Refined By Fire

1 Corinthians 12:14-15 For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? I love thinking of the church and relating it to being a body, Christ being the head. Being that we make up the body, we each are unique in how we contribute to the function of the church as a whole. In verse 15 Paul tackles the issue just about every one of us face and that's self-depreciation. We were told early on that we should not look to the left or to the right, comparing our walk with one another but for me, that can be hard at times. I look at people who can take the Word of God and just pull truth out of it seemingly easy, and I see my minimal understanding and compare, almost disabling me and that's just one example out of many. We can look at this sort of thinking almost as a cancer. Cancer is where your white blood cells take a turn for the worst and start attacking other whi

Romans 15:1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. As I sat down to do my IBS, it was during the time we as a group were getting together to share them and I was the only one that didn't have it finished. We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak. And in that moment, I was the weak and they have to bear with me. I believe each and everyone of us will have our times of weakness and times of strength and in every situation we are to bear with one another in these situations and if need be exhort them and do it out of love and not to please our flesh. I'm sure there are going to be times where in our weakness, we are going to agitate one another and within that, we shouldn't react in a way that's going to satisfy the flesh. We're called to respond in the spirit and in a way that will build up, not tear down. There have been times where our RA's had to get on us a

Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. We have been called to liberty, a freedom in Christ. This freedom is the grace of God, fulfilled by the sacrifice Jesus made. Jesus, being fully God, and fully man, completed the law perfectly all the way to the Cross and He did it because in our weakness, we couldn't do it ourselves. Jesus fulfilled the law, giving us a freedom in that we no longer have to offer sacrifices, we no longer have to go to a high priest to make intercession for us. We have access to God because of Jesus. This is that Liberty and we are not to take it for granted and use it as an opportunity to sin just because we can easily access the father through Jesus and ask for forgiveness. We must come with a repentant heart putting aside the flesh, and for those who do not, will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Jesus fulfilled this law by serving others.

1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. In this context, not only is Paul being adaptive, but he's also being submissive and honestly it goes hand in hand. He's being adaptive in the sense that he has become all things to all men, that he might by all means save some. By all means has been quite a topic and I think we as Followers of Jesus should stand on that statement. By all means. By any means necessary, no matter what it takes. Whether the toll is physical, spiritual, financial, time consuming or it goes against the very fiber of our being so long as it doesn't go against God we should submit all things unto God as he commands us to be submissive to others. Now, I look at this text and I see the Lords hand in this school in that we have a perspectives class on understanding culture, and I believe this fits right in. Not only are we to adapt to the culture

Ephesians 5:21 Submitting to one another in the fear of God. What does it look like to be submitted to one another. As I ask this question I look to those around me that set an example. The easiest example to look to are those who are married. In their submission to one another there is no reason to forcibly tell one another what to do. They know that within this submission to one another, they can ask of their partner almost anything and they will do it willfully and probably joyfully knowing that it will please their partner. That I believe is how we ought to be as brothers and sisters in Christ. To be submitted, willing to do almost anything for one another knowing that just as you have your brother/sisters back, they will have yours. Whether it's a simple task like taking out the trash or something a little more serious as prayer our council. Whatever the case may be we are to submit our time and efforts fully to those around us if they ask of it and not only do it, but wi

Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you , and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Being in ignite, there is a group of people that are in a position of authority over me. Not only does this scripture tell me to obey, but to do it submissively . There's plenty of times I've been obedient, but I didn't do these things with a submissive spirit and really in my heart I was pulling against what I was called to do. I never really thought of this until now, but these men and women, brothers and sisters are here to look out for my well being not just in the physical but more importantly, spiritually and they will have to give an account of their thoughts and deeds and all that they do as overseers of my spiritual well being. They watch out for all of us with love, giving their life to be the hands and feet of Jesus in raising us up to be stronger

Ephesians 6:1 Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right Colossians 3:20 Children obey your parents in all things, for this is pleasing to the Lord. It's odd to look to this verse and think of how it may apply to me considering I don't live with my parents and I'm no longer a child. But in it, is a command to obedience. Children obey your parents in all things. This is transferred authority given from God. God blesses people with child/children and in that God commands them to be obedient in all things for this is pleasing to the Lord. Now, I believe the second part of that verse is important. If the parents are telling their children to do something that is not pleasing to the Lord, then I believe that child is not obligated to obey their parents and God will not look upon that disobedience as sin because we are to obey God before man. Application:

Romans 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that ones slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? Do you not know? That just rings in my head. Do you not know you're a slave. But in it we have a freedom. That thought is foreign to say the least. We're slaves, but we have liberty to choose what we're a slave to. Now this is in a spiritual perspective obviously, it isn't quite as tangible as it sounds but really we have two options. Be obedient to sin which leads to separation from God in this life, and in the life that is to come.. Death. Or we can be obedient to God, which leads to righteousness and in that righteousness sanctification, Life . Obeying God isn't always easy and Paul nails it on the head when he tells us there is a War going on within us. The flesh wants what it wants, and in that flesh is sin and we can fall into it and allow it to enslave us, but t

