Refiner's Fire

hahaha I first wrote alot but then realized it was more for me, dont think my blog should be my diary! lol But in all my thoughts Im reminded of this one important verse of God:

Mt 16:24, (NASB), Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

To deny oneself and take up their cross. Its so powerful but so true. Seems ever since coming to the Gospel truth I've wanted to have things my way. I didn't want God running the show. I've fought the whole way through. Wondering why God allowed hardships in my life, or my friends dieing, etc. I questioned God every minute of my life, thinking I knew better then Him.

Its all a lie. God wants all of me not just part of me, things dont happen on my terms but on His. He knows better than me, I must believe that we all must. Its a hard thing to deny oneself and trust the Lord. But to grow in Christ one must first do that.

We as humans it is in our nature to want things done our way, but we must trust the Lord in all things. Even in the coming elections whatever happens is the Lords Will, and we must trust Him, we must follow Christ and not worry about worldly things. As Bryan said we are aliens of this world, yet I forget that daily and invest in this world instead of heaven.

Also I believe the devils lies and forget we are in a spiritual battle and are to arm ourselves. Life isn't a peachy happy road its hard.. with trials and tribulations. Its even harder when the lord says to deny yourself. Have you ever thought of the implications in your life?

Just I realize now that God is afflicting me and bringing these hard times but not to punish me, or to hurt me.. but to grow me. So make me more like Christ and to teach me to deny myself and follow Him. Such a blessed lesson to learn, God is always teaching His children. I hope my story helps another... I hope sharing helps, I just never know.. of anything it does help me to solidify things in my life and Gods love. At least through all of this I can be assured I am part of Gods people, that this knowledge of the Gospel is true and that He is well pleased with me.

Im also reminded of these precious verses:

Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
Acts 20:19, (NASB), serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews;
Jas 1:2, (NASB), Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
1 Pet 1:6, (NASB), In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
2 Tim 2:3, (NASB), Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Zech 13:9, (NASB), "And I will bring the third part through the fire, Refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, 'They are My people,'

Isa 48:10, (NASB), "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

Job 23:10, (NASB), "But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. they will say, 'The Lord is my God.'"