“Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.”

I remember when I was a little girl, oftentimes my friends and I would share “secrets”.  Almost always, before the secret was told, the person would ask, “Can you keep a secret?”  We would tell the person we would keep their secret, however, sometimes we would not do it.  We would share that secret with someone else and proceed it by saying, “I’m not supposed to tell anyone…but…”  I know you all have been in the position of the teller or hearer at one time or another.  I believe we like thinking that we “know” something about someone that no one else does!  But that’s not true, is it?  Why?  Because God knows all our secrets; whether we have spoken them or not.

God is everywhere and knows everything about us.   God knows the number of hairs on my head and He can certainly know the thoughts and desires of my heart.  That’s why the Bible tells us to keep “keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).  It was in Genesis 6:5 where God’s word tells us that GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (I added the emphasis)  We can try and deceive our spouse, family, co-workers, etc., but we cannot deceive God – because He sees our heart and knows our thoughts. 

I am reminded of this song, “God Sees the Heart.”  The words are this:

Our God measures man by a standard divine, For He sees underneath ev’ry outward design.  He looks past possessions and costly attire; He studies the heart – ev’ry thought and desire.

Our God does not judge by how tall we may stand, Or how much we possess, or the rank we command.  His gaze goes far deeper to things that endure; He honors the man who keeps his heart pure.

Chorus: For the eyes of the Lord are searching to and fro.  We have no secrets that our God does not know.  Our father knows our thoughts; He understands ev’ry part.  Man sees the outside, but God sees the heart.

That’s a wonderful song.  Why don’t you meditate on Psalm 44:21.  Christians, search your hearts and confess your secret sins to the Lord.  Think on these verses as well:

 James 4:8   Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.  Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

I John 1:9   If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

“All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” –Edmond Burke

Do you ever feel like you are getting old?  As I sit here, writing this, I am reminded of one of the great certainties of life – the certainty of aging.    If the Lord tarries His coming and give you long life, you will, sooner or later, feel the effects of being as the Bible calls it, “well stricken in years.”  The Bible has many examples of older people doing great and wonderful things for God.  I love the story of Caleb and how he went into the Promised Land as an older man because he chose to trust God in his youth (Numbers 14).

My desire today is that I finish my course with godliness and zeal and that I make my life count right up to the last minute.  Often, the tendency is to want to slow down and be drawn to the rocking chair.  What we need to be drawn to is the battlefield because the Christian soldier’s war is never over.  We need never feel as if God is through with us.  Although I do not agree with everything Dr. Jerry Falwell said and/or did, he often spoke of his “fourth-quarter ministry” and how he wanted to be his most effective in service to God.  I can think of many Godly men who served God greatly in their latter years – Dr. Tom Malone, Dr. Lee Roberson and others).

One of my husband’s favorite historical figures is a man named David Jones.  Jones was a pastor of two churches in addition to being a Baptist Chaplain during the Revolutionary War.  He was converted in 1758 at age 22.  At the age of 40, Jones was appointed as a Chaplain in the Continental Army.  He published a sermon that was widely circulated entitled, “Defensive War in a Just Cause Sinless.”  General Washington considered Chaplain Jones to be a loyal confidant and had his deliver several secret messages during the war.  He was also a leader in several scouting expeditions.  Once, when Chaplain Jones was returning from camp after a visit with his family, he stopped at an Inn to spend the night.  While eating his meal, a certain man aroused his suspicious and Chaplain Jones threw his pistol and placed the man under arrest.  The man turned out ot be a British officer.  Chaplain Jones was so active in irritating the British, that he had a bounty placed upon his head by British Geveral Howe.  Chaplain Jones served his country and his God for several years.

When the war of 1812 began, the now 76 year old again received a Chaplain’s commission.  Chaplain Jones’ contemporaries had this to say about him, “In danger, he knew no fear.  In fervent patriotism, he had no superiors and few equals.  In the Revolutionary struggle, he was a tower of strength and in peity, he was a Christian without reproach.”  Here is a man that made a difference with his one life from his youth to his life’s end.

How can we be like Caleb and Chaplain Jones and make our life count until the very end?

