October 18: REFINE

Believe it:

…though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6b-7 (ESV)

Live it:

We can learn three lessons from today’s text.
1. God allows us to be tested in order to refine and purify our character. I wish I could tell you that the system God uses to refine and purify us is different than the one taught in this text. We have been programmed by society to avoid anything that produces pain and awkwardness. Reality is, we can’t avoid, or eliminate, the very situation that God intends to use to transform our character: pain. As weird as it sounds, pain can be a good thing.
2. The process of refinement is sometimes painful. Without the cross, there is no glory. Without contractions there can be no childbirth. Without exercise there can be no physical conditioning. Without testing, there can be no purity. They are like two faces of the same coin. Look for one, the other shows up too. Remember that the devil will attack everything God blesses, so if you feel you are under attack right now, be of good courage. God will be glorified and you will be blessed from this experience.
3. Refining begins on the inside. Jesus called out the Pharisees for their interest in purifying outward behavior while they neglected transformation of character. True change begins when you allow God the control He needs to change your character, for He will not violate your free will. The change may happen more slowly, but it will be more permanent.

Share it:

Ask someone, “How are you?” and take time to listen to their answer. Ask God to send you someone this week who is going through a hard time, and minister to them.

My prayer today: for all the church volunteers

-Pray that they may be attentive to the needs of visitors.

-Pray that they will maintain a positive, cheerful attitude.

from God’s City, My City