The Refiners Fire

         In ancient times a man was visiting a goldsmith to collect some gold. He asked the silversmith the process on how gold was refined. He replied, “I must sit with my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the gold will be lost”. Amazed he asked, “But when do you know it is ready?” The silversmith replied, “When I can see my own image reflected in the gold.”

Trials can have many different meanings and contexts, including storms, afflictions, hardships, tests, discipline, suffering, persecutions and alike. In many cultures, there is mixed opinion about life’s trials and their response to them. Ancient Greeks saw trials as a curse which was always negative. The Romans saw them to be avoided if at all possible which were to be detested.

However, early Christians saw trials in a different light. To them it was sent by God either directly or indirectly, to purify, prune, prepare and prove. They saw them as opportunities to purify their motives (1 Peter 1:6-7), prune for greater fruitfulness (John 15), prepare for the future (James 1:4) and to ultimately prove that they belonged to Christ by sharing in His sufferings (Romans 8:17).

Job 23:10 says, Yet he knows the way I take; when he has tested me, I will come out like gold. The trials and opposition are an indication of the amazing future ahead of you. Often, you will have a good indication of your future by what struggles and adversity you have had to overcome. It is very likely that the person who you are today is a result of trials you had to overcome personally.

Through our trials rough edges were smoothed and brittle areas scrubbed until we more closely resembled what we were meant to be. God allows us to go through hard times so that we may grow and become smooth and shiny. His goal is for us to become a reflection of Him that not only He can see, but also so others can see Him in us.

Zechariah 13:2-3  But who can endure the day when he comes? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire, like the soap-maker's lye. He will sit, testing and purifying the silver; he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold and silver, so that they can bring offerings to the LORD uprightly.

This process is one of purification, refining and cleansing. It has to do with the removal of impurities which can hinder and make us stuck. Impurities of character flaws, attitudes and weaknesses are burned, which rise to the top and skimmed off by our Father. Later what is left our character and spirit reflecting the person of Jesus, pruned for greater fruitfulness.

Christ sees it needful to put His children into the refiner’s fire. His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for them. Our trials do not come at random, for all the very hairs of your head are numbered.

James 1:2-4  Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

         The natural response when faced with a situation that is unpleasant is to want that situation removed. If there is something that is causing you pain, you naturally want that pain removed. However, the mature person sees that trials come into our lives to strengthen us.

Trials are for our good. We should not want them removed simply because they are unpleasant. We should bear them in faith and seek God’s wisdom to learn whatever God is trying to teach us during them.

The end destination of trials is ultimately to reach a state of complete spiritual maturity, measuring up to the person of Jesus. If you are experiencing a season of being broken right now, ask yourself: what is God teaching me? Is there anything in my life that shouldn’t be there? Are there character/heart issues that need to be developed?

If you said yes to any of these, the best thing you can do is surrender. Lay down your pride, discomfort, securities and everything that you dearly hold on to, and give it all to Him. The idea of surrender is that you are wrong and you have nothing to hold on to.....freedom!

The purpose of trials is to purify, prune, prepare and prove, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. One day you will see that the greatest setbacks became the greatest set ups you never thought possible.

Without God in our lives we would all fall back into our old ways and lifestyle sins. We lose touch with the good things of God and take everything for granted. It only after being through a fire that you fully appreciate the work God is doing in you and making you into a better person.

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Broken and Restored by God

         The male stallion is the toughest horse to break but the greatest work horse on any farm. Their temperament varies widely based on genetics and instincts as herd animals, so they require careful management by owners. But with proper training stallions can become efficient work horses and even successful athletes, competing in the highest levels in horse racing events and the Olympic Games.

Domesticated stallions are trained and managed in a variety of ways, depending on the owner’s purpose and the stallion’s temperament. In all cases stallions have an inborn tendency to attempt to dominate both other horses and owners. They will also be affected to some degree by the proximity of other horses, especially mares. Stallions must be trained to behave with respect toward humans at all times or else their natural aggressiveness has been known to cause serious injury and even death.

The ‘breaking’ of stallions usually follows one of many management systems, such as confinement, natural, harem or bachelor systems. For instance, in the harem model the stallion is allowed to run loose with mares. But in the bachelor model, stallions are kept in a male-only group with other stallions and geldings (castrated). Ideally stallions are to be periodically managed in multiple systems, depending on the season of the year, personality of the stallion and purpose of their use.

The owner must understand that a stallion’s nature is to procreate and fight for dominance. When a stallion’s libido is aroused he becomes a superhorse. His hormones – mixed with testosterone and adrenalin – are similar to rocket fuel, powering his strength and determination tenfold. Nothing stands in his way and he may even be willing to fight to the death.

All his hormonal and instinctual drives are still present and without the correct training the owner will have a very frustrated or depressed stallion on their hands, with potential consequences. An easy alternative is to castrate the stallion which will reduce its aggression. However, all hope of reproducing is eliminated. Time, patience, care and much expense are required by the owner, but with a bit of luck the stallion can become very profitable, rewarding and trustworthy companion.1

Broken and Restored: The Journey of Every Believer

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies,

it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.

John 12:24 NKJV

The illustration of the stallion shows how even the most difficult horses can be trained to become an Olympic champion. The process of breaking is the necessary requirement based on the skill of the owner to achieve the stallion’s greatest potential. Likewise, no matter how difficult a believer’s upbringing or baggage, God in His grace and mercy can teach and equip them to realising greatness and incredible destiny.

The subject of breaking is throughout scripture and a necessary season each Christian will likely at some stage in their life personally experience to some degree. Normal and flawed people in the bible were broken by God which later resulted in either a change of nature, name or character. For instance, Jacob was a deceiver but after wrestling with God his character transformed into Israel and walked with a limp. Job was a righteous man but after being tested greatly he became a humbled man of God, later declaring, My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you (Job 42:5).

Others in scripture were broken by God which resulted in propelling them into their calling. Paul was a zealous Pharisee who persecuted the early church. But after encountering Jesus he describes in his ministry as constantly having a thorn in his flesh of persecutions, which by the grace of God was used to excel him as a powerful servant of the gospel. Even Jesus Himself, the Son of God, was broken in Gethsemane - or olive press - where He was asked to submit to the will of God and be crucified for the sins of the world.

Jesus was very clear on this subject and said, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone…. Left alone we can only reach so far with God. Even as Christians we can still own our lives and settle in our faith. We can become complacent or lose our first love after years of busy church life. Mediocrity will then become normal and a once grateful, soft heart can soon become distant and religious.

However, if it dies it produces much grain. Brokenness is a place of dying to the flesh and becoming completely dependent on God. It is described as the final key to being an effective Christian, where every area of your life is freely given to Him. And when your life is given completely to God, He can take us places we would never be able to reach. We all face difficulties and challenges in life. But as a believer we must understand that we have the life-giving seed of God on the inside of us.

It is doubtful God can use you greatly until he has broken you deeply.
A.W Tozer, pastor and author (1897–1963)

When we go through disappointments or suffering, you may feel like you have been buried. You may feel like you are in a dark and lonely place. And you may feel like it is the end. But in reality, with an eternal mindset, it is only the beginning. The fact is you have not been buried; you have been planted. You are on the come back! And not only are you coming back, but you are coming back on the increase, better and stronger than before, with a testimony others need to hear.

There is always a divine purpose in where God is doing a mighty work within you and a place of restoration is ahead! The best place about being in rock bottom is there is only one way to turn; up with Jesus who is your Rock. When God leads us into difficult seasons we need to think about what areas He desires for us to change.

Hosea 6:1-2 says, Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us; He has injured us but He will bind up our wounds. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will restore us, that we may live in His presence.

Perhaps you have known someone or have personally experienced one of several of these life changing rock bottom seasons. No one adversity or suffering is worse than another. Each of us will face some type of tremendous loss that can potentially derail your life and impact around you. But again, always know that God will never leave you there. It is merely a season or an unspecified period of time with a primary purpose God intends to use for good.

