The Fining

Saturday, ‎September ‎17, ‎2022

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: Titus 3:5 ►he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

Memory verse: Romans 12:1: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Today's reading: PROVERBS 27-29 2 CORINTHIANS 10

The Fining

Proverbs 27:21-King James Bible

As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise,

Proverbs 27:21 ERV

21 People use fire to purify gold and silver. In the same way, you are tested by the praise people give you.)

Praise-do we seek it? How do we handle it? What does it do to us? What does it do for us?

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Praise from others can encourage us to do more so we are 'sharpened'.

Bragging is just wrong.

Proverbs 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

Praise can be deceiving.

Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Flattery is not praise.

Proverbs 29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor

spreads a net for his feet.

Jesus taught us that praise from God-and not man-is the praise that is righteous.

John 12:43-For they loved praise from men more than praise from God. 44Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in Me does not believe in Me alone, but in the One who sent Me...

The 'fining' -God's 'fining' of us-God's righteousness at work in our lives is what we are after or should be. So, the goal of all of us is what?

Philippians 3:14 ►New International Version

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Let it always be deeply embedded in our hearts and minds to be called, "One after God's own heart".

Acts 13:22-After removing Saul, He(God) raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will’ in its entirety.'

Warning: As children, we always want to make our parents proud-it makes us feel good about ourselves. God has chosen us-while we were in sin-to be His chosen-we always have His affirmation and love. It is praise for Him we seek-not praise for us. Knowing God loves us is always enough.

We must not let earthly praise go to our heads. If it is not from the heart of God, be kind and go on your way and know that you seek praise for God alone-- for He alone is worthy.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Let my heart seek praise for you and not me. Teach me how to always be thankful and praise continually. Keep my mind off of me and on your righteousness.

You, alone, are worthy of our praise!

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen