Proverbs 25:4 Take away the dross from silver, and it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.


      One of my pastors was sharing some observations he had during the outbreak of the recent pandemic. He said, “The people I expected to rise to the forefront and lead the church through this mess have turned out to be fearful, uncertain, and blowhard talkers. At the same time, the ones who did rise to the challenges of these hard times were the ones I considered lame and not really committed Christians. I am disappointed and blessed at the same time.” 

      Wow, what camp do you find yourself in? In the Gospel of Matthew 21:28-31 There is the parable of two sons responding to their father’s requests. One son was asked to go and work in the vineyard and he said, “I will not,” but afterward, he repented and went to work. The other son said, “I will go,” but did not obey. Our obeisance in the seasons we go through will either sharpen our resolve to walk closer with the Lord or will dull our taste-buds to even want to be walking the walk God has asked of us. John 6:67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”

      Someone said, ” Diamonds are formed under extreme pressure and knives are sharpened through friction.” Saints, some of us are going to be a sharp sparkling people after this hard season has burned the dross out of our character. Eccl. 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. If we respond by faith and obedience to our heavenly Father, then the habitual complacency, fearfulness, and noncommittal attitudes toward God’s calling in our lives will be burned out of us and we will become a refined product for the Master’s use. Prov. 25:4 Take away the dross from silver, and it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.
      What an opportunity these strange worldwide events have given us to create some spiritual backbone. When counselling, I have often used one of my Normism, ” You only feel and know you are really alive when you are in the middle of great adversity.” 
      This is so true. We don’t notice things when everything is smooth and moving along without any challenges. But, the moment there are inconveniences, tests, and great obstacles we start screaming because of the discomfort we are actually feeling. All our senses are turned on and tuned into very noticeable feelings in the forefront of our thoughts. Gen. 4:13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Cain could now physically feel the pain in his emotions, feelings, and his understanding of life. Cain could feel each thought that he would need to go forward. 
      What are you feeling right now? God has not given us a spirit of fear. The Lord has not asked us to lay down our armour and offer full capitulation to these uncertain world events. Our Heavenly Father has not stopped running and ruling this universe. This is our season to exercise faith, strength, and experience victory because we are the blood-washed saints of the Lord. 
      We have been given authority to proclaim the blessings and the Word of God in this earth. Matt 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
      This is our season to grow, express gratitude, and live for something worthwhile, rather than just exist within the conveniences of modern life. Jesus is Lord. This truth has not changed. We may be living in a time that is changing, but our God is steadfast and dependable. Let us walk the talk, and be in Christ so that when our Lord returns, He will find us faithful. Amen!
Topical Bible Studies About: Chronicles Of A Pandemic

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Sir Norm’s Commentary

Ironies To Contemplate

There Is No Hate Like Christian Hate

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