Scheduled to sing a special song in the evening service at church, I was meditating on what I should say to the congregation as a prelude to the song, “I’ve Been to the Potter’s House.”

The Lord reminded me of a phone call I once received in the office. This man was questioning his salvation, telling me that he had done some pretty bad things before he was saved and that he had a hard time believing God would really forgive him. This man was also handicapped, with a permanent disability due to his neck being broken.

As we talked, I assured him that there wasn’t anything he could have done that would have been so bad for God not to forgive him if he had repented and asked His forgiveness. I reminded him of King David and how he had committed adultery with Bathsheba, plus had her husband killed. Yet, God forgave him when he truly repented and turned back to Him. 

Then, I reminded him of Saul (before God changed his name to Paul). I described how he was responsible for persecuting the Christians, even having them killed. Yet, God not only forgave him, but also used him as a great apostle to the Gentiles, and who also wrote about half of the books in the New Testament. 

With God’s help, I reassured this man that God had truly forgiven him for all that he’d done, but he needed to forgive himself. I also encouraged him that God had a purpose for him. Yes, this inspirational story was what God wanted me to share before singing:

Tossed about by life’s battles

All my hope was sinking fast

The sinful life that I was living

I knew that I just could not last

Then I went down to the potter’s house

And placed this vessel into His hands

On His wheel of grace and mercy

He made me over again.

If God could forgive David, and if he could forgive Saul, then he’ll forgive any of us if we turn from our sins and call on Him. He can take our broken lives and make something beautiful out of them, even when we don’t think there’s any hope.

Later on, during the communion service, I was meditating on Jesus and what He had done for me. It’s important to make sure my heart is clear before I partake of the holy communion, which represents His broken body and spilled blood – making sure I ask God to forgive my sins, plus making sure I don’t have any unforgiveness in my heart.

As I was praying, I confessed to God that I forgave all of the people who have hurt me and persecuted me, even those who didn’t even realize they were persecuting me. Then, I hesitated as the Holy Spirit helped me understand what I had just prayed. He reminded me of the scriptures I had searched out before singing regarding Saul and how he had persecuted the Christians. Saul thought he was doing a work for God, that he was doing God a favor by persecuting and destroying the Christians. He honestly believed this was the right thing to do.

The Holy Spirit then spoke to me and told me that many people today are persecuting Christians and don’t even realize it. They not only speak against men and women of God and the work they are doing, but they also stir up strife, doubt, and division by sharing these thoughts with others. They honestly believe they owe it to others to tell them the truth. However, they are not building up God’s kingdom. They are tearing it down with their criticisms and misjudgments – all in the name of doing a work for God. They magnify a person’s faults or weaknesses – out of a false sense of duty.

The sad thing is that many of these people seem to be blinded to the fact that Satan is using them as a tool to tear down God’s people. Unfortunately, it has been said that Christians are the only species on earth that destroy their own wounded. How sad! I know because there have been so many people – yes, Christian people – who have said destructive things either to me, or about me, and, likewise, done things that have hurt and discouraged me. Now, I know I am far from being perfect, but I have a heart for God and a heart to serve Him and work for Him. Wouldn’t you think that all Christians would be on the same side trying to encourage one another? Why do we criticize, find fault, nit-pick, or hold past mistakes over each others’ heads? It shouldn’t be this way!

Through the years, many Christians have persecuted me and my family, and they haven’t a clue as to the damage they’ve done to God’s kingdom.

Yes, Lord, I forgive those who have persecuted me, saying or doing things that hurt or discouraged me, even if they didn’t realize what they were doing. And, Lord, help me never to be one who persecutes another Christian brother or sister. I don’t want to be a part of tearing anyone down, especially their work for your kingdom. Please forgive me for times I may have done just that, and Lord, help me to never do it again. Lord, during those times I feel persecuted, help me to remember your Word:

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

(Matthew 5:10-12)

Vicki

Many times before I read the Bible, I ask the Holy Spirit to show me something new. You see, I’ve been in church since I was a little girl, so I’ve heard the stories of Jesus over and over again in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Church Camp, as well as in the regular church services and revival meetings, plus all of the teachings I get by radio, TV, tapes, CDs, etc. Besides all of this hearing of the Word, I’ve also read these stories many, many times. Needless to say, if I’m not seeking God to show me something, it’s easy to miss a blessing in His Word because I’m not expecting anything new in what is already familiar to me.

