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This Fall, Will You Fall Into The Arms Of God?

November 7, 2016

“3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

Fall! What a wonderful time of year. There are so many things to love about fall. One, the weather begins to turn cooler; this is a nice reprieve from the hot summers in West Texas. Secondly, leaves! Lots of leaves (well, not really here in West Texas)! The trees (at least the ones we have) are so beautiful as the colors of the leaves begin to change. Eventually, there are leaves everywhere. I like to think of them as some of nature’s sprinkles; they sprinkle our landscape with beautiful fall colors! Third, it’s harvest time. Don’t you love the bounty of crops that fall brings. Apples, pears, pumpkins, different types of squash, figs, greens, broccoli, sweet potatoes, corn, and the list continues. When we think of fall, we think of “the harvest”. In actuality, each season has its own particular bountiful crops. Produce that is harvested in season is fresh and at its peak. Its taste, texture, and nutritional value are so much better; produce benefits from being harvested in its prime season. This is when it’s at its very best.

Each type of fruit or vegetable plant has a specific

way it should be cared for during the various seasons leading up to its harvest. If care is not taken while the plant is growing, there will be no harvest. Some plants are lower maintenance and easier to grow than others. Let’s take summer squash and zucchini for example. You plant these in the spring. In the right climate, they begin producing in the summer and can continue to produce fruit into the beginning of fall. (Yes, these are technically fruit because they contain the plant’s seeds – I looked it up to verify.) These plants are easy; you plant in one season and by the next season you begin to have food to eat and they keep producing throughout the season. Now, let’s think about apples. Once you plant an apple tree it has to grow for a few years before it is mature enough to produce any fruit. This type of plant is not as easy and requires more of a commitment and much more patience. Regardless of what you are trying to grow, you must care for it. Even if you choose easy plants, if they are not cared for properly they will not make it. You must choose the right location, prepare the ground, water them, and watch for weeds and pests. If these things are not done – well, the plants will die and there will be no harvest. There are a few things we can be sure of and learn from the seasons. Each season has a purpose and produces its own bounty. Work is required in order for there to be a harvest. Produce is at it’s best when it’s harvested in its prime season.

“3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: ²A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; ³A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; ⁴A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; ⁵A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; ⁶A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; ⁷A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; ⁸A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 KJV

God made it clear in Ecclesiastes that we also have seasons in our lives. Seasons of good and bad. He also makes it clear there is a specific time and season for everything. Trust his perfect timing for this. This is our Brewing Ground. God uses the seasons of our Brewing Ground to grow us. He nurtures and cares for us. God uses each season to produce a particular bounty in our life at just the perfect time. But each season requires work and some seasons also come with many challenges. What season does God currently have you in? Are you in fall, in the midst of a bountiful harvest? Do you happen to be in winter? Are you on thin ice or does it feel as if everything is frozen and barren? Are you in a spring season; a time of renewal, new growth, and starting fresh? Or perhaps you are in summer; in the midst of scorching heat combined with a drought that seems like it will never end. Some seasons get you to your bounty more quickly. However, some seasons are like the apple tree. It takes lots of time to grow and mature before it is ever ready to produce any fruit. Regardless of your current season, know that it has a purpose and it will produce its own bounty. While navigating the seasons of your Brewing Ground, hold onto God’s promises.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 KJV

Keep going! There is an end to your season and you will reap a harvest! Rest in God and allow Him to renew you throughout your season.

^“5They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” Psalm 126:5 KJV

If your season is painful or challenging and has you in tears – be of good cheer! There is a harvest coming and you WILL reap your bounty in JOY!

So, this fall I challenge you, and myself, to change perspectives. Will you join me in trusting God and fall into His arms. Let’s allow Him to hold us and carry us through our Brewing Ground and its current season. Let’s fall into His arms of grace, forgiveness, love, hope, help, comfort, joy, peace, and promises. Let’s trust God and know that He will use our season for His good. Let’s be thankful for our Brewing Ground, it’s season, and the harvest that is to come.

What season are you in? Will you join me this fall and fall into the arms of God? Comment below!

Let’s Brew in God’s Arms!

When God Sends Help Will You Miss The Boat?

October 31, 2016

^“13For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13 KJV

There was a torrential storm that hit a town. The authorities warned that the nearby river was going to soon flood the city and advised everyone to evacuate. One of the citizens of this town was a very faithful Christian man. He heard this warning and decided to stay thinking, “I will trust God and if I am really in danger, He will send a divine miracle to save me.” As his neighbors were getting ready to leave they said, “Come with us; we have room in our car.” The man declined and said, “I have faith that God will save me.” So they left.