God’s process in your life is very specific as well as very purpose orientated. His main objective, I have found in all things, is so that we can become more like Christ and to die to the sinful nature. I would even venture to say that the measure you are used by God is at some point determined by the level of brokenness you have experienced with Him. And just like the stallion, once broken, you have the potential of becoming an Olympic champion. A vessel of gold in His house, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

  

Source: http://www.parelli.com/stallion-behavior.html

  

Reflections of John

It was a day I will never forget. That day I first saw Him and He spoke to me. His words still resonate within me. Two simple words that changed my life forever - "Follow Me". It was the day He called me to follow Him and be His disciple.

Me? A simple fisherman with no education. Little did I know that magnitude of what would follow and the events that would shake nations…

Walking with Jesus

 Jesus was more than just a Rabbi. He was more than just a healer and teacher. He was my friend and closest companion. I loved Him and wanted to please Him in every way for choosing me. I had days where I scarcely believed I was eating at the same table with the Son of God. God Himself! Wrapped up in human flesh.

He was such a man of grace, compassion, strength and courage. Never have I met a man who loved the unlovable. Who was so willing to give to those in need. Who boldly faced the dictators of the Pharisees. And who was so obedient to the call of God. He was Love in flesh to everyone He met - the poor, the broken, the sick and despised.

Never did slander or hatred come out of His mouth. He was not moved by the opinions of others or insecure when those closest to Him were hostile. He was content to have no personal possessions or listen to the empty amusements of the day.

We ate together, we laughed, we fellowshipped and we cried. It was the ultimate adventure those first 3 years! We travelled to every village in Israel and saw with our own eyes miracles of healings, demons being cast out, and the dead raised. We heard Him preach incredible messages of the Kingdom and parables that were mysteries of profound understanding. Many wished they could be so close to Jesus like me and the disciples.

We didn't understand the full reality of His words until after His resurrection. At times none of the disciples understood what He was saying and why He must go to Jerusalem in the final days. He was fully committed to the Fathers will - even death, death on a cross! They were the darkest three days of my life, seeing Him tortured and crucified. Never was humanity at it's darkest than when His own people turned on Him.

But He rose from the dead and stood in front of us - impossible! But it was Him, my friend Jesus. Everything He spoke came to pass, straight from the scriptures of old. Suddenly everything made sense. We were appointed to share the news that Salvation had come through faith in Jesus. The fulfillment of the ages had finally dawned, and we were the first ones to share it!

The Early Church

That day in the upper room when we received the Holy Spirit was incredible. Many disciples left but the faithful remained, obedient to Jesus' words to stay until the Helper came. I was born again, filled with the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus said years earlier with Nicodemus. Peter spoke powerfully and was a completely different man to the one I knew. That day the church was born and 3,000 were added who received the word of God.

There were amazing days unlike any other ever witnessed. Everyone gave to anyone as he had need, selling their possessions, devoting themselves to fellowship, the apostles teaching and prayer. Many miracles and healings took place in those early days. All the believers were of one heart and mind together, serving, giving and loving all who were there.

There were no quarrels, divisions or strife, it was heaven on earth. It was only a matter of time until persecution broke out. Stephen, a man full of grace and a strong speaker was stoned without trial. The church scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, just as Jesus said to us before He ascended to heaven.

Persecution

The late King Herod had James and Peter arrested, and had James executed. The church prayed for Peter earnestly for him and his safety, trusting that God was in control. Then miraculously he appeared at our house, previously guarded by 16 soldiers! It was then that I knew that nothing could stop the Kingdom of God advancing.

The apostle Paul was well known for persecuting the church in those early days. A man of zealous hatred, anger and hostility. And then he met Jesus and became a believer! Such is the power of the gospel and Holy Spirit. Paul was an incredible ally and used powerfully by God. He pioneered planting churches all across Asia Minor and was a persuasive write, speaker and leader. He was fearless and full of the Holy Spirit, willing to go anywhere he was called, whatever the price.

