Strawberry Jam

In the centre of my grandmother’s kitchen table was a very special glass jar that was always filled with the most delicious homemade strawberry jam I have ever tasted to date! Anyone who graced my grandmother’s table on a regular basis inevitably learned, through experience, that there was treasure in the jar. The jar itself was never the focus but only the vessel that held the treasure, which was the jam!

When the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to the truth about Jesus and you make a decision to welcome Him into your heart, you become a vessel that is filled with the greatest treasure in the universe; the Spirit of Christ Himself. Your life can then be lived out with purpose and direction.

I can be a happy person, but when God’s Spirit is allowed to work in me what people see is the joy of the Lord. I can do my best to be kind, but under the Spirit’s leading His kindness in me can lead someone to true repentance and position them for deep healing. When I allow the Lord to rule and reign in every area of my life, I actually begin to look like Jesus in my attitudes and actions and people are drawn to Him not me.

I still have my grandma’s jar. It is a sentimental reminder of precious memories from my past, however, without her jam it has lost its purpose. One of the saddest things that can happen to a human heart is to live without purpose or direction; to be the jar but never experience the treasure.

If that is you today and you have been wondering what your purpose is, may I introduce or re-introduce you to Jesus Christ? He is the Son of God who gave His life and shed His blood on the cross so that you could come into a dynamic personal relationship with Him, be forgiven of your sin and become part of the greatest adventure any human being could ever hope to live. His forgiveness is the greatest gift you will ever need.

Don’t miss this opportunity. Can I encourage you to take a quiet moment right now to share your heart with the Lord? Be real about where you are and what you need. And then, take some intentional time to listen.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for making a way for me to live a life of purpose in Your Kingdom. I acknowledge my need of You as my Saviour and Lord. I truly want to reflect who You are so that people will be drawn to You and not to me. I ask for Your forgiveness for my sin and for the times that the emphasis has been all about me. I invite You anew to reveal Yourself to me so that I can be a useful vessel in Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.