As the man sat on his porch, he watched the water rise. Soon, someone came by in a canoe. This man said, “The water is rising quickly! Come with me to safety.” The man declined once again and said, “No, I have faith that God will save me.” So the man in the canoe left.

As the water continued to rise and flood his house the man had to move upstairs. A police boat came by and they saw him sitting at a window. They said, “We are coming to save you!” The man replied,

“Use your time to go save someone else; I have faith that God will save me.” The police pleaded with the man to come with them; he refused. So, the police boat left.

The water still continued to rise quickly and the man had to retreat to the roof of his house. A rescue helicopter spotted him. A rescuer came down on a rope ladder and pleaded with the man to come with him. But, the man still refused, “No, God will save me!” After pleading some more, the man still refused. The helicopter finally left.

Soon the strong flood waters rose too high and swept the man away and he drowned. Once in heaven, the man stood before God and asked, “I trusted you and put all my faith in you. Why didn’t you save me?” God responded, “Yes my child, you did. And I gave you a warning. I sent a car and then a canoe. Next, I sent a boat and then a helicopter. But, you never would get in. What more did you want?” (Source: Unknown)

You have probably heard this story before. There are many different versions and the original author is unknown. I heard this story many years ago; however the message is timeless.

I have known for a while what I wanted to write about this week. As I was praying and getting ready to actually sit down and write the post I had planned, it didn’t seem quite right for this week. As I was praying and talking with God about what He did want me to write, He brought this story to my mind. I haven’t thought of this story in years. So, what was His message for me; why did He bring this story to my mind? As I was thinking over the story, He also brought several recent major events and situations to my mind which all happen to be completely unrelated. The one overarching theme that I DID find – they are all major life changing Moments of Brewing in the lives of several dear friends and myself. Moments where we need God’s help or drowning WILL occur. God led me to this verse.

^“13For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13 KJV

It all started coming together. God was whispering His message to my heart. One I needed to hear. One He asked me to share with you, sweet friends.

First and foremost, God is with you! He is right there holding your hand. He WILL help you! That is a promise stated in Isaiah 41:13. Believe it! Claim it! Know in your heart God is there – even if He is silent! He is working on your behalf. He is gathering equipment and supplies. He is devising a rescue mission and assembling your team. Your rescue mission is very specific to you and your situation. Certain situations require very detailed, intricate plans. God is so GREAT with details; He will not miss a single one! Sometimes rescue missions take time to implement so every detail is in place. Wait on God’s perfect timing.

Secondly, you have to be open and alert. You may come up with a plan of what YOU think your rescue mission should look like. For example, Jesus should return to earth right now. Although this would be nice, that doesn’t mean this is God’s plan. Remember, He has a very specific plan just you and your situation. You have to be open to His plan and alert to be able to see His help when it comes. His help comes in all forms. Will God send Jesus – it could happen. Will He send an angel – possibly, in some form or fashion. Your angel my be an earthly angel. Maybe it’s a boat. Or maybe it’s a random comment from a stranger that God uses. Maybe it’s a picture you see or something you read. Maybe it’s a difficult conversation with a dear friend or family member that challenges you. Maybe God will provide a resource or opportunity. You just never know. God is so creative! After all, He created the earth and everything on it. You never know what He will use in your rescue mission. This is what we CAN learn from the story – if you are not alert and open to God’s rescue mission, you WILL miss it.

There was a third principle God whispered to my heart related to this story. God’s rescue mission will require action on your part. First of all, you need to be in tune with God in order to recognize His rescue mission. Since God has given you the privilege of free will, you have to choose a relationship with Him. A relationship with Him requires intentional choices, actions, and behaviors. Secondly, God can provide all kinds of resources, opportunities, and help; but, if you are not willing to take the help and use it, it does nothing for you. You can be in tune with God and know the boat is His rescue mission. However, if you refuse to accept His help and actually get up and climb into the boat – well, the storm will eventually sweep you away. You may be thinking, “Well, if His plan was as simple as climbing into a boat, then I could do that!” Sometimes the action required is much more challenging than climbing into a boat. This is your Brewing Ground. God never promised that your rescue mission would be easy. He DID promise that He is right there with you and will help you. He will equip you to handle your rescue mission. After all, it is a rescue mission – it is meant to save something.

