Allowing The Process (2)
Notes
Transcript
full meaning of “Allowing the Process”
allowing something or making something a distinct possibility or to a more serious application, making something a reality so that an action or response would and could be generated. allowing an individual the ability to progress, advance and proceed, propelling that person in a direction of a more perfect state of maturity, performance and accomplishment.
If we remember the quote by Charles Spurgeon:
Conversion is a turning into the right road; the next thing is to walk in it. The daily going on in that road is as essential as the first starting if you would reach the desired end. To strike the first blow is not all the battle; to him that overcomes the crown is promised. To start in the race is nothing, many have done that who have failed; but to hold out till you reach the winning post is the great point of the matter. Perseverance is as necessary to a man’s salvation as conversion.
The Process: From clay to finished pot
The very first step in making pottery is to choose the type of clay
Did you know that potters refer to clay as a “clay body”
There are many different clays or clay bodies, but they will all fall into one of two categories, earthenware clay or stoneware clay.
For the purposes of this bible study I am going to refer to us (man kind) as earthenware that God wants to transform into a stronger vessel as in stoneware
Earthenware cannot be fired to the same temp. as stoneware....it would simply melt
The bible tells us that the temptations that come upon us are ones common to man....but God being faithful will not allow us to be tempted above that ye are able. But with every temptation he will make a way of escape....that we would be able to bear it
We must trust God through the process and know that he is in control and that he is there to see us through.
Through the process, God is molding us and making us into vessels that can withstand the pressures of life....to withstand the storms that may come our way....To be able to stand when the time of testing comes.
The difference in the types of clay in part is this:
An earthenware glaze firing is done in temperatures of between 1868 - 2156 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas a stoneware glaze firing is done in higher temperatures, of between 2156 - 2372 degrees Fahrenheit. Earthenware glaze firings are also known as low-fire glaze firings and stoneware glaze firings are also known as high-fire.
what kind of clay are we in the potters hands?
Are we mold-able in the master hands? Are we strong like the stoneware or do we remain in the earthenware state of mind and condition
It’s like the seed that fell on stony ground....it sprang up but then the cares of life choked it out that it became unfruitful.
God desires to take us from a low-fire to a high-fire....from earthenware to stoneware.
Like as the word says...that we might be able to stand against the whiles of our adversary
Thinking about what your pot will be used for also helps with deciding what clay to make it with.
We are created for his glory to fulfill his plan and purpose
We are created to honor him
We are called to be workmen in the field...to stand when the going gets rough
In order to accomplish this in our lives we must have what it takes....we must allow the process according to the potter.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And gross darkness the people: But the Lord shall arise upon thee, And his glory shall be seen upon thee.
We allow God to mold us and to shape us in this life so that his glory can be seen upon us......So that we are a reflection, not of this world but rather, a reflection of our God
There is a default statement that is often used when it comes to the type of clay:
If you can't decide at this stage, use stoneware clay because this type of clay can be used in any glaze firing
I believe that it is the desire of our God to prepare us for any and all situations.
Step 2 is to wedge the clay
Wedging clay is done to remove air bubbles and to ensure that the clay is thoroughly mixed to an even consistency. Air bubbles in the walls of your pot are very bad news because they can cause pottery to explode in the kiln as it is fired.
Wedging is absolutely essential in the making of a strong and viable vessel.
Step 3 is “the making of the pot”
This stage requires that the clay maintain its moisture content in order for it to remain workable and so that other things can be added or introduced to the pot at a later time.
God allows certain things in our life to happen so that we can remain pliable in his hands....so that God can continue to mold us into that vessel of honor for his glory.
Step 4 is an interesting one...”Initialing your work”
By writing your initials on the base of your pot, or somewhere else if you prefer you will always be able to identify your work for years to come!
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
When we are born again..God puts his name on us indicating ownership
We are his prize possession.....his workmanship
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Even every one that is called by my name: For I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
God doesn’t just form this vessel but he puts his name there
Step 4 goes on to say: Without your initials, no one can tell it's your beautiful work.
People should be able to tell that we are his workmanship...that we belong to him.
Step 5 “the drying process” is another crucial step...for if the pot is dried to fast or unevenly, it is very likely to crack.
The pot also goes through a process of firing: Bisque-firing is one such process ...the interesting thing about this process is:
Bisque-firing permanently changes the molecular structure of the clay and it can never turn back into wet clay......
One interesting thing about this process is that: High bisque firings are designed to give finished earthenware pottery extra strength......
it is similar to tile...ceramic or porcelain.
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
The gold was heated at rates too fast for the electrons absorbing the light energy to collide with surrounding atoms and lose energy,” he explains. “This means the electrons are on average further away from the atomic nucleus and there is less screening of the positive nuclear charge by these heated electrons. The bonds between atoms actually got stronger.
Gold also has a high degree of resistance to bacterial colonization
We go through or allow the process for our strength in this life.
As clay undergoes the firing process, organic matter in the clay is burned away.......
Just as in us....when we are tried in the fire God is in essence burning away things that don’t belong and in turn creating a stronger person.
At the higher end of the firing temp. (around 700 degrees) an interesting thing begins to happen....
The clay particles begin to fuse together in a process know as Sintering
Sintering or frittage is the process of compacting and forming a solid mass of material by pressure[1] or heat[2] without melting it to the point of liquefaction
The atoms/molecules in the sintered material diffuse across the boundaries of the particles, fusing the particles together and creating a solid piece.
Sintering is generally considered successful when the process reduces porosity and enhances properties such as strength
The book of Ephesians paints a picture for us.....The plan of God for the perfecting of the saints.
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
When we allow the process in our lives....We are allowing God to mold us and to shape us into a vessel of honor for his glory......
We are allowing God to create strength and stability in us. Not only to the spiritual man but also to this body of flesh.
But not just for ourselves....but also that we might be able to help others in their fight.
Jim Rohn said:
When the record book on you is finished, let it show your wins and losses. But don't let it show you didn't try.
In the bible we see that Paul makes the statement that although he is not perfect or has not reached a state of perfection, he is not defeated....
It is his goal and pursuit to forget things behind and to move forward towards things that are before him
Similarly, In the flesh, the pursuit of perfection is not a destination, but a mindful journey of continuous improvement.
a process, direction and a goal to be pursued.
How many people have ever heard the phrase “it’s all in your head”
The battles we fight are in many ways fought in the mind
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Throughout the process God is trying to impart to us the idea of unlimited possibilities.
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
We allow the process in our lives for the purpose of chance, that we might seek to walk with God more perfectly.
Did you know that the perfection approach is also referred to as zero defects.
In a business model, Zero Defects, is a business practice which aims to reduce and minimize the number of defects and errors in a process and to do things right the first time.
the ultimate aim in the molding process is that we might walk with our God more perfectly or more completely or more consistently...
That through the process, we will become stronger and wiser and better able to withstand the storms and challenges of this life.
So that….when he calls us home, we will be ready
