Blog Categories
Respite For the Weary
Tuesday
Picture: Vessel (the moldable clay)
Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28, 2:7,18-25; Isaiah 45:9-10; Romans 9:20-21
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
In your mind’s eye, see a potter easily bending his working project into the vessel of his choosing. The moldable clay submits contentedly to the potter’s hands. In our life, we can sometimes become dissatisfied with who we are or how things are going (or not going).
Are there circumstances in your life that you wish were different? Explain.
Are you discontent with how you are made…physically, mentally, or emotionally? Spend today confessing these things to the Lord and ask Him to lovingly affirm you exactly the way He designed you.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
Monday
Picture Scripture: Vessel (the Creator/Potter)
Scripture: Jeremiah 18:1-6; Psalm 119:73; Psalm 139:13-18
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to meditate on a potter sitting with his clay at his wheel getting ready to create a new vessel. This master potter is full of knowledge and experience. Likewise, our Creator is all knowing and good. He designs with purpose and intention. His amazing specialty is His unique touch that He joyfully places on each and every living being.
Who are three people in your life that you admire due to their uniqueness? Explain.
What are three ways in which God has uniquely formed you? Be confident and thankful.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
Thursday
Picture: Vessel (pouring in)
Scripture: John 2:1-10; Romans 5:5; Ephesians 3:19-20; Psalm 119:11, 57
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Close your eyes and visualize someone pouring clean water into a crystal vase. This picture represents the miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit (as well as God’s word) being poured into our hearts. His Word and Spirit create beauty within us, which creates newness of life every day.
Can you give an example of a specific circumstance in which you know you felt God’s Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control pour into you? Explain.
Is there a time in which God’s word spoke directly to your heart in a certain situation? Explain.
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
Wednesday
Picture: Vessel (cleansing and repairing)
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:20-22; Titus 3:3-7; Jeremiah 2:13; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 147:3
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Take a minute to think about a dusty vase being thoroughly washed underneath a flowing faucet. Now, think of a broken vase being gently and precisely glued back together. These two pictures represent: 1. confessing our sin and receiving the cleansing act of forgiveness from the Lord, and 2. allowing the Lord to repair our broken hearts from these sins or from harsh life circumstances.
Is there currently anything you need to confess in order to receive cleansing? Does your vessel stay in the same broken state due to ongoing sins? Explain.
Are you broken due to a deep wound? Explain. (Consider reaching out to a godly friend or mentor who will both encourage you and keep you accountable. Write his or her name here.)
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
Friday
Picture: Vessel (pouring out)
Scripture: 1 Kings 17:7-16; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Philippians 2:16-18
Write any phrases from the selected Bible verses that speak to you:
Meditate on the act of someone pouring refreshing purified water from a pitcher into several different drinking glasses. This idea illustrates God’s beautiful work being manifested through us towards others. As a Christian (like Paul in the above verses), we have a continual life-long privilege of filling up and then pouring out.
What are differing factors that might keep you from being a life-giving vessels to others?
In what way is God using you to be His vessel of sacrificial love: in your family, in your job, in your witness to the lost?
Write a prayer using the above verses as a reference:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor... Isaiah 6:9
Dear Lord,
You are all wise. You know exactly what we need. You want to direct us onto the right paths--every day, every decision. Forgive us when don't seek you first, but rather seek counsel elsewhere. Help us to be rooted in your word as well as receive wise instruction from those who walk with you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.