Banishment on Patmos

That was all many years ago now. I am the last one left of all the apostles, now an old man having seen wonderful things and great tragedies along the way. Peter was courageously crucified upside down; Paul was beheaded by Emperor Nero, with all of the others martyred. By the grace of God I was banished to the Isle of Patmos, cut off from all society for preaching the gospel. A few believers found me, full of youth, energy and excitement, wanting to hear the stories of old. What was it like walking with Jesus? Did He really rise from the dead? When will God restore Israel? When will Jesus be returning?

Many have asked me: What does it mean to follow Jesus? It is to live in the light just as He is in the light. To follow Jesus is to love one another, for this is the first command. We love because He first loved us….Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.

My eyes are dim and my strength is fading, but after decades of thinking, I have written a letter to the churches to my dear children in the faith. That which was from the beginning….God is light; in Him there is no darkness….Do not love the world or anything in the world….How great is the love the Father has lavished on us….This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another….God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him.

Living Sacrifices

What is the biggest act of sacrifice you have ever made?

Was it money you loaned a friend in need once, hundreds of hours of time given in charity or caring for a family member? Then there is to take into consideration when you did this broke and overburdened.

Human nature seems to take the concept of sacrifice very seriously. Ancient tribes sacrificed animals for centuries. Parents are willing to sacrifice for the good of their children and a bright future. Then there are the thousands of unknown sacrifices everyday by strangers for the good of their fellow neighbour.

We have all sacrificed for others to some degree, either for others or personal long term gain.  How much does a mother sacrifice to give birth and raise her children? Or the sacrifice of a father to provide for his family for decades? Proverbs 14:10 says Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.

One definition of sacrifice is surrendering a possession as an offering to a deity. It can take form in many ways, and be of great personal cost of a relationship, house, career, or moving to a new city. To the believer, whatever it may be it is unique to each person and carries a personal cost.

The theme of sacrifice is throughout scripture. The first offering in the garden was between Cain and Abel. Abraham’s radically obeyed God and willing went to sacrifice his son Isaac. Then there was Solomon’s giant offering to the building of the temple. Or Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthian church in their giving.

Then there is the example of Jesus’ life – a life of complete sacrifice for the good of others until death. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich (2 Cor 8:9).

God Himself sacrificed the most important possession He had too; His only Son Jesus Christ. Given into the hands of a sinful creation and nailed to a cross.

It is clear that God takes sacrifice very seriously. On our part it is meant to be costly and whatever is attached to our heart. Therefore sacrificing the idols of our heart can not be underestimated. For where your treasure is there your heart is also. He asks us to do only what He Himself has done first.

There are times when He will call us to give up items of great personal value to Him. A relationship, a hobby – even our life. To the flesh it will seem unfair, stupid, illogical, or senseless. It will feel unbearable, painful and even heartbreaking. But to the spirit, with eyes of eternity, it will make perfect sense.

Be sure that whatever you give up and sacrifice at the altar with God is a sweet smelling sacrifice to Him. He will honour it and it will come back to you in ways not thought possible. And it will enlarge your faith, drawing you closer to your Saviour and dependence on Him as a mature Christian.

We are called to a life of sacrifice so that we can identify with the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, the greatest sacrifice mankind will ever know. Be encouraged: God is worthy of our lives and our only response in view of His great mercy of salvation is to offer our lives to Him in every area. You will be glad that you did. 

Finishing Your Race

This is an amazing story.

During the Beijing Paralympics, 100m track blind sprinter Elizabeth Clegg competed and won silver medal. A running guide accompanied her ensuring she doesn't veer out of her lane. Her running guide, Mikhail Huggins, runs alongside her and talks to her throughout the race. 

They each hold one end of a rubber tube so he can guide her and lead her to the finish line. The rules for Paralympics who have a blind disability for track events are that the running guide must let the athlete cross the finish line first. 

