These are refining times!

Brothers in Christ,
As we are now well into the new year, and there is still uncertainty in the economy, we need to find some quiet time to pray and truly examine our lives.
“Yea right!” you say. “I am scrambling trying to figure out how to make ends meet. I have to work twice as many hours to make the money I need to support my family, and you want me stop and examine my life? I’m exhausted and I’m stressed out!”
Perfect! It sounds like you are having your world rocked, things are heating up, and you are under a lot of pressure! Over the last few years we all started accumulating things that were not part of God’s plan for us. Now those things are being shaken loose. The more we try to hold on to them, the rougher the ride is going to be. Precious metals are purified with heat. We refine gold and silver by heating them up so the impurities fall away. And finally, let’s think about a lump of coal. When lots of pressure is applied it becomes a diamond. Not only are diamonds valuable (we are valuable to God) they are also very strong.
Remember, God is in control of EVERYTHING! This mess our world is in didn’t surprise Him. He didn’t cause it to happen, that is the fault of sin in the world. God will however, work all things to the good of those who love Him, so that we may bring glory and honor to Him.
First pray for our Savior’s guidance, and then check your priorities;
God, Spouse, Family, Personal Ministry, Job. In that order.
We are all Men Alive In Christ.
Through God we shall do valiantly, And it is He who will tread down our adversaries.
Psalm 60:12