JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Clay in the Hands of the Potter.

We find this element in Isaiah 64:8. “Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay; you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

Construction sites can be messy. Things are torn apart and broken down for a season. But there is a designer at work with a plan to put it back together again new and improved.

That is how God works in our lives, as He develops godly character in our lives. Things can get messy in the process, but there is a Designer at work, building a masterpiece, so that we can be useful instruments in His Kingdom.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Clay in the Hands of the Potter is a key element for Thriving Relationships that honor God.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on God as our Potter.

Some people are very skilled at arts and crafts where they can make a project with their hands. 

God is skilled with His hands to make us and mold us into the likeness of Jesus. He does not force His hand on us, but shapes the willing heart into masterpieces for His useful purposes.

Isaiah 64:8 says, “You, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

Today, we can ask God to work in our hearts and make us useful instruments for His glory. And then, watch His hand move in our lives as we align our ambitions to His purposes.

Focusing on God as our Potter gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Moment Of Celebration reflects on the work of the Potter’s Hand.

Isaiah 64:8 says, “Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

As the potter, God has a plan for our lives to make us useful instruments in His Kingdom. We are made to glorify Him.

He chips away at the parts of our lives that are not honorable to Him so that our vessel might be fashioned into a design that reflects His glory. Ephesians 2:10 says that “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

How can we become God’s masterpieces? It happens when we approach Him and say, “Have your way in my life,” and then, follow that prayer with a teachable spirit.

Lyrics from the song, “The Potter’s Hand” reflects the prayer of a tender heart to God. “Take me, mold me, use me, fill me, I give my life to the Potter’s hand. Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me. I give my life to the Potter’s hand.”

The work of the Potter’s Hand is a reason to be glad in the Year of Celebration.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com