'You have to be completely in synch and get the start absolutely right,' she says of the relationship she has with Mikail. 'We’re kind of a team — wherever I go, he goes.' 'To execute the run properly you need to be smooth and in time, with both the pace and the stride length correct. Mikail and I need to communicate to make sure our performance is the best it can be. 'It's a team effort, it's not just me. I'm the one that has to cross the line first, but when I get medals I want Mikail to be with me because he helps me do it.' Mikhail in response says, 'I know that I'm Libby's guide, but we come as a team – if she loses, I lose, and if she wins, we win as a team.'

Elizabeth says, 'I have to trust Mikail because I am running at full pelt [blind],' she says. 'He talks throughout the race, indicating where we are in the bend, whether I need to accelerate or hold or relax and he always tells me to put my chin back in because I tend to push it out when I run. 'He definitely has the harder job. All I have to do is run, which is the easy part. He has to talk and run.'

Does this sound familiar? Similarly the Holy Spirit is our running guide, we run within our own lane by the Word of God, and looking to Jesus as our finish line. Your running guide is strong and faithful. And when you win, God wins!

Source: http://www.elizabethclegg.co.uk

Ten Questions to Ask Yourself

2014 - The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to stop, look up and get our bearings. To that end, here are some questions to ask yourself and re-evaluate your life (taken from Don Whitney).

1. What's one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?

2. What's the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?

3. What's the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?

4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?

5. What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?

6. What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?

7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?

8. What's the most important way you will, by God's grace, try to make this year different from last year?

9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?

10. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in 10 years? In eternity?

 

Source:

http://www.christianity.com/christian-life/spiritual-growth/ten-questions-to-ask-at-the-start-of-a-new-year-11643580.html?utm_source=Christian%20Living%20Connection%20-%20Christianity.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/31/2013

 

 

Above Reproach

Have you ever been caught in trouble and held guilty of a crime you didn’t commit?

It is a great feeling when you are vindicated of wrongdoing. A life of faultless living and the highest integrity will always stand against the harshest critics and slanderers.

Living above reproach means that your life is blameless in every area. You are one hundred per cent honest in all relationships, trustworthy in all possessions and uncompromising in character during times of adversity. This is not only limited to a public life, but private as well. Even when you are falsely accused you can stand in confidence knowing that the accusations are nothing but lies, rooted in envy and jealousy.

How many famous people in history and celebrities can you count who have this uncompromising character? Too often a life of fame can all be swept away by a shaky personal life and poor character. A life of faith and convictions the world will at times laugh and mock, but to those who live by them will still be standing with the storms of life come without warning.

Colossians 1:22 ...and above reproach…

Two words that indicate this unseen phenomenon is above reproach. The Greek word for this is “anegklētos” - a legal term used in the justice courts of ancient days. It is pertaining to one who cannot be accused of anything wrong – without accusation. Who cannot be called to account.” (Thayers Abridged). “Unreprovable” or “above reproach” is “not only free from the blemish but from the charge of it” (Vincent).

As Christians our physical life and spiritual life is impacted by this reality. Another translation of Colossians 1:22 reads ...free from accusation. Our internal state or totally purity before God and “above reproach” is alluding to the fact that no charge can possibly be brought against us.  This idea can be interpreted in several ways:

1)      We are looked upon by God above reproach
2)      We are to live lives above reproach
3)      We are free to live our lives in freedom

No scripture underscores this better than Rom 8:31-34, “ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.  Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”

As a believer, right now that is your position in Christ . It has always been your position and your reality from the instant you were saved. This is incredibly powerful.  This scripture can transform your life!

Colossians 1:22  [But] he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.

See Christ presenting you to God the Father.  His all-knowing, all seeing eyes – His searching and penetrating gaze – looking over you and within you.  His conclusion is final – you are holy, blameless and above reproach. All this is said to be accomplished in His sight (verse 22).  This speaks not of a casual glance or brief inspection but of a searching, penetrating gaze.

 
Believe today that your position before God is above reproach because of the work of the Cross Jesus paid for you to have. Let this sink deep into your heart and spirit and with steadfast faith, your life will also become your spiritual condition.

Colossians 1:19-23  For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,  and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.