1.  Stay active, stay busy and keep on fighting the good fight.  There are so many things that can keep a person busy for God.  Consider volunteering at a restoration ministry (such as Reformer’s Unanimous) or be a mentor for some young person.

2.  Tell the Gospel message to everyone you can.  Win souls to the Lord.  Give out tracts and Gospel literature (Proverbs 11:30).  Remind people of the true Christian history of America.

3.  Champion Judeo-Christian values.  With the coming one-world religion and one-world government not so far away, it may seem that the importance of protecting life and the family that God instituted when He brought Eve to Adam may be losing luster.  However, we need to take heart, because in the end, Biblical values do win the day.  Be pro-active politically.

4.  Keep a sweet spirit.  Be kind.  Someone has rightly said, “If you are unkind, you are the wrong kind.”  Kindness will endear a person to others allowing them to be more effective for the cause of Christ.

5.  Be determined.  Determination is the vehicle that delivers success.  If you are determined to make a difference, you can and will succeed, not only in your youth but also in your golden years.

The time to get activated towards making a difference is now.  Do all you can for God with the only life you have.  We have, “only one life will soon be past and only what’s left for Christ will last.”  When it comes to being salt and light, remember we do not have all day; we have to get on the move as we meditate on these thoughts today.  My prayer is that God will help us to be faithful, busy and focused on honoring and pleasing Him with our ONE life; right on up until the very end.  Never stop being the “salt”.

Getting older is not so bad after all.  We have a God that never changes.  Old school…there’s no school lie the old school.

Faithfulness is a subject spoken on a lot these days.  It seems we are seeing less faithfulness in our churches, families and our own personal lives.  When someone speaks of being faithful, there is not much doubt as to what the word means (although some seem to “forget” the meaning so easily).  The word “steward” however, is a word that not many understand.  We read this verse and it goes right over our head.  A steward is a manager or an overseer, in charge of something.  The Lord wants us to be faithful in our management of all areas of our life.  There are three areas of our lives that I would like to focus on.

The first is talents.  Oh, how we can all testify of the Christians that have been blessed in one area or another (singing, playing instruments, etc.) and have wasted that talent on the world when they could have been used to glorify God.  Many of the world’s famous musicians and singers began in church.  But instead of using their talent to glorify God, they used them for selfish purposes of money and fame. 

Everyone has been blessed with some kind of talent.  I know several ladies on our Vessels Unto Honour board that are so talented in sewing, singing, crafts, cooking, etc.  I get a little envious of their talents  and wish that I could do those things too.  The talents that I have may not seem big to me, but they could be a blessing to others.  Have you found your talent?  Are you a people person?  If so, your talent could be communicating with others.  What a perfect opportunity to be easily befriended and share the Gospel with someone.  Are you good with plants?  What about having a ministry where you pot some plants you have grown and take them to those that are sick or hurting.  Are you a good cook?  What about cooking a light meal and taking it to a shut-in.  Or better yet, stay and eat lunch with that shut-in, giving them some company!  Food is a wonderful tool to make friends, comfort those that are hurting or just encourage someone.  I love to read books about the Amish and in one, this young man who loved to bake would bake loaves of bread and include a Bible verse on the tag.  Are you a good singer or musician?  Join the choir!  Sing a solo!  Are you a good teacher?  Ask your Pastor what he would have you do in the church.  Maybe you can’t do any of those things.  Can you clean a toilet?  You may be laughing, but I thank God for those who are willing to work behind the scenes and keep God’s house in order.  Be a blessing to those around you and glorify the Lord with your talents.

The second is relationships (read I Corin. 7).  Are you being a good manager of your relationships?  If you are married, don’t ever give your spouse a cause to doubt.  Since I am mainly talking to women here, ladies, make your husband feel like he is truly the king in his castle.  Pamper him, love him, pray for him, do the little things to show him you care.  Abstain from all appearance of evil (I Thess. 5:22).  Do not make it a habit of speaking with other men alone.  My husband is a Pastor, but he also works in a home health care business with mostly women (at one point he was the only man – but now there is one other!)  He took an anonymous poll one time in preparing for a sermon about marriage and asked the women several questions about their thoughts on their husband and what they could change.  A big majority of the women said that if there was one thing they could change, it was the trust issue.  They could not fully trust that their husbands were being faithful or telling them the truth in all things.  Why?  Because at one point, their husbands had given them reason to doubt.  If you never give someone a reason to doubt, that will never hang over your head.

