To Be Like Clay

Paul says, "I have learned to be content...."
No, no I haven't.  Look at all the trials Paul went through to be at the point where he said that.  Oh, I do not want to be like Paul.  The end result was amazing and beautiful.  But why can't I find contentment in all things right now- without the pruning... without the sifting... without the tears...?  
And even as I say this my head is spinning.  I want to learn to be content right now.  But the motive is wrong.   I want this so that I can get back to where I want to be.  In circles I run.... over and over again.  Where is the finish line?

Psalm 51:16-17
"You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise."

Mmmm..... I am starting to break, Lord.    I am not complete yet, but it feels good to be accomplishing something.  I know you want to use me Father.  I know my life is not something that can be used fully yet.  What do you have for me?  Please show me.  I want to be like wet clay; easily molded, shaped just right.  There are days I want you to speed up the process.  But then I know I will only break and you will have to build me up again.  Chisel away what needs to be taken off.  Keep me centered on you.  Your timing it best.  You are never early and never late.  Please help me to find contentment in your timing, contentment in current circumstances, contentment  in your will.  With contentment I shall find joy.  I want your joy Lord!  I can have joy because I'm saved and going to heaven.  I know this.  Please help it to be deep in my heart.  For what more do I need?  My home is not of this earth.  My citizenship is in heaven.  Keep me heavenly minded. 

God, My Closest Friend

Luke 18:35-43

     As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.  When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.  They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."
     He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
     Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
     
     Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him.  When he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?"
     "Lord, I want to see," he replied.
     Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you."  Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God.  When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

The message here is awesome!  Jesus knew what the blind man wanted as the man called out.  Jesus didn't stop to ask the man what he wanted because he didn't know.  I guess He wanted to see the man's faith out loud.  It was a testimony to others.  It offered the opportunity for others to see God's glory and to praise Him!

The same is true in my life.  Sometimes the thing I need (or want) is pretty obvious.  Besides, God knows everything!  He doesn't need me to tell him in order for him to know.  But sometimes the Lord wants me to ask.  He wants communion with us.  And God wants to be glorified in everything.  When we are a living testimony and speak out loud about what we need and then others can see how the Lord was faithful, it can be a powerful testimony.  But remember, 2 Corinthians 10:17 "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."  When the Lord does answer prayer, the glory needs to be given to him.

I think of the friends I'm closest to and why I'm closest to them.  I talk to them, spend time with them, pray for them, etc....  Where there is no investment there is no gain.  God should be my closest friend = I should be spending the most time with HIM.  People know who my close friends are.  I talk about them and lift them up in conversation.  So people should know that God is my closest friend and ally.

Eternity Possible with God

Luke 18:18-30

"A certain ruler asked him 'Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?'... 
'You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'  
'All these I have kept since I was a boy,' he said.  
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 'You still lack one thing.  Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.  Then come, follow me.'  
When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.  Jesus looked at him and said, 'How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!  Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'  
Those who heard this asked, 'Who then can be saved?'  

Jesus replied, 'What is impossible with men is possible with God.'  

Peter said to him, 'We have left all we had to follow you!'  
'I tell you the truth,' Jesus said to them, 'no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.' "

We can't do it with our own strength, good intentions, or imperfect will.  Jesus makes all things possible.  I am thankful.