This is a perfect example of God’s refining fire talked about in Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of God’s Refining Fire series. We are found, broken, crushed, washed, put through the fire multiple times, purified, then still go through the process to be transformed into a beautiful masterpiece. He has planned a rescue mission to save us from the rocks, mire, and muck we are buried under. God is right there with you. Will you be open and alert to His rescue mission? Will you take action when help arrives?

Have you ever known anyone like the man in the story? Have there been times in your life when you were that man? Did they/you realize it before or after “drowning”? Comment below!

Let’s Brew!

God’s Refining Fire – Part 3

October 24, 2016

“¹⁰For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.” Psalm 66:10 KJV

Quick Recap

Welcome Back! In Part 3 we will delve into discovering the glorious conclusion to God’s Refining Fire. Throughout this series we have worked on changing our perspective to view our Brewing Ground through the biblical lens of God’s refining fire. This series looks at the actual process of refining silver and how it is used in the Bible to illustrate how we are also refined by God. If you would like, you can review the refinement steps discussed so far in Part 1 and Part 2 of this series.

What’s Next

Well, we have finally made it to the fire; what’s next? The refiner begins by removing the other metals and impurities from the silver. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Online explains what is happening during the refinement process:

“After the ore had been reduced to a metallic condition, the lead was separated from the silver by blowing hot air over the surface of the melted metal. The lead was changed to lead oxide which, in a powdered condition, was driven away by the air blast. The resulting lead oxide called silver dross in the Bible. The description of refining in Malachi may indicate that a flux (compare “fullers’ soap,” (Mal 3:2)) was sometimes added to the melted metal to dissolve the oxides of copper, lead, tin and iron as they formed, which left the silver pure.” (Patch; Refiner, Refining)

Refining the Silver

So, let’s take a look at each of these steps and how it is used in the Bible to illustrate God refining us.

The ore is placed into the crucible which is placed directly in the fire.

^“3The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.” Psalm 12:6 KJV

Once the ore is in a molten state, the impurities can be removed. Now, as the metal is heated, the lead is turned into lead oxide. This is a powder, referred to as dross, which is blown away from the surface of the silver.

^“25And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:” Isaiah 1:25 KJV

This continues multiple times while the refiner is gradually turning up the heat to release different metals and impurities.

^“6The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” Psalm 12:6 KJV

Remember, throughout this whole process the refiner is watching ever so closely. However, if great attention is not used with the time and temperature, the silver can become unusable.

“And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:3 KJV

Finally, once all the dross is removed, the refiner is able to actually see a clear mirror like reflection of himself in the pure silver. The refiner’s constant attention and watchful eye have paid off. The result, pure silver ready to be used to create a beautifully, unique, priceless masterpiece. A piece intended for a particular job; one that requires a special ordered, handmade piece.

“⁴Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.” Proverbs 25:4 KJV

Refined Like Silver

As I was researching for this series, I had an epiphany which I started discussing in Part 2. I was reminded of how Jesus saves and transforms us.

First, Jesus finds and calls you. He begins the mining process and breaks you down into a workable state. This leads up to the moment in which you realize you need Jesus. When you know He is calling you and you long for a change; a chance to live for Him.
Then, it is time to be filtered and washed.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 KJV
- You are washed and filtered by the blood of Jesus. First, you must believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins. Next, ask forgiveness for your sins, change the way you are living and repent. Now the most important part – give your life to God and ask Jesus to live in your heart. This is how you are saved and how you are cleansed of all sin by Jesus’ blood. He washes us white as snow. This is how you are given eternal life by the grace of God.
  
  “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 KJV
- After you have asked Jesus to live in your heart, your first act of obedience is to be “washed” in baptism as a profession of your new life with Jesus.
After being broken down, washed multiple times, and filtered – you are ready to be placed in your fining pot or crucible.
Your refiner, God, now places your crucible directly into His refining fire. Welcome to your Brewing Ground. He wants to turn you into His glorious masterpiece!
To get you “masterpiece ready”, God removes the dross multiple times. This dross refers to the ideas, attitudes and people of the world. The things that prevent you from being everything that God created you to be. Mankind was created in God’s physical image. However, through His refining fire, God uses life’s trials to also transform our inner image to portray an inward reflection of Him.

“²⁴And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:24 KJV
Finally, the refiner is able to see His clear reflection in the pure silver. You are now “masterpiece ready”! This pure silver is ready to be used to create your beautiful, unique, priceless masterpiece. Now, part of what makes a true masterpiece is the fact that it is handmade with great precision and detail by a master craftsman. The result is perfectly flawed. This is what makes it a one of a kind piece. This is what makes it priceless and irreplaceable. There is no other like it. This piece was a special order; handmade specifically for a particular job. It has it’s very own calling! This masterpiece is the only one equipped to fulfill this particular job.

