God's Refining Fire Archives

Will You Know?

February 6, 2017

Well, I Don’t Know

Grab some coffee or tea with me and let’s brew over God’s message. I was praying and talking with God about what He wanted me to write about this week. All of a sudden He brought a random verse to my mind. Actually it was a verse “address” – John 1:10. This also happened to be a verse I did not know. HMMM! I was intrigued. So, I pulled out my Bible and looked it up; this is what I found.

“¹⁰He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” John 1:10 KJV

Well, I needed more information. I didn’t know yet what

God was trying to teach me and what He wanted me to share with you sweet friends. So, I went back to the beginning of the chapter to read the verse again in context. When I did this, God showed me that verses 10 AND 11 were the key verses for what He was trying to teach me.

“¹⁰He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.¹¹He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John 1:10-11 KJV

Let’s Set The Stage

John is the author of the book of John in the Bible. In Chapter 1 he begins by setting the stage for Jesus. John is making it clear to everyone that Jesus is not just a man; He is actually the son of God. He was here from the beginning when God created everything. Jesus has been here from before the beginning of creation. Eventually, Jesus came to earth as a man. You all know the story. While here, He taught, saved, healed, performed miracles, and eventually died to save us all.

Now, God had a special job for John. His job was to spread the word about Jesus and His light. He was to prepare the way for Jesus and plant “seeds” in people’s minds and hearts in preparation for Him; the eternal light that can save us all.

“⁶There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. ⁸He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. ⁹That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” John 1:6-9 KJV

Now that we have set the stage, let’s get back to the message that God whispered to my heart. Let’s reread the key verses.

“¹⁰He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.¹¹He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John 1:10-11 KJV

Verse 10 makes it clear that Jesus was literally on earth; the earth that He created. Even though He created earth and everything on it, including the people, they did not know Him. Verse 11 continues by stating that even His people, the ones chosen by God to tell of the coming Messiah, also did not recognize Jesus and receive Him. Wow, His own people didn’t know Him. This is where God began to whisper.

Will You Know

In this day and age we “see” Jesus differently. We do not have the privilege of being able to have Him physically stand in front of us, in human form, to be able to see, touch, and talk to Him. However, we do get to see Him working in our lives. In essence, our Brewing Ground is our own individual world that God has created for each one of us. This is our life and everything that is in it. Our Brewing Ground is where we KNOW Him. We get to meet and see Him here – in the midst of the everyday, the good, the bad, and the ugly. This is where we talk with Jesus, learn, plan, prepare, attack, change, go through the fire, get refined, and emerge victorious. This is where we see and meet Jesus in our life – our Brewing Ground.

So, on your Brewing Ground will you know when you see Jesus? Are you alert and ready? Do you see Jesus in everything? Can you see His hand guiding you? Most importantly, do you KNOW that He is using EVERYTHING, even the bad, for your good? Will you see Him in the small things and know it’s Him? Can you meet Him when you have no words and know that the Holy Spirit will intercede for you? Will you know Jesus when you see Him working in your life; will you accept and receive Him? John went on in verse 14 to talk a little about what it was like to be in Jesus’ presence.

“¹⁴And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 KJV

So, when we meet Jesus on our Brewing Ground, in the midst of daily life, we get to behold His glory full of love, grace and truth. I am so thankful! Are you alert? Will you know when you meet Jesus throughout your day or will you miss it? So, let go and let Him work in your life. Be alert and don’t miss Him so you can shine His light? Thank You Jesus!

Let’s Brew in the midst of Jesus and know it!

Powerful Moments From Small Gestures

January 9, 2017

Will You Meet Me For Coffee?

Hello sweet friends! Will you meet me for coffee? Let’s chat! Sometimes we forget or underestimate how much power even the smallest things can have. A hug, a kind word, a coffee, a listening ear, a prayer, a note, even just a smile. When used by the Holy Spirit, the smallest of gestures have the potential to impact people in a very powerful way; ways we may never know or could even imagine. These gestures hold great power and potential to have a profound impact on someone’s day or maybe even their life. I’d like to tell you a story about a friend and one of these gestures.

God has truly blessed me. He has given me the privilege of teaching with a great group of Godly individuals. People that I truly enjoy. Not only do I get to work with these lovely people, I also have the privilege of calling them friends. Throughout my years of teaching at this school there have been so many prayers, smiles, hugs, kind words, and so on. This is what we do for each other. Recently, God reminded me of a single powerful sentence that a sweet friend said to me one time. This was one of those small underestimated things that the Holy Spirit used in a powerful way.

A Look Back

I have been in a war on my Brewing Ground for years now. It has been the longest and hardest war I have ever had to fight; and, it’s still not over. Almost 2 years ago, there was an extra intense battle that begun in this war. On a particularly rough day, one of my sweet teaching friends came into my room at the end of the school day. She knew nothing about my situation or what was going on; however, she could tell that something was off. All she did was walk up to me and say, “I’m praying that whatever is falling apart will start falling back together.”

