MESSAGES
"In this you greatly rejoice . . . you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire . . ."
—1 Peter 1:6–7 (NKJV)
My wife, Sonja, is probably the world's greatest cook. You name it and she can cook it. In fact, the first year we were married I actually gained 20 pounds. She hasn't fed me since. Just kidding! One of her many specialties is chocolate chip cookies.
As a cook, Sonja knows the importance of heat. She knows the importance of leaving the cookies in the oven for just the right length of time so that they bake all the way through. She knows that if she takes the cookies out too soon the flavor will not be the same and the enjoyment of eating will be greatly diminished. Why? Because they're too mushy! Nothing is worse than a mushy cookie. I know because I'm a connoisseur of cookies. They are mushy because they were only half-baked.
Our work is to be treated like a chocolate chip cookie. We need to be willing to stay in the oven of trials and affliction, and not allow ourselves to be taken out too quickly. Otherwise, our testimony will lose its flavor, people will not enjoy eating what we have to share with them, and our witness on the job will become mushy. In other words, we're not to do a half-baked job in our professions.
We are to remain, "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV). Though we may not enjoy the heat, it's good to know that God has His hand on the control knob. In the end we will avoid having a mushy walk with the Lord.
"Don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing His glory . . ."
—1 Peter 4:12 (NLT)
If your life feels mushy then stay in the oven,
Pastor / Chaplain Steve |
|
 |
| |
|
 |
| SHIELD OF FAITH |
|
|
For more information,
call (951) 687-6902
Attention Juanita
|
| |
| |
 |
|
