I have not been particularly inspired lately, which is one reason why no postings of any substance have appeared. This is not to say anything is necessarily wrong. So far as I am aware, “life is good” (to quote one of my favorite T-shirt makers) and, after the spirit of Ecclesiastes, there is a time for everything, including the status quo.
Nevertheless, ’tis good to have what I call “moments of glory” or glimpses into heavenly things whereby I am profoundly moved and encouraged by God’s clear and distinct presence in my life. Frequently, I turn to authentic worship music that moves my soul and helps me “set my mind on things above.” When driving to work this morning I was listening to and reminded of these two songs and their timeless and deeply relevant words, along with corresponding Words from God. I trust these reflections will move you in the same vertical direction as they have me.
“T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.”
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20).
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me” (1 Cor 15:10).
There burns a fire with sacred heat
White hot with holy flame
And all who dare pass through its blaze
Will not emerge the same
Some as bronze, and some as silver
Some as gold, then with great skill
All are hammered by their sufferings
On the anvil of His will
The Refiner’s fire
Has now become my soul’s desire
Purged and cleansed and purified
That the Lord be glorified
He is consuming my soul
Refining me, making me whole
No matter what I may lose
I choose the Refiner’s fire
I’m learning now to trust His touch
To crave the fire’s embrace
For though my past with sin was etched
His mercies did erase
Each time His purging cleanses deeper
I’m not sure that I’ll survive
Yet the strength in growing weaker
Keeps my hungry soul alive.
The Refiner’s fire
Has now become my soul’s desire
Purged and cleansed and purified
That the Lord be glorified
He is consuming my soul
Refining me, making me whole
No matter what I may lose
I choose the Refiner’s fire
“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1 Pet 1:6-9).
1 Comment