Refiner's Fire

Have you ever watched a documentary or done any reading about the process gold, silver and other precious metals go through to bring out their glorious shine? Full of impurities, these metals in their natural state aren’t anything wonderful to look at; however all that changes when they go through fire. And not just any old fire, but the controlled, hot fire of a refiner.

The idea of going through fire is scary. Fire implies pain, and complete destruction. But the refiner’s fire is different. At the hand of a loving, skilled refiner, a refiner’s fire is one of hope, not annihilation. A refiner sits by the flame, his eye never leaving the metal entrusted to his care; and when he can see his reflection in the precious metal, he knows it’s time to remove it.

Malachi 3:2 refers to God as a Refiner; and much like the fire that metals endure to reveal their beauty, we too can be put through fiery times that can make us question God’s purpose. It’s in those moments however, that we must cling tightly to the Refiner, trusting that, though painful and beyond comprehension, He is watching over us and will not let the fire destroy us. He IS good, and He WILL prove Himself faithful. Until then, He’ll give us the strength to endure it. He'll hold us in His hand… and never let go.

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Many years ago I had the privilege of spending time with two amazing men of God, both of whom had walked through the fire at some point in their Christian journey. One of them wrote the following song, and other sang it. Their work speaks to me even now, some 25 years later. 

The Refiner's Fire (as sung by Steve Green)

 
There burns a fire with sacred heat
White hot with holy flame
And all who dare pass through its blaze
Will not emerge the same
Some as bronze, and some as silver
Some as gold, then with great skill
All are hammered by their sufferings
On the anvil of His will

I'm learning now to trust His touch
To crave the fire's embrace
For though my past with sin was etched
His mercies did erase
Each time His purging cleanses deeper
I'm not sure that I'll survive
Yet the strength in growing weaker
Keeps my hungry soul alive

Chorus: The Refiner's fire
Has now become my souls desire
Purged and cleansed and purified
That the Lord be glorified
He is consuming my soul
Refining me, making me whole
No matter what I may lose
I choose the Refiner's fire

Words and music by Jon Mohr and Randall Dennis
Copyright 1989 Birdwing Music/Jonathan Mark Music (admin. by Gaither copyright management)/J.R. Dennis Music. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.

Without Him, I am nothing...

I am not skilled to understand what God has willed, what God has planned. I only know at His right hand stands one who is my Savior. I take Him at His word and deed. Christ died to save me; this I read. And in my heart I find a need of Him to be my Savior.

That He would leave His place on high and come for sinful man to die. You count it strange, so once did I before I knew my Savior.

Yes, living, dying, let me bring my strength, my solace from this spring; that He who lives to be my King. Once died to be my Savior.

My Savior loves, My Savior lives! My Savior's always there for me! My God: He was, my God; He is. My God is always gonna be...

~Aaron Shust

What's Your Story?

What's your story? 

I have a story. Do you?

If you know Jesus, than you do. 

It may not seem like an exciting story, at least to you, but no matter how you came to Christ, you have a story to tell. And as I was reminded recently, it is your duty, your obligation, to share it.

Last weekend I had the privilege of spending time with some old and new friends; people devoted 100% to the Great Commission - to share the love of Jesus, using the gifts and talents they have been given, with everyone. Some of them use their ability to heal, through medicine, to be the hands of Christ. Others use their gifts of evangelism to boldly proclaim the message. Some use music. And some, like my friend Brian, use their love of technology to ensure that the story of God's grace is within "clicking" distance. 

It is with that idea, that EthnoRadio was born. "The mission of Ethnoradio is simple: to give people of every nation the opportunity to hear stories of transformed lives in their own language. Utilizing the international recording capabilities of HCJB Global, we gather stories of life-change, and make them available via the simple interactive map you see above."

EthnoRadio is an exciting project that my husband and I have fallen in love with. It provides a wonderful opportunity for those who have never heard the Gospel, to hear the truth in their own language, through the unique and powerful stories of every-day people. And as this ministry expands, it will not only share those stories, but provide opportunity for discipleship as new stories are created. 

I love to share my story... and you should too. "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." (Romans 1:16)

Alive!

I've been quiet for a while. Trying to cope with life, recover from mono, care for my ever-amusing three-year-old, and feeling less-than-inspired. But I've been here. Silently sitting back, watching, reading, waiting, journeying... processing things that have come our way, seeking answers, direction, patience, and peace. And in the midst of it all... He's been there. Steadfast and strong, providing, protecting, renewing our joy, giving us hope and keeping us laughing. Jesus. 

So it seems appropriate, on this Easter Sunday, to break the silence on this blog with the only thing really worth saying. May these words, and the video that follows, draw you to the ONE who made you, who gave you life. May you know the truth this Easter, and fall on your knees as Mercy grips you.

"Alive" - Natalie Grant

Who but You, could breathe and leave a trail of galaxies and dream of me?
What kind of Love is writing my story till the end with Mercy’s pen?
Only You.

 
What kind of king would choose to wear a crown that bleeds and scars to win my heart?
What kind of Love tells me I’m the reason He can’t stay inside the grave?
You. Is it You? Standing here before my eyes, every part of my heart cries

Alive! Alive! Look what Mercy’s overcome; Death has lost and Love has won
Alive! Alive! Hallelujah, Risen Lord, the only One I fall before
I am His because He is alive.

Who could speak, and send the demons back from where they came with just one Name?
What other heart would let itself be broken every time till He healed mine?
You. Only You could turn my darkness into dawn; running right into Your arms

Alive! Alive! Look what Mercy’s overcome; Death has lost and Love has won
Alive! Alive! Hallelujah, Risen Lord, the only One I fall before
I am His because He is...

Emmanuel, the promised King the baby who made angels sing
Son of Man who walked with us, healing, breathing in our dust
The author of all history, the answer to all mysteries
The Lamb of God who rolled away, the stone in front of every grave

Alive! Alive! Look what Mercy’s overcome; Death has lost and Love has won
Alive! I am His because He is alive.
Alive!