Today’s scripture: Romans 9:19-29 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (James Hendrix):
Several years ago, I visited a sixth-grade art class at a school where I used to work. The children were busy making clay pots and bowls. As I looked around the room, I noticed that some of the children were having problems molding the clay. They became so frustrated that they wanted to give up. When they told the teacher they were not happy with their results, she told them they could easily remold the clay.
The children looked surprised, but soon they were busy molding the clay into new forms. In many ways God’s people are like clay. All of us have imperfections, and we constantly need to be reshaped. Although the Lord is not always satisfied with our lives, God does not give up on us. Instead, God continually seeks to mold and perfect us, making us into the people we were created to be. As God’s “clay” we must remain malleable to the changes God wants to make in us.
Prayer for the Day: Lord, we are your clay. Keep our hearts and minds open to your transforming power. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.