I wonder what might change in our lives, if our main motivation became to keep ourselves ready for the Master to use for every good work?
This is the thought that I’ve been contemplating for years now. It convicts me. It motivates me. It is slowly transforming me. It is directing my steps.
I don’t always live life perfectly. I make mistakes. I blow it sometimes. My attitude is a challenge at certain times. My mouth gets me in trouble on occasion…which reflects faults within my heart. But I am trying…trying to be transformed. I want always to be ready.
But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthfulness. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:19-22
About 10 years ago, God spoke to me during a fast. I don’t remember why I was fasting, but I do remember that instead of speaking to me about the matter I found important, He spoke to me about something else in my life. He instructed me to stop a certain behavior so that I was always ready to be used by Him. Since then, I won’t say I haven’t struggled with that…because I have…but the thought is always in my mind…even today, it is there and beckoning me one more step closer to transformation. I will press on…and I know eventually I will be free.
Are there things in your life that you know inhibit you from being constantly useful to the Master?
Today, I encourage you to pray about those things and lay them down…even if you have tried before. Each day is a new opportunity for transformation. Never give up!! That’s really the point. If we never give up trying, then we never lose.
God, please forgive me for the things I struggle with. I repent of every wrong deed I commit. Please cleanse me on the inside and make me ready to do good work for You. I want to be constantly at the ready. I want to be clear headed, positive minded, and pure hearted. Teach me Your ways and lead me down paths of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 