FIT AND READY FOR THE MASTER'S USE- THE 5 IDENTICAL JARS

This post is for those of us Christians who long to be put to the Master’s use. Many times in life we may wonder why God who loves us all impartially speaks only to some and answers the prayers of some more quickly than others. Today I’d like to explain why this is so with a picture that comes to mind:

Just suppose we wanted to pour some wine into a vessel, we go to the kitchen and take 5 identical jars:

 1)    1 st jar is already filled with oil till the brim.

2)     2^nd jar  is  half filled with oil.

3)    3^rd jar is half filled with water.

4)    4^th  jar is empty but not washed and so unfit for use.

5)    5^th jar is empty,washed and ready for use.

This is very similar to our Spiritual lives. God wants to bless each and every one of us His children with every spiritual blessing. Yet the problem is not with Him but with us. Let us understand by taking each of the 5 jars one by one:

1)    The 1^st jar was too full for the Master’s Use- not necessarily with bad things but still full. This refers to our getting too busy in life- doing this and that and many good things too but when God comes to  bless us, we are not able to make space for Him because our lives are too tightly packed.

2)    The 2^nd jar is half filled,there is some space but if we pour wine into it, it will not be fit for drinking. It will in fact render useless even the oil that already is in it- This refers to those who half heartedly try to seek God but are actually filled with worldly logic and reasoning. They may be the successful people of the world but just like the oil and wine mixture is useless, such mixed up Christians are useless both to the world and to God. They are unable to take a stand about any one thing. There is no middle way- either  God or the world - we have to choose.

3)    The 3^rd jar half filled with water refers to those Christians who have a simple life and not necessarily as worldly as the 2^nd category but they are half filled and so even if we pour wine into this jar, the wine will be diluted and will lose its flavor,fragrance and taste.

4)    The 4^th jar is empty but not clean and so even if wine is poured it will be made impure by the smell or traces of  the substance that earlier was in the vessel. These refers to the Christians who have emptied themselves but  are not yet sanctified by the water of the Holy Spirit which is the anointing of God and so are unfit for use.

5)    The 5^th jar is empty,washed and ready  As long as the vessel is open, there is no guarantee that the vessel will be 100% pure all of the time as some dust or dirt may fall on it. So there must be a daily cleansing involved in order for the vessel to be ready for use and when the wine is poured in, it will carry the color, the fragrance ,flavor and the sweet taste of the Wine that is poured. The same is applicable to us too when we live in this fallen world, we may also become polluted but  as we undergo a daily sanctification by the waters of the Holy Spirit, God will cleanse us and pour out His blessings on us and our lives will be filled with new meaning and purpose and we will become more like Christ each day.

It always encourages me that God doesn’t want our fullness but our emptiness, He wants to fill us and make us whole. He doesn’t want us to get our act together and then come to Him. He has already sent us the detergent to wash away the stubborn stains of our sins and that is the pure blood of Jesus and the water is His Holy Spirit. Only a willing obedient heart is what He looks for.


Enjoy this Powerful Video : What can wash away my stain? NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS.

http://youtu.be/8W-KDlQPpuo

 Have a blessed week,

Take care, God bless,

Sparky Laurie

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Its gonna be alright...He will Never Let You Go!

Dear Friend,

How are you today? In this post, I’d like to share with you a beautiful Song I just came across. The wonderful lyrics gives us the universally needed message of HOPE. I pray that God speaks to you and that this anointed Song encourages you as much as it has helped me. 

In this forever changing world which is so uncertain , there is only one thing that is certain and that remains the same - and that is GOD ALMIGHTY.  James 1:17 says God does not change like shifting shadows.

Heb 13:8: “Jesus is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever.” As natural calamities , disasters & chaos fills our cities, we the Children of the Living God have the blessed privilege of being secure and confident  untouched by what happens around us.
Psalms 91:7:“Though a thousand fall at our side, though ten thousand are dying around us, these evils will not touch us.” We can sleep in peace and rest assured that the Arms that hold the Universe will hold us secure and the voice that calmed the raging sea that calls us His child will always be there to comfort us.

I want to encourage you today Friend that no matter where you are in life today- on the mountain top or in the dark valley deep, know for sure that our Loving God is totally in control and it is His promise that He will never let you go. He reassures us in Psalms 46:10 : “Be still and know that I am God.”

Have a blessed week.

Click to enjoy this beautiful Song : ARMS THAT HOLD THE UNIVERSE (by 33 Miles):   http://youtu.be/HGCHecATSGs

Take Care, God bless,

Sparky Laurie

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WE ARE GOD'S POSTAGE STAMPS

Hi friends, this week I'd like to  share with you a real gem ; a sermon from my childhood. It made such an impression on me that many years later, I still remember bits and pieces of it. This post is only a patchwork of it from memory, research and some of my ideas; I pray God speaks to you through it!

