From the desk of Pastor Ben
We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.     (2 Corinthians 4:7) NIV

I lost both my mother and my father over the last 2 years. As we were going through all of their “stuff” after they passed, I realized all of the precious memories that were in that “stuff.” I reached inside a cabinet and found my mom’s favorite bowl. She used it for cole slaw. She made great cole slaw and she always used this particular bowl to make it. The pressed glass could almost pass for crystal, even though it was not, and the chipped edges hardly showed. What’s important was that it was able to hold the cole slaw, for which it was intended. It’s imperfections didn’t matter.
Just like that bowl, I’m a vessel. Not for cole slaw, but for Jesus. When the joy and love and life that Christ placed in me spills over my edges and slips through my cracks, that’s good. And as I glance around at friends during church this week, I see scratched silver trays ready to serve others and mugs without handles eager to warm hearts and hands. I see candles glowing with faith and wobbly chairs offering rest to the weary.
We’re all like the components of a cozy home, working in harmony despite our broken parts. Jesus has taken our cracks and shards and imperfections, the parts that life has broken, and mended them so they’re stronger than ever. And He cherishes us. That’s very, very good.

Faith Step:     Make a point to use one of the damaged items in your home. We all have them. And as you do, think about how much Jesus loves you, cracks and all.