On a
whim I signed up for metal shop in eighth-grade. I learned that iron, a
relatively soft metal, is turned into hardened steel by heat, pressure and
temperature change. The iron is repeatedly heated and pressured, then placed in
water to cool it quickly. This tempering process presses the ore’s molecules
tightly together. Character is built the same way. No one enjoys the conflicts
that forge us, yet it is in the furnace where we are made strong. Lord God, I
marvel at Your wisdom and power to transform. You deliver me from the furnace
of much affliction and turn iron to silver and brass to gold.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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