" I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)


I recently became a student again.  No, I did not go back to college and for those of you who know me well you might be asking "has Tina decided to finish her seminary work?"  The answer to both observations is "NO!" 


I have become a student in "the school of brokenness." I believe that every individual who aspires to be great in God's kingdom must allow themselves to pass through God's lesson's in brokenness. 


"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it will produce much grain." (John 12:24)


This passage of scripture in the gospel of John gives us insight into truth concerning dying to self in order that we might live. Not just any life, but a life filled with "authority."


I want to be a broken vessel that is broken and poured out! This is my prayer-it's not the kind of prayer that many might pray but as one preacher stated "God wants something that He had very few of- broken servants." 

Through brokenness God will refine you with fire, deposit His truth into your inward heart, and fill you with His Holy Spirit.  He will give you opportunities to serve and touch the lives of others. He will give you the authority to change the world.

" I don't want vessels that merely contain the things of my spirit, I want broken vessels so that these things can pour out of them into the lives of others."

John Bevere in his book " Undercover" the promise of protection under His authority states: "As I look back, I am convinced that was a pivotal point in my life and ministry.  Had I not broken, but persisted in my reasoning and continued in my stubbornness, I would be in a very different place today ...It is no just outward obedience that God desires, but a broken and contrite heart, one that thirst and hungers for the will of God."

Remember the old saying: " No pain - No gain. Know pain - Know gain! Bevere: " We can make great sacrifices in our lives, serve longs hours, labor without pay, give up sleep, seek ways to reach more people, and do all sorts of things because in ministry the list can be endless. Caught up in all this sacrifice, we can easily imagine ourselves and our efforts as pleasing to God.  However, in all this activity our core motive could still be deceptively fueled by self-will. 


" Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12)


In "Brokenness" I have gain so much knowledge about myself and who God is and the life that He desires for me- a life of obedience- even unto death- not just physical death but the dying of self- I no longer desire to self impose my will over His will- for I want the prize - and the prize James states is this " Pass the test, seek brokenness, and you'll get the crown." In scripture, crown metaphorically represents " AUTHORITY"  but authority has it's price - it will cost you your life.

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true- with thanksgiving I'll be a living sanctuary for You. Amen!