OMBS7/ No Time for Clay Pots

PRAYER - "You Helped Many By Praying For Us" In an intimate confession, Paul described some of the great hardships he had recently faced in the ministry, "insomuch that we despaired even of life." But he believed that "whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer." He credited their prayers for helping him endure many afflictions. He knew that many saints would be thankful that he had survived his afflictions. 2 Corinthians 1:11 - "Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that ...thanks may be given by many on our behalf." PRINCIPAL - "All Things Are Yours" Jesus said that the meek will inherit the earth. He also said of the poor in spirit and of those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, "theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." That sums it up. The righteous will inherit both heaven and earth. What is left for sinners? Saints, rejoice! All things are yours! 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 - "Let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." PRINCIPLE - "Become A Fool To Be Wise" Compare someone who is "wise in this world" to one who is in Christ. "The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. ...He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." (God always catches those who try to outsmart Him.) The wisest worldly men are still vain. Unless Christ and His Kingdom becomes your highest priority, you are hopelessly foolish. It is wise to admit your foolishness. 1 Corinthians 3:18,21 - "If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. ...let no man glory in men."  PROPHECY - "Judge Nothing Before The Time" Those of us who know that every Bible prophecy is unequivocally true take solace in the fact that God knew everything from the beginning and meticulously presides over all the affairs of men. It is impossible for us to comprehend the complexities of how everything will work out, yet God already knows it all. That is why we should judge NOTHING before its time. Wait and see. 1 Corinthians 4:5 - "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts." No Time for Clay Pots

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. - 2 Timothy 2:20

Are you destined for greatness in the kingdom of God? Ask most believers that question and they'll humbly assure you they're not. "You know we can't all be golden vessels" they'll say. "Like the Bible says, some of us are just called to be little clay pots." Praise God, the Bible doesn't say any such thing! Certainly there are going to be some golden vessels in the kingdom and there are going to be some clay pots, but we are the ones—not God—who determine which kind we will be. Second Timothy 2:21 tells us that "whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work" (The Amplified Bible). Golden vessel or clay pot—the choice is up to you! Why then do so many believers choose to do menial work in the kingdom of God? Why are they content to remain clay pots? Because they lack one thing every golden vessel must have. They lack dedication. They haven't made a quality decision to separate themselves from contaminating influences. They haven't been willing to turn away from the ways of the world and go on with God past the point of no return. My friend, God is doing some exciting things on this earth right now. He's working signs and wonders, paving the way for Jesus' return. This is a thrilling time, but it's definitely no time for clay pots! So if you haven't yet made the kind of commitment that will turn you into a golden vessel, admit it. Then take the time to get before God and study His Word and get your will in line with His. Let the Holy Spirit deal with you until you're willing to leave the ways of the world behind and walk in higher ways—the ways of God. Do it now. The hour is late. The glory of God is spilling over the earth in one final thrilling wave. It's not trickling out of clay pots. It's being poured through golden vessels—and that's exactly what God is calling you to be.

I’m in the second week of revival in Ocala Florida.

Plan of Salvation read acts 2:38