Refined by Fire

Luke 6:39-42
He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

PERSONAL COMMENTARY
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Brothers and Sisters, Let’s know that we are saved, but not forget that we are undeserving. Because it is this perspective that gives us the right attitude towards our neighbors and towards our brothers and sisters.

If we remember that we are undeserving, how much harder is it for us to judge others for falling into the same tricks and traps that we have fallen into ourselves? And even if we are foolish enough to think that we are walking upright and without error today, who can say that we have not made the same mistakes ourselves in the past. We recognize the specks in others because we are familiar with the logs in our own lives. We know how to spot fault in others because it is first a warning to us to examine our own lives and understand and fix where we fall short. If I see something in another person that convicts me strongly, do I see my own faults reflected in them?

So yes, let’s know the difference between good and evil. Let’s cling to a life of repentance, because if we are blind with a log in our own eye – won’t our neighbor with a speck be familiar with and recognize the log in our life also? And how can we be a guide or a help to anyone if we are blind ourselves – focusing on removing specks when we should be asking for the refining fires to burn the logs in our own lives.

I share because there is a fire in me burning these logs. I spent my life stacking up logs for a great fire, enjoying and seeking the pleasures of life’s senses and physical indulgences, not believing that a fire would come to destroy it all. I was not fearful of the fire and punishment of the after, because even though I knew the word Christian, I didn’t believe it to be true in my heart. I knew religion from childhood familiarity, but we are not called to religious practice, we are called to faithful belief, repentance, and service.

Now I am thankful that these logs are being burned and refined before the opportunity is gone. Because this is the evidence and proof to me that I am His and that He cares enough about me to bless me with these refining fires, trials, sufferings, blessings, and these fruits of the Holy Spirit. Because the fruits of His labor, His work that is done in us and through us – oh, those are the fruits that have flavor that last and do not fade away.

If your logs are not burning and being refined today, please know that I share this in love – Your logs WILL BURN one day.

The only question is will they be burning today as a REFINING FIRE that turns them into treasure that:
– changes your life and your direction to grow
– breaks down your hardness of heart
– breaks the chains of that sin that you are trapped in
– frees you from that voice of guilt and shame that tortures you

Or, will they not be set ablaze until only the time for the FIRE OF JUDGEMENT AND SEPARATION remains, once you have no more opportunity to accept and receive this refining change in your life?

I love you, friend.

Do you know?

You hear the voice calling you. You know that He is drawing you near. You don’t have to run away and hide from it any longer. The voice is the voice of the Good Shepherd. He is calling you home to the green pastures and renewed life of purpose that He has for you. See past my words that sound religious and that are not strong enough to fully describe His true nature and glory. Instead open your eyes to see His touch and your ears to hear His voice in your life today.

I love you, friend. But I would much rather have you as a brother or sister in Christ that is redeemed and renewed, than see a neighbor on the way to a life of disaster and trap after trap.

Do you know Jesus Christ today as your Savior? Even as your way and as the light for your steps today? If you don’t friend, it is not too late for change in your life.

It isn’t where we are, but it is where we are headed. No matter how high your logs are stacked, He can set them ablaze today, and refine your life into a blessing and an honor, that will touch and serve those around you, with the love that they also need so dearly in their lives.

I don’t invite you to a religion, friends. I invite you to accept the Love of Jesus Christ into your lives.

Peace be with you and guide you and bless you today, brother and sister. You hear the voice. Join me and let’s rejoice together!