 | Don't Quit "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7 |
Paul writes that we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. "Earthen vessels" or 'jars of clay' refers to cups, bowls, pots, etc., and what really matters is what's in them. A vessel may be chipped and flawed, but once it's washed and cleaned it can be used again. So don't quit because someone discovered you're a jar of clay with chips and flaws. There's a cry from the Jericho Road nobody except you may ever hear. Some dying thief will be saved if you'll just keep preaching through your pain, because the message that saves others is the one that saves us too. Accepting the fallen is the strength—not a weakness—of the Gospel. There's a world of difference between the coldness of a rebellious heart and the cry of a troubled heart that says, "God save me from myself." One glimpse of God's grace brings all of us to our knees confessing and forsaking sin, "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). One pastor writes: 'People listen to our one-sided testimonies of success and become discouraged. They think that while they struggle, we have it all together. That's because we falsified the records and failed to tell the whole truth. God help ifs! Our message is we were saved by grace, we are being saved by grace, and we will be saved by grace. If need be, go down into the Potter's house and let Him put you back on the wheel and remake you—but don't quit! (see Jeremiah 18:1-4).
| Promise "For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him." (2 Chronicles 30:9) Reflection This verse simply states the wonderful character of the God we serve. He is abounding in grace and compassion as He is faithful to never leave His children. Could there be any better promise? To consider the gracious nature of our God only causes us to rejoice and praise His magnificent name! |  |
 | Week #36 Schedule for reading the Bible This schedule will take the Bible student through the Bible in one year. Just click on the text to read and get started today. Sunday: (Law) Numbers 10-12 Monday: (History) 1 Chronicles 20-24 Tuesday: (Psalms) Psalms 105-107 Wednesday: (Poetry) Proverbs 22 Thursday: (Prophecy) Joel Friday: (Gospels) John 13-15 Saturday: (Letters) 2 Timothy 3-4 |