About a week ago, I was reading in Luke, chapter 5, where Jesus told Peter to cast out his nets for a haul of fish. The Holy Spirit, my teacher, was faithful in bringing these scriptures to life. (You can read this whole story in the first eleven verses of Luke 5.)

One morning, by the Sea of Galilee, people were pressing in around Jesus to hear the Word of God. He knew he couldn’t be very effective with all of the people crowded around, and that only those closest to him would benefit from his teaching. When he saw two ships docked, Jesus took the initiative to climb aboard the one belonging to Simon (Peter) and asked him if he would take the ship out just a little so that he could speak to all of the people. Simon obliged, and Jesus was able to teach all of the people.

When Jesus finished, he told Simon to go out into the deep waters and let down his nets for a haul. Now Peter was tired and discouraged. He had been out all night without catching anything and had just finished cleaning his nets. Nevertheless, because Jesus told him to, he reluctantly relented and agreed to let down his net. I know that Simon was reluctant because, before he agreed to obey, he complained to Jesus about what all he had just been through. Not only that, but Jesus told him to let down his nets (plural), but Simon agreed only to let down his net (one). So we can see that not only was he reluctant, but he was also full of unbelief.

Now all through the years, I had it pictured that at this point Jesus had already climbed off of the ship and sent them out into the deep waters by themselves, but that just isn’t so. Jesus went with them. The Bible says that when Simon Peter saw this miracle of catching enough fish, that two ships were overfilled, he fell down in humility at Jesus feet confessing his sin. It was then that Jesus prophesied to him and told him that from now he would catch men. Again, I had it pictured that this happened once they had docked the ships, but that isn’t so. After Jesus said this, the Bible continues, “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”

What can we learn from this story? First of all, Jesus had a need and saw that Simon had what he needed and that he was available. Simon agreed to let Jesus in and take him out in the boat, even though it wasn’t convenient for him because he was tired and discouraged. 

Today, Jesus sits in heaven and needs us to help him fulfill his purpose here on earth. He looks around to see who has what he needs for a particular task and if they’re available. When he asks us to help him, whether it’s making a phone call, providing food, giving an offering, visiting the hospital, or whatever, do you say, “Yes, Lord, I’ll do it,” even if we don’t feel like it, or it is bad timing?

Second, there was a blessing in store for Simon when he was obedient to Jesus. Simon wasn’t expecting or looking for a reward, but Jesus had one for him anyway. However, this miracle blessing wasn’t just handed to Simon. Again, he obeyed Jesus’ instruction, even though it didn’t make sense and even seemed foolish. Then, he received a financial blessing of fish, more than he ever expected.

Upon seeing this enormous miracle, Simon fell to his knees in humility at Jesus’ feet. His spiritual eyes had been opened, and then he received a spiritual blessing. Jesus saw that Simon was faithful in these little things, so he promoted him, brought him closer to himself, and entrusted him with even greater things to do.

When we are obedient in serving Jesus with a pure heart and right motives, He blesses us. We may have to stretch our faith and go take what he says we can have, but nevertheless, he will bless us; he wants to bless us. On the other hand, we must remain humble in his sight and always give Him all glory and honor. Then, we too, will receive spiritual blessings and promotion. God will speak to us and draw us closer to himself, as well as entrust us with even greater things. What joy and peace!

Finally, we see that Jesus was with Simon the whole time. He gave him a job to do, but Jesus didn’t make him do it by himself. He was right there. Even when Simon had to go after his miracle, Jesus was right there leading him all of the way. It’s the same with us. Jesus doesn’t expect us to do something that he hasn’t equipped us for, or given us the ability to do. Even then, he doesn’t send us anywhere that he doesn’t go along with us. Yet, Simon had to let him in his ship.  Likewise, as God’s vessels, we have to let Jesus in to be Captain of our ship.

