Heat

Proverbs 27:21

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, 

but man is tested by the praise he receives.

Is it getting hot in here?

It is so true that it is the praises we have to live up to. Creating a reputation of integrity, honesty, kindness and godlyness is hard work. It can also be the heat needed to purify our lives. 

We can only be as great as the expectations that we put on ourselves. When we meet those expectations, people around us begin to notice and pretty soon we get to hear that we are doing a great job. Do you enjoy hearing that your efforts have paid off? I do. It can also keep me in line. I love teaching through this blog, I love teaching through the one on one studies that I have a chance to do with women. I loved having the opportunity to teach this last weekend at a women's retreat. I have started to build up a reputation. I have also realized that some of the choices I make in my day to day life need to be brought up to the standard that has been set for me. 

There will be days that I won't live up to the praises. Maybe that is why it gets so hot. But just like the silver and just like the gold, I will be purified through the fire. 

May your life be a process of success, praise and purifying.

Please continue to pray for Dale C this week