May 23

How does God use fire to refine us? What exactly is this fire?

The fire of God can take many forms. One such fire is the commonplace trials of daily life: how we react when things don't go our way; the stress of daily family living; and many others. God uses all of these to mold us into his own image, the image of Christ.

Another fire of God is his Word. Jeremiah said, "his word is in my heart like a fire, a fires shut up in my bones" (Jer. 20:9).

The Word of God is indeed a fire that can burn away the dross in our lives. Its every word speaks to our spirit and that spirit responds as though touched by fire.

The Holy Spirit is likewise a major means by which the fire of God works in us. On Pentecost Sunday, it was no accident that He, the Holy Spirit, chose to manifest himself as tongues of fire upon the disciples (Acts 2:3).

The fire of God comes in many forms, but always it seeks to burn away that which is not from him and to cause to burst into living fire that which is.

Scripture for today: Acts 2:3
Thought for today: The fire of God both destroys and gives life.
Prayer for today: Come upon me, Holy Spirit, and make me on fire for Jesus.

MAY 23