putting others before myself.

Trusting in Him,

Becky

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