#treasure in earthen vessel

[a-godman]

Enjoy & Shine the Christ of Glory as the Excellent Treasure in our Earthen Vessel

We need to enjoy and shine forth the Christ of glory as the excellent treasure in our earthen vessel. As believers in Christ, we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God and not out of us; the Christ of glory is the priceless treasure in our earthen vessel, and when we behold Him and look into the index of His eyes, we are infused with His preciousness…

[felixolaniyi]

[superiorcatholicinspiration]

Daily Mass: We hold a treasure in earthen vessels. Catholic Inspiration

Photo by Miguel u00c1. Padriu00f1u00e1n on Pexels.com On this feast of St. James, the Apostle, we discover that we hold the treasure of our Christian faith in the “earthen vessel” of our human limitations.  As we acknowledge our sins and embrace God’s grace, we offer our lives as a worthy sacrifice that draws us closer to the Lord and one another. Mass Readings – Feast of St. James,…

[dwuerch-blog]

The Legacy of our Brothers and Sisters

President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” I lived during the era of despicable racism and marginalization against Black Americans. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “dream” has not entirely come…

[momentsbeforemass]

Santiago

(by request)

A few years ago, I went to Santiago de Campostela. To the Cathedral that marks the end of the legendary pilgrim’s way known simply as “The Camino.”

Don’t be impressed. I did it the easy way. By driving from Portugal.

Atop the main altar at the Cathedral is a larger-than-life-size statue of St. James. In a Baroque sanctuary dripping with gold and silver, the ornate statue of St. James stands out.

The treasured relics of the Apostle could not be in a more precious container.

But that’s not where they are.

The actual relics of St. James are at the bottom of a cramped flight of stairs, worn smooth by the feet of centuries of pilgrims. In a simple shrine in a narrow crypt.

Underneath the main altar. And a world away from the bejeweled splendor overhead.

I love beautiful churches. The glories of the great cathedrals and the beauty of Catholic art and worship are some of the things that God used to draw me to the Church. And still uses to draw me closer to Him.

But there was something wonderfully poetic about the simplicity of the actual resting place of St. James. I remember thinking, as I stood there in the little shrine, “we have this treasure in earthen vessels,” (which is today’s first reading).

It was a wonderful visual for the extravagance of God. How God treats not just His Apostles, but all of His beloved. How God treats you and me.

God pours out His love. God pours out His care. God pours out His compassion. God pours out His very best into our hearts. Into the simple, flawed, fragile vessels of you and me.

Not even asking whether we’re good enough. Not waiting until we’re perfect.

But looking at us with Holy love. Wanting so much for us. That He can’t wait.

God pours out the greatest treasure – God’s love, God’s forgiveness, God’s very best – into our hearts. The moment we turn to Him and take our first halting steps towards Home.

Today’s Readings

[esprit-de-kyung]

“But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

[hiswordsarekisses]

“No matter how powerful and honorable a man may be, God cannot use him until he falls in the dust and gives up all his idols. Human pride must be smashed.

All our boasting must be silenced. All our thoughts and plans must be abandoned. All human achievement must be recognized for what it is: filthy rags and a stench in God’s nostrils.

He puts his priceless treasure in these earthen vessels of ours, because he delights in doing the impossible with nothing.

God mocks man’s power. He laughs at our egotistical efforts at being good. He never uses the high and mighty, but instead he uses the weak things of this world to confound the wise.

These earthen vessels as dying men, troubled on every side, perplexed, persecuted, cast down. Even though never forsaken or in despair, those men used by God were constantly groaning under the burden of their bodies, waiting anxiously to be clothed with new ones.

God has determined to accomplish his goals here on earth through men with weaknesses.” ~ David Wilkerson

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. ‭‭1stCorinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭29‬

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”2ndCorinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬

[bills-bible-basics]

True Temple of Our Bodies Graphic 10 #TrueTemple #SpiritualTemple #BodyOfChrist Visit https://www.billkochman.com/Graphics-Library/ to see more. "Our True Spiritual Temple" KJV Bible Verse List: https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/verse056.html Article: "A Treasure in Earthen Vessels": https://www.billkochman.com/Articles/earthen1.html "Tables of Stone and Tables of Flesh" KJV Bible Verse List: https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/verse475.html "Our Resurrected Bodies" KJV Bible Verse List: https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/verse055.html "God Working in Us by His Spirit" KJV Bible Verse List: https://www.billkochman.com/VerseLists/verse313.html Article: "Are You Saved and Sealed and Healed and Filled?": https://www.billkochman.com/Articles/savseal1.html https://www.billkochman.com/Blog/index.php/true-temple-of-our-bodies-graphic-10/?feed_id=249426&True%20Temple%20of%20Our%20Bodies%20Graphic%2010

[thengrace]

“Those that would have communion with God must attend upon him, and approach to him, in those ordinances wherein he is pleased to manifest himself, and his power and glory, though it be in a bush; they must come to the treasure, though in an earthen vessel. Those that seek God diligently shall find him, and find him their bountiful rewarder.”

— Matthew Henry on Exodus

[pistol247]

‭II Corinthians 4:7-10 NKJV‬

[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. [8] We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; [9] persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— [10] always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

https://bible.com/bible/114/2co.4.7-10.NKJV

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Daily Light on the Daily Path by Samuel Bagster

Daily Reading for September 20th

2 Corinthians 6:10 as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.

2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

John 1:16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;

James 2:5 Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

1 Corinthians 1:26,27 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; • but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves

[godslove]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦

The Greek word for evangelists is euaggelistes which means “one who brings good news.” This word is only found in two other places in the New Testament.

⁸ “On the next day, we left and came to Caesarea, where we went to the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven, and stayed with him.”

—Acts 21:8

⁵ “As for you, always be sober. Endure hardships, do the work of preaching the gospel, and carry out your ministry to the fullest extent.”

—2 Timothy 4:5

All Christians are called to evangelize and reach out to the lost with the Gospel

¹⁸ Then Jesus approached them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the world.”

—Matthew 28:18-20

but some are given an extra measure of faith and effectiveness in this area. The spiritual gift of evangelism is found in this verse where Paul says that Jesus:

¹¹ “It was he who established some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry in building up the body of Christ,”

—Ephesians 4:11-12

Evangelists are given the unique ability by the Holy Spirit to clearly and effectively communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. They are burdened in their hearts for the lost and will go out of their way to share the truth with them. Evangelists are able to overcome the normal fear of rejection and engage non-believers in meaningful conversations about Jesus. Their gift allows them to communicate with all types of people and therefore they receive a greater response to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. They continually seek out relationships with those who don’t know Jesus and are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to approach different people. They love giving free treasure away for Jesus,

⁷ “However, we hold this treasure in earthen vessels so that it may be clear that this immense power belongs to God and does not derive from us.”

—2 Corinthians 4:7, The State of an Apostle

and it brings them great joy knowing that the “feet that bring good news” are beautiful to those who believe.

⁷ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who bears good news and proclaims glad tidings, announcing salvation and saying to Zion, “Your God is king.”

—Isaiah 52:7

⁵ “Philip went down to a city in Samaria and began proclaiming the Christ to them. ⁶ The crowds welcomed the message proclaimed by Philip because they had heard and seen the signs he was doing. ⁷ For unclean spirits emerged with loud shrieks from many people who were possessed, and many others who were paralyzed or crippled were cured. ⁸ Thus, there was great joy in that city.

—Acts 8:5-8

¹² However, when the people came to believe Philip as he preached about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”

—Acts 8:12

²⁶ Then the angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and head south along the road that leads from Jerusalem down to Gaza, the desert road.” ²⁷ Therefore, he got up and set out. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, an official at the court of the Candace, that is, the queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship ²⁸ and was now returning home. As he sat in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. ²⁹ Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join that chariot.” ³⁰ When Philip ran up, he heard him reading from the prophet Isaiah, and he asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” ³¹ He replied, “How can I, unless I have someone to instruct me?” Then he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. ³² This was the Scripture passage he had been reading: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter; like a lamb that is silent before its shearer he did not open his mouth. ³³ In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who will be able to speak of his posterity? For his life on earth has been taken away.” ³⁴ Then the eunuch said to Philip, “Please tell me, about whom is the prophet speaking—about himself or someone else?” ³⁵ And so Philip, starting with this text of Scripture, proceeded to explain to him the good news of Jesus. ³⁶ As they were traveling along the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, here is some water. What is to prevent me from being baptized?”

³⁷ And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The eunuch said in reply, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

³⁸ Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water, and he baptized him. ³⁹ When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but he went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰ Philip, however, appeared in Azotus and continued his journey, proclaiming the good news in every town until he reached Caesarea.”

—Acts 8:26-40, Baptism of a High Official

¹⁸ Then Jesus approached them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the world.”

—Matthew 28:18-20

[albertfinch]

There's something deeper than political persuasions, and social causes;  it's the ultimate sense that we are a part of the offspring of God.  We are the kingdom of God.  Our greatest affiliation must be that we are lovers of Christ and deliverers of people.

Today the enemy wants to mutate the Body of Christ.  He plants substitute agendas and cloned programs that impede evangelism taking place through churches. Our adversary wants to replace God's soul-winning agenda in you.  Churches who don't have evangelistic outreach have signed their own death certificates.

It is vital that you, as a Christian, be dedicated to sharing your faith and maintaining your motivation in the face of persecution.  To not share the Gospel means you hide the medicine for the patient who is dying.

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels....so that the life of Jesus, may also be manifest in our bodies." - 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

[gucciyae]

Palimar

Hard feet against cold earthen floors. The smell of jaggery-sweetened vorn being stirred slowly in a dimly lit kitchen. Crows swoop down to claim the leftovers of last night’s kori-rotti. A cool breeze from the west sets a gentle tempo for the dancing wildgrass. I march forward. 

Opa begins his seemingly endless chant, “Left, left, left-right-left. Left, left, left-right-left.��  Our straightened legs lead the way, arms swinging in unison. Summers at Palimar usually followed the same rhythm.

Located in the Udupi district of Karnataka, visits to my ancestral home have become my favourite summer tradition. As the years went on and the family grew larger, so did the sound of crackling firewood heating our baths for the evening, the pat-pat-pat of marching feet against rough concrete, and the roaring laughter of my cousins running through the hallways.

Our visits begin early in the morning, bellies filled with a helping of dosa and chai, we make our way onboard an express bus. If we get lucky, all three of us cousins would sit in the same row. Alas, the Sunday crowd warrants a narrow seat by the bus driver, one that my cousin sister–  Anushka and I squeeze ourselves into.

Each stop is marked by the bus conductor's shouted reminders, followed by an organized chaos of travellers moving in and out of the metal box on wheels. After all these years, Anushka, Aarav and I have learned to sleep through the blaring bus horns, which explains our shock and excitement upon reaching the Padubidri bus stand so soon.

It doesn't take too long for Oma to hail an auto rickshaw, directing the driver with such practiced ease, she rivals a modern day GPS. To an ordinary traveller, the entirety of Palimar might seem to be composed of the same visual elements; local shrubbery, roads that twist and turn into infinity, and the occasional clay house. However, to those of us who pay attention to her little details, the ancestral house leads us onward by the sweet smell of young coconut growing on trees, and the sound of the crashing waves of her backwaters.

The auto rickshaw stops a few paces away from a one story house, cracked maroon and blue paint coats the clay walls, unruly weeds run wild throughout her front yard, and the concrete pavement has turned algal. By the time my grandparents moved away, we were left with no farm animals to herd. However, this does not stop Anushka from her annual attempts to domesticate the stray dogs of Palimar.

We continue towards the house, our bodies coated in a thin layer of sweat from the summer heat, and set down our plastic bags filled with water bottles and steel tumblers. 

“Mom, did you carry a bottle of Thums Up?” Aarav drones, dragging out each syllable in a childish lilt. Before his mother has a chance to answer, Oma returns to the verandah holding young coconuts, ushering us to pick some more from the base of the surrounding coconut trees. And so begins a competition of speed, strength, and differentiation among me and my cousins.

Covered in sticks, mud, and the occasional beetle, the three of us scurry back to the concrete pavement, careful not to drop our hard-earned treasures. 

Now, here comes my favourite part of the summer tradition, hacking open of the coconuts. Opa walks out to the verandah bearing a koiti, and reaches for the pile of coconuts laid on the ground. We all hold our breaths as Opa makes the first strike, exhaling as a thick piece of husk is chopped off. I've always been in awe of his precision, lean hands grip the coconut with the same firmness as his voice. The steel tumblers that were packed in plastic bags are now being passed around, and my father pours out the translucent fluid into each vessel.

As a kid, I found the lactonic notes from young coconut water quite repulsive. I cannot tell you when it was exactly, but as our visits to Palimar grew less frequent, my longing for the cold and nourishing elixir grew fonder. A stroll along Padubidri beach takes me back to my summers of the 2010s, though, my memories have started to blur together— dark smoke flowing out of the chimney before our evening baths, the chicken coop and the incessant clucking of its residents, my plastic swing attached to the bedroom door frame, and Aunty Kalyani along with her cow– which she milked every evening during her visits.

Twilight draws in, a symphony of riverside cicadas makes itself known to us, and the husks of tender coconut have piled up to my height. A heaviness sets into our limbs as we move to pack away the used tumblers, and the air carries the aroma of coconut oil used to prepare the neighbour’s supper. Reluctantly, Opa makes his way down from the verandah, leading us back to the bus stand. All is quiet, for everyone is musing the very same idea– another afternoon at the Palimar house.

I wait another year.

[shammah8]

#RealityCheck

No situation that you face has the power to overwhelm you. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, “...we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” The power in you to always win, to consistently triumph, make progress, rise like an edifice—towering far above and beyond the adversities and persecutions that come your way, is of God! Therefore, never cower, give in or faint under any pressure whatsoever. Remain strong and tough, for you’re born to reign, rule and win.

[momentsbeforemass]

Santiago

(by request)

A few years ago, I went to Santiago de Campostela. To the Cathedral that marks the end of the legendary pilgrim’s way known simply as “The Camino.”

Don’t be impressed. I did it the easy way. By driving from Portugal.

Atop the main altar at the Cathedral is a larger-than-life-size statue of St. James. In a Baroque sanctuary dripping with gold and silver, the ornate statue of St. James stands out.

The treasured relics of the Apostle could not be in a more precious container.

But that’s not where they are.

The actual relics of St. James are at the bottom of a cramped flight of stairs, worn smooth by the feet of centuries of pilgrims. In a simple shrine in a narrow crypt.

Underneath the main altar. And a world away from the bejeweled splendor overhead.

I love beautiful churches. The glories of the great cathedrals and the beauty of Catholic art and worship are some of the things that God used to draw me to the Church. And still uses to draw me closer to Him.

But there was something wonderfully poetic about the simplicity of the actual resting place of St. James. I remember thinking, as I stood there in the little shrine, “we have this treasure in earthen vessels,” (which is today’s first reading).

It was a wonderful visual for the extravagance of God. How God treats not just His Apostles, but all of His beloved. How God treats you and me.

God pours out His love. God pours out His care. God pours out His compassion. God pours out His very best into our hearts. Into the simple, flawed, fragile vessels of you and me.

Not even asking whether we’re good enough. Not waiting until we’re perfect.

But looking at us with Holy love. Wanting so much for us. That He can’t wait.

God pours out the greatest treasure – God’s love, God’s forgiveness, God’s very best – into our hearts. The moment we turn to Him and take our first halting steps towards Home.

Today’s Readings