Glorious Ending

Don’t get me wrong; being refined is NOT easy. Who likes getting smashed with a hammer again and again; or continually being submerged in water? Next, you are thrown in the fire over and over again. The fire is HOT. It is uncomfortable, maybe even painful. In the moments when you feel it may all be too much, hold onto God and His promises. Remember He is there with you holding you, keeping His eyes on you, protecting you.

^“2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2 KJV

Think of what a glorious ending there will be – and there WILL be one! What a beautiful picture this paints of how our creator, God Himself, purifies each of us. It’s about the very intentional and detailed work that God pours into us. It’s about how God saves us and uses life’s trials for His good to refine, change, and cleanse each one of us into our own unique, beautiful, priceless masterpiece with our very own calling. This is how He brews permanent heart change in us to reflect His likeness; change that can not be undone. So, trust God and let Him work. After all, He is THE master craftsman! Trust, transform, and fulfill your calling. You are the only one equipped to fulfill your particular divine assignment. One day you will hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” What a glorious ending! One worth Brewing for!

“7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7 KJV

Let’s be Refined and Brew Together!

Patch, J.A. (1939). Refiner; Refining. In International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.internationalstandardbible.com/R/refiner-refining.html.

God’s Refining Fire – Part 2

October 17, 2016

^“3The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.” Psalm 12:6 KJV

Welcome Back

Welcome back for Part 2 in the series on God’s Refining Fire. God’s refining fire is the very essence of life as a child of God. It explains so much about life and why it is sometimes so hard. It also explains a lot about our relationship with our creator. Let’s change our perspective and view our Brewing Ground through the biblical lens of God’s refining fire.

The Bible references God and His refining fire multiple times throughout the scriptures. In fact, most of the references found in the Bible about refinement refer to silver in particular. Please join me as we take a look at the process of refining silver and how it is used in the Bible to illustrate how we are also refined by God’s refining fire.

Part 1

Part 1 of the series focused on getting the ore. The ore is the particular rock which contains valuable, precious metals which hold an unlimited amount of potential for creating beautifully, unique, priceless masterpieces. In fact, there are different kinds of ore; all which contain multiple types of metals. Refinement is the only way to isolate a particular precious metal and remove all the other metals and impurities in order to find the treasure within. Before you can begin the refinement process, you must first find the ore, mine it, and then crush it and break down into a workable state.

Finding Treasure

The McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia talks about the process of refining silver from lead sulfide ore in biblical times. It states:

“The lumps of ore were first pounded, and then sifted through sieves into water. The sediment was again pounded, and again filtered, and after this process had been repeated five times the water was drawn off. The remainder of the ore is then melted, the lead poured away, and the silver left pure.” (McClintock, Strong; Mine)

Did you catch that? The ore is washed in order to be ready for the furnace. After the water is removed, the ore is now ready for the fining pot, also known as a crucible or melting-pot. These pots were designed to withstand extreme temperatures in order to be placed directly into the fire.

Refining

^“3The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.” Psalm 12:6 KJV

After the crucible is placed into the fire, the refiner watches the silver very carefully. The McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia provides an illustration of Malachi 3:2-3 which talks about this very process. Let’s start by looking at the verse.

^“2But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: ³And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” Malachi 3:2-3 KJV

The illustration of these verses describe what the molten ore looks like as it is under the watchful care of the refiner. The McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia states:

“Mr. Napier (Metals of the Bible, page 24) deduces a striking illustration of Mal 3:2-3, He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver,” etc. “When the alloy is melted upon a cupel, and the air blown upon it, the surface of the melted metals has a deep orange-red color, with a kind of flickering wave constantly passing over the surface. As the process proceeds, the heat is increased and in a little time the color of the fused metal becomes lighter. At this stage the refiner watches the operation, either standing or sitting, with the greatest earnestness, until all the orange color and shading disappears.”.(McClintock, Strong; Mine)

Let’s review the refinement steps discussed so far.

First, the ore must be found, mined, and broken down into a workable state.
The ore is then washed and filtered. What was filtered is broken down more and washed again. This continues until the ore has been washed and filtered 5 times.
The water is removed and the ore is then placed in the fining pot, or crucible.
The refiner places the crucible directly in the fire while keeping a very watchful eye. This is critical; if the molten ore is not watched carefully and kept at the correct temperature, the silver may become unworkable.

