Enter this sanctuary time by settling down, becoming quiet, and breathing deeply a few breaths. Remind yourself you are in the Presence of Love. This place you are entering, within, is the inner Temple. Here, you are One with Spirit and all persons, and Nature. You may use a mantra, or prayer phrase, follow the breathing in-and-out, or witness the arising and falling of all around you as the manifestation of universal-Grace. Enjoy these moments of Quiet and come out when you are ready.

... Living our Place in this World ...

*Michael W. Smith. Place in this World.

A water bearer in India had two large pots. Each hung on opposite ends of a pole carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack. While the other pot was perfect and always gave a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For two years this went on daily.

The uncracked pot was proud of its accomplishments. The cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfection and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what seemed failure, the cracked pot spoke to the water bearer by the stream. "I'm ashamed of myself, and I apologize to you." "Why?" inquired the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?" "I've been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way to your master's house," spoke the pot.

The water bearer felt sad for the cracked pot. He said, "As we return to the master's house, notice the flowers along the way." As they went up the hill, the cracked pot noticed the beautiful flowers on the side of the path. This cheered it some. But at the end of the path, it still felt sad, for it had leaked out half the water. Again, the pot apologized for the failure.

The water bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the way? I've always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side, and every day while we walked from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I've been able to pick beautiful flowers for my master's table. Without your being the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

Often, our weaknesses prove to be Spiritual opportunities. Grace delights to use weakness to manifest Her powerful Love. Recall the encouraging words of the apostle Paul about his experience of weakness:

8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

*II Corinthians 12.8-10, NLT

1. What weaknesses do you have that discourages you but that you need to let God use for your good and the blessing of other persons? Commit this weakness to Presence and request the Holy Spirit to honor Love through it.

2. Can you see how Grace's power has helped you in the past during times of weakness? Share one such time.

OneLife Ministries is an independent ministry, but not presently with nonprofit legal status. Love gifts to support the spiritual Work of Brian Kenneth Wilcox are appreciated.

Thanks!

Brian Kenneth Wilcox

©Brian Kenneth Wilcox Ministries, and Love Light Fellowship. 01/23/11

*OneLife Ministries is a ministry of Brian Kenneth Wilcox, SW Florida. You can order his book An Ache for Union from major booksellers. To book events with Brian, go to Facebook and his page Brian Kenneth Wilcox, or write him at briankwilcox@yahoo.com .