verseoftheday

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. Proverbs 17:3 NIV Can we see Jesus in this proverb? He entered the crucible for us. He entered the furnace on our behalf. In the garden, on the cross, in the grave, his heart was tested in ways we can only guess at. He was melted down. Burned up For us. Our only response is to believe, to accept his grace, and to reflect his love in this broken world. And to worship #sunday #worship #thisisourGod #thatiswhatlovelookslike #dearlyloved #lovedaylightsavingtime

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. Proverbs 17:3 NIV Why not something more ordinary, like boiling water? Why use silver and gold? Why not brass or something ? Because the writer is making a comparison with your heart - and these were the most valuable things that were in front of him. Silver & gold. What is your heart? The essence of who you are... spirit, soul, mind... Our thinking, feeling, believing, the sum of our experiences, our dreams, our hopes...our loves ... who we are. Who I am Who you are When you are has immense value. You don't think so? That value took the Son of God to the cross. #thatiswhatlovelookslike #dearlyloved #valued

Friday! Proverbs! The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. Proverbs 17:3 NIV A crucible is a container where metals (in this case silver) are subjected to very high temperatures. A furnace is a place of extreme heat. But what's the purpose of the heat applied to those metals? To melt them, so that they can be reshaped, reformed, made into something else. Something useful Something beautiful Crafted Invested in Sometimes it seems that God puts the heat on us. Tests our heart. (I don't think this is saying that every bad thing that happens to us is a test from God. Testing of the heart could just as easily be with good things) The Bible that the writer of proverbs read features God who is jealous for his people, and jealous for their love. That they would choose Him above the idols competing for their affection. What's competing for my affection? What's competing for yours? Often they're good things. Kind of pu...

(the gifts you sent) They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:18-20 NIV Paul is winding up his letter to the church with thanks. Is it a bit over the top? I got an email the other day and the closing line was "May God bless your work tenfold". Over the top? These are encouragers, heart warmers, connecting the person, their actions and point us back to God. Their point is to leave us warmed. Encouraged Strengthened. When people get a communication from me are they warmed? When people leave my place are they encouraged? "A blessing does something. It's the leading edge of love." Your words matter. They bring light in the darkness, replace the cold with warmth #speaklife #beanencourager #blessings #yourwordsmatter #lovepeople

Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. Philippians 4:15-17 NIV I wonder what the back story is here...Paul working hard out for the church's and these guys were the only appreciative ones. I wonder how long it took to send a gift and get feedback? Weeks? Lessons for me? When I'm prompted to give I should give. There's something that goes on in the kingdom when we give. Paul's desire is that more is credited to their account - is that a reimbursement of what they've given? Or is it something deeper? Be like the Philippians. Give generously. Time, talent, money, resources, words, actions, let your life speak of God's g...

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Philippians 4:13-14 NIV Even though Paul had this contentment thing sorted, he was not alone. Others shared in his trouble. The next few verses show the church has sent him financial support and they sent people. They helped with his practical needs. And they sent people to walk with him in his trouble. Isn't that the same for us today in our times of "trouble", what we need: 1. Eyes on Jesus I can lose sight of God in my trouble and need you to hope for me, to lead me back 2. Practical help I might need help with a task, money. Food. A visit. 3. People to walk with me We aren't designed to do this life alone. Lean into others. It's OK. It's OK to ask :) We may be on the receiving end like Paul, or the giving end like the Philippians, or maybe  both at the same time. #community #lovepeople

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. .... I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11, 13 NIV Let's not rush past this contentment thing...Paul uses food as his example...he must've known what it was like to have no food, perhaps in prison, when shipwrecked? In our modern culture going hungry is something we generally have to manufacture - a fast, or the 40hr famine. What are the circumstances then that make us not content? Failure. Not feeling we measure up to others expectations. Being left out. Ignored. When others are doing "better" Fear of the future There's something that pushes our discontent button. Paul's solution is the same. Get your eyes back on Jesus, who he is, what he did, give our stuff to him, look to him for strength, live out kingdom values, live in the hope he gives...and contentment will come. #thesecret #jesusatthecentre