July 27

The crucible is for silver and the furnace is for gold,
   and a man is tested by his praise.
Proverbs 27:21 ESV

Refining silver takes very high heat--the silver melts and the impurities are drawn out. Gold is refined in a furnace and purified. Interestingly praise is the refining furnace for people. If we are always hungry for the praise of people we will never be satisfied. Those who are in Christ, following Him, are refined by suffering and purified by the Word and Spirit and the only praise we seek is that of God. He has given us talents, skills and responsibilities. When at last we lay down our mortal remains and are before our Father in heaven, we long to hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant." As Oswald Chambers puts it, we offer: Our utmost for His Highest. It is the pathway of self-denial and obedience to our King which is the crucible for believers and we endure knowing the Spirit will conform us to Christ and bring us to our Father in heaven.

Father in heaven, thank You for the work of Christ. Thank You that in His Name we are set free from the punishment of sin. Thank You, Father in heaven, for the Spirit given to believers so that we serve with our eyes fixed on the throne of Jesus Christ. In our lives, Lord, be glorified.
Amen.