10 Reasons why WE ARE GOD’S POSTAGE STAMPS-

1)Designed for a Purpose-

Stamps  are made with a design and purpose in mind-Similarly we too have been created ‘just as we are’ for a specific purpose. Eph 2:1 “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

2)Image bearers –

The postal stamps often bear the image of a Great Person. Similarly we too are made in the Image of God and must appear like Christ to others. Gen 1:27: “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

3)Goes where it is sent -  

A postage stamp is made, controlled and governed by the Postal Authority- It never argues about where it is to go. Similarly we too must be obedient to our Divine Authority and go where we are commissioned to go. Matt 28:18,19  Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me therefore go and make disciples of all nations"

4) Value according to Use- 
Just as stamps differ in value (currency)which depends on its use , we also have different talents given to us according to His calling for our lives. It is useless to compare ourselves with others for His purposes for each of us is different. 1 Corin 7:7 : “Each person has a special gift from God, and these gifts vary from person to person.”

5) Ragged Edge is no Hindrance-

The ragged edges on the sides of the stamp do not in any way reduce the value of the stamp. We never need to feel unworthy because of any external factors as they do not determine our value. 1 Sam 16:7: “Man looks on the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.”

6) Endurance by hardship  -

Stamps are pressed hard so they can be properly used-Similarly, we also may be “pressed down in life” by hardships- poverty, rejection, betrayal, sickness, loss of a loved one, pain etc to be used by God but instead of striking back when we are hurt we need to learn to patiently endure in hope. Rom 5:3 "We rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

7)Small in size but carrier of great messages-  
Postal stamps look small in size but they carry messages of great importance. Similarly we may be small and insignificant but we carry the greatest message ever – the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2 Corin 4:7 : “Our bodies are made of clay, yet we have the treasure of the Good News in them. This shows that the superior power of this treasure belongs to God and doesn't come from us.”

8) Rendered useless if unstuck-  

Just like a stamp that is once stuck will get torn and rendered useless if we try to remove it from the envelope, similarly if we turn back from our Calling, we will be rendered useless and without power to accomplish anything useful in life.
2 Peter 2:21 “It would have been better for them never to have known the way of life that God approves of than to know it and turn their backs on the holy life God told them to live.”

9)Perseverance till destination-

 Just as stamps have to stick onto the envelope (no matter how far or long it has to travel) to accomplish its mission, only if we “stick” to the situations in our life will we be able to successfully reach our destination. Heb 10:36 : “Persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”

10) Usable only after purchased-

The stamp is obtained for use only after it is purchased. Similarly we too are valuable since we have been bought at a very high price.  1 Peter 1:18-19: “For it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”

It is the Power of His Love that saved us and causes us to be joyful.

Enjoy this week's  song: POWER OF HIS LOVE : http://youtu.be/N425kFh3xSI 

Have a blessed week,

Take care, God bless,

Sparky Laurie

"Am I that easy to forget ?" NO you aren't - TRIBUTE TO JIM REEVES

Hi friends,

I was just listening to some songs by one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time Jim Reeves (1923-1964).The lyrics of his songs are so full of beauty & truth and his voice is soothing and smooth. More than anything we can sense his homesickness for heaven and a deep longing to be with the Lord.He finally was taken home at the young age of 40 in a private plane crash. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Reeves

Do enjoy these lovely songs:

1) THE FLOWERS,THE SUNSET,THE TREES:  This lovely song is about how he tells us his certainty that there is a God when he looks at the Perfection in Creation. http://youtu.be/iWwssySbMJ0

2) WE THANK THEE:  This has been my most favourite one right from my childhood. I love the tune and also how beautifully Jim Reeves draws pictures from Nature of things for us to be grateful to God.http://youtu.be/3pXzge4uhVs

3) I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS : This song is about how Jim confesses that he would rather choose JESUS than wealth,possessions,fame,applause or anything else that the world had to offer. http://youtu.be/cgwGiF0-mlE

4) MY CATHEDRAL - The lyrics of this song leaves me spell bound . A must hear - it starts like this : "My cathedral has a ceiling of blue neath the sky "and goes on to tell us how he worships the Lord in the Cathedral of Nature.http://youtu.be/_98fZeShow0

5) A BEAUTIFUL LIFE : Through this song ,Jim gives us the message about how we should fill our short life here on earth with deeds of kindness and bring joy to those around. He has surely lived this song- PRAISE GOD FOR HIS BEAUTIFUL LIFE!http://youtu.be/FbBja_ZPRqo