This applies to courtship or dating as well.  Be a good steward of your relationship by doing it the way God wants you to do it.  Do not be unequally yoked (II Corin. 6:14).  Never “date” someone that you would not potentially marry.  You young ladies that are looking for a husband, do not think that you will be able to “change” a man into what you want him to be.  You are setting yourself up for heartache.  The Lord will send the right person for you.  You just have to wait.  Don’t jump ahead of the Lord’s will.   Doing so could affect your life forever.  You will have nothing but sorrow.

Lastly, are you being faithful in your Christian service?  What about your Bible reading?  Not only read your Bible but study it as well (II Tim. 2:15 and I Peter 3:15).  The best educated person is one who knows the Bible.  Do you spend more time on the computer than your Bible?  Ouch….  Do you read your Bible daily?  If not, you are missing your communication with the Lord.  Praying is you talking to God, but reading your Bible is God talking to you.  We all know how one-sided conversations go…not too good.  Speaking of praying, do you set aside a time of prayer each day?  Here are some tips on praying:

*Pray daily at a set time (Psalm 5:3);     *Pray out loud if possible (this reduces distractions);     *Use a list;     *Pray specifically (specific prayers get specific answers);     *Pray without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17) in other words, but in a constant state of prayer.  Do not let anything stand in the way when you need a fast answer to prayer – keep short accounts with the Lord!     *Pray until your answer comes.  Your answer could be yes, no, or not now.  (For more encouragement on how God answers prayer, read about George Meuller and how the Lord answered his prayers).;    *Ask for large things (Psalm 81:10).

Another area of Christian service is your church attendance.  Be faithful to your church.  Your pastor is depending on you and so are the other members.  A vote to miss church is a vote to shut the doors.  Don’t let things get in your way.  The devil will use all kinds of things to get you to miss church.  Our immediate and extended family know that we do not miss church.  If a reunion is planned on a Sunday – we will go if it does not interfere with our church attendance.  Ball games…forget those if they are on a Sunday (or Wednesday for that matter).  You have to set your standards and then adhere to them!

What are you doing to be a witness for the Lord.  What will make you wise?  Winning the lost! (Proverbs 11:30).  We have the Great Comission, which was given by Jesus in Matt. 28:19-20.  My husband says it is not a suggestion, but a command to evangelize the world.  We may not be able to go to the uttermost parts of the world, but what about your street, your neighborhood, your town/city.  Why not start with those right around you!  There are all kinds of ways to witness.  A verbal witness is always best, but there are not always opportunities to do that.  Keep your purse full of tracts.  Leave them in the restrooms, on the table at the restaurant, give them to your cashier, banker, etc.  Do you pay your bills through the mail?  Stick in a tract!  Give them to those walking past you.  Wow, we miss so many opportunities to get the Gospel out.  I have read testimony after testimony and have heard personal testimonies of people saved from the tract ministry.  God’s word will not return void.  That is a promise! (Isaiah 55:11)

God only asks for one thing – faithfulness.  He requires no results – just faithfulness.  Your efforts are not in vain (I Corin. 15:58).  I have heard this quote many times, “Only one life will soon be past and only what’s done for Christ will last.”  The Lord is coming soon!  Amen?!!  Let’s get busy and remember that it is “required in stewards, that a man be found faithful”.  Are you faithful?

Jackie Kennedy

by A. M. O.

My Father’s way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I’m glad I know
He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away,
But still I’ll trust my Lord to lead
For He doth know the way.

Tho’ night be dark and it may seem
That day will never break,
I’ll pin my faith, my all in Him;
He maketh no mistake.

There’s so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight’s far too dim;
But come what may, I’ll simply trust
And leave it all to Him.

For by and by the mist will lift,
And plain it all He’ll make.
Through all the way, tho’ dark to me,
He made not one mistake.

Under construction by the Lord,
Pieced together in perfect accord,
Bit by bit, each part joined carefully,
Fitted and arranged with wisdom, tenderly.

