Post by Les Brewer on Jul 12, 2012 8:26:21 GMT
John Wolf
Calvary's Cross Ministries
Preaching Christ Crucified
from the Pastor's desk...
Good morning to all,and God bless!
The Fiery Trial
Daniel 3:19-25;I Peter 4:12-15......Fiery trials will come to all true Christians at one time or another.It may not be a literal burning fire,such as Shadrach,Meshach,and Abed-Nego had to go through,as a test of their faith in God,but it will feel like it.The stress and anguish that those trials bring,will certainly feel like literal flames.I wonder,is their anyone reading this that knows what I'm talking about?
Sometimes,we may even bring the trial on ourselves through lack of wisdom,foresight,or forethought.But it will still be a trial that will test you to see where you stand.We must always remember that we are not perfect,but we should always strive for perfection.The enemy of our souls knows to well,through watching and observing our daily activities where our weaknesses are,and he will not hesitate one second to take advantage of any situation to further his plan to try and destroy us.
Shadrach,Meshach,and Abed-Nego determined to remain faithful to the LORD God regardless of the outcome of their decision.They knew to bow the knee to Nebuchadnezzar,would constitute idolatry,both physically and spiritually.Their faith,allegiance,devotion,worship and loyalty was to YHWH,they honored the human king,and obeyed him up to the point when he demanded their absolute devotion and worship.I wonder sometimes if the modern Church of God (the body of Christ,not the denomination) doesn't miss the boat sometimes in the things we allow into our lives,thinking they will help to draw us closer to the Lord.
I wonder sometimes,if we do not recognize that we are committing spiritual adultery and idolatry,when we invite the world into the church in an attempt to placate the people? Don't get me wrong,we are to invite the lost to church so they can be saved,but,we want so much to please the world that we are bowing the knee to a new type of Nebuchadnezzar.Our fiery trial is upon us church! We need to awaken out of our spiritual slumber and lethargy,and see what's taking place.Repent and come back to Christ and His word.Yes,you can expect a fire storm to be unleashed on you.It's not going to make the enemy happy,and he will unloose all manner of problems against you,to try and defeat you.But,there is hope for tomorrow.Jesus Christ will be there to lead you and to guide you,and nothing,I mean absolutely nothing will by any means hurt you.It's time that judgement begin with us.Let us examine ourselves daily,to see whether we are in the faith (II Cor.13:5).
Fire purifies gold.It is continually put in the furnace so the impurities can float to the top,and they can be removed.We are the gold that is being refined,by the Holy Ghost.It may be discomforting and even painful to undergo the process,but in the end,we will be more like Jesus.And this is our goal......"Jesus,be Jesus in me.No longer me,but Thee!"......Draw near to God,and He will draw near to you,and the enemy will have no choice but to get out of the way!.....God bless you all,love J.W.
