AIRTIGHT : Gratitude in Jars of Clay

AIRTIGHT: Gratitude in Jars of Clay

Although I am not an enthusiastic fan of Christian rock, I recently attended a concert by Jars of Clay in which they performed some of their songs that had spanned a twenty year period. One of my favorites, “Love Song for a Savior,” is an ever-present reminder that it is God’s power and not our own fortitude that produces a Spirit-filled life.

For several years I had searched for a unique piece of pottery to hold treasured memories. It had to be “perfect” … authentic color, coarse clay, refined … it had to have a tight fitting lid and be pleasing to the artistic eye as it was designated to hold some of my most precious memorabilia. A generous friend who knew of my longing and indecisiveness boldly surprised me with the “perfect” vessel. Designated as a depository for treasured memories; my hand-thrown clay pot was proudly displayed in a prominent, carefully chosen location. As I meticulously prepared to place a treasured letter in it, I was reminded that this vessel was holding not only the words and the sentiment that they related but also the gratitude in my heart for love and life. It was not an ivory, wood-carved, brass, marble, glass or other expensive vase. It was a vase of the common person. It was preferred and useful!

In I Corinthians 4:7-15, Paul writes about “jars of clay” as “earthenware vessels.” The original Greek text uses the noun skeuos which stood for a vessel that serves a particular purpose (a pot, pan, jug, plate, or cup)—it is an instrument used for a specific purpose. Just as I planned to use my beautiful, clay creation as a vessel to hold special things near and dear to my heart, God’s plan is to use His people as an instrument to carry out a specific service. We are common, run-of-the-mill clay! We are fragile and can be easily cracked or broken! Yet God entrusts His treasure with us—THIS TREASURE is the “glorious” news of Jesus Christ!

With this in mind, and a heart that overflows with gratitude, we all have so many opportunities to share the gospel and share love with our brothers and sisters in Christ. As we express this gratitude, it is virtually impossible to be depressed, sad, worried, anxious, or fearful whatever our circumstances … This gratitude binds our hearts together with the love for our Savior …

As the band from Jars of Clay sang, [JESUS], “I want to fall in love with you …” … I know that I am your precious treasure!

 Prayer: Lord, please use me as an ordinary but useful vessel as I await your glorious return for your BRIDE…May I be your “hands and feet” in a world that desperately needs to know your love!  

THINKING ABOUT FORGIVENESS

Sometimes it just happens!   We use our words carelessly and hurt someone’s feelings…Without thinking, we do something that wasn’t really the right thing to do…With our acts of omission, we preclude another from receiving a blessing or even cause them to feel neglected or “left out”…Things get “too busy” to invest time in those relationships that really make a difference…Perhaps we miss opportunities and feel the pain and remorse that can come as a result…

Have you ever pondered the power of forgiveness?

Certainly, if you have brought pain or suffering to someone, deliberately or perhaps unknowingly, acting out of neglect or haste, there is a hungering desire for forgiveness. Failing to obey what you know to be TRUTH fosters an internal longing to be forgiven. Desiring to be forgiven and extending forgiveness has unparalleled power to heal a broken heart, bind up a wound, and free the soul from bondage.

When Jesus was asked “What is the greatest commandment?...” HE clearly told us to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength…HE told us that the second greatest commandment was to love our neighbor as ourselves. We have clear instructions from God’s Holy Word to love the Lord with a whole heart and to love others including ourselves. This is not a kind of “self love” but rather a spirit of love that fosters forgiveness. The Bible instructs us to forgive one another not because another person deserves forgiveness but out of our love for God. Satan would love nothing more than to have us believe the lie that we have done something that is too big or too bad to be forgiven. Ultimately, God desires for us to be forgiven and to forgive others. I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Scripture does not quantify or qualify sin. Scripture is clear that God is faithful and just to forgive all sin--past, present, and future--when we are truly repentant. God's ultimate plan for eternity is FORGIVENESS... Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for the sins of every single human being God created. HIS forgivenss is infinite, all encompassing, "hand-tailored" grace ... Jesus laid down his life so that you and I could be forgiven...This is our example, our standard.We are called to forgive others out of a love for the Lord--not because it is deserved! The power of this magnitude of forgiveness sets the captive free and gives LIFE!

This is the life that is … “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3) … Be encouraged today that you can be forgiven and that with God’s help you can forgive others!

As believers in Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we are loved with an everlasting love...this is our "eternity now" [to be continued]

Thank you Lord for forgiving me. May I extend grace and forgiveness to others as I reflect on YOUR ultimate gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

Have You Ever Listened to a Beautiful Day?

