THE REFINER’S FIRE

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THE REFINER’S FIRE

David Wilkerson
March 26, 2015

All the Old Testament prophets foretold God’s people going into the refiner’s fire. “I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried” (Zechariah 13:9).

“For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers soap: and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness” (Malachi 3:2-3).

God said to Jeremiah, “Is not my word like as a fire?” (Jeremiah 23:29). And Jeremiah said, “His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones” (Jeremiah 20:9). God is once again sending a fiery, refining Word as hot as the coals on His altar! He is turning up the heat. You will see it more and more as the Lord sends forth holy prophets who are purged messengers. “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven” (Malachi 4:1).

Whenever silver or gold is refined by fire, all impurities, alloys, lesser metals, dirt, little specks of waste and dross come to the surface. Satan comes around when God has you in this purifying process and you are sitting under His red-hot Word. As impurities are brought to the surface and hidden corruption is being separated by fire, the devil says, “Look in the pot and tell me what you see. Dirt and impurities of all kinds. The hotter the message—the more the dirt. Look at you, a refiner’s pot of dirt and corruption! You’re never going to make it! You’ve been under the Word for years and all you’ve got is dirt!”

You answer him, “Devil, see that One sitting beside me? That’s my Master, the Refiner. He’s fanning the flames and it is He who put me in this fire. And, devil, that scum is only surface deep! Below that the whole pot is filled with gold! The Lord is getting us ready. See that thing in His hand? It’s a strainer, and when He’s ready, He’s going to skim off the top of the pot and keep skimming until one day He’ll look in there and smile because He sees His own face reflecting back, right there in me!”

Kingdom Blessings – Christ Exalted

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Kingdom Blessings – Christ Revealed and Exalted

 

The Cross of Christ was/is a blessing that is greatly misunderstood in my humble opinion. A true blessings such as the Cross of Christ is the giving of oneself regardless of monetary, commercialism, self seeking even unto one’s death. True blessings don’t seek reward, recognition, notoriety or advancement. Real blessings are given even when it concerns life and death such as Christ Jesus blessing us with eternal life through His death and resurrection. To receive the blessings of the Kingdom you must accept the sacrifice of the Cross of Christ don’t confuse earthly rewards, prestige or worldliness with Kingdom blessings. The Lord will have no part of it as you glorify the idols of your heart. It is Christ that must be glorified and exalted.

We are to reveal Christ Jesus just as Jesus revealed the Father and being a blessing to others is part of revealing Christ in us the hope of Glory! 

1 Kings 17:8–24 (AMP)
8 And the word of the Lord came to him: 
9 Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you. 
10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her, Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. 
11 As she was going to get it, he called to her and said, Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand. 
12 And she said, As the Lord your God lives, I have not a loaf baked but only a handful of meal in the jar and a little oil in the bottle. See, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and bake it for me and my son, that we may eat it—and die. 
13 Elijah said to her, Fear not; go and do as you have said. But make me a little cake of [it] first and bring it to me, and afterward prepare some for yourself and your son. 
14 For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: The jar of meal shall not waste away or the bottle of oil fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth. 
15 She did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 
16 The jar of meal was not spent nor did the bottle of oil fail, according to the word which the Lord spoke through Elijah. 
17 After these things, the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became sick; and his sickness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 
18 And she said to Elijah, What have you against me, O man of God? Have you come to me to call my sin to remembrance and to slay my son? 
19 He said to her, Give me your son. And he took him from her bosom and carried him up into the chamber where he stayed and laid him upon his own bed. 
20 And Elijah cried to the Lord and said, O Lord my God, have You brought further calamity upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son? 
21 And he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the Lord and said, O Lord my God, I pray You, let this child’s soul come back into him. 
22 And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah, and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. 
23 And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the [lower part of the] house and gave him to his mother; and Elijah said, See, your son is alive! 
24 And the woman said to Elijah, By this I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.

Are you a blessing to the needy, the widows and the orphans? Do you bless people even when it costs you your very most. Did not Jesus multiply the loaves of bread and fish! 

 

Matthew 25:40–46 (AMP)

40 And the King will reply to them, Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least [in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it for Me. [Prov. 19:17.]

41 Then He will say to those at His left hand, Begone from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels! 

42 For I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, 

43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me and entertain Me, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me with help and ministering care. 

44 Then they also [in their turn] will answer, Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You? 

45 And He will reply to them, Solemnly I declare to you, in so far as you failed to do it for the least [in the estimation of men] of these, you failed to do it for Me. [Prov. 14:31; 17:5.]

 

46 Then they will go away into eternal punishment, but those who are just and upright and in right standing with God into eternal life. [Dan. 12:2.]

 

Psalm 37:25 (AMP)
25 I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread.

James 1:27 (AMP)
27 External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.

LOVE – FAITH – TRUST

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LOVE – FAITH – TRUST

“THREE STRAND CORD”

 

 

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:

and the government shall be upon his shoulder:

and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God,

The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

(Isaiah 9:6 KJV)

 

 

While there is much transpiring in the natural and spiritual realms I believe that the Lord is building and solidifying a three strand cord within His people.  I believe this season of refinement is underway and is of vital importance to prepare us for the days ahead.

