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Listen while you read: "Now Thank We All Our God"1
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2 Corinthians 4:7b – We ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. (NLT)
The last of the green grapes had been in the refrigerator for at least two weeks. I decided that it was time to eat them up or throw them out — something that I am loathe to do — and I scolded myself for not enjoying them sooner. Taking them out of the bag, I rinsed them in the sink and laid them on some paper towelling to sort through the bunch. The green globes pitted by bad spots, wrinkles, or splits, along with the definitely spongy, soft ones were systematically discarded. What was left, which I deemed worthy, became part of my breakfast that morning.
This process of sorting through the fruit and discarding those not worthy reminded me of an important truth concerning God: God discards none of His people. No matter how old and wrinkled we are or how fractured and split by life's occurrences, no matter how weak and ravaged by illness, or how our minds have become impaired, we are still loved, valued, and of use to God for the glory of His kingdom.
In fact, God delights in using the imperfect. The apostle Paul revealed this when he wrote these words of truth to the church in Corinth:
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 – Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. (NLT)
Today, you might be feeling like those poor old grapes that I discarded: a bit worn and wrinkled, tired or useless, foolish or powerless, sick or discouraged, unemployed or poor. If so, choose to take your eyes off of your own circumstances and focus on God's truth. He loves you. He will never discard you. He still has a purpose for you in His kingdom, a purpose which He is able to bring to fruition as you abide in the true vine, Jesus Christ, Who has promised, "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit." (John 15:5a NLT)
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You have a plan and a purpose for all of Your people, no matter what our circumstances may be. Help each of us to remember this truth and always to choose to remain in the true vine, Jesus Christ, that we may always continue to bear much fruit for the kingdom. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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About the author:
Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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Thank you for your encouraging message.
Thanks. That’s just like we are like the grapes but yet I know the Lord uses me even though.
Morning Lynne, great words of wisdom; and so perfectly explained. Thanks again for sharing with all of us.
Lynne, thanks for the encouragement. I am worn, wrinkled and old, but not thrown away or useless. I love your reminder today!
Good morning, Lynne!
Amen!
Thank you for your inspirational message today.
Peace!
Good morning, Lynne
Funny thing, I just did that same thing with my little tomatoes yesterday.
Thanks,
God bless.
Good morning, Lynne!
It was lovely to read your encouraging Devotional this morning so thank you for your continuing spiritual influence in my life.
Have a good day full of blessings and encouragement.
Hello Lynne,
Thanks for your devotion today. I also scold myself for not eating all of the grapes before they become a sad state. How wonderful that the LORD does not discard any of His children though. Isn’t it wonderful to be precious to Him regardless of our infirmities!
Hi Lynne,
Great analogy! Sometimes I feel like the discarded grapes but your timely reminder that God delights in using the imperfect and that He continues to have a plan and purpose for our lives came just when I needed it. Thank you!
God bless.
Thank you, Lynne, for another of your very special writings. You have a real talent for co-ordinating simple life circumstances with the outstanding actions of our loving Lord. It is so reassuring for us, that no matter how we might feel worn out and of no further use, Jesus will value us. We are God’s creation, and His son is ever present to hear our prayers and respond with the best results. Blessings Lynne for these very mindful devotionals you prepare.
I laughed out loud!! I just sorted through some blueberries ( although not before breakfast) and felt like some of the old, wrinkled ones. There’s a fine line between being fully ripe and delicious and overripe and mushy.
I am so thankful we are always valued in God’s eyes. Thank you for writing. Enjoy September beauty.
(Manitoba)
Yes, so true. Please pray for a family I was with yesterday, teens and husband as we watched my dear friend and their mother and wife who died on the way to hospital after collapsing at home. They could not resuscitate her. What has this to do with grapes? Sometimes we are crushed. So that the juice of our suffering may become fine wine in His kingdom. Pray that it may be so for them, they are trained up in the faith and she was a wise and wonderful Christian, but these are fragile times. Pray for me that I may support them in faith and love. Thank you.
Hi Lynne
I tend to pick out and eat the bruised and wrinkled grapes as I find them sweeter which I really enjoy the sweetness of the grapes. I hope the Lord finds this older child of his sweeter and not just old and wrinkled. Yes, the Lord does not abandon us because we get old and end up with mobility issues or at times forgetful. Praise the Lord that he loves us and values us no matter what our age and physical attributes are or are not.
Thank you for sharing this analogy with us as it makes me reflect more on the circumstances I now face in life.
Blessings.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today.
Blessings.
Hello Lynne,
I never cease to be uplifted by your messages of hope (and humour). Today I feel like the wrinkled grapes you describe! Thank you for continuing to nourish us with your insight.
With God’s blessings,
(Ontario)