I had not really planned to write today because I have been challenged of late by several little "this is just for free" blurps that our pastor has thrown into his messages. He challenged us about how much time we spend emailing, blogging, on Facebook, etc. as opposed to how much time we spend in the Word. Ouch. Big conviction. So, as a very busy mom, I have resolved to waste less time "plugged in" to the electronic world and more time "soaking" up God's precious words!
But as I was doing a quick check on my favorite blogs today, my friend Ann-Marie had some very honest and challenging words. She got me to thinking about the Refiner's Fire. My baby turned a year old this weekend, and the other big "one year mark" is just a few weeks away. It has been quite a year. I had a friend call on Valentine's Day to see how I was doing. I am so happy to say it didn't even phase me that it was a day to celebrate love. That is the beauty of the Refiner's Fire. God has so wonderfully melted all the anger and hurt away and left peace in its place!!! I can honestly say I am a better person because of this life-changing trial I have been through. God has a reason for every trial that we go through. He has a purpose for our lives. The fire hurts so much, but the beauty that comes forth is so worth it!
Job 23:10
But He knows the way that I take, when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
I also wanted to pass on a link to a daily devotional site that I have found on Tina's blog. It is from Elizabeth Elliot. I can honestly say I did not realize this woman was still alive. Her blog is light but also very thought-provoaking.
I will apologize for any misspellings. For some reason my spell checker is not working.
5 comments:
That is great to see that the Holy Spirit is working in your life and that you are grateful for His work.
Your pastor sounds like mine. That sounds like something that he would say. He is always trying to encourage us to spend less time on "time wasting" things like computer, tv, etc... and more time in the Word. Guilty as charged.
Thanks for reading my post! You are one of my iron-sharpening friends, and I've always appreciated you for that quality.
Heidi and I share the same pastor, so I will say "ditto" to her comment. My cousin Michelle posted her pastor’s latest challenge on her blog today, and I thought – “See, the Holy Spirit’s already showing me examples of godly pastors!"
Also, in that vein, the way your pastor, his wife, and your church family has responded to your tragedy has been such an encouragement - feel free to share that with them - they are encouraging people very far away from NH - their reach is farther than they know!
I also didn't know EE was still alive. Good for her being in the blogosphere!
"this is just for free"
Don't those just kill you! I have been beat up by some of those from our pastor as well.
As for being in the Word...how much time do you spend in the car? I have Bible cds in the car, and listen to several chapters a day. My commute has become more profitable than ever, much better than listening to most of the garbage on the radio.
You know, Dave, I have been told taht as well. We listen to preaching cd's a lot when we go for longer commutes, such as a day trip to Chicago or to Grandma's in Michigan.
Hey, keep on blogging, it is not a sin it is a ministry! You don't know how many people I have sent to your website that are looking for the same peace you have found.
Just a though.
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