September 14—Refining
The word for today is refining.
“And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times” (Ps. 12:6).
“Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand” (Dan. 12:10).
“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).
“See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another” (Isa. 48:10-11).
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23-24).
“Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth” (Ps. 26:2-3).
“How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep me from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Ps. 19:12-14 NLT).
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you” (1 Pet. 4:12).
Prayer: Lord, I am treating my body roughly and making it serve me, lest after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.
See also: Ps. 51:7; 1 Pet. 1:6-7, 22; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:3;
Zeph. 3:9; 2 Cor. 7:1
