Morning by Morning, November 2 - Fire and Glory - God’s “Spiritual Refining Process”
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Align my heart with Your Heart, my thoughts with Your Thoughts, and my ways with Your Ways -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. ...
“Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and His glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!” (1 Peter 4:12-16 The Message)
Lord, help me see everything I go through on my journey through this world as Your “spiritual refining process.” These “fiery trials” are just opportunities for me grow in the character of Christ (v. 12 NKJV). They’re producing in me a “faith, being much more precious than gold” (1 Peter 1:7).
So give me grace to stand up and speak up, for the sake of Christ and in the character of Christ -- even when it costs me something. In fact, especially when it costs me something.
That’s the spiritual principle of fire and glory. As we go through the fire, You’re displaying Your glory through us. You’re developing the glory of Your Presence in us. “Christ in (us), the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
Just like when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were cast into Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace because they were standing up and speaking up for the Lord our God rather than bowing down to the religion of the culture of their day, it cost them something. They were willing to lay down their lives for Your sake and face the fire (Daniel 3:16-23).
But You were with them in the fire! Even Nebuchadnezzar himself could see the glory of God upon them in fire and the Son of God with them in the fire! “‘Look!’ he answered, ‘I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God!” (Daniel 3:25).
Their fiery trial revealed Your glory with them. Their fiery trial produced Your glory within them -- for the world and the rulers of this world to see.
Even the world’s fiery trials become the instrument of Your grace to make us more like You if we keep trusting You through the fire. Fire and glory. Our fires and Your glory. Christ in us, the hope of glory.
Lord, give me courage and grace for every trial I’ll face. For there will always be One with me in the fire of Your “spiritual refining process” of my journey through the fires and trials of this world. And You’ll use it all to keep making me more like You each day (Romans 8:29; 1 John 4:17). In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
My friend, may you stand and speak up for the sake of Christ and in the character of Christ through every trial you go through, as the Lord makes you more like Jesus each day, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!
Tommy & Rocio Hays | Messiah Ministries
Messiah Ministries Mailing Address:
412 S. Adams Street #148
Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
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