Inspiration

God is making us into Worthy Vessels

After one of our Day Retreats I was relaxing before bed.  I always read before cutting out the light because it helps to calm me and I usually finish with a fresh Word from the Lord.  I also write in my journal and review it for ways the Lord has spoken to me over the course of the past week.

  This particular night I had left most of my reading materials in my car so that I wouldn’t have to lug them up the stairs and then back down again the next morning.  I was in my night clothes, all tucked in, when I realized the book I had been reading was in the trunk of my car.  I didn’t want to climb out of the comfort of the bed to go out into the cold to get it or to disturb the household, so I got up and perused the book shelf in the bedroom.

  There was a little book entitled, Worthy Vessels, right there among several.  There was no pretty cover or anything that drew me to it but the Spirit encouraged me to investigate its contents.  As I opened it, I realized it was about the Potter and the Clay.  I started reading and could hardly put it down even when my eyes became heavy with sleep.

  God knew I needed to be reminded of this concept of being the clay in His hands.  He is molding us and making us into beautiful, worthy vessels so that we can be poured out for His glory.  Maybe you need to be reminded of this analogy.  I would strongly urge you to get this little book by Nell Kennedy.  It should be a must read for all Christians.  I will review it many times in the days to come just like I do so many other classics on my shelf.

  I believe God was speaking to me strongly about rest.  There is a whole chapter about the need for rest for the clay:  “Rest for the clay is extremely important.  During the rest period the air escapes from the clay and it forms a more even texture.  Rest increases the plasticity of the clay so that it will not crack during the forming of the pot.

  No potter neglects the rest period for his clay, for he knows the clay’s potential is diminished if it does not rest.  No potter hurries his clay through this step, for he knows that clay that is sufficiently rested makes the best pottery.

  One of the blights of our time is the fast pace, the speed with which we live.  Yet even a cursory look at the design of all living things, whether animals or plants, shows that their optimum development and productivity are in direct relationship to their periods of rest.  What might appear to be inactivity may be a time of rebuilding worn-out cells, reconditioning tired tissues, or producing nutrients.  For humans, rest is necessary for preparation and procreation of the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical life.

  God knows the importance of rest for His creation.  Not only did He give us a model to follow by resting on the seventh day of His creation, but He also set guidelines in the Old Testament that commanded His people----indeed, all of creation----to rest.”

  So when you make those New Year’s resolutions why not think about including periods of rest in your things to accomplish in 2012.  Many of you are weary from the struggles of life.   You need to pull aside in opportunities the Lord provides for rest in Him.  I have a plaque in my office that says, “Rest in Him and He will do it.”  He will take care of those prodigals, those issues, those problems you face, those tasks you must do.  Allow Him to pull you aside for rest periods.

  I pray that each of you has a time first thing in the morning to rest in Him.  He has a Word prepared for you that will carry you through your day or help you minister to someone else He brings your way that day.  If you don’t meet with Him first in the morning you won’t know what that Word is.  I am not talking about a lengthy time if you work or have small children but try seven minutes, then take longer periods as you can.

  I have friends who take their Bible to work and read it on their lunch break.  Whatever works for you and your schedule.  Then set aside time to get away with the Lord throughout the year for longer periods.  I love to get away by myself or with friends who respect my need for refreshment in the Word.  Make it your goal to attend a retreat with the intent of having a God Encounter.  We have many opportunities throughout the year for you to do that or you may want a personal retreat.

  I have gone up on the mountain or by the seaside or even into my office or bedroom to receive direction for myself and this ministry.  It is amazing how He speaks.  If you don’t make a plan and set a date you will find that you will come to the end of 2012 and realize you haven’t done it.  Other things have taken the place of your time with your Bride-Groom Lover.  That should not be true of us.  I always think of having that appointed time with Him and envision Him waiting for me.  He is disappointed when I don’t show up.  Not condemning, just anxious for me to stop and hear from Him about my day.  After all He knows what I will face.

A retreat is not work, it is a time for rest and reflection.  I have been to some retreats and come away exhausted.  They were filled with one activity after another.  To me a retreat is a time of rest with the anticipation of a fresh encounter with my Lord. 

  So……what will you do……it is a choice my friend.  I took periods last year but I am making a plan to do it more often in 2012.  Why don’t you plan to join us this year at a time of retreat.  If you don’t know how to seek Him, come let us teach you.  It is oh so worth it.  He has a place set aside for you.  Be obedient to His call.  He knows just what you need and He is waiting to supply it.  Are you thirsty enough?

Sandra