As the Holy Spirit smoothes the edges,
And transforms His vessel into honour,
These changes, blessed by God’s own touch,
Are wrought by His glorious power.

When God’s final product is presented,
It will have been tested and proved.
Fired in the kiln of life’s afflictions,
Refined and the impurities removed.

Though I can’t imagine the end result as yet,
This work of art will someday be done.
Molded by the Potter with His very hands,
Lovingly crafted into the image of His Son.

August 22nd, 1995
Jerry (Gerald) Bouey

Being confident of this very thing,
that He which hath begun a good work in you
will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6

For we are His workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained
that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10

The word for “workmanship” in this passage is the Greek word “poiema”,
where we get our English word “poem”.

If you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour,
you are God’s poem, and He is still working on you!

The Master was searching for a vessel to use;
On the shelf there were many – which one would He choose?
“Take me”, cried the gold one. “I’m shiny and bright.
I’m of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and luster will outshine the rest
And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!”

The Master passed on with no word at all;
He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall;
“I’ll serve You, dear Master, I’ll pour out Your wine
And I’ll be at Your table whenever You dine,
My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,
And my silver will always compliment You.”

Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,
It was wide mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.
“Here! Here!” cried the vessel, “I know I will do.
Place me on Your table for all men to view.”

“Look at me”, called the goblet of crystal so clear.
“My transparency shows my contents so dear,
Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,
And I’m sure I’ll be happy in Your house to abide.”

The Master came next to a vessel of wood,
Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
“You may use me, dear Master”, the wooden bowl said,
“But I’d rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!”

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.
Empty and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,
To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.

“Ah! This is the vessel I’ve been hoping to find,
I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.
I need not the vessel with pride of its self;
Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;
Nor the one who is bigmouthed and shallow and loud;
Nor one who displays his contents so proud;
Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;
But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might.”

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.
Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.
Spoke to it kindly. “There’s work you must do,
Just pour out to others as I pour into you.”

 The Chosen Vessel
Unknown Author

Count it all joy, my brethren, for the trials in this race.
Count it all joy, my brethren, as you seek the Saviour’s face.
Jesus is with you through every trial.
He will stand by you all the while.
Count it all joy.

Count it all joy, my brethren, for the trials that you’ve seen.
Count it all joy, my brethren, for nothing can come between,
And separate you from the Lord.
Just cling to Jesus and His Word.
Count it all joy.

Count it all joy, my brethren, this trial is but for a season.
Count it all joy, my brethren, the Lord has planned it for a reason.
He is working out all things for your good,
As only our Heavenly Father could.
Count it all joy.

Teacher: Mrs. Wendy Madle

VESSELS UNTO HONOUR

 

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, an some to dishonour.

2 Timothy 2:20

All Bible quotations are from the King James Bible 1611

 

Text – 2 Timothy 2:20-26

A vessel is a hollow utensil for holding things. Vessels can be different shapes, each for a different purpose. A vessel of honour (such as silver or gold) will be used for a much greater purpose than that of wood and earth (clay).

Symbolic Vessels:

1. Earthen Vessel (2 Corinthians 4:7)

2. Weaker Vessel – Wife (1 Peter 3:7)

3. Vessel of Honor – the saved (2 Timothy 2:21; Romans 9:21-23)

4. Vessels of Dishonour – the lost (Romans 9:21-23)

I. Who Is Represented As This Vessel? ___________

A. Some Biblical examples of what a useful vessel would hold:
1. _________ – Exodus 12:22-23 (The vessel was a _________)

 

 

 

 

Because of the blood of Christ we have been:
a. _____________________ – Ephesians 2:13-16
b. _____________________ – Ephesians 1:7
c. _____________________ – Romans 5:9
d. _____________________ – Hebrews 13:11-12

2. _____________ – Exodus 16:11-33 (This vessel was a ___________) We as human vessels have Christ, the Bread of Life – John 6:31-35

3. _____________ – Numbers 16:6-18 (The vessel was a censer) As a human vessel we need to offer our incense (prayers) unto God. Exodus 30:7; Psalm 141:1-2; Luke 1:9-10; Revelation 5:8

4. _____________ – Exodus 29:7; 30:22-31; Matthew 25:1-4. Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. We need to be ____________ with the Holy Spirit (Psalm 23:5; 45:7) and be ____________ with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-21) (Note: this is a COMMAND!)