 6) BUT YOU LOVE ME DADDY : A heart touching song of a Father's Unconditional Love for his 5 year old Son. It is so cute how it is so ingrained in the little child that HIS DADDY LOVES HIM NO MATTER WHAT! God's love for us is just like this!http://youtu.be/cuqQ_wI1RBQ

7) ACROSS THE BRIDGE : This song is a reminder to us that the pains and sorrows of this life are momentary and that there is a greater Glory coming - a land "across the river"where there will be no sorrow,no pain and we will never be unhappy again. 

http://youtu.be/L-FYGjhwo40

8) HAVE THINE OWN WAY LORD : This is a song that talks about a Full Surrender to the Lord and how we are the Clay and He is the Potter shaping us into a useful vessel for Him. http://youtu.be/U9R5bQhxnTM

9) WHISPERING HOPE : This song is above the soft gentle comforting voice of HOPE that asks us to Wait till the midnight is over and watch for the breaking of day.http://youtu.be/eqwomT5YSiw

10) I'LL FLY AWAY :  This song is an upbeat song that fills us with the joyful hope of RAPTURE and being with the Lord one day. http://youtu.be/TNXq5p5Voxw

Hope you enjoyed this post which is my TRIBUTE to this Legend of a Man who has blessed the lives of so many of us and continues to do so!

Have a great day!

Take care, God bless,

Sparky Laurie

Aug 29th 2011 METAMORPHOSIS - Butterfly Analogy

Hi friends,

Today I’d like to share a butterfly analogy that came to mind when thinking about the different phases in our Christian Spiritual Walk with the Lord. This is similar to the life stages of a Butterfly.*

1)    Egg stage -

       The egg on the leaf deposited by another butterfly can be likened to a person who has just accepted the Lord when Holy Spirit convicts him.

2)    First Instar Caterpillar -
      The next stage is when the Egg hatches and a young caterpillar now emerges. It is called the First Instar Caterpillar. It has only one job and that is to eat – very much like the baby Christian who is now thirsty for the living waters of God and hungry for the Bread of Life, he satisfies himself by voraciously feeding on the Word of God.

3)    Second Instar Caterpillar-
       At this stage, some changes have already started to occur to the caterpillar and he may look a little funny also. His head capsule is already separated from the rest of the body- This is when we have filled ourselves with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit begins to deal with us and reveal to us areas that we need to change. The quicker we obey what He says, the quicker we can change.

4)    Molting-

       This stage is when the caterpillar has grown larger for its skin to contain (as a result of continuous feeding) and so now begins to grow a new skin underneath the old skin- This refers to the stage when the sanctification process begins and we now begin to bear the fruits of the Spirit. There will be an automatic visible change in our character, as we are now new creations and during this time the new skin is exposed and slowly pushes away the old skin and this is called Molting.

5)    Third & Fourth Instar Caterpillars-

      The caterpillar continues eating, growing and shedding its skin once again. With every passing day, there are now visible changes in its appearance. It is no longer like the baby caterpillar nor is it a fully grown butterfly-This refers to the years in our Spiritual life when we discipline ourselves to feeding on the word and obeying whatever the Holy Spirit tells us to do including change in some areas of our lives that we were not previously aware was wrong. This revelation comes when we are willing to obey God even when it hurts us.

6)    Fifth Instar Caterpillar (PUPA)-
       Now the caterpillar has become too big for its skin. This time when the caterpillar molts, a new skin forms the outer shell of the Chrysalis / Pupa. Though it may appear that nothing is happening, inside the pupa a lot of changes are now taking place. The body of the caterpillar is now being transformed to butterfly- Wings & antennae are formed, mouth parts are changed- This refers to the stage in our Christian life when nothing seems to be happening but we continue to stand on God’s promises and trust His faithfulness. We may wonder what has happened and feel lonely and forgotten but this is the time when God draws closest to us. We will now start seeing Him with new eyes and hearing Him with new ears. We have the promise to encourage us but He asks us to WAIT patiently till the right time.

7)    Emerging Butterfly –

      This is the stage when the outer shell Pupa breaks and the butterfly emerges. Even though it has wings, they are small & wet and so it cannot fly as yet. It must pump fluids from within and cause the wings to expand to their full size, dry and then exercise its flight muscles before it can fly- This refers to the stage when God reveals to us that we are ready and that He has fully equipped us with what we need to fly. But just like the butterfly, we need to exercise our faith and spread our wings, shake off our fears and insecurities in ourselves and trust God to help us fulfill His call on our lives.

