Clay In The Potter's Hand

This past weekend we took a much needed family trip with my mom, mother-in-law, two of my brothers and their families. We had a great time of shopping, relaxing and just enjoying being together.

One of the adventures included a trip to an art museum. In one area of viewing, there was a man giving a demonstration about pottery. He told how that each type of pottery goes under different temperatures depending on what it will become. The most beautiful vessel is the china and it's temperature is so much hotter than the others. The purest, most beautiful china will be translucent and you can actually hold it up and see the light shining through it.

I couldn't help but think of the vessel God wants us to be. At our purest form, we will be a vessel of purity and beauty. His light will completely shine through us. This purest form comes at a cost. We may have to endure some really "hot" trials and circumstances but we will come out the way He intends us to be. It's no wonder He used pottery so often in His Word to convey a message to us...

Isaiah 64:8 "But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."

Empty Me of Me So I Can Be Filled With You

On the way to take the boys to school this morning, we heard this song. I've heard it a thousand times but this morning I couldn't stop the tears from stinging my cheeks as I listened closely to the lyrics. I was reminded how true it must have been for Chris Sligh when he wrote it. After getting caught up in the glitz and glamour of American Idol, he no doubt came home and allowed God to speak to him and reveal the motives of his heart. I want this to be my daily prayer. It's so easy for us to get caught away with all the things we want and all the selfish motives behind our every prayer and every action. I want Him to strip away my stinkin' flesh every day. Here's the lyrics & a link to hear it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnycyGi7bTg

I've had just enough of the spotlight
When it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood
And I've tasted my share
Of the sweet life
And the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough
I know how i can stray
And how fast my heart could change

Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of meSo i can be
Filled with you

Ive seen just enough of the quick buys
Of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change

Cuz everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you
Compared to you
Cuz everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you
So I surrender all