Luke 22:31, 32
And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
When I worked in Sudan, we bought grain, beans, and rice in bulk; it came in 100 pound bags. The grain was whole. It was bagged up husks and all. I had to have it ground.
The mill was in a hut that was built around a big diesel engine salvaged from some broken down truck. The grinder was hitched up to the flywheel. The grain would be weighed and then ground.
After the grain was ground, I’d deliver to the ladies who worked in the kitchen. They dumped the grain onto a tarp. Another tarp was spread out next to the first, and the grain from the first tarp was held up high over and then dumped onto the empty tarp. The wind would carry away the coarse husks covering the edible kernel, the nutritious heart of the grain.
The process of sifting removes the coarsest part of the grain. What remained was nourishing, filling and satisfying. It was consumable.
There needs to be a process for which coarseness is removed from our lives as well.
Because Peter needed refining, God permitted Satan to sift him.
God brings sifting and testing in our lives to purify us so that He may be magnified in our lives.
God uses infinite ways to test us. The following is not an inclusive list of the tests God will