The Potter

Have you ever watched a potter work with a lump of clay? It's amazing how the clay begins to take on a familar shape in the hands of a craftsman. However, if the clay develops a crack, or some other imperfection, the potter must start over and make something new. (Jeremiah 18:4)
God, the creator of the universe, desires to mold and shape us into a vessel that pleases Him as well. However, when we develope an imperfection, He must break us down in order to form something new. Sometimes, that can be a painful experience and we begin to question why?

The prophet Isaiah records this warning about questioning Gods' work in our lives, "Thus says the Lord to His anointed, Woe to him who strives with his Maker! Shall the clay say to him who forms it, "What are you Making?" (Isaiah 45:9) This is clear instruction that we should not question why, but begin to focus on the work being done in our lives by the Potter so we can fulfill His purposes on earth.

The Truth
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:24)

Let Your Light Shine

We have all, at one time or another, “gone with the flow,” as opposed to standing up to the crowd? Giving away a piece of our convictions, to be a part of something we would not normally do, brings hypocrisy into our walk. Paul tells us in Romans, “not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” (Romans 12:2)

He goes on to say that by renewing our minds (through the Word) we will then, “prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” This allows us to; behave more Christ like, remain free from hypocrisy, avoid the appearance of evil and gives power to our walk. As Christians, we are constantly being observed by the world to see if we, “walk the talk.” Therefore what we do, becomes more powerful than what we say.

The Truth
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Merciful God

Have you ever found yourself in the position of desiring a little mercy? I know I have. Whether it is a warning instead of a ticket, extra time to complete an assignment or time off to deal with a personal tragedy, we could all use a little mercy at times. Mercy is getting what we do not deserve and is administered out of compassion. While enforcing the letter of the law is delivering what we deserve, administered in the name of justice.

Jesus Himself spoke of mercy in Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.” This scripture indicates that mercy has a reciprocal effect. We will obtain mercy to the extent that we give it. Furthermore, James warns us that, “judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13) Knowing this, we would all be well advised to be less proud and show more mercy.

Thanks be to God, for His mercies towards us, who has not administered to us what we deserve, but has shown His patience and longsuffering with our lives.

The Truth
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 136)