FIRE
Make up reading
Wks 9-12 Day 1

1 Corinthians 1:7-9; 3:13b
⁷Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. ⁸He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

• This verse reminds me that we have been given the ability to stand the test of time until the time when Christ returns. Therefore, we must not act as if we don't have the power - we DO NOT LACK any spiritual gift. God is faithful to keep us strong to the end.

¹³his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.

• IN MINISTRY: The context of this verse is with various people in Corinth who were following their earthly leaders - divided on who they should follow. Paul says that those who have laid out a foundation (Christ) will be tested on their work with fire. Those who survive will receive their reward. There will be "fires" in the ministry. We ought to be prepared for that and be ready to stand the test.

• IN CHRISTIAN LIFE: This verse also reminds me that for us who are walking in Christ, our lives are tested on how grounded we are in our spirituality. Fire (tests, temptations, people, situations, etc) will test to see if we are able to survive. Many (those who still live in the flesh and are consumed by the things of this world) will mostly not survive because fire is strong and hot. But those who are living under the power of God (strong and mighty) will not be affected by the fire on which they are tested. Thus, stand strong to be able to survive.

BELLE: Fire will come my way. There will be times when I will encounter trials and temptations. But what will matter is how deeply I stand on my ground and survive these fires. In the midst of these situations that may come or has already come, I must still continue in serving Him - moving forward beyond what I can imagine for I have been given power. Let fire test me on how much I truly stand for what I believe. I will re-charge myself with God's word and constant connection with Him through prayer and fellowship with believers, etc. There's more to be done in the Kingdom of God. Fires should not affect me. They will only test me to see where I stand. I will not be moved.

Lord, *sigh* thank you for letting me experience various fires. Probably some of them are fruits of my free will. Regardless, I want to continue in serving You no matter what the cost. Continue to strengthen me and empower me as you said you would - faithfully. I pray that you will help me stand the test and get out of the tests in life with an even stronger spirit to fight what's coming ahead. Thank you Lord, In Jesus' name, amen.