Psalm 146:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

The Everlasting Father

Church is good for clarifying priorities and vision; I can examine what’s important and, in contrast, what aspect is a part of life, but not that important in the end.

How do I see God? Who is God? He is the everlasting father.

Isaiah 9:6

Everyone has a different experience with their father, but an aspect of a good father is teaching and molding. Every child is different and individual. As a parent, we want to adapt to better prepare them for life. This is God's intention also.

Hebrews 12:5,6,7,8,9,10,11 God corrects everyone that He loves.

Just like we raise our children, God corrects so that we are best that we can be. There’s always room to grow and learn, no matter experience or age.

When I make a mistake that grieves God, He will correct me. This not in a crushing or harsh way. He doesn’t press down or send trials as punishment. God will show the wrong that needs to be corrected or where to step up. He is specific and sheds light. Correction isn’t enjoyable for either party. God says, “Here is where correction needs to be made. I will give you strength to do it. There is a conclusion to this.” At times the enemy may accuse and bring depression while God is trying to instruct.

1 Corinthians 13:4 God's correction is with kindness.

Psalm 145:8 This nature of God is present even in correction.

As parents, at times we must allow our children to makes mistakes so that they are molded in the best way possible. God also allows these choices.

Isaiah 64:8 How do I see myself in relation to God? As clay? He is the potter who shapes and molds.

There is work involved in preparing clay. Hard places and impurities have to be removed. The clay has to stay damp and supple. All these things result in a successful firing in the kiln.

Clay doesn’t have a voice or opinion. The potter envisions what the vessel will be. This keeps me humble. Am I pliable and available? Unlike a human potter, God doesn't fire the piece and move on. He is constantly reworking my life.

We need each other. This is an opportunity to grow and be encouraged. We can benefit from others' views and thoughts.

John 10:10

Psalm 26:2 I want God to try my inner being.

The idea of turning myself over to the Lord can be unnerving. I don’t need to concern myself with the how, what, and where. I don’t need to figure out how I am going to face a situation or worry about what the future looks like. He will give me the power to face what is ahead and the courage and grace for the test and trial. As humans, we need some measure of certainty, control, and influence. I don’t need to worry about being on the Potter's wheel. I'm safe there.