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Hop on over to her site and check out her post and what others have to say "In Other Words." If you are feeling a little talkative today feel free to write your own post about this weeks quote, add a link to your post at Nina's site and Read on My Friends! To find out more about In Other Words and how to participate each week visit Amy at the IOW Link Above! Be Blessed, and Happy Reading!
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"...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)
Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)
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.This quote reminds me of the simple truth God has been teaching me throughout my life - He uses broken things to reveal His glory. It is said best in this verse of Scripture:
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"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (NIV)
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Pasty Clairmont, author and speaker for the Women of Faith organization, says it this way: "God Uses Cracked Pots." He says that the sacrifices that honor Him are a broken heart, a heart broken toward sin and the separation that it perpetuates between man and God and a contrite spirit. A spirit willing to submit itself to God and receive His redemption, forgiveness and truth. And in that broken and humble state, He lifts us from the ashes - broken pieces scattered all around and refashions us in a transformed existence - one that gets better with age not more decrepid. He casts beauty as His light shines forth through the cracks and the broken places in our lives. Yes, God uses cracked pots - I know because He uses me. He turns my brokeness into His glory and my part is surrender - to bow before Him and allow Him to work it within me so it can be seen around me. God is so Gloriously Good, who can fathom the great mystery that is our wonderful God!
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Blessings today dear friends.
Absolutely beautiful post!! Thank you so much for sharing that!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. This is so true. It's amazing that God can use me and that He wants to. I used to see myself as just a mom who hasn't finished her education and doesn't have the money to do great things for Him. That's probably how the world sees me. But, I'm trying to get past that and to trust God. It's so true. He can use us if we submit ourselves to Him.
ReplyDeleteAmen! You said, "...my part is surrender - to bow before Him and allow Him to work it within me so it can be seen around me."
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! It seems so simple to say but ever so hard to do sometimes. But if we can just surrender it all over to Him, oh what peace can abound!
Great post!
Karen
www.homesteadblogger.com/tagblog
Amen! So where I have been lately!
ReplyDeleteLovely words!
Hey Michelle!
ReplyDeleteAmen! God has been teaching me to really trust Him and humble myself before Him and THEN He is able to do great things in and through me.
I have been reading this awesome book "Ministry of Motherhood" by Sally Clarkson at night before I go to bed each night. Last night I was reading about teaching your children about service. Ms Clarkson brought two scriptures: Phil. 2 and Eph. 2:10. I meditated on the ideas of "emptying myself" as Christ did and the "good works" Christ ordains for us to "walk in".
Your post helps drive home the thoughts that are whirling around in my head regarding both!
Hope the preparation for the conference this weekend is going smoothly. Can't wait to hear all that God does this weekend!
This was such a lovely post sweetie, bless you.
ReplyDeleteHey Michelle,
ReplyDeleteGreat scripture and I love what Pasty shared. She's one of my favorites.
Blessings to you my friend♥