Although it was fourteen years ago, I remember the day and the moment as if it were yesterday when my innocent little girl was swinging in the backyard “as high as the sky.” With those glistening brown eyes she looked at me and profoundly proclaimed a truth that has penetrated not only my thoughts but also the fabric of my heart over the years. She asked, “Mom, have you ever LISTENED to a beautiful day?” 

 

Early this morning there was darkness for the bright and shining sun had not burst forth with its light over the horizon. Listening, you could hear the elusive quietness that calms the spirit and soothes the soul. Looking around, you could see the tranquil, short-lived stillness that permeates the lingering peace of the night. Trees towering above, against a sky that would soon radiate a multicolored prism of light, depicting a mighty, all-powerful, supreme God. It is a new day dawning—whatever is in the past or whatever the future holds—there are an infinite number of reasons to praise God for His blessings and call upon His Holy, majestic name.

Lord, may all the things of this world be “drowned out” by the quietness and stillness that you alone can give in a world of busyness seemingly full of “darkness” that brings “no light.” YOU, Heavenly Father, give LIGHT, and may we know you and praise your Holiness…Sing with prayers to the changelessly faithful One…Cry out for mercy…Blessed be the name of the LORD.

 

Praying today to be still and KNOW God!

(Psalm 105: 1-4)

 

Copyright 2014 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges     All rights reserved

You've A FRIEND

Do you have a "true" friend? Are you a "true" friend to someone? C.S. Lewis writes that not unlike art and philosophy, friendship "has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival." The anals of history, the volumes of poetry, the songs of every genre, cross-cultural literature, and artistic expression promulgate the joys and rewards of "true" friendship.

If you are blessed to have a "true" friend who loves you (despite yourself), you have received a wonderful blessing. Loving unconditionally, without expecting anything in return, is what "true friendship" is all about!
 
The Bible is filled with great examples of "true" friendship of which the foundation is love--Ruth and Naomi, Jacob and Rachel, Jonathan and David, Esther and "her people," Paul and Timothy, Jesus and John, Mary and Joseph...

The gift of a flip calendar is displayed on the kitchen counter where each year for the past three, I flip it over and reread the inspiring quotes. Today, the quote was from the HOLY BIBLE, "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail."    [Lamentations 3: 21-23 NIV]

Jesus longs to be our friend, and in Him we have more than every gift and quality ever conceived in the greatest anals of history, music, philosophy, or art...We can have an eternal relationship that does not fade, wither, disappoint, or fail.

As the hymn writer so eloquently expressed in the song, "What A Friend...," Jesus is our every refuge...He will always be there, ready and waiting to accept each and every one of us in an unconditional "friendship" of His love for ever and ever!

THANKING GOD FOR THE GIFT OF "TRUE" FRIENDS IN MY LIFE TODAY...AND, THANKING HIM, MOST OF ALL, FOR JESUS WHICH IS THE ULTIMATE GIFT OF LOVE AND "PERFECT FRIENDSHIP."

                                                                

                                                                  Copyright 2014 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges            All rights reserved

JOYFUL NEW YEAR

                  F     A     I     T    H    HH   H

 

A new calendar year is rapidly approaching….In only a few hours, there will be celebrations and well wishes all over the world! Literally millions of dollars will be poured in to “celebrating” a new year. As one year folds time in to another, there really is no finite boundary or new beginning in the calendar year itself. However, this is a great time to reflect on the past year and to set goals establishing priorities, continuing the journey….

Last year on December 31st, I chose to focus on the topic of FAITH as it applies to personal growth. Using this as an acrostic, there were five areas that I identified where I desired to learn, grow, and deepen my personal walk with the Lord. On New Year's Eve, I wrote out "10 Priorities for 2013." The acrostic focused on these areas:  

 

Future – Knowing that my days on the earth are numbered helps me keep an eternal perspective

Afraid – Trusting God for the outcome for every event and decision in life and having no fear

Intimacy – Time reading/meditating on God’s word to “hear” and to receive wisdom and discernment

To Jesus – Looking to Him and Him alone who authors and perfects my faith

Heaven – Knowing full well that my hope is in the Lord and that HEAVEN is my eternal home

My musically talented daughter and I wrote a song entitled, “The Victory’s Already Been Won,” based on this 2013 theme, and we are enthusiastically enjoying singing it for whatever audiences will listen!

The words of the chorus are:

Faith is the evidence of things I cannot see,

Faith is the assurance of the hope He has for me;

Faith in unseen miracles of a Sovereign God,

Faith in the VICTORY that’s already been won.

