Based on “Potter’s Field” by Mike and Pam Rozell; 3/17-18/12,
Message #GS82; Daily Devotional #6 - “New Vessels”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3:3-8) These verses remind us that we have not always been the kind, loving, holy people that we are today. Not too many years ago we were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy; we were hated, and hated one another. We would like to forget those days, but how can we cherish the peace that passes understanding, if we can’t remember the garment of heaviness? How can we treasure the joy of the Lord, if we can’t remember the sadness of separation? Plus, remembering “the old days” helps us to give grace to folks who still haven’t found the Light. By sharing our testimonies, we help them to see that we haven’t always been so kind, loving and holy. That old useless, hard lump of clay we once were has become a new, useful vessel in the Creator’s hand.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Our friends and family can see that we were not saved by the righteous things we have done, but because of His great mercy. We can point out that He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, in spite of our evil behavior. We, the one time criminals, drug users, free love believers and downright nasty citizens of the world are now the Children of God, yielding as clay to the Potter. He fashions us into vessels of beauty and honor according to His plan. Praise God for His grand restorative work in our lives and His unconditional love for us. Otherwise, we would still be trying to make “brownie points” with God by doing good deeds. My, my, my, look what the Lord has done!
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Remembering where we’ve come from, and appreciating where we are now, also helps us to encourage one another to remain obedient and faithful. By encouraging one another that obedience and faithfulness are excellent and profitable for everyone, we can remain committed to Jesus Christ and His Word. We must not judge a brother or sister in Christ if they are discouraged or if they have given into temptation. Contrarily, we should give them great grace and restore them gently, just as Jesus does with us. (Galatians 6:1) Remember that we are to be a loving, graceful family, filled with the character and forgiveness of our Lord, and that the marred pot can be reshaped into a beautiful, useful vessel in the Lord’s hand.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Isaiah 64; Psalm 95:3-5
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Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.