Vicki

Here I am again, standing here knocking on Josh’s door. I know he’s home, but he just goes about his business acting as though I’m not even here. It’s hard to accept what’s happened with our relationship. We used to be so close, and I loved spending time with him. I know he loved me, too. We used to hang out together every day. He would share his most private thoughts and dreams with me — things he wouldn’t tell anyone else. Josh knew he could trust me. He told me that I knew him better than anyone else, and would often say that I knew him better than he knew himself. I suppose I did.

So, what happened? Josh, please open the door! He’s such a likeable guy — happy, easy-going, and he’d do anything for you. He truly has a servant’s heart, full of love and compassion. It all changed when Josh started making new friends. They didn’t have the same standards that I did, and they were ever so persuasive in convincing him that he could have more fun without me around. One friend of his, Mandy,  would completely ignore me, treating me like I didn’t even exist, and it didn’t even seem to bother him.

His apparent rejection hurt me terribly, but I won’t let it stop me. There have been too many people, especially his parents who have talked to me about him and asked me not to give up on him. They believe that our relationship can be restored; I believe so, too. That’s why I’ve come here again, knocking, hoping he’ll let me in this time so we can talk.

I think when I leave here, I’ll go down to his brother’s house. Eric’s a strange one. He always acknowledges me, but he wants to keep his distance. It’s like he’s too embarrassed or ashamed for anyone to see him with me. Yet, he’s very agreeable. If certain people ask, he’ll say he knows me, and if anyone suggests that he spend some time with me, he’ll always tell them he will. However, when it comes right down to it, He just won’t. I’ve knocked on his door many times, but he won’t give me the time of day.

It’s sad, because Eric could use a true friend right now. He’s got so many problems, and I know I could help him and make things easier for him — give him some hope and encouragement.  Somehow, though, he doesn’t think he needs me. Maybe, if I just try one more time, even if it’s out of desperation, he’ll let me in.

Josh, I’m still standing out here knocking. Please let me in.

I guess I should stop over at Dave’s today, too, and see how he’s really doing, even though he’s the kind of guy that only wants me around when he needs something from me. I’ll never forget how friendly and appreciative he was when he spent that time in prison, and I was there every day for him. He thought I was the greatest, back then.

It’s a shame, but since his release, Dave got so wrapped up in getting an education, getting a great job, and having a family, that I’m just not important to him anymore. He won’t even give me the time of day, let alone help me out with certain things I need help with — things that were meant for him to do.

Why isn’t Josh answering? I have so many gifts I want to give him that I know will help him fulfill his life’s destiny.

Maybe, I’ll just sit down with Holly this afternoon. She’s such a loyal friend. We go back a long ways. I feel good at her house; she makes me feel at home. She’s not at all like Samantha, who acts like we’re best friends and tells everyone so. Yet, her house is trashed — she has trash coming in, trash going out, and trash that just won’t leave. She’s really deceived if she thinks I want to hang out at her house in all of that filth. On the other hand, Holly may make mistakes sometimes, but she strives hard to make sure I’m comfortable. She keeps a clean house and tries hard to make sure I’m not offended in any way.

It’s sad, though, because I long to be even closer to Holly, but, in her past, she’s been hurt so badly by so many people that she’s built up walls around her heart — gigantic, thick walls. It’s been hard to convince her that these walls aren’t protecting her from further pain; rather, they’re keeping her from receiving and giving love, even my love.

I want her to know I’m not like that other dude who comes knocking at people’s doors. If you even open the door a crack and peek out while he’s standing there, he’ll shove that door open and force his way in. No, I’m a gentleman, and I want to make sure Holly knows it. Perhaps today, she’ll let me tiptoe into that most private, vulnerable place in her house.

Josh, where are you, man? Don’t you know how much I love you and want to be your friend? Please, let me in!

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.  (Revelation 3:20)