Today, reflecting on the journey of 2013, it is humbling to see God's hand of mercy and grace in all things. To know that He is an amazing and sovereign God gives courage and hope as well as the strength to persevere in tough times. Thanking Him now for all of the precious “gifts” in my life—family, special friends, and especially my brothers and sisters in Christ... God makes no mistakes; everything that is a part of my life is for my good and His glory. What an awesome “end” to a year filled with unimaginable, incredible growth as well as mind-boggling opportunities and what a glorious “beginning” to the earthly adventures of a new calendar year with Jesus coming to spend every day—now and forever!  

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”   ~Hebrews 11:1

 

                                                                        

                                                                    Copyright 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges      All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

PATIENTLY WAITING

Candlelight Service at Calvary

 

 



As you know, it's definitely not easy for young children to "wait patiently" as they anticipate the "surprises" that come with celebrating Christmas. In reality, it's hard for "older children," like me, as well! Although the "surprises" anticipated (or unanticipated) change over the course of life, there is an ensuing peace to know that "waiting patiently" and "working hard" at whatever we are called to do, experience, or endure is part of God's ultimate, sovereign plan!

Amidst the inevitable, unavoidable "busyness," reflecting on the myriad of unanticipated opportunities as well as the innumerable blessings of creating memories in celebration with family and friends during this CHRISTmas season, the common thread lacing the activities and festivities was "patient waiting." The guests who would come to celebrate with us, for whom we had waited patiently, delivered sparkling smiles of joy and gladness. Visiting in the home of "brothers and sisters" in Christ was encouraging and uplifting. These moments are the treasured and cherished ones...that last forever!

What beauty to behold thousands of lit candles on Christmas Eve night, to be still and to be silent, to worship, and to hear the message of CHRISTmas ... to know that ETERNITY entered our time here on earth! This Christmas message--that God revealed Himself in the giving of His Son--is a powerful reminder that work, preparation, and, yes, "waiting patiently" for that ultimate eternal hope to be fully revealed is the reason for every season! This patient waiting gives strength both literally and figuratively.

Thanking God today for giving us a glimpse of what IS and WAS and IS TO COME in the "here and now" ... and, waiting patiently...

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Celebrating CHRISTmas all year!



This is a link to the Calvary Christmas Eve Candlelight Service...Enjoy and be encouraged!

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


Copyright 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges     All rights reserved

THERE NEVER SEEMS TO BE ENOUGH TIME

 

 

As a young career woman, I was given many opportunities to present time management seminars in school districts and dental practices. “Managing time” appears as a straightforward and even simple concept in theory; however, it is paradoxically an enigma revealing the complexities of life. How do you actually “manage” time—this precious gift?  In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People which was on the New York Times bestseller list for 200 weeks, a part of the training was focused on having a paradigm shift and putting first things first using “true north” principles. As a licensed facilitator, I began reflecting on these principles from an eternal perspective and digging in to the scriptures. This actually led me to desire change based on truth from the Word of God.  

One analogy which encouraged me to focus on an eternal perspective is to imagine myself at my 90th birthday party or to write what my own obituary might say. What would be the "words of truth" that others would convey about my life.

Keeping this eternal perspective brings innumerable blessings…and encourages me to be a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to me--especially the gift of TIME!

Realizing that we all have a limited amount of time on this earth--making every hour count, understanding that once time is used, you can never get it back to love, serve, give, forgive, and share-- changes one's paradigm to an eternal perspective!  

Each week that we are given the gift of time, there are 168 hours in the week. Mathematically this looks something like:

       168 – 56 (hours of sleep/8 hours per night) = 112

       112 – 10 (hours for personal hygiene/shower, etc.) = 102

       102 – 15 (hours for food preparation/eating/dining) = 87

       87 – 50 (40 hour work week plus commute--this is more for "stay at home moms raising children") = 37

       37 – 10 (planning and transition time) = 27

The balance of finite earthly time each week would be estimated to be between 20 – 30 hours (although it is probably less due to unexpected events/circumstances).

Scheduling what is important from an eternal perspective and deducting those hours from 168 (hours in a week) gives a visual representation of what and how we spend our time. This means scheduling the important things FIRST--God, family, important relationships--to avoid becoming enslaved to the “tyranny of the urgent.”

Asking this question, "what IS IMPORTANT?" and consciously recording what is important in my life has a powerful impact on how I choose to use the time that God has and is giving me. Making a prayerful, conscious choice to love the Lord and serve from an eternal perspective “makes ALL the difference!” And, it has ETERNAL REWARDS!!!!

“And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”  Matthew 22: 35-39 (ESV)

 

 

Copyright 2013 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges