The Extra Snow (Feb 27)

Almost every winter, when we get a big snow, I build something out in the yard. Sometimes they’re big and detailed and sometimes they’re simpler. I try to come up with something original and creative each time. I often get comments from people that drive by and enjoy seeing the snow sculptures. This year, we never had a big snow such that we’d have a bunch of packable snow with which to build something. The weather turned very warm and it seemed like spring was on the way. I was hoping for one more snowstorm so that I could make something. Well, we got it. And I had a plan on what to build. I got home from work and ate dinner. Then I bundled up and headed out to build my sculpture. But the snow was not packable. I tried to work with it, but it was frustrating. In the past, when the snow wasn’t packable, I’d just make a big pile and then carefully carve it into something. I’d usually choose a subject that didn’t have too many details or parts that stuck out. But this time, I already had an idea: a penguin sitting upright. But the snow wouldn’t stack. Unwilling to give up, I piled the snow as high as I could and then simply carved out the penguin to the best of my ability. He turned out shorter and squatter than I had pictured, but given the snow conditions, I’m happy with what I got. But as I cleaned up the area and put the finishing touches on the sculpture, I noticed something: I used a lot of snow in the building process that wasn’t part of the final product. I had to make a big pile in order to carve out the penguin. But much of the snow was only there to make the pile big. It was then carved away: necessary, but not seen in the end.

As Christians, we want to be used by God. But how often is it for the recognition or so that we can be a part of the glorious end-product? Are we willing to be used by God in an unseen and unsung capacity? Are we willing to be that “extra snow” that is only there to support the building process? Do we want to be used by God so that God’s name might be glorified instead of our own? Do we just want to be obedient to Him no matter what the calling?

1Co 12:1-31 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. (2) Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. (3) Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (4) Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (8) For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; (9) To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (10) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (11) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (12) For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (14) For the body is not one member, but many. (15) If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? (16) And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? (17) If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? (18) But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (19) And if they were all one member, where were the body? (20) But now are they many members, yet but one body. (21) And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. (22) Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: (23) And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. (24) For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: (25) That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. (26) And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. (27) Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (28) And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? (30) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.

Willing to Live (Feb 13)

I was listening to someone speak recently and they were talking about all the things that God can do and they were telling great stories about God using people that were unskilled and lacked abilities. I can’t remember all that they said and the scriptures that they pointed to, but one of the things jumped out at me. It was something along the lines of “you just have to be willing to be used by God.” There was more to it than that, but let’s keep it simple. So often we back down from things because we don’t know what to say or how to say it. Or we don’t have the skills to do some work for God. Or we’re afraid for some reason, intimidated, or reserved. Or, or, or…and countless other excuses. They seem so logical and full of common sense and reason, but in the end, they’re excuses. If we are willing, Jesus will live in us and through us. But we have to be willing and just take that step in faith.

Eph 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Eph 5:1-2 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; (2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.

Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

We need to surrender our lives to the Lord and allow Him to live through us. Perhaps we ask the question, “What would Jesus do?” and we try to imitate Him. We fall short and find our abilities to be inadequate. Perhaps instead we should ask, “What is Jesus doing?” Can we look in our lives and see what Jesus is doing? Do we see Him as our life, and not just a model for it? Do we allow Him to do His work in us? Are we willing to live in Christ instead of within our own framework?

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.