This was a powerful moment for me. My friend may not have realized it, but God used this gesture. To her it was probably just a small thing to let me know that she cared and was praying. However, God used this brief moment. For one, He used this to remind me that He is always with me. He also reminded me that I have the support of friends and family. I also believe this was God’s way a giving me a prayer warrior for my situation; even though she didn’t really know what she was praying for. Since then, I have been reminded of this friend’s sentence a few times. A sentence that held underestimated power. I doubt, at the time, she thought I would still be thinking about this sentence almost 2 years later. In fact, if I were to ask her about it today she may not even remember this. Little did we know at the time, but God was also planting a “revelation” seed in me.

Powerful Revelation

“I’m praying that whatever is falling apart will start falling back together.”

This was the prayer of a friend almost 2 years ago. More recently, my battle has intensified and it has felt like everything is actually falling apart and God brought this prayer to my mind again. THEN…the other day I stumbled upon a quote. There are times when you read a quote and it is just a quote. Then, there are times when you read something and the Holy Spirit grabs your heart and you know that it is much more than a quote – it’s a message. This was one of those times.

“Sometimes when things are falling apart they may actually be falling into place.”

A powerful moment, a message for me. When I read it, God used it. He immediately brought back to mind that prayer and put the two together with my situation and His word for a powerful revelation. It was almost as if God said, “OK Vanessa, we are now entering ‘Phase 2’ of this battle. It’s time to change your thinking and strategy. You can do this. Everything is actually falling into place. Remember My truths…”

^“7Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. ⁸The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever.” Psalm 138:7-8a KJV

“Next…”

^“28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV

“And…”

^“9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9 KJV

Powerful! I claim it in Jesus name!

The Ending

Well, I have no idea yet when or how this is going to end. I do know that it’s not going to be easy; I am still in the midst of the battle. There is no way to tell what God is going to do in “Phase 2”. I’m sure it will be something that I never even thought of. But, God already knows the ending! I claim that the pieces are actually falling into place! Whatever the ending is, it will be glorious!

God, thank you for my Brewing Ground, and your refining fire. Thank you that I will emerge from the fire victorious!

So, I challenge you this week to not pass up the opportunity to share those small gestures with those around you. You never know when one might be used by the Holy Spirit and turned into a powerful life changing moment.

Let’s Brew!

Has God ever used a small gesture that someone did for you in a powerful way? Comment below!

New Years Challenge – Will You Accept?

January 2, 2017

Happy New Year

Well, 2017 is here! Each new year always brings with it the excitement and anticipation of the great things that will happen that year (or at least we hope). A chance to start new. An opportunity for change. A chance to do things differently. In anticipation of doing things differently we set New Years resolutions. But, Wait! We are so quick to rush into what’s next that we sometimes fail to reflect on what has been. There is value to be found in 2016! Before we move into 2017, let’s stop and reflect. Where did your Brewing Ground take you? Did you have a great year? Was it a challenge? For some of you, challenging may be the understatement of the century. Regardless of how your year went, I challenge you to find the good in all of it – the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is there!

Finding Value

It is easy to find the good in the good things. But, can you find the good in the challenges?

“²⁸And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV

Romans 8:28 reminds us that ALL THINGS (even every trial) will be used for our good. Maybe your good is the fact that you survived! The word surviving will hold different meanings for different people depending on the situation. Regardless of what you survived…Praise God – to Him be the glory! You wouldn’t have made it through without Him.

Surviving the challenges and trials of our Brewing Ground holds great value! Let’s reflect! What did you learn from it? What did you learn about yourself? How did it change you? Did you experience God in a new way? How did it change your relationship with God? Were you able to find the good in your challenges and trials? Reflect UNTIL you find the good in the challenges of 2016. Now, thank God for these blessings. Once you have found the good in the challenging parts of last year, then you are ready to think about 2017.

^“10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:10 KJV

Take the renewed you into 2017 armed with the knowledge that God gave you through surviving 2016.

Brewing Ground

It may be a fantastic year for you or it may be full of challenges. In any case, I believe that whatever you face will be what you allow God to make it. You have to choose whether or not to find the good in your circumstances. This is our Brewing Ground; the place where God uses life and the good and bad we face as his refining fire to brew something special in us and refine us into a beautifully unique masterpiece.

^“19Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 KJV

God used this verse to remind me that there is always hope while we are in the midst of our Brewing Ground. He can clear a path through thick forest or mountains and put rivers in the midst of our desert to help make the way easier and provide for our needs. God is always with us using every part of our life for good.

“46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ²Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; ³Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. ⁴There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. ⁵God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” Psalm 46:1-5 KJV

New Years Challenge

So, 2017 holds great potential. We all have goals and plans; things we want to do, things we want to change. Some of you may have plans for new adventures. Some may have plans for transition and change. This is the whole point of New Years resolutions. To set goals and make plans for what we want to change. So, after reflecting on last year, I challenge you enter the new year with prayer! Pray about what God would have you plan and change. What does He want your resolutions to include? Pray about the upcoming year and what lies ahead – your Brewing Ground. Next, pray some more!

New Years Resolutions – I challenge you to reflect on last year. Then, consult God on His resolutions for you. Be very intentional and thoughtful in what you plan for yourself so that it is in line with God’s plan for you. Write them down. If you happen to get off track – it’s ok! Just start again. You DO NOT have to wait until next January. Anytime is a great time for meaningful change!

^“17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

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!