In the Potter's Hand

As we were having high praise time at church today, the song leader paused to give a joke about a friend who refers to himself as the ' Court Jester .' The joke was laughed at, and may have ended for many but it had me pondering on a much deeper level.  Back in the days the King/Queen would have a jester, whose task was to come before him/her when beckoned. The Jester had to entertain the royals; and if he failed he could be punished in a variety of ways. This included being beheaded.  His role was thrust upon him by the royals and he was expected to perform accordingly whenever summoned to do so. If there was more than one jester at court, the royals could easily display their preference.  The jester always ran the risk of offending or boring the royals. Each of which could have dire consequences.  It had me thinking of us worshiping at church. We have all been called before the King of the Universe to enter into his courts to worship, praise and adore...

Have you ever felt like you are having a "Job moment?"  I sat today listening to an audio Bible on the Book of Job and as the reading progressed I couldn't help but feel like I am having a "Job Moment."  For the past month and over I have been faced with some very trying times. The way the situation unfolds is so similar to Job's. As soon as I think I have heard or seen the worst, then comes another 'messenger' with even more disheartening news. And like Job I know there are those who are on the sideline persecuting me for the situation that I find myself in. I find though that through the hurt and the pain, there is a peace that has been hovering about me. It's a hard one to explain, no wonder the Word says He will give us peace that passeth all understanding. And as this peace infiltrates my being- I realise it is allowing me to trust Him more.  I don't know how all this will end. But I do know that once I give my pen to God and a...

A few years ago I got an email from my best friend. It was about a little girl and her necklace. She had gotten the fake pearl necklace as a gift from a friend. She played with it daily and treasured it above all else. One day she misplaced her fake pearl necklace. She searched and searched but could not find it. One can only imagine how upset she was. Her father, like any loving dad, set out to ease his daughter's pain by buying her a new necklace, not just any fake necklace- but a real pearl necklace. It wasn't as flashy as the one she lost but it was real. The father presented his gift to his daughter as she laid in bed - but she was not impressed with the design- she pulled it from around her neck as the beads scattered on the floor. She had no idea it was real. How many times have we tried holding on to 'gifts' that are of no real value to us, so much that we often-times miss the true replacement God has placed in our lives? The Potter knows exactly how He desig...