Epiphany

As I was researching the process to refine silver and the biblical references to it, I had an epiphany. (Epiphany – One of my favorite words!) It all came together in an instance and reminded me of how Jesus saves.

First, Jesus finds and calls us. He begins the mining process and breaks us down into a workable state. This leads up to the moment in which you realize you need Jesus. When you know He is calling you and you long for a change; a chance to live for Him.
Once you know, it is time to be filtered and washed.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 KJV
- You are washed and filtered by the blood of Jesus. First, you must believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins. Next, ask forgiveness for your sins. Decide to repent, change how you are living and turn from your sins. Now the most important part – give your life to God and ask Jesus to live in your heart. This is how you are saved and cleansed of all sin by Jesus’ blood. He washes us white as snow. This is how you receive eternal life. Thank you Jesus!
  
  “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 KJV
- Now, your first act of obedience is to be “washed” in baptism as a profession of your faith.
After being broken down, washed, and filtered – you are ready to be placed in your crucible to remove the impurities.
Your refiner, God, now places your crucible directly into His refining fire. He is right there with you, holding you, and keeping a very watchful eye. Welcome to your Brewing Ground. Your treasure will be found!

The best is yet to come. Join me next Monday for God’s Refining Fire – Part 3; we will delve into discovering the glorious conclusion of God’s Refining Fire.

Until Then – Let’s Brew!

References:

McClintock, J. & Strong, J. (1880). Mine. In McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.biblicalcyclopedia.com/M/mine.html.

God’s Refining Fire – Part 1

October 10, 2016

“7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7 KJV

The Vision

The vision that God gave me for Brewing Ground was actually a combination of ideas. It combines life’s battleground (trials) with the actual processes of refining and brewing. It’s about the very intentional and detailed work that God pours into each of us. So, our Brewing Ground is about how God uses our life’s trials for good to refine, change, and cleanse each individual like precious metals into their very own unique, beautiful,

priceless masterpiece.

Next, my vision also adds the idea of brewing. Think about the process of making coffee or tea for a minute. You start with clear, clean, fresh water. You turn on the fire to heat things up; when you reach the right temperature the coffee or tea is added. Once you add the coffee or tea, the brewing process has begun. The coffee begins to spread through the water changing every last drop – Permanently. After you begin this process, the coffee or tea can not be removed from the water. This is what we want to happen with God on our battleground. Through the process of refinement and brewing with His refining fire, we want it to have a Godly permanent change in our heart – a change that can not be undone.

The Refining Fire

God’s refining fire is the very essence of life as a child of God. It explains so much about life and why it can be so hard at times. Also, it explains a lot about our relationship with our creator. Let’s change our perspective and view our Brewing Ground through the biblical lens of God’s refining fire. The Bible references God and His refining fire multiple times throughout the scriptures. Through this series we will take a look at the actual process of refining silver and how it’s used in the Bible to illustrate how we are refined by God.

The Work Begins

Before any silver can be refined it must first be found and mined or taken from the earth. The book of Job talks about the process of finding and mining ore, the particular rock which contains various precious metals.

“28 Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it. ²Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone. ³He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death. ⁴The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men. ⁵As for the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire. ⁶The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold. ⁷There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture’s eye hath not seen: ⁸The lion’s whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it. ⁹He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots. ¹⁰He cutteth out rivers among the rocks; and his eye seeth every precious thing. ¹¹He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light.” Job 28:1-11 KJV

Just getting the ore is quite an undertaking. Can you imagine “taking your hand to the rock and overturning the mountains by their roots” piece by piece! That is quite a picture to paint and quite a lot of work! Once you have overturned the mountains and finally have the ore, it must now begin the process of refinement.

Step 1

The first step in the refining process is to take the ore and crush it up. You must reduce the ore to a workable state to be able to remove the precious metals.

“Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:29 KJV

So, just getting the raw material and getting it to a workable state is an extremely hard, time consuming job. Plus, you have done nothing to actually refine it and remove the impurities to allow you to get the gold and silver. So, you may be asking, “why go to all that trouble?” Well, because it holds value! The ore contains valuable precious metals which hold an unlimited amount of potential for creating beautifully, unique, priceless masterpieces. Just like you!

Crushed

Life, at times, can be so hard! Are you feeling beat up by life? Do you feel like you have been broken into a million pieces? Are you feeling crushed?