B. Reasons to be a vessel
1. We are bought with a price – Titus 2:14
2. We are not our own – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
3. We love the Lord – 1 John 4:19

 

 

 

 

II. How To Become A Vessel Of Honour

A. _____________ youthful lusts (1 Timothy 2:22a) Galatians 5:16; James 1:13-15; 1 Peter 2:11

B. _____________ (2 Timothy 22:2b)

1. _____________________ 1 Corinthians 15:34; Philippians 1:11; Proverbs 21:21
2. _____________________ Romans 10:17; 1 John. 5:4
3. _____________________ Ephesians 5:2; Colossians 3:14
4. _____________________ Psalm 34:14, Colossians 3:15
5. _____________________ 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Peter 1:22

C. ________________ questions which gender strife (2 Timothy 2:23) 1 Timothy 1:4; Titus 3:9

An honourable vessel is one that is esteemed or regarded highly. In order to remain vessels of honour, one needs to purge or separate from vessels of dishonour (II Timothy 2:21) II Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:1-11; 1 John 2:15-17. A vessel of honour needs to maintain its usefulness by avoiding contamination.

 

 

 

 

III. Areas To Be A Vessel of Honour

A. _________________ – John 12:26
B. _________________ – Proverbs 31:25; 11:16
C. _________________ – Proverbs 31:28-29
D. _________________ – 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 1 Samuel 20

 

 

Although the Answer Key is provided,

I pray that it will only be used as a reference

after you have personally looked up all verses,

and entered in all information for yourself.

Answer Key

Vessels Unto Honour

I. (Put your name here.) The Christian (child of God)

A.1. Blood, bason
a. reconciled (made close to God, no longer enemies of God.)
b. redeemed (bought with a price – redemption through His blood.)
c. justified (accounting the guilty as just before God)
d. sanctified (set apart for a particular purpose)

2. Manna (food or bread) pot
3. Incense
4. Oil, anointed, filled

 

 

 

 

II. How To Become A Vessel of Honour

A. Flee
B. Follow (you need to have a leader to be a follower)
1. Righteousness
2. Faith (if we believe, we should obey – example: Abraham)
3. Charity
4. Peace
5. Pure heart
C. Avoid

 

 

 

 

III. Areas To Be A Vessel of Honour
A. The Lord’s service – as a Christian
B. Spouse / wife
C. Mother
D. Friendships

My favorite verse!

Love,

Jen

This week’s devotion is on “backsliding.” This represents things in my life that I keep bringing to the Lord, asking for His help. Things like…Bible reading, a better prayer life, a closer walk with Him. Also things like being a better wife and mother, keeping my home organized and clutter free. To be more friendly and not so withdrawn from people, to improve my self-image of myself.

I pray and ask the Lord for help in all these areas. I know He hears my prayers, because for awhile, things will improve. I read my Bible every day, I pray, and I feel closer to the Lord. Things improve at home as well.

Then it happens. Something will happen, or someone will say or do something that will cause me to falter in my resolve to do better. Some little doubt or fear will creep in and cause me to stumble again. I know the Lord is always there to pick me up and set me on my feet again, but I often wonder if He ever gets tired of that. Why do I allow those things into my life that I know will cause me to falter and stumble. When I am walking close to my Lord, and everything is wonderful, why do I allow things in that take that all away! I guess it is the age old battle of the “old man” versus the “new man.” Satan doesn’t want me to have a close relationship with my Lord. He delights in seeing me falter and fall away from that sweet fellowship with God. The harder he can make me fall, the better he likes it. I need to determine to not let circumstances and tribulations come my way, it is at those times that I need to draw closer to the Lord. I need to set my eyes on Him, and rely on His strength to get me through the storms.

I bought a framed picture just before Christmas, and I love the “verse” it has printed on it. It says, “Sometimes God calms the storm…Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.” This spoke volumes to my heart when I first saw it!

My prayer is that the Lord would indeed calm me when it is His will for me to go through the storm that is raging about me!