Nov 13

We should not rest content with areas of weakness in our lives, excusing ourselves by saying that that is just the way we are and God forgives sins and therefore I have no need to try to change. That is cheap grace, and it is such an insult to God and his mercies and grace.

Rather, we should have such love for God that we want to do everything possible to change and become just like his Son Jesus.

We need to recognize that God uses every human being for his purposes, whether that person is a wicked unbeliever or a redeemed saint. The whole world is God's house of sorts, and the wicked are used for his purposes just as well as the righteous:

"The Lord works out everything for his own ends -- even the wicked for a day of disaster"

But why would anyone want to be of use to God in that manner? True, to be fuel for the fire of God's judgment is to be a vessel of sorts, but how much better to be found useful to him for more noble purposes, such as the good work of bringing others to Christ:

"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work" (2 Timothy 2:20, 21).

Which kind of vessel are you?

Scripture for today: 2 Timothy 2:20, 21
Thought for today: I need to be a clean vessel to be used for noble purposes.
Prayer for today: Thank you, Jesus, for making me clean in the Father's eyes, so that I can be of use to him in his large house of this world for noble purposes and not for ignoble ones.

NOV 13