Funny how God works sometimes. Many years ago I began to collect teapots. While the Debbie Mumm designs were my favorite, I had many different varieties. From antique, miniature, contemporary, and very odd. With my addiction to coffee (yes, pray for me! ) you would have thought I would have collected coffee tins/pots/or cups. 

While reading the book, A Woman After God's Own Heart, I found an analogy. Author Elizabeth George says, "Our heart for God should be like a boiling pot. Our heart should be characterized by God-given and intense emotion and passion for our Lord.  After all, when a teakettle is boiling on your stove, you know it!  It sputters and steams.  It actually hops up and down and jiggles from side to side, empowered by its violent heat.  Hot to the touch, it shares the heat that is within.  There is no way to ignore its fire.  Likewise, we should be fiery and excitement about God, and God himself will fuel that fire." It is also as if she is speaking for me when she says, "That's what I want for you--and for myself! I want Jesus' presence in our life to make a difference.  I want ut to overflow with His goodness and praise. I want our lips to speak of the great things He he has done for us. (Luke 1:49), to tell of His wonders (Psalm 96:3). "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so" (Psalm 107:2)!  

Isn't that so good? Every time I read that I get so excited and on fire for God. I want to rush out and share the joy and excitement of who the Lord is in my life. Heaven help the first person I run into. I think I may steam up all over them. :)  I just love it. 

She also encouraged me in thinking about how my choices in life will tell the whole world that I am a woman after God's own heart. For example, have we ever purposed to stop and examine the expressions on our face when somebody is talking to us. Are we attentive, giving eye contact or quick to blurt something out. Are we valuing the person who is talking to us? Do we stop to ask God how HE would want us to respond? 

This also brings me to how the Lord is using another book to change my life. For our Bible curriculum, the children and I have been going through Character Building For Families. I don't think any other character study has effected me quite like Gentleness. Gentleness means tenderhearted, soft-spoken. OUCH.......that hurts. Today we went through Isaiah 42:1-4 and Matthew 12:15-21. Take the time to look up the scriptures then do the  study below with your kids.

So go out there, be a teapot for Christ!

GENTLENESS:

Read Isaiah 42:1-4 and Matthew 12:15-21

A. "What can you learn about gentleness from these verse?" 

B.  Matthew 12:19--"Gentleness doesn't strive or cry; it doesn't make a big fuss. (I used examples I have heard my kids say to one-another like, Don't, Stop, Move --without the please or soft-spoken tone)

C.  Matthew 12:20--"This verse can give us a picture of how we should treat people. People who are hurting in some way are like the bruised reed.  Jesus would treat these people with particular gentleness.  He wouldn't be careless of their feelings and break their hearts further.  He wouldn't squelch or quench them by stepping all over their feelings.  We shouldn't do that either."

D.  Matthew 12:21 --"What is the result of being gentle and tenderhearted, or thoughtful, toward others?" (It creates trust in their hearts.  This is why we trust Jesus--we know He really cares.)

This lesson is from Character Building For Families, Book 1 -page 55. You can purchase your own copy from the Character and Bible Curriculum Section to the left.

I think my kids are getting pretty wise. They did point out to me one example of when Jesus wasn't very gentle. Can you think of it too? (turning over the table in the temple) I think that was pretty justified though! :)

Since we did this study this morning, we have been so attentive to work on gentleness. The accountability is great and we are becoming more aware of our need for Christ and for His Spirit to move in our lives. After all, to be that teapot, you have first gotta "warm up" right? Warm up at home with your family.