VESSELS

“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”  (2 Timothy 2:20-21)

I have different sizes of vessels in my home. Some short, some tall, big and small. Each serves a different purpose and some hold more content than others. All the vessels are not located in one spot. Depending on the character of the vessel, it’s placed where I feel I want it to be.

Each one of us has a vessel. What is your vessel holding? When was the last time you checked your vessel and asked the L-RD Jesus to cleanse your vessel. …..“Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive.”

Asking G-d to forgive us daily is important. He gives us “grace and new mercies” each day that He wakes us up. I want to be a vessel that He can use, that He can trust. I want the vessel He gave me to honor Him. Not just in my prayer time or when I’m praising His Name, but in ALL things.  I want a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness.

Recently, I had an appendectomy and thought the recovery would be an easy one, but it wasn’t. I experienced excruciating pain for days followed by many days of discomfort. Even as the tears would fall as my muscles were trying to get back in place, I thanked G-d for life, health and what little strength I had. My vessel was recovering and couldn’t perform the duties as before. I had to wait. I had to REST and during that recovery time, I asked G-d what lesson I am to take from this episode. His response? ‘Slow down’.

If we don’t take care of the vessel He gave us, we will wear down quicker without fulfilling our assignment. After many uses of some vessels, they appear to have tiny little cracks or veins in the texture that it was made from. We are no different. We must take care of our vessels and give them the nourishment that they require (i.e., fresh fruit, vegetables, water, etc.) and move the body (exercise).

“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”    (2 Corinthians 4:16 – NIV)

My daily prayer is for G-d to renew His Spirit within me so I can be the vessel He is calling for and to complete the assignments He has given to me. When you are in pain, not feeling well or discouragement comes knocking at your door, take heart and be encouraged by this verse of scripture.

“Sing praise to the L-RD, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His Holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” (emphasis mine) - Psalm 30:4-5 – (NKJV)

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