II Corinthian 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. Part of spiritual warfare is defending the gospel of Jesus. To be able to defend the gospel we have to be walking in the Spirit in obedience and in Love not looking at ourself. I know for me I've taken things personal, and ruined my witness with someone because I responded in the flesh, in disobedience I didn't take captive my thoughts and hand them over to the Lord and I didn't respond in love. I responded in my flesh on impulse. I must remind myself that people are not persecuting me, they're persecuting Jesus. People may try to slander or gossip or build up strongholds against the Gospel but we must take our thoughts captive, and hold those thoughts to the word of God and respond with love, not responding from a worldly defense but having on the whole armor of God wielding the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word

Hebrews 5:8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. I struggle with obedience on a daily basis. Pastor Mike wasn't kidding when he looked at me and told me that we have a problem with authority. At first I figured I would come in to this program and do everything I was told to the best of my ability but I was sorely mistaken. And it's not that I directly disobey, but I grumble in it and in my heart come against some of those who are placed above me. The people that are placed in authority above me deserve respect considering the love they have for me and the others around me but a lot of the times I hear some of their decisions and in my heart I'm being completely disobedient sometimes wanting to tell them to shove it but with a firm conviction the Holy Spirit keeps me in check and reminds me why I'm here. Application I will purpose in my heart to accept any task given to me with an open and willing heart.

August 13, 2017

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I'm in to be content. To be content in any state is not an easy thing to accomplish. I believe the key to being content in any situation is to be completely confident in the Lord. To find your identity in the Lord and be completely reliant on Him. I don't believe I find my identity completely in the Lord because I find myself sometimes puffing up my past. I find myself feeding my pride, and in that I've realized that I'm not finding my identity in Christ. I try to build this identity that is focused on a foundation of pride and not focused on what the Lord is doing in my life and in that it can cause discontentment . To be content in every situation I need to find joy in sharing my weaknesses with others, and know that God is made strong in my weakness. If I'm not completely confident in the Lord, I may question His decisions for my life, challenging Him and quite frankly

August 13, 2017

Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. Instead of looking to what the world has to offer , David chooses to see Gods face in righteousness. David is satisfied when he wakes up in the likeness of Jesus, To be able to reflect Gods love another day. I can honestly say some days when I wake up there isn't much motivation and contentment. I believe it's a matter of perspective and how I look at the day as I approach it and some days I just don't have it. David has a good view on his day as he wakes up. To be a reflection of God is a privilege and I truly lose sight of that. God created us with a purpose and He fulfills it through us as we step out of the way, set our desires aside and seek after His heart and His face and His plans for our life. I will look at the day with fresh eyes after praying with a classmate.

August 13, 2017

Luke 3:14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "and what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely , and be content with your wages." Contentment is something that isn't easily obtained especially from the culture I've come from. Being from the states, I'm so used to looking on to other peoples things and wanting them. Always wanting more money, better clothes a nicer car etc. A big thing for me was never being content with who I am and that's still something I'm working on being content with. Looking on to other people and comparing how they comprehend and their ability to speak was always something I struggled with. Comparing myself with other people was a huge reason why I continued using drugs, foolishly thinking that in my altered state of mind I would be a better version of me. But that is so far from the truth. Even today I feel like I can do better if I just have a cup of coffee and get that

Revelation 1:9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. This week I've really been challenged by Keith Wheeler. This mans testimony is radical. He has been threatened, imprisoned, beaten , had guns in his face and much more. He is a man that is truly a brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. The real question is: am I ? As I look into this verse and even into the life that Keith lives, I understand what real tribulation is and I ask myself this question: Would I go through that for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ? As I think about this I'm a little unsure because who knows until they're truly faced with it, but I feel In my spirit that I would accept the suffering and persecution by the strength of the Lord, and for good reason. We re

Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long suffering with joy. One important detail in this Epistle is the fact that Paul wrote this from prison. It amazes me to see the love he has for the churches he's writing to, given the position he is writing these letters from. Talk about walking in the Spirit being strengthened with all might, knowing full well he's gaining this strength from the Lord with patience and long suffering with all joy. Now I can't help but be convicted considering this man isn't complaining about his situation and how hard it is, but actually encouraging his fellow brothers and sisters lifting them up in prayer giving them the gospel and I can only imagine how encouraged the church of Colosse was by this. I truly need to allow this to sink in. I complain about IBS and classes and being hungry grumbling in my spirit over the most foolish things and I see this and I can only say suck it

Luke 21:19 By your patience possess your souls NKJV By your endurance you will gain your lives ESV This is a strong statement and not to be taken lightly. Though we don't earn our salvation by our endurance, we will be required to persevere through extremely tough times. The surrounding context talks about being killed or thrown in prison or betrayed by family for His name sake and truth is I may or may not face all of that, but one thing is for sure I will face hard times, my faith will be tested. There will be days where I just want to quit, where I may be down right tired not wanting to press on and honestly in these past few weeks there have been time where I just wanted to give up but there's something inside that tells me I'm not going to quit and I don't believe it's by my strength that I'm still here today. Ephesians 6:10 tells us to be strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might. Telling us to put on the whole armor of God so that we ma