^“10For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. ¹¹Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. ¹²Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” Psalms 66:10-12 KJV

Like it or not, the reality is that we live in a sinful, broken world. As a result, bad things happen in life. But, take heart sweet friends! There is hope! Psalms 66:12 tells us there is a glorious ending. Know that God is at work in your life and trust Him. Allow Him to use the terrible things that happen in life for your good. THIS is your Brewing Ground. Allow Him to mine and chip away the excess to get to your vein of silver; to reveal the true value in you! He is turning you into your own beautiful, unique, priceless masterpiece. God KNOWS that you are worth all the work, time, and effort. He created you and knows the potential that you hold. While He is working and pounding away, find your rest in Him. Let Him renew you. Let Him give you the strength to endure.

^“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 KJV

And they shall mine and have strength to continue on. Your unique masterpiece is one worth mining and Waiting for.

Let’s Brew!

Still Waiting

October 3, 2016

^“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 KJV

There are those days when you feel like you should have just stayed in bed. In fact, there have even been some days you may have been tempted to actually drop everything, go home, and get back in bed for the rest of the day. I’ve had some of those days! You know the kind of days that I am talking about. Those days when it seems like you just can’t catch a break. Let’s set the stage.

You are currently smack dab in the middle of your Brewing Ground. You are in the midst of one of your greatest trials ever. You wake up feeling particularly stressed about your current situation. It seems like it will never end and you are feeling so

weary and emotionally spent! Then, you see the time! “Oh No!” Your alarm didn’t go off; so, you are off to a late start. You are running around like a crazy person trying to get everyone ready. The coffee maker is not working – NOOOOO!!!! Now, the children are messing around, instead of getting ready. One of them has just spilled, what seems to be, a whole gallon of milk all over everything and everyone. How could there have possibly been that much milk in that cup? Everyone now has to change clothes plus the milk has to get cleaned up! This is a point in time when you WANT to cry over spilled milk. It is warranted! You almost NEED to cry over spilled milk for your own personal sanity. What a day – and you haven’t even left your house yet! You finally get everyone ready. Let’s go! As you reach for your keys, panic shoots through your body. You realize that in the chaos of children messing around and milk flying everywhere, your keys have disappeared! “Everyone retrace your steps – find my keys!” By the grace of God the keys are found fairly quickly and you get everyone to their destination in one piece. Victory! Only until you realize that, in all the chaos, you forgot to grab your phone! Of course you did! Why wouldn’t you? Before you can even think about how to solve your phone and coffee problem (not solving them is not an option), someone barges in with a huge work disaster that only you can fix! And of course only you can fix it! AHHHH!!! This is the point when you are ready to head back home and go back to bed! You pray, “Sweet Jesus please come back right now!” You open your eyes and you are still at work. Cue pitiful sigh, “HAAAA!!”

Although it may not seem like it in the moment, the small daily situations and frustrations will resolve themselves and pass quickly. The challenge with these situations is to keep your sanity and your cool. However, your Brewing Ground trial is not a situation that can be fixed nearly as quickly or as easily. It has already been a long road. In fact, God has you Waiting while He is working on your behalf. You are waiting for Him to turn this into one of Your Finest Moments. It will happen! While brewing and waiting, we trust God; but, it is so easy to become stressed, emotionally spent, weary, and exhausted! We have to keep coming back to God and letting go and resting in Him. Remember, He is orchestrating and directing one of the greatest shows of your life – one worth Waiting for! While patiently waiting, you must continue coming back to God to find rest in Him; He WILL renew your strength. This is the only way you will survive!

^“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 KJV

As I am reading this verse I can actually visualize eagles gliding through the air with ease. Runners that just keep going, even after crossing the finish line. Walking an entire desert and not fainting. Can you image traversing your Brewing Ground with strength and endurance?! Just wait on God and trust Him and His perfect timing. God will renew not only your physical strength, but also your emotional and mental strength.

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 KJV

There is HOPE! God is with me! I CAN do this! I will trust and wait on Him!

Back to the day when we just want to go home and go back to bed. This is a point in time when you MUST stop everything and pray, clam yourself, regroup, refocus, and know that you will make it through this day! “God thank you that I have children to spill milk. Thank you that there is milk to be spilled! Thank you for extra clothes to change into. Thank you that I have a house to leave. Thank you for a working vehicle with gas to get us to our destinations safely. God, thank you for my job and for giving me the skills I need to do the job! Thank you for today; you still have work for me to do. I still have purpose! Thank You!” (You silently pause as you prepare your heart for this next part.) “God, thank you for my Brewing Ground. I KNOW that you will use it for good. I trust you. But, I am feeling so tired and weary. While I am still waiting patiently, I am coming to you to renew my strength spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. Meet me in this moment, in this day, on my Brewing Ground. I can not do this without you! I know this will be one of the greatest shows of my life; one worth waiting for. I can’t wait to see how it ends – It WILL be glorious! Thank You! In Jesus name I pray and claim it. Amen.”

