Things I'm learning

I had a very full weekend this weekend. The best part was that I was able to get almost everything done (my brick walk outside still needs more sand before I can lay the rest of the bricks). But also I learned so much from the studies we had in God's word. I was very excited about that.

Youth group: First, my husband led the youth in a devotional that I loved. It meant a lot to me. He read from 2 Timothy 2. Toward the end Paul tells Timothy that we have a choice about what kind of a vessel we will be. He says that there are vessels of gold, silver, wood or clay. The gold and silver are vessels of honor and the wood and clay are of dishonor. Paul tells Timothy that by choosing to put away striving about words and idle babblings and not straying from the truth we can be vessels of honor. It's a choice that we are given. My favorite part of those verses was that we could be vessels of honor if we put away those things from our lives, "sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. I want to be a vessel useful for the Master.

Sunday School: Our Beth Moore study "Living Beyond Yourself" was very good. It was about patience. God brings irritating people into our lives to help rub off the rough spots in our lives. So when I'm irritated with my children, I can praise Him for the work He is doing in my life. Also it seems from 2 Corinthians 4:10-12 that God can be working death in my life ( that is rubbing off the rough spots) and life in someone else (i.e. a new believer). That was exciting to me, because it's worth it. I will gladly go through the fire, to draw off impurities from my life and to bring life to another.

Church: Hebrews 2:17-18 - Surely I've seen this before, but it's amazing how something can be so new. Actually, it shouldn't be a surprise to us, because God's Word is alive - amazing, yes - a surprise, no. Jesus had to be made like us. Why? (so that) He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest. How? (because) He suffered and is able to aid those who are tempted. It was very exciting to me to see this clearly marked out in Scripture. For some reason it just touched me yesterday.

When we seek Him first, His Word comes alive to us and that is what I've been experiencing this weekend.