Re-becoming a vessel of honor
Ephes. 2:8-10 NLT
8God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
For the most part the “American way” has brought about a false pride in the people that have grown up here. We boast about the homes that we have (yes there are still people out there who have more than one home), they boast about the magnificent recreational vehicles (yes there are some out there who have recreational vehicles that don’t call it a home) and there are those who boast about the splendiferous extraordinarily or showily impressive lifestyle or bank accounts that they have.
But does any of this really count when you become a “born again” child of God?
The Word of God tells us that even the very salvation that we receive is not earned, it is a free gift and no amount of good living or money or positions can get this free gift from God.
But, what happens when we do become a child of God and fall away from the faith or as it is called by many, what if we backslide?
Some would say that God is married to the backslider
Peter knew what backsliding was all about; remember the time that he denied three times that he even knew Lord Jesus?
This is what Holy Spirit says through him to us;
II Pet. 3: 9The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent.
Jeremiah 3:14 say: "Return, O backsliding children,' says the Lord; 'for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion."
Additionally, God invites His people to return to Him so that He can restore them "And it shall be in that day, says the Lord, that you will call Me 'My Husband,' and no longer call Me 'My Master.'" (Hosea 2:16) Notice that it is in the restoration that the word "husband" comes into play - not while they are backsliding.
Coming forward in time, is there anything said or done for referring to backsliders today as married to God?
NO.
However there is another beautiful image we can remember for those who are in rebellion after once walking with the Lord.
Luke 15: 32We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”
Romans 9:21-26 NLT
1When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into? 22God has every right to exercise His judgment and His power, but He also has the right to be very patient with those who are the objects of His judgment and are fit only for destruction. 23He also has the right to pour out the riches of His glory upon those He prepared to be the objects of His mercy—24even upon us, whom He selected, both from the Jews and from the Gentiles.
25Concerning the Gentiles, God says in the prophecy of Hosea,
“Those who were not my people, I will now call my people and I will love those whom I did not love before.”
26And, “Once they were told, you are not my people. But now He will say, you are children of the living God.”
2 Tim. 2:21 (KJV)
If a man therefore purges himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
2 Tim. 2:19-26 NLT
19But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Those who claim they belong to the Lord must turn away from all wickedness.”
20In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for His purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
22Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
23Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24The Lord’s servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people.
25They should gently teach those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will believe the truth.
26Then they will come to their senses and escape from the Devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
For these reasons we must always remember to submit ourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee from us. It is up to us to purpose in our hearts to become one with God in our thoughts, actions and words.
Yet, it is up to God to mold us into the vessels of honor, that we might be used to His glory. He will always “spank” His children because He loves us so.
Remember, you can run from God but you cannot hide and eventually you will have need of returning home to your Father, so that you can be used by the Master. We were made for His use.
The Touch of the Master's Hand
It was battered and scarred and the auctioneer thought it hardly worth his while
to waste his time on the old violin, but he held it up with a smile.
"What am I bid, good people", he cried, "Who starts the bidding for me?" "One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"
"Two dollars, who makes it three?" "Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"
But, No, from the room far back a gray bearded man came forward and picked up the bow, then wiping the dust from the old violin and tightening up the strings, he played a melody, pure and sweet as sweet as the angel sings.
The music ceased and the auctioneer with a voice that was quiet and low,
Said, "What now am I bid for this old violin?" as he held it aloft with its' bow.
"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?" "Two thousand, who makes it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice, Going and gone", said he.
And many a man with life out of tune all battered with bourbon and gin is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd much like that old violin
A bowl of soup, a glass of wine, a game and he travels on.
He is going once, he is going twice and he is going and almost gone.
Luke 13:6…NLT “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. 7Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s taking up space we can use for something else.’
8“The gardener answered, ‘Give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 9If we get figs next year, fine. If not, you can cut it down.’”
One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah, the beauty of God's creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work.
As I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me. He asked me, "Do you love Me?" I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Savior!"
Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love Me?"
I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs, and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn't be able to do, the things that I took for granted.
And I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You." Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?" How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, "It's hard to think of it, but I would still love You."
The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to My Word?" How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God's Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your Word."
The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?" How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."
And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"
With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!" I thought I had answered well, but . . . God asked, "Then why do you sin?" I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect."
"Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest? Why only in times of trouble do you pray the earnest?" No answers. Only tears.
The Lord continued: "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?" The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.
"Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the Good News?
Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?" I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.
"You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you, but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idlely by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all."
"DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME?" I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, "Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child."
The Lord answered, "That is My Grace, My child." I asked, "Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do you love me so?" The Lord answered, "Because you are My creation. You are My child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever."
Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, "How much do You love me?"
The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Savior. And for the first time, I truly prayed.
-- Author unknown
Ephes. 2:8-10 NLT
8God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
For the most part the “American way” has brought about a false pride in the people that have grown up here. We boast about the homes that we have (yes there are still people out there who have more than one home), they boast about the magnificent recreational vehicles (yes there are some out there who have recreational vehicles that don’t call it a home) and there are those who boast about the splendiferous extraordinarily or showily impressive lifestyle or bank accounts that they have.