Brew with Renewed Strength!

Wait

September 26, 2016

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 KJV

You find yourself at a fork in the road! You are faced with a life changing situation, need, crisis, disaster, decision, incident, Defining Moment, whatever it is that requires God’s guidance and a decision. You need a plan. You need to know the next step. You need answers. If you are a child of God you are praying and listening, referencing the Bible, seeking Godly counsel, making a list of pros and cons, and evaluating the possible outcome of each road. And you get NOTHING! No clear direction. You keep wishing

God would just text you and tell you exactly what to do and right now. Wouldn’t that be nice! I can’t tell you how many times in my life I just needed Him to text me! But, you find yourself waiting with pressure mounting as you feel that something needs to be done but you just don’t know what to do yet. So, you are still praying, still reading your Bible, still listening to Godly counsel, and still waiting! In our microwave society we tend to feel like something needs to happen and right now. We are so impatient; we get anxious or nervous or frustrated. The pressure continues to mount with something “pending” and not having what we need to “fix” it. God’s response, “Be still, and know that I am God! Wait patiently and rest in Me! I’ve got this!”

^“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” Psalm 37:7 KJV

God has a different time table than we do. Sometimes God says wait. You may be thinking, “But, I need to do something!” The job He has given you right then is to wait. While you are waiting, stop and smell the coffee. Give yourself a chance to slow down, be grateful for your many blessing, and be in the moment. What you need to remember about His timing – it is ALWAYS PERFECT! Let’s take a look at Daniel and a time in his life when he waited in prayer for his people.

Daniel and his people had been oppressed and in turmoil for about 70 years due to sin and rebellion. He went to bat for his people and did a bold thing. He sat himself down and continuously prayed for his people for 21 days. He prayed for them asking for their forgiveness and an end to their oppression. During this time, he ate no pleasant bread, meat, had no wine, and did not anoint himself. For 21 days he mourned, fasted, and waited with no response.

“²In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. ³I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2-3 KJV

Then came day 22. An angel of the Lord came to visit him.

^“5Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: ⁶His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.” Daniel 10:5-6 KJV

The angel even explained why there was a delay in his coming before answering Daniel’s plea for help for his people.

^“12Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. ¹³But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. ¹⁴Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.” Daniel 10:12-14 KJV

Whoa! The first day that Daniel prayed the angel was sent. But, he encountered resistance along the way. The evil spirit that was over the kingdom of Persia tried to block his way and prevent him from completing his job and delivering his message. There was literally a spiritual battle taking place. In fact, God had to send reinforcements – the angel Michael. So, for 21 days a spiritual battle was raging and Daniel was waiting. Daniel, I’m sure at some point in time, had to think that his prayers were not being heard. He had 21 days of fasting, mourning, and no response. Do you think you would have lasted that long or would you have taken matters into your own hands? But, while Daniel was waiting, God was working.

When you are faced with your fork in the road, don’t be in such a big hurry to make something happen that you charge ahead before it’s time. If you do that, you run the risk of messing up what God is working on. While we wait on God’s perfect timing, it is time for us to stay tuned into God. Rest in the fact that while you are waiting, God is working.

^“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” Psalm 37:7 KJV

Here is the best part about waiting! While you are waiting, God is already working on your behalf! He is setting the stage. He is gathering all the key people to fill all the necessary roles. He is fighting the spiritual battle for you. He may even be calling in reinforcements. He is arranging everything! Now, you can’t see what is going on backstage and may be getting impatient. But don’t! He is orchestrating and directing one of the greatest shows of your life – one worth waiting for! So pray, listen, read your Bible, get Godly counsel, give your situation to God, rest in Him, be grateful and stop and smell the coffee. Release it into God’s hands and stay in tune with Him. This is your Brewing Ground! When His perfect timing has arrived, He will open a door or whisper to your heart the next step. Just rest in God and patiently wait. It is a show worth waiting for!

Let’s Brew – Patiently!

