FOUR things I've (re)learned this year...

You've heard it said, that "God is the potter and we are the clay."  Have you ever tried to imagine what that looks like?  I've taken some sculpture classes in college and it is a bit of work creating the human form.  It's messy, takes great strength and a gentle touch.  There's carving tools that scrape and pull clay which removes portions and then you can add clobbs of clay if an area needs some more mass.  Then there comes the firing in the kiln. 

This last year has been a testing and refining time for me.  I am the clay and God is the potter.  We often wonder, why do I have to go through these tough times?  What purpose do we need to suffer?  It is to refine us and shape us into the image of Christ - if we are willing to accept that purpose.  Yes, some - who do not seek God in his word or by prayer often grow bitter and even blame God for the hardships in life, but God is love and his purposes are true and righteous.  So even as I wait and am tested I know without a doubt that God has the best in mind for me.  Not the best as the worldly would say best - not with money and fame and power and riches, but with the riches that are in Christ; love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, self-control and most of all the salvation of our souls in Christ Jesus!  These riches can never be taken away from those who are in Christ.  Can you imagine possessing such great treasures as these?!  In Christ, we inherit these things and more because we are adopted in God's family.  Wow, what a joy!

Oh, getting to the four things I've learned this year. : )  It's really quite simple and you may even scoff because it's so simple.  1). Pray, 2). Read & meditate on the word (the bible), 3). obey God's word and 4). then go and share God's word with those who don't know it.  I've known this for a while but once you are tested in these areas you will recognize there is a difference between knowing them and practicing them in your daily life.  It comes down to your relationship with God and your relationships with man. 

Today man has really complicated ministry with programs, movements, events, curriculum, concerts etc...  these are all good things, but none of them suppliment a relationship with God or relationships with others.  It's simple, see I told you. : )

Hey, God says He wants to talk with today.... He's waiting!