8)    Ready butterfly-
      This is the flying butterfly in our gardens – so pretty to look at and it brings us so much of joy. When we are ready, we will be able to fly free like this butterfly and bring joy to the lives of others too.

{*Source Reference: http://www.butterflyschool.org/new/meta.html}

Friend, I want to encourage you today that no matter which stage of Metamorphosis you are in today, rest assured in this promise Phil 1:6 : “God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” 

Enjoy this beautiful song that confirms it. http://youtu.be/eNjZlHARnEk

Have a blessed week,

Take care, God bless,

Sparky Laurie

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Aug 25th 3 WAYS TO LOOK UP WHEN LIFE LOOKS DOWN

LOOKING UP WHEN LIFE IS LOOKING DOWN

Hi friends,

Sometimes in life we go through moments when we just cannot discipline ourselves to focus on anything ; let alone prayer. Through 3 musical videos this post shares how I survive those dry days and tackle those tough moments when the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. I truly believe this may encourage someone today.

1) Be Honest with God-

Talk to Him like a little child and just tell Him how you feel in simple words- Something like this, "Abba I don't feel like praying today. I am tired Lord and though I trust and love you with all of my being I just feel so far away from you. Draw me close to you. I surrender into your hands this dark moment. Turn it around into something good and use it for Your glory. I cling on to your promises in blind faith and obedience believing that you will see me through like you always have. Thank you Lord." In Jesus name - Amen.

Enjoy this lovely song which gives the same message: 

http://youtu.be/lw9CcLGjouM

2) Write a Letter to God (Journal) - 

Journaling into a personal diary always helps us to get things out from deep inside of us. Writing out what we are feeling inside helps us to clear our mind and really understand what is bothering us. We may also be able to express ourselves in songs or poems. The much loved Book of Psalms in the Bible is actually such a journal account of the outpourings from the heart of King David. God loves it when we are so vulnerably honest with Him and that is why David was called a Man after God’s own Heart.

Here's a similar account in which 9 year old Tyler who is battling with cancer writes out his heart to God. A really touching Video from the movie "Letters to God". 

 http://youtu.be/r3l3GPmCrbI

 

3) Thank God -

When we choose to Praise and Worship God even when we don’t feel like, it means we are now looking at God's face and not His hand. This always pleases God. When we count our blessings, we will realize that we already have more than enough to be grateful to God and that will lift our Spirits up. A Gratitude Journal may help in doing this * (Refer AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE).

Enjoy this beautiful song by Don Moen which never fails to uplift our spirits!

http://youtu.be/v8uivSAbrxI

 I started writing this post feeling a little low myself but now feel great and am sure you too do.Trust me, these 3 ways always work! ;)

Have a blessed week,

Take care, God bless,

Sparky Laurie

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Aug 23rd WHAT WOULD BE YOUR LAST WISH?

Hi friends,

These have been days of quiet meditation and reflection for me and that may come across in what I share with you today .This post is a little different and may even be a little deep but I believe that as I honestly share what I learn with you,it may help someone as it is always good to be prepared in life. So, just go ahead and enjoy this Special post ....

Friend, if you could make ONE LAST WISH  before your life was over? What would you wish for ? WHAT WOULD YOUR ONE DESIRE BE?

What could we wish for in this world so filled with insecurity, loneliness, darkness, turmoil, confusion, pain, sickness and sorrow? I have no  clue as to what you could safely wish for and die ......  However, I certainly do know what I would wish for : My One Desire would definitely be the Presence of  the Lord Jesus ;The ANSWER to all  the above given problems in life - He is our ROCK in insecurity, Our BEST FRIEND in loneliness, Our LIGHT in the darkness, Our PEACE in the unrest, Our GUIDANCE through the chaos, Our COMFORT in Pain and our HEALTH in Sickness, Our JOY in Sorrow. 

 JESUS is undoubtedly the ONE THING TO DESIRE in LIFE.

Sharing the heart stirring lyrics of this beautiful song ‘ONE DESIRE’ by Lenny Le blanc. Hope you enjoy it! 

Chorus:
If I could have One Desire
Before my life is through
Even in my darkest night
My life would shine for You
If I could stop the hands of time
Or make a wish come true
I would tell my heart to burn with fire
For no one else but You
This is my One Desire

Verse:1
You are my Saving Grace
Anchor of my soul
In a world that's turned upside down
I want you to know….. Chorus:

Verse:2
You are my Faithful Friend
The One that I lean on
You always understand
With all that I am
I'll give you the deepest devotion I know
With all of my strength
I won't let You go
As I look to You above
I will give You all my love….. Chorus:

http://youtu.be/UBurjeIcbdE

Take care, God bless,

Sparky Laurie