Daily Devotional for October 30, 2015
Jeremiah 18
Scripture:
1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:
2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.”
3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel.
4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the LORD came to me:
6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
Observation:
This message from the Lord clearly illustrates the discipleship journey we are on. As the potter continues to mold and shape the clay into a finished work of art, the Lord is shaping us into the disciple he desires. Here are a few observations and lessons that encouraged me within this message. First, a potter’s creation is functional and useful. The Lord is developing us into a vessel that can be used by Him. Second, a potter’s creation is a unique work of art. We too are a unique work of art that the Lord cares about deeply. Third, while in the process of development, the clay is found in the hands of the potter. Likewise, as we walk this discipleship journey, we too are in the hands of the Lord.
As Spirit-Empowered Men, we choose to be in the hands of the Lord as He develops us into a functional, useful, and unique work of art. Each day we invite the Lord to mold and shape us. Every man should allow the Lord to help him grow daily. Each of us should desire to grow Spiritually, Relationally, Emotionally, Physically, and Intellectually. This is a conscious choice for us and involves listening to the guidance and prompting of the Holy Spirit. This process may be difficult at times, however, we are always in the hands of the Lord who is the master potter.
Application:
- Personal Application: The discipleship journey is defined by this illustration. Every day we are like the clay in the hands of the potter. As you walk through the day, be attentive to the direction of the Holy Spirit and allow the Lord to shape you into the man he desires.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to your family. Encourage them to be like the clay in the hands of the potter. Remind them to ask the Lord, daily, to help them grow and become more like Him. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask the Lord to shape you into the man he desires and to help us grow Spiritually, Relationally, Emotionally, Physically, and Intellectually.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will stay sensitive to the direction of the Lord to become the functional, useful, unique work of art He desires for them.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, October 25 – Sunday, November 1:
- Sunday, October 25: Jeremiah 13
- Monday, October 26: Jeremiah 14
- Tuesday, October 27: Jeremiah 15
- Wednesday, October 28: Jeremiah 16
- Thursday, October 29: Jeremiah 17
- Friday, October 30: Jeremiah 18
- Saturday, October 31: Jeremiah 19
- Sunday, November 1: Jeremiah 20
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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