The Chosen Vessel
The Master was searching for a vessel to use;
On the shelf there were many - which one would He choose?
Take me, cried the gold one, I'm shiny and bright,
I'm of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and luster will outshine the rest
And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!
The Master passed on with no word at all;
He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall;
I'll serve You, dear Master, I'll pour out Your wine
And I'll be at Your table whenever You dine,
My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,
And my silver will always compliment You.
Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,
It was widemouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.
Here! Here! cried the vessel, I know I will do,
Place me on Your table for all men to view.
Look at me, called the goblet of crystal so clear,
My transparency shows my contents so dear,
Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,
And I'm sure I'll be happy in Your house to abide.
The Master came next to a vessel of wood,
Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
You may use me, dear Master, the wooden bowl said,
But I'd rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!
Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.
Empty and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,
To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.
Ah! This is the vessel I've been hoping to find,
I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.
I need not the vessel with pride of its self;
Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;
Nor the one who is big mouthed and shallow and loud;
Nor one who displays his contents so proud;
Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;
But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might.
Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.
Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.
Spoke to it kindly. There's work you must do,
Just pour out to others as I pour into you.
By Beulah V. Cornwall
JESUS IS:
Lord God Almighty, Omnipotent King, Lion of Judah, Rock of Ages, Prince
of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Provider, Protector, Paternal
Leader, Ruling Lord and Reigning King of all the universe. He is Father,
Helper, Guardian and God. He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the
End. He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all He keeps.
The Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times. He always
was, is, and will be: Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone.
He was bruised and brought healing. He was pierced and eased pain. He was
persecuted and brought freedom. He was dead and brought life. He is risen
and brings power. He reigns and brings Peace. The world can't understand
him, the armies can't defeat Him, the schools can't explain Him, and the
leaders can't ignore Him. Herod couldn't kill Him, the Pharisees couldn't
confuse Him, the people couldn't hold Him! Nero couldn't crush Him. Hitler
couldn't silence Him, the New Age can't replace Him and Ted Turner can't
explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord. He is goodness, kindness,
gentleness, and God. He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right, His Word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His
mind is on me! His is my redeemer, He is my Saviour, He is my guide, He is
my peace, He is my Joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord and He rules my
life. I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, and His
goal for me is abundant life. I follow Him because He is the wisdom of
the wise, the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, the ruler of
rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and the
sovereign Lord of all that was, is and is to come. And if that seems
impressive to you, try this for size. His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me, forsake me, mislead me, forget me, overlook me,
and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up. When I fail, He forgives me. When I am weak,
He is strong. When I am lost, He is The Way. When I am afraid, He is my
courage. When I stumble, He steadies me. When I am hurt, He heals me.
When I am broken, He mends me. When I am blind, He leads me. When I am
hungry, He feeds me. When I face trials, He is with me. When I face
persecution, He stills me. When I face problems, He comforts me. When I
face loss, He provides for me. When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and in every way.
He is God, He is faithful, I am His, and He is mine. My Father in Heaven
can whip the father of this world, and so, if you're wondering why I feel
so secure, understand this: He said it, and that settles it. God is in
control, I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul.
Author Unknown
- May the angel of annunciation bless you, inviting you to awaken to the God-life within you.
- May the angel of Joseph's dreams bless you, stirring your spirit to trust the many ways that Mystery whispers to you.
- May the angel of birthing bless you, calling forth wonder, awe, and gratitude for all that has helped you to become your true self.
- May the angel of Bethlehem-songs bless you, tickling your soul with laughter and joy, heralding hope and good tidings to you.
- May the angel of the journey to Egypt bless you, guiding and protecting you as you travel the inner and outer roads of your life.
- May the angel of desert wilderness bless you, bringing courage when you experience bleak, intense searching and struggle.
- May the angel of prayer bless you, gathering you closely to the divine Beloved who longs for your embrace.
- May the angel of children on the lap of Jesus bless you, helping you to see the beauty and freedom of your inner child.
- May the angel of agony in the garden bless you, offering you solace in times of tribulation.
- May the angel at the tomb of resurrection bless you with faith, assuring you in faith and trust that all shall be well.
Thank you Lord
Thank you Lord for all that grows,
Thank you for the sky's rainbows,
Thank you for the stars that shine,
Thank you for these friends of mine,
Thank you for the moon and sun,
Thank you Lord for all you've done!
July 20 - Jesus Calling
Seek My face and you will find all that you have longed for. The deepest yearnings of your heart are for intimacy with Me. I know because I designed you to desire me. Do not feel guilty about taking time to be still in My presence. You are simply responding to the tugs of divinity within you. I made you in My image and I hid heaven in your heart. Your yearning for Me is a form of homesickness. Longing for your true home in heaven.
Do not be afraid to be different from other people. The path I have called you to travel is exquisitely right for you. The more closely you follow My leading the more fully I can develop your gifts. To follow Me whole heartedly you must relinquish your desire to please other people. However your closeness to Me will bless others by enabling you to shine brightly in this dark world.
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
—Psalm 42:1–2
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
—Psalm 34:5
So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.
—Philippians 2:15