April 21 – Heat That Purifies

“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts.” – Proverbs 17:3 (ESV)

A crucible is a very specialized container that is used to heat metal to the point of melting it. It is a necessary step in the refining process of changing what is unusable into something usable and more valuable. Our verse speaks of refining silver and gold so that it can be suitable for other purposes. This proverb of Solomon teaches us that God allows us to be in the crucible in order to test us. One of the purposes of melting and refining is to burn away the dross and other impurities. It also is to form, shape and strengthen the metal. God does test our hearts for it is our heart’s devotion and love that he wants from us. Another verse in the Old Testament and in the New Testament says that we are to love the Lord our God with our whole heart. In order for that to happen, we have to allow God to refine our hearts in the crucible of life. That is not something we really choose to go through but when we do, we come out knowing and loving God in a more perfect way. It’s a promise, let’s embrace it.

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November 5 – Seek to Have

“If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:4-5  (NASB)

Yesterday’s promise from God was what comes from fearing the LORD God – a start at knowledge and wisdom.  Today’s verse tells us the promise for those who seek wisdom as if it is a precious metal. But the verses before, (Proverbs 2:1-3) give us more on how we can understand the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God.  There are six actions that proceed seeking knowledge as if it is as precious as silver.  Receive the Word of God; Treasure up God’s commandments; Open our ears to what wisdom is saying; Have a heart to receive understanding; Call out for discernment and Speak out for understanding. Effort must be expended for one to become wise. Getting wisdom involves openness, retention, hearing with the ear, applying with the heart, requesting, and diligent searching. This is the pathway to possessing understanding and finding the knowledge of God. A person who strives for wisdom will find that wisdom will enter their heart. Gaining wisdom requires diligence on our part in pursuing God’s will; yet wisdom is a gift, a promise from God. Possession of such knowledge from God results in inner joy and Godly pleasure.

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July 12 – As By Fire

“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts.”  Proverbs 17:3 (ESV) 
“The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, And each is tested by the praise accorded him.” Proverbs 27:21 (NASB)

In our verses this morning we find a different kind of promise.   It is good for us to understand that in our lives as believers, God is working for our best and His glory.  He is shaping us to serve and worship Him. To do that we are tested and refined like silver and gold - sometimes by fire.  The first verse (Prov. 17:3) gives the example of testing and refining to purify gold and silver.  This process takes great skill and care.  This example is also used in our second verse (Prov. 27:21) but with a different lesson.   First lesson: it is God testing our hearts. He is the one who does it.  He does so by allowing challenging circumstances and situations to be in our path and to test our faith.  Life is not intended to be easy and it is not a bed of roses (even if it were, there would be lots of thorns to contend with).   Second lesson: using the same example, our testing comes through the praise given to us.  Perhaps we can even say we are tested by the praise we desire or we think we are owed, and by the praise we receive.  Public and personal praise, when it is given, is something that needs to be received and appreciated in a manner that is worthy of our faith in God who gives us all things.  We give the praise back to God.  Because it is God who does the testing, it is God who provides the praise we receive through others.  Do we stand up well to it?  We will be tested like silver and gold to make us ready, it's a promise.    

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