Your Finest Moments

September 19, 2016

Give me just a moment please; I’m going to grab a cup of coffee, or maybe some tea, before we begin. Would you like to join me? 🙂 (Elevator music playing!) OK, I’m glad that you made it back? You know, sometimes you just need a moment to sit down with a cup of coffee or tea (some of you may prefer a soft drink of some sort) and catch your breath, rest, and gather your thoughts. Maybe it’s a moment to reflect, or process something. I know I need these moments! These moments can be therapeutic; they can offer rest and can sooth the soul! Let’s talk about moments.

Life is made up of moments. Some are a literal moment; some even a split second. Some moments are fleeting and go by so quickly; and some seem to last an eternity. Some are good, some bad,

and some are just moments to get the job done. There are moments of joy, sadness, excitement, elation, grief, sorrow, pain, happiness, love, service, and the list goes on. But, you will find that there are particular moments in life that have a greater calling. Moments that have an impact on us as individuals and change our outlook or the course of our life. Moments that inspire greatness or moments of defeat. Moments that take your breath away; realizing God’s grandeur with a particularly beautiful sunset or holding your baby for the first time. Moments that take your breath away because it feels like you were just hit with a ton of bricks. That split second when you hear “the news” as the severity of it registers in your brain: a car accident, a severe life threatening illness, a death, a confession, a situation. These are the moments when you realize that things will never be the same again. These moments can change the direction of our life. Let’s take Mary for instance.

^“30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. ³¹And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.” Luke 1:30-31 KJV

Wow, can you imagine getting THAT news. THAT news changes everything! It also carried with it possibly severe consequences for that season in her life, being unmarried but also engaged. Regardless of the consequences and the opposition she would face, she agreed.

^“38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38 KJV

And the angel was gone! It was probably all over before she even had a chance to process what was actually happening. Can you imagine her thoughts and emotions those first few moments after the angel left? I would imagine that human nature took over her mind. I can hear her conversation with God, “Wait a second! What just happened? What did I agree to? You want me to do WHAT? Do you know what this means for me?” I would think that was a moment that took Mary’s breath away; a moment when she had to stop and catch her breath? A moment she had to spend with God just letting go and trusting. I would also call this a defining moment. Despite what this would mean for her socially, she agreed. She stepped out in faith and trust in God. She realized that He was with her and He would somehow work it all out. She had to; how else would she make it through this situation! That doesn’t mean it wasn’t hard. So, defining moment – YES! A moment that will forever change the course of, not just her life, but also the world; and yet, it only lasted a moment. BUT, she seized the moment and her moment was the beginning of a journey. Let’s take a look at another defining moment.

Moses had led the children of Israel out into the wilderness of Egypt to deliver them from the grip of Pharaoh. The Pharaoh gathered the Egyptian army and they begin pursing the people of Israel. As the army begins to close-in, the Israelites realize they are trapped and begin to panic, get scared, lose faith, and question. Moses responds:

^“13And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more for ever. ¹⁴The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:13-14 KJV

Then Moses needed a moment! His human nature was taking over and the reality of the situation caused him to catch his breath. After all, the loss would be so great if he was wrong. So, he took time to pray!

^“15And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:” Exodus 14:15 KJV

God responded! “Stop praying, it’s time to move! Here’s what you will do.”

^“16But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.” Exodus 14:16 KJV

When Moses got to the waters edge with the Pharaoh’s army hot on their tracks he had to make a decision and take action. There was no turning back; that was certain death. The only option was the sea. Now, in that split second do you think there was a question in his mind? “So – I’m just suppose to put my rod up and stretch it over the sea and we will all be able to cross on dry land?” To believe this, required Moses to step out in faith and trust God. Who else had gone around parting seas before so a whole nation could cross on dry land! So, defining moment – YES! But, he seized the moment and his moment was able to continue the journey for the people of Israel.

Mary and Moses; what defining moments. Both of these individuals faced great opposition while seizing their defining moments. What if they would have given up or not followed through with what God was asking and brewing in them. How would this have changed our world even today.

God will place defining moments in your life. These will not look the same as they did for Mary and Moses. They may not be as grand and world changing with angels, giving birth to the savior of the world, and seas parting – or will they. Regardless, in those moments when you have to catch your breath, when you realize that things will never be the same again, in your defining moments, in the moments that change everything – I challenge you. I challenge you (even in the midst of sadness, grief, or heartbreak) to take a moment to embrace God’s brewing love. Catch your breath and try to think about what your moment could be or what God wants it to be. Seize your moment – good, bad or ugly! Let God use your worst moments to brew you and turn them into some of your finest moments – He will surprise you!

Let’s brew in the moment!