July 15, 2008

Encourage Yourself

We all face trials and difficult seasons in life. The key to victory during these times is to stay encouraged. Although it's important to be lifted up by our friends, the best way to stay encouraged is to encourage ourselves! In this day and age when people are so critical of themselves, we need to be just the opposite and become our own greatest encourager.

David is one of the best examples of this.
1 Samuel 30:6 says, "David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."

He faced many oppositions, disappointments, and set backs. But the key to David's success is found in the fact that despite the negative circumstances all around him, he drew his strength from the Lord and remembered what God had done for him in the past.

Start a journal of how God has worked in your life each day.
List the delights that God has sent your way. Examples: when a red bird is on the fence post - a nice summer breeze blows across your face - enjoying the taste of strawberries or chocolate or both together!
List your prayer request with a date ...also list your praises and answers to your requests.

When you look back on the journal you will see how many times God worked in your life and all the prayers HE has answered for you.
If you forget one day to write in your journal ...its okay. It is your journal write as much you like....or pick up where you left off.

What season of life are you in?

Can you look back and see where and what God has brought you from?

When you are faced with trials and well just life....DON'T GIVE UP! Remember God has got your back!

A great way to encourage ourselves is to remember what the Lord has done for us. Nobody else can truly know how the Lord has provided for, blessed, cared for and delivered you than yourself! Focus your mind and heart on what the Lord has done for you. You will increase your faith and have more strength, joy and hope to continue living a better life.

Holding on....
Darlene

June 14, 2008

A Vessel in the Potter's House


This is a song that I use to sing at the church I grew up in. I don't know why ...but last night this song came in my head and will not leave! So, I have been just a singing away and it reminded me of what I am putting into my vessel.


Potter's House

Tossed about by life's battles
all my hope was sinking fast
The sinful life that I was living
I knew that I just could not last.
Then I went down to the Potter's House
and placed this vessel into HIS hands.
On his wheel of grace and mercy
HE made me over gain.

Yes, I've been to the Potter's House
His hands for mercy molded me.
He set me forth when HE was finished
so that all the world could see
That HE can mend a broken vessel
It matter's not what shape it's in
Yes, I've been to the Potter's House
I've been made over again.

If your life has no meaning
the storms have taken their toll on you
With your vessel in many pieces
you don't know just what to do
Please come with me to the Potter's House
And place your vessel into HIS hands.
And on HIS wheel of grace and mercy
He'll make your over again.

Yes, I've been to the Potter's House
His hands of mercy molded me
He set me forth when HE was finished
So that all the world could see
That HE can mend a broken vessel
It matter's not what shape its in
Yes, I've been to the Potter's House
I've been made over again.
(unknown)


What is your vessel filled with?

I know we get so caught up in everyday life. Husband, family, job, housecleaning, is God in there somewhere?

School is out for summer and you would think that I have so much time that my vessel should be overflowing with HIM. Well, it is not that easy! Things just keep getting in my way. The same things: housecleaning, talking on the phone, husband, family...Did I mention talking on the phone? Blogging can really take up a lot of time. ..if you let it. I want God to be in my life everyday not just when I have time... like church times. You know....Sunday am, Sunday pm and Wednesday evenings.

Am I allowing my vessel to get so full of everyday life that I forget the most important part? I am sad to admit ...sometimes yes!

2 Timothy 2:20 - 26 "Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will".

WOW! What are you filling your vessel with?

Are you being used to your fullest potential or over used?

Are you using the spiritual gifts that God has placed in you for the Body of Christ?

What is God speaking to you?

What is HIS will for you?

Now is the time to fill your vessel with HIM.

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

SEEK HIM FIRST!

Isaiah 64:8 "O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand"

Dear Lord, I am a vessel...a bit cracked...very worn...extremely fragile at times...mended and healed many times. Empty me of me so that I may be filled with more of you. Change me...fill me...with you.

Now is the time to check your vessel.
Now is the time to receive ALL God wants for you!

Join me this week in prayer asking God to show us things that stand in the way of our vessel being full for HIM. For strength to overcome what stands in our way of putting HIM first in our lives.

Holding on...
Darlene