WMB October 2010

The thought for the October WMB Service had to do with being a vessel of use to the Master.  We all have plenty of useless gadgets around the house and some good ole' faithful utensils or vessels that we always reach for when we really want to get the job done.  The word VESSEL was taken and spelled out and scriptures were used to remind us of our need to fullfil the different characteristics that we should possess to be a vessel of honor before the Lord.  We must know him, not be satisfied with the ordinary, we must be empty and clean of this world, we must be good examples and we must not hold back but DO the work.  If we do not possess these characteristics then we are one of the gadgets that fill the cabinets and are never used because they take too much effort to produce the desired results. 

We discussed the age old question, "Is the cup half full or half empty?"  What ever happend to just being FULL!  Why is it that we continue to sit in the valley of decision and debate if we are half full or half empty, judging one another by our responses, when all along we should simply be FULL and over flowing!  If we were FULL then there would be no need to debat the question.  We would know that the vessel was ready to be used instead of trying to figure out if there would be enough or if it should be saved for a later time.  We are satisfied with just a little to say that our vessel is being used. 

We used several scriptures from Phillippians chapter 4. 

We are not here to simply take up space or to decide if we are top shelf vessels or not.  We are here to simply be used of the Lord as he sees fit.  If we are not prepared (FULL) and ready to be used - what good are we?  We simply bring on the confussion and questions of the previous thought. 1/2 ful or 1/2 empty.

We discussed Acts chapter 3.  Peter said - "such as I have".  We cannot give what we do not have.  If the river of life isn't flowing through us then others will not feel its power nor be refreshed by it.  We must act out of "selfless" reasons.  let us not take our eye off of Christ reguardless how much our flesh cries for attention.  Peter wasn't at the temple to heal a man.  Even even rebuked those around for thinking such.  Signs were simply following Peter.  But Peter had his eyes open and when he saw that the attention of those around was arroused, he recognized that God had opened a door to speak to souls concerning their salvation.  Continue to read chapter 3 and you will see how Peter lead this crowd to repentance.  Do we waste or make full use of opportunities that God provides?  God does NOTHING without considering the soul of man.  We are here to reach souls not to make people feel better in body or mind.  However, we may find that healing is used to get their attention.  Do we simply stop at that and say - Praise the Lord for healing?  God help us SEE the open doors before us that we might minister to souls.  Help us be willing, as Job, to suffer and bear whatever cross God has laid before us so that opportunity to minister to a soul is available to us.  Let us be FULL and ready vessels but let us minister to the FULL need and not stop with touch for the body but continue and reach the soul for Christ.

John 15:11 is a beautiful scripture to me.

These things have I spoken untio you, that my (Jesus is speaking) joy might remain (we do not want to be cracked and leaking) in you, and that your joy might be FULL! (A vessel of honor and useful to the Master)

Before service everyone was given a tiny box.  They were told not to tell anyone or show anyone what was in their box.  Toward the conclusion of service each one was asked to open their box and to raise their hand if they found something in their box.  All but one had something in their box.  We talked about how that made her feel.  One of the other ladies came and shared with her what filled her box.  Silver and Gold have I none but such as I have, give I thee.  The woman received a piece of paper and read it.  It was hopeful and a scripture to go with it.  Each one then shared what filled their boxes.  We had several "ful's" that were shared from hopeful, thankful, truthful, worshipful, cheerful, helpful, etc.  There are many good things of which we may be filled. 

We are adults - we want a full glass - fill it to the brim, that is what it is for.

Let us be FULL Vessels!

October is World Mission Month.  Each one needs to find a vessel and make it FULL. 

Sister Debbie will be available to take family or individual pictures to help raise funds for Missions and for the Local Church Building Payment.  Call for an appointment.