Monday, May 6, 2013

Useful Tools, or Junk Piled High


Scripture:
2 Timothy 2:19-26 (NASB)

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Devotional:

The Boy Scout motto is “Be Prepared.” Wise words to live by and it is not just for scouts but for all of us.  In fact 2Timothy tells us that we need to be prepared.  It is in being prepared that we become useful instruments for God’s work.  You never know how or when God will use you.  But if you are not ready, willing, and waiting upon Him you will remain on the “shelf” waiting to be used.

How prepared are you?  What is the condition of your heart?  Are you built upon the solid corner stone of Christ?   2 Timothy 2:19 (NIV):

Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

Seek God and purge your heart from evil or worldly pursuits.  Leave the wickedness of your heart.  Be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Through Him we are cleansed and able.  Upon our own strength we cannot succeed.  “Be Prepared” is an excellent motto to live by.  In being prepared we are made useful.  We become instruments for created for special purposes. 

However, if we do not cleanse our hearts and pursue God and pursue what is evil then we are useless.  We are equivalent to the rusty tools in the floor of the workshop forgotten and useless.  Which do you want to be?  Which are you?  Pray continuously and read the Bible.  Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart.  You will be shaped into a useful tool used by the creator…

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