Jun 12, 2010

Saturday morning... {D}


I really just have a minute to pop in and say,  "Good morning".  Today is the day of my tea party for ten of the most important ladies in my life...my bible study sisters.  As usual I still have a gazillion things to do, but my devotional this morning stopped me short and I knew I just had to share it with all of you.

Oswald Chambers is on the subject of following completely after Jesus...could there be any better subject?

"Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus.  Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "Your name is Simon, son of John - but you will be called Cephas" (which means "Peter').  John 1:42

Chambers says, "God writes the new name on those places in our lives where He has erased pride and self-sufficiency and self-interest.  Some of us have the new name in spots only, like spiritual measles.  In sections we look all right.  When we have our best spiritual mood on, you would think we were very high-toned saints; but don't look at us when we are not in that mood.  The disciple is one who has the new name written all over him; self interest and pride and self-sufficiency have been completely erased."



I cut these flowers yesterday for my centerpieces today...At first glance they are quite beautiful...


but as I snapped the pictures from different angles...


the container that held them began to come into focus more...


the focus was no longer on the beautiful flowers but on the cheap plastic bucket that held them...

Is this my spiritual life?  At first glance this unworthy vessel shows off the sweet beauty of Jesus pretty well but as you begin turn the angles of my life the container becomes more evident and Jesus begins to fade in the background.  Pride, self sufficiency and self interest begin to show in spots like measles.

I long to have my new name be evident in all areas of my life...to have this earthen vessel show only the love, compassion, grace and patience of Jesus.  I know that this will take surrendering every aspect of my life to Him daily, hourly...by the minute if necessary.

How about you?   Are the measles going around where you dwell, too?  Just something to think about...

Have a wonderful, abiding weekend...

Blessings, Patty

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22 comments:

Joan Hall said...

Patty - you have given me much to think about in this post. Far too often, my life reflects the unworthy vessell rather than the fullness of Christ.

God's richest blessings upon you today and and I pray that all in your Bible study are filled with knowledge and understanding of His word.

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Patty,
Have a great luncheon with your friends. Your centerpieces will be beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Hi Patty, You gave us a lot to think about today! Love those flowers, yes, but the container... well, it needs a little work. Just like we do.

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Have fun with your friends at tea, love those flowers and what's holding them!

Diane said...

Very well said and thought provoking.....a lesson to us all I would think! Have a fun "tea party"...gorgeous flowers!!

Carolyn said...

Hi Patty!

Perfect timing to read your awesome devotional! I had just bought a few devotional books and this goes right along with how God is working in my heart! :) Your analogies are always so amazing!

If you haven't read the book "Faith Like Potatoes", you have to get it! It is an amazing book! I can't think of the author's name right now but it is a must read! :)

Have a wonderful, fun tea with your friends!

Loren said...

What a wonderful and thought provoking post! How many times do we "position" ourselves for others to see JUST the "good side" or "beauty" of us. Thank you for this reminder and may we listen to the Truth of who we are IN HIM!!

Bless you my friend

Musings of A Minister said...

Great illustration for a great message. Thank you.

Sandy said...

Spiritual Sundays is just so full of very profound analogies thie weekend! Thank you so much for taking time to share with us. Your flowers look beautiful! Hope your tea party was very enjoyable for you!

Daughter of the KING said...

Love your illustration today. Reminds me of an old saying "Pretty is as pretty does." My mother would appreciate that I remember that saying.

Renee said...

What a insightful post and the analogy is eye opening. Thank you for giving me food for thought today.

Charlotte said...

What a neat illustration. And the flowers are beautiful. I'm sure your tea party was a wonderful event. Thank you for taking time out of your busy morning to share with us.
Blessings,
Charlotte

INSIDE THE SHRINK said...

I have been using My Utmost For His Highest for about 15 years now. It never gets old. I gleen more spiritual insight each day as I read. This morning when I read this one I asked the Lord what my new name was. I'm hoping I'm not spotted. Thanks for sharing this post. It is inspiring. God bless, Dr. Bobbi

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I loved the illustration also. The flowers are beautiful, and I hope your tea was too.
God Bless,
Ginger

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Yes we are to be the flowers, glowing love, happiness, kindness and colour to everyone around. Very good analogy. Bless you,

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Wow Patty...what a fantastic message. Thank you...

Apron Senorita said...

Beautiful flowers and beautiful message.

Yoli :)

Cathy said...

Thanks for sharing those thoughts. Your flowers are beautiful. Blessings ~

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hello Patty... Your flowers are gorgeous! I hope you enjoys your ladies tea:-)
Bella

Jeannie B. said...

Oh Dear, I was thinking that using the bucket for flowers was sure a cute idea!!

Enjoyed your post.

GodsOwn/Bernice said...

I enjoyed how you illustrated the message....
Really thought provoking.....I looked several times at the different pictures...I was so atracted to the flowers at 1st that i did not give the bucket attention.....
Well hope you had an great tea and bible study....

A Busy Single Mom said...

What a thought provoking post! Thank you.