You've heard of bookmarks, calendars, photographs--the kind of "normal" gifts a pastor might give his congregation.....but our pastor is not "normal" - grin - he is a wonderful, creative man of God who never ceases to amaze us with his stories, his sermons, his smile--and his much-loved illustrated sermons. His sermon--AND his gift to us--one Christmas Eve? - - "The Empty Jar!"

Now receiving an empty blue jar for Christmas IS a little strange--until you know "the rest of the story." Our pastor spoke of the wonderful things God does for each of us--unique, individual, personal testimonies of God's grace--and that's where the empty jar comes in. Each time a family experiences one of God's special blessings, it is to be written down on a slip of paper, dated, and placed in the empty jar....that jar, by the end of the year, will overflow with story after story of God's grace and goodness...you can count on it....because you can count on God! He is faithful!

So as we all left church with our empty blue jars (quite hilarious to anyone watching, I'm sure), we wait with hopeful hearts to see what God is about to do for all of us in the coming year.....AND should a discouraging day arrive--which it probably will--we can go to that jar, pull out an answered prayer testimony and know that the same God that answered THAT one will take care of the next one for us!

We serve a God who is faithful--and He will be faithful to you. Go find yourself an empty jar and start filling it up with God's grace and goodness in YOUR life....and by the way, Pastor suggested we display it in a prominent place in our homes. THEN, when someone visits and ASKS, "What in the world is THAT?" you've got a perfect opportunity to share your faith!

Your LIFE is empty today? I know a God who knows how to fill up empty vessels with His love, grace and mercy. Read it in "the overflowing jar" called His Holy Word--testimonies of men and women whose lives were changed, healed, delivered, set free and made full--and He's the same today! He's the God of the Empty Jar--He made it and He knows how to fill it up. Believe it--receive it--don't forget to record it in YOUR blue jar--and you will have a joyful day--each day of the coming year!

Delight in a Word from the Well--a refreshing in the Water of His Word