But does any of this really count when you become a “born again” child of God?
The Word of God tells us that even the very salvation that we receive is not earned, it is a free gift and no amount of good living or money or positions can get this free gift from God.
But, what happens when we do become a child of God and fall away from the faith or as it is called by many, what if we backslide?
Some would say that God is married to the backslider
Peter knew what backsliding was all about; remember the time that he denied three times that he even knew Lord Jesus?
This is what Holy Spirit says through him to us;
II Pet. 3: 9The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise to return, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent.
Jeremiah 3:14 say: "Return, O backsliding children,' says the Lord; 'for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion."
Additionally, God invites His people to return to Him so that He can restore them "And it shall be in that day, says the Lord, that you will call Me 'My Husband,' and no longer call Me 'My Master.'" (Hosea 2:16) Notice that it is in the restoration that the word "husband" comes into play - not while they are backsliding.
Coming forward in time, is there anything said or done for referring to backsliders today as married to God?
NO.
However there is another beautiful image we can remember for those who are in rebellion after once walking with the Lord.
Luke 15: 32We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”
Romans 9:21-26 NLT
1When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into? 22God has every right to exercise His judgment and His power, but He also has the right to be very patient with those who are the objects of His judgment and are fit only for destruction. 23He also has the right to pour out the riches of His glory upon those He prepared to be the objects of His mercy—24even upon us, whom He selected, both from the Jews and from the Gentiles.
25Concerning the Gentiles, God says in the prophecy of Hosea,
“Those who were not my people, I will now call my people and I will love those whom I did not love before.”
26And, “Once they were told, you are not my people. But now He will say, you are children of the living God.”
2 Tim. 2:21 (KJV)
If a man therefore purges himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
2 Tim. 2:19-26 NLT
19But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Those who claim they belong to the Lord must turn away from all wickedness.”
20In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for His purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
22Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
23Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24The Lord’s servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people.
25They should gently teach those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will believe the truth.
26Then they will come to their senses and escape from the Devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
For these reasons we must always remember to submit ourselves to God, resist the devil and he will flee from us. It is up to us to purpose in our hearts to become one with God in our thoughts, actions and words.
Yet, it is up to God to mold us into the vessels of honor, that we might be used to His glory. He will always “spank” His children because He loves us so.
Remember, you can run from God but you cannot hide and eventually you will have need of returning home to your Father, so that you can be used by the Master. We were made for His use.
The Touch of the Master's Hand
It was battered and scarred and the auctioneer thought it hardly worth his while
to waste his time on the old violin, but he held it up with a smile.
"What am I bid, good people", he cried, "Who starts the bidding for me?" "One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"
"Two dollars, who makes it three?" "Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"
But, No, from the room far back a gray bearded man came forward and picked up the bow, then wiping the dust from the old violin and tightening up the strings, he played a melody, pure and sweet as sweet as the angel sings.
The music ceased and the auctioneer with a voice that was quiet and low,
Said, "What now am I bid for this old violin?" as he held it aloft with its' bow.
"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?" "Two thousand, who makes it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice, Going and gone", said he.
The audience cheered, but some of them cried, "We just don't understand. What changed its' worth?"
Swift came the reply.
"The Touch of the Masters Hand."
"The Touch of the Masters Hand."
A bowl of soup, a glass of wine, a game and he travels on.
He is going once, he is going twice and he is going and almost gone.
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd never can quite understand.
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.
Myra Brooks Welch
II Peter 3: 9The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise to return, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to perish, so he is giving more time for everyone to repent.
Eventually time will run out… Lord Jesus is the one who is telling Father “Let’s not cut this one off… let Me work on it for one more year and if they do not produce and fruit after that, we can cut it down then. Just one more chance though, one more year.
8“The gardener answered, ‘Give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 9If we get figs next year, fine. If not, you can cut it down.’”
I am certain that the Lord pleads as the gardener does not just once but all the time because
As I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me. He asked me, "Do you love Me?" I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Savior!"
Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love Me?"
I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs, and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn't be able to do, the things that I took for granted.
And I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You." Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love my creation?" How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, "It's hard to think of it, but I would still love You."
The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to My Word?" How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God's Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your Word."
The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?" How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."
And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"
With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!" I thought I had answered well, but . . . God asked, "Then why do you sin?" I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect."
"Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest? Why only in times of trouble do you pray the earnest?" No answers. Only tears.
The Lord continued: "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?" The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.
"Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the Good News?
Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?" I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.
"You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you, but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idlely by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all."
"DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME?" I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, "Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child."
The Lord answered, "That is My Grace, My child." I asked, "Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do you love me so?" The Lord answered, "Because you are My creation. You are My child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever."
Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, "How much do You love me?"
The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Savior. And for the first time, I truly prayed.
-- Author unknown
Love, your abodah brother Jerry
Love, your abodah brother Jerry
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