Check Engine Light

I am sitting at home waiting until it is time to take my car to the mechanic. Yesterday the dreaded check engine light appeared. My car was serviced on Feb. 11 for an oil change and inspection so that light turning on was not a welcome sight.

I am quick to want to have it checked. I don't want to break down on the road.

It made me ponder how quick I am with other check engine lights in my life. Am I swift to respond to them?

We know we need to care for all areas of our lives to keep balanced.

Spiritual – Reading God's Word, praying, attending church, praising God

Family – Keeping open communication, forgiving, sharing time, loving

Emotional – Spending time with friends, reading uplifting books, having the ability to laugh with others and laugh at ourselves, knowing our purpose and setting ourselves on the path towards it

Health – Eating right, exercising, getting regular check-ups, proper sleep

Finances – Proper stewardship of what we have, not overspending, sharing what we do have, giving to the kingdom of God

This is not an exhaustive list, just a few things to get you thinking.

Is your engine fine-tuned?

Have you been ignoring the check engine light in any of these areas?

Vassal or Vessel?

Acts 9:15 NKJV
…he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

“God please use me.”
Have you ever prayed that? Sure you have, most of us have, but what are we saying when we pray that? Do we really want to be “used” by God?

Be truthful, no one likes to be “used” by another person.

What is your reaction when you realize that someone has “used” you to promote themselves? Do you respond with anger, or bitterness, maybe you find yourself saying, “I will never let that happen to me again.”

In light of this, why would we pray to be “used” by God?

I know, I know, it sounds so spiritual.

What God desires from us is the willingness to be a vessel though which He can work.

God wants VESSELS, not VASSALS.

A vassal is a person who is a servant or slave. It also means to be subjected to control, to enslave.

A vessel is a person into whom some quality (as grace) is infused.

We pour into vessels, and then pour out of them. God pours into us what He needs us to pour out to others. This isn’t” using”; this is sharing in the work.

God wants to do a beautiful work through us. In the book of Acts He says about us: “he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name.”

Chosen: “to want; desire.” God desires to impart into you a quality that will be used for His kingdom. You are not a servant or slave, you are a son. Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Josh 24:15 NIV… then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…

So what is your preference?

Choose this day; will you serve God as a Vassal, or as a Vessel?

Image from MorgueFile