Nov 08

We are vessels through which God can do his own work. What is required for a vessel to be useful? What is it that allows God to use us for his work in his kingdom?

Imagine if you were to come across a person in a desert dying from thirst and there was a well nearby which the dying person was too weak to reach but that you could go to for him. But had nothing in which to carry that life-giving water to him. You would need a vessel of some sort.

What would you look for in such a vessel? Would it need to be a fancy, ornate vase? Or would it have to be a gold-plated cup? No, you would be unconcerned about what it looked on the outside. The only two requirements that it would have to meet would be that it be clean on the inside and

You wouldn't want to make the dying person's condition worse by contaminating the water you bring him with germs that would kill him in his weakened condition. And even if the container were clean, it would do no good for you or him if it were not there to be used.

So it is with God being able to bring people to Christ or do any other of his works that he does through us his people. We are by nature contaminated with sin, but God has cleansed us through the blood of Jesus. But that is still not enough for him to be able to use us. We must present ourselves to him for that purpose. We must be available for his use, offering ourselves as clean and holy for his purposes.

"Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1).

Scripture for today: Romans 12:1
Thought for today: The lives of others may depend upon my offering myself to the Lord for his purposes.
Prayer for today: Lord, I offer my body and life to you in your service, not trusting my own ability or worthiness to do this, but trusting in the blood of Jesus to cleanse me from all sin and make me worthy for this noble purpose.

NOV 08