 

This three stranded cord consists of Love, Faith and Trust in the Lord and His Word.  Picture our lives as a three stranded cord that has become frayed at the end.  Sometimes our “strand” of Love is over burdened and stretched while other times perhaps Faith or Trust is stretched or over burdened.  When this happens to a stranded cord we often take a lighter, torch or match and burn the ends to make them solidified in strength and unity.  The fire is the refinement and now many of us are being refined and going through “the fire” of refinement.  

 

I feel in the Spirit that those who are passionate and humble before the Lord are being refined and edified in this three strand cord of Love, Faith and Trust. This three stranded cord is being unified, strengthened and prepared for the times ahead.  

 

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:7 KJV)

 

We must have all three “strands” working in harmony in strength, power and unity which will create within us an overwhelming personal and spiritual peace.   As the Lord’s people submit humbly to this refinement process of this three stranded cord of Love, Trust and Faith. We will have the overwhelming peace of the Lord which surpasses all understanding.

 

The season is upon us and we must take personal accountability regarding our own spiritual journeys and salvation.  Be transformed into disciples!  We are called to disciple the nations and preach the gospel.  Perhaps you will be the “spark” that creates a fire of passion in others.  Embrace the refinement process as you draw closer to the Lord and remember, ministry happens through us not because of us! 

 

 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:and the God of peace shall be with you

(Philippians 4:6-9 KJV)

Truth Requires Obedience

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Walking in Truth Requires Obedience

 

Jesus, the son of God is also the way the truth and the life. So it’s obvious Jesus is all truth and yet one of the final temptations Jesus faced was to pass the cup and not follow the Father’s will to the cross of Calvary. I am so thankful Jesus loved the Father unto the point of laying down His life for there is no greater gift indeed and Jesus followed the very commandments He had spoken! 

 

Walking in truth includes obedience to the Father’s will and ways through the Lordship of Christ Jesus. Knowledge without application is dead works!


John 15:13 (AMP)
13 No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.

Matthew 22:36–40 (AMP)
36 Teacher, which kind of commandment is great and important (the principal kind) in the Law? [Some commandments are light—which are heavy?] 
37 And He replied to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). [Deut. 6:5.]
38 This is the great (most important, principal) and first commandment. 
39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. [Lev. 19:18.]
40 These two commandments sum up and upon them depend all the Law and the Prophets.

James 2:17 (AMP)
17 So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).

Revelation 12:11 (AMP)
11 And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].

Vindication Is The Lord’s

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Vindication is Mine Says The Lord

Romans 12:19 (AMP)

 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. [Deut. 32:35.]

 

The snare of self-vindication/self-righteousness can be a deadly spiritual snare.  It “binds” a person internally by external influences.  We mustn’t confuse being free in the spirit of the Lord with being freed from this fallen world and the opinions and persecutions of this world. 

When a person knows the truth they are defined by the truth not the accusations, lies, opinions, thoughts, interpretations or deceptions of others.  The need to be right can and often will allow compromising being right with the Lord Jesus. 

I am not inferring that we shouldn’t speak truth but truth without love is not palatable and definitely not in the fruit of the spirit of the Lord Jesus.  People wrongfully accused should be at an inner/spiritual peace still walking in the Spirit and Fruits of The Spirit of the Lord.  Gas doesn’t put out a fire only “living water” puts out the fire!

The Truth of Christ is absolute; but absolutely many won’t come to the truth!  When a person seeks self-validation they are not free in the spirit/heart/mind as they are bound by the impressions and influences of others or perhaps their own lack of knowledge, deceit or revelation of Truth.  Self-vindication is based on proving one’s self/character to be right verses living accordingly to what is right.  This is when the temptations of self vindication become works of the flesh and we often respond in the spirits and demeanor of our accusers, cussing, cursing, gossip, slander, accusing and bringing up past relational/personal problems which we have claimed to have forgiven!

Whenever we walk in “works of the flesh” we are not walking in the Spirit of the Lord or the fruits of the Spirit! We are consumed by the needs, opinions, impressions and worthiness in the sight/opinions of others; which is outside of Christ Jesus. 

Jesus didn’t come merely to tell us the Truth, HE REVEALED THE TRUTH!  Truth is a revelation as a revelation has application and implication; which brings light to darkness and deception.  Without revelation truth becomes factual!  This is why the Cross of Christ is foolishness to people because they need a revelation not just words that are true and when we walk in the flesh and not the spirit we block the spiritual revelation from being revealed because we are seeking “self” instead of revealing Christ!  Fallen nature doesn’t redeem fallen nature!  You have responded in the flesh and there is not spiritual truth being revealed.  You likely, raised your voice, gave ultimatums, accused and accursed the very person you want to come to the revelation of truth!  Who would want to come to Christ with that representation of Christ? 

1 Corinthians 1:18 (AMP)

For the story and message of the cross is sheer absurdity and folly to those who are perishing and on their way to perdition, but to us who are being saved it is the [manifestation of] the power of God.

