Burning Question:
What brings you joy?
Morning Devotional:
“Treasure in Clay: Finding Value in Unexpected Places”
I have a thing for mugs—especially handmade ones. It doesn’t matter if they’re a little lopsided or clearly a high school ceramics project. If they hold coffee, survive the microwave, and make it through the dishwasher, they’re perfect to me. But I also love stumbling upon true craftsmanship—the kind that makes you pause and admire the skill behind it.
That’s exactly what happened when I found the mug at a thrift store. At first glance, it looked like it could have been mass-produced—it was that well made. But when I turned it over, I saw the potter’s signature. A quick search revealed this wasn’t just any mug—it was a $40 piece of art, sitting on the shelf with a 75-cent price tag. Needless to say, it came home with me, and now it holds a special place in my cabinet.
This little treasure hunt got me thinking about how God sees us. The world often overlooks people, judging by outward appearances or perceived flaws. But God—the Master Potter—knows the true value of what He has made. He doesn’t see us as castoffs or discount-bin finds. He sees the care He put into shaping us, the purpose He designed us for, and the worth we carry as His handcrafted creation.
“Yet You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.” – Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)
Just like that thrift-store mug, we might sometimes feel undervalued, misplaced, or even a little worn. But in God’s hands, we’re never accidents or afterthoughts. We’re intentional, skillfully made, and deeply loved. So the next time you’re tempted to doubt your worth, remember: the Potter knows exactly what He’s doing. And in His eyes, you’re not just functional—you’re priceless.
-Ryan
Bible Quiz:
Question: What was the name of the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume?
Answer: Mary (sister of Martha and Lazarus) John 12:3
Storytime: Not Another Song!