In the news lately, we hear much about “wars and rumours of wars” (Mt. 24:6). War can certainly – and drastically – change the way people within an area live, especially if there is action or bombs or missiles striking there. The people of Israel, Iran, Ukraine, and Russia can vouch for this.

Christians also are at war – although it is primarily a spiritual one. Paul tells us that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal” (II Cor. 10:4) or physical. Of course, most of us prefer peace and getting along with others.

Despite the desire of peace, we are living in a world that is contrary to God. It is also at war with us to try and force us into its mold. We must always remember that the Bible tells us that “The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name” (Ex 15:3). It means that He is always in opposition to forces in this world that seek to turn people’s eyes from Him to another “idol” of some kind. Lately, that idol is the god of self.

Young Timothy, a preacher, was told to “war a good warfare.” This Scriptural admonition is not just for preachers, but for every believer. It must be remembered that Christians are only rewarded for victories against the flesh, the world, and the Devil. I John 2:15 warns believers that we must “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

Compromisers will not be applauded or rewarded for their lukewarmness and worldliness when we stand before our Captain – the Lord Jesus Christ. He is looking for faithful individuals who will take up the Christian armor (Eph. 6:10-18) and be faithful until they meet our Lord.

Are you getting victories daily over the enemies of God spiritually?

Here are some more lessons from the Potter’s House.

1. The Potter Does Not Throw the Clay Away – The verse clearly shows that the potter Jeremiah saw was to teach an example of how the Lord works. The potter took the marred clay and kept on working with it. Sometimes, people can damage their own usefulness to God’s intentions for them through sin. God will keep on working with that person for a long time because He is patient. But if the clay becomes too hard, He will cast it away from usefulness and possibly take that one home to Heaven.

2. The Heavenly Potter Makes Vessels for His Glory – Although an earthly potter may not be seeking to put his autograph on his pottery work – God certainly is looking for vessels that will glorify Him.

We are partly responsible to help clean up our own lives with His help so that we can be used to fulfill His purpose for our lives. II Timothy 2:21 says: “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

When Jeremiah went to the potter’s house, he saw that God has the right to do with His “clay” (Israel) what He wanted. Unfortunately, Israel had become too sinful to be useful to God and could not show the world how God blesses a nation that serves Him.

May God help each of us to maintain a testimony worthy of His honor!