When Jesus asked His disciples who people said that He was they named everything that others claimed Him to be verses seeking the truth of who He was.  When the opinions of men/women were all brought forth Jesus said but who do you say that I am?  Then Peter said you’re the Messiah the Christ!  Jesus said flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in Heaven has revealed this to you! 

Jesus wasn’t/isn’t influenced by opinions He walked/walks in Truth!  If we walk in the Truth of Christ why should opinions define us?  The unsaved/un-regenerated person is a friend of this world (knowingly or unknowingly) and not of the Kingdom of God, do you really expect them to know the truth of the gospel in truthful revelation?  Are you revealing and demonstrating Christ in the fruit of the Spirit to them?  When you seek vindication all you are likely demonstrating/revealing is the fallen nature that the Lord came to deliver us from!  We are not righteous on our own we are only righteous in Christ.  If we walk in the Truth of Christ we should also walk in the Spirit of The Lord as they are not separate!  It is possible to speak what is true and not be “born again” or walk/have the spirit of the Lord.  Jesus did not say you will know them by the words they speak.  He said you will know them by their fruit! Even a lie can be partial truth!  It is possible to be educated in the Word of God and not be “born again” or walking in the Spirit of the Lord.  Even Satan is a master of scripture that is why he manipulates the Word of God out of context and distorts the Truth.  The Word of God is true but is the SPIRIT OF THE LORD THAT REVEALS THE TRUTH.  Legalism uses the Word of God to bind us and restrict us while the Spirit of the Lord uses the Word to redeem, reconcile and give us liberty!  Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty/freedom! 

2 Timothy 3:16 (AMP)

16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),

2 Peter 1:21 (AMP)

21 For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so—it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit.

 2 Corinthians 5:16 (AMP)

16 Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view [in terms of natural standards of value]. [No] even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a man, yet now [we have such knowledge of Him that] we know Him no longer [in terms of the flesh].

 John 16:13 (AMP)

13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].

When you hold an “offense” (people offend you) you can become offensive!  If “iron sharpens iron” then HUMILITY is the honing oil that allows both people to be sharpened!  Humble people seek the Truth which is pleasing to the Lord in the fruit of the Spirit. They put Christ first and the ways of Christ first seeking the Lord’s revelatory truth!  To truly know Christ is to have peace within us!  The love of Christ casts out all fear!

I’ve heard it said that the Lord doesn’t bring any new revelations!  This is false!  The Lord is always bringing new revelations but NOT CONTRADICTIVE TO HIS WORD, VIRTUES OR ATTRIBUTES!  If the Lord doesn’t bring new revelations then why do we pray?  Don’t we pray for His guidance, wisdom and will to be done!  Do we not pray for revelations through our adversities, tribulations and afflictions? When Moses was told to deliver the Lord’s people He wasn’t given a manual of all the events that would happen in this process?  Moses had no instruction manual however He had a promise as God told Moses bring the Israelites back to the mountain.  Moses now had God’s purpose, promise and destiny without a manual or directions only a directive!  To Trust the Word of God would be to trust the Person of Christ and the Spirit of God!   Jesus is the Word that became flesh, if we abide in Jesus don’t we have the Word written upon our heart?  (John 15)  Imagine the Patriarch of Faith Abraham trying to intellectualize being asked to sacrifice his son?  Imagine getting second, third or forth opinions from others?  Is not faith without works dead!  Is not “works” without faith fleshly, religious or a tradition. 

To win a heart you don’t speak to the mind you speak to the heart in the fruit of the Spirit.  I see post after post and hear sermon after sermon “who knows the heart of a person but only God”…  Well according to Hebrews 4:12 and John 15:5-7 we should know the hearts of people!  If Christ abides in you and the flesh is crucified shouldn’t we have the mind of Christ?  Are we ministering to the minds or the hearts?  Are we walking intellectually or spiritually?  In Romans 10 do we not confess with our mouth and believe in our heart that Jesus is Lord?  Do we love with our mind or our heart!  Lord help us if we love from our mind as that is the battlefield of spiritual warfare and we are told/instructed to renew our minds through the washing of the Word of God!

Hebrews 4:12 (AMP)

12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

John 15:5–7 (AMP)

5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.

6 If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned.

7 If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.

Jesus didn’t come to play intellectual games he came to redeem the broken hearted, proclaim the “good news”, set the captives free and to reveal the Father!  (Isaiah 61)

John 14:7–9 (AMP)

7 If you had known Me [had learned to recognize Me], you would also have known My Father. From now on, you know Him and have seen Him.

8 Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father [cause us to see the Father—that is all we ask]; then we shall be satisfied.

9 Jesus replied, Have I been with all of you for so long a time, and do you not recognize and know Me yet, Philip? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say then, Show us the Father?

John 17:21 (AMP)

21 That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me.

Self-vindication is the rollercoaster of emotions and emotions that rule and reign within us is not Christ ruling and reigning within us.  There are many storms in life but only One that can calm the storms of life, Christ Jesus.  Let us deny ourselves and pick up our cross so that Christ may rule and reign in us, through us and to those around us! May the peace of the Lord be with you always for that is the desire of our Lord Christ Jesus.

John 14:27 (AMP)

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]