Clay in the hands of the Potter

I am currently in a Bible study with some close friends of mine and we are studying Daniel. This Bible study is really fun because I am studying the Bible with some great people and we are studying a book from the old testament. I have had many Bible studies devoting time to a letter of Paul, but I have never had a Bible study devoted to a book in the old testament. I have studied it myself and have read the whole Bible before, but never studied the OT in a group setting. The closest I came was the Covenant study I was involved in senior year of college. We are having a blast as we do it, and I feel challenged from these guys to live a life for the Lord.

Although, I am noticing that my mind is not as sharp as it used to be when dealing with the deep theological issues and understanding of the Bible. I think this is interesting but understood because I don't read as much anymore ever since I bought my house. This reminds me of what Paul says in his first letter to the Corinthians,

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Now I think that Paul here is referring to his actions and keeping his sinful nature in control, but the truth can be applied much broader. If we don't exercise, our muscles will not be in shape when we need to use them. If we don't practice self-control, we will not have self-control. If I do not study and read, my understanding of such things will become dull and useless. I have always been able to experience God through the intellect and contemplation of the deep things of God and life. Recently however, I have not done such and my "muscles" are becoming noticably dull. Now I am not saying they are gone; I don't doubt I could be sharp as a cucumber after reading a few George MacDonald books. I actually did start reading a George MacDonald book to battle my laziness in the intellectual realm. The truth he speaks always cuts straight to the heart of things and challenges me to do the same. This is where truth is found, when one cuts to the heart of things and does not settle with what one understands. God always lies deeper than our deepest understanding of things. There is always something more behind every corner and wall of what we know. This is why it is crucial for me to stay sharp and to always be seeking.

I am still seeking God and truth in my intellectual null, just in a different way. I am seeking God through the means of responsibility and becoming a man. This method is much more difficult to experience and see God, but I must take this road. I have a feeling I will see the meaning of it when the proper time comes, but for now I do not see it clearly and I will follow Him through it. I realized that I am already taking steps to provide for the family that I do not have yet. That is why I bought my house. That is why I bought a fixer upper house (because it is an investment). That is why I concern myself with finances. I want to be able to provide for my future family, and it doesn't hurt to start now. Ha, I think I can see now why I am being led down this road of responsibility and becoming a man. God is preparing me for perhaps a family someday. Duh! Well, that day came much quicker than I thought and I will probably be able to experience God better through the mundane activities of my day. It is for my future family! Ha ha, thanks God :)

I am glad I realized this just now because I was going to say that I have not been seeking God as intensely lately as I have done in the past, but now that I know why I am where I am I will be able to see God in the things I do daily, such as paying bills, and working on my house. Ahh, what a sense of freedom and release. Every nail I hammer is for God and for my future family. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself because I am not sure when these things will come to pass. It may be longer and it may be sooner. That is to be found out as I walk along this road, but I will trust God as I walk it because He is good and he will work all things for the good.

I think now I will be able to challenge Ben about Daniel 10, where I believe it is the angel Gabriel who is stalled from accomplishing his purpose because of the prince of the kingdom of persia. This, a messenger of God, is not allowed to fulfill his purpose because of an evil presence. Interesting how the will can be thwarted. Another topic indeed that I do not have the internet space to address. Ben and I usually are saying similar things as approached from different sides of the fence. We agree on much more than we think, but because we say it differently, the truth is hidden from us. We debate with an honest truth seeking mentallity, which is why it is done in a healthy manner. I never feel bad after speaking with Ben, only encouraged and challenged. I only feel bad when he doesn't see the truth :)

One Love,
Danger