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jars of clay

2 Corinthians 4:7 & 8
"7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;"

We are wrapping up our study of God's Garden. This week's produce is raisens. We should all eat some raisens right now! Research shows that raisins can lower your risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure and blood sugar. The fiber in raisins works to lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol, which reduces strain on your heart. And, much more!

The good benefits of raisens are like the benefits of the Holy Scriptures; they are more and more. Yesterday's verses were a poetic summary of our studies this past week. We can try to make our conversation shine the Light of Jesus Christ in the hearts of our friends and neighbors. 

Today's verses emphasize our study for this week, the famous "jars of clay" verses or in the KJV "earthen vessels;" "But we have this treasure in EARTHEN VESSELS, that the excellency of the power may be OF GOD, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet NOT DISTRESSED; we are perplexed, but NOT in DESPAIR;"

We are the jars of clay. Clay can be molded and shaped. Clay can be made into a wide array of useful and beautiful vessels. Clay is not metal that is forged and manufactured. Clay is more fragile. We all get injured and hurt. Sometimes bad. Even at the prime of our lives taken out of the game by injury. 
Jars can be cracked and broken. We too become flawed and cracked. Sometimes broken. We are not defined by our breaks. We become stronger and better. No one chooses their trials and tribulations. Yet they grow us closer to God. Makes us better. 
"...yet NOT DISTRESSED; ...but NOT in DESPAIR;"

The good parts of these daily devotionals are inspired by the sermon at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg Texas. You can watch it by following this link... https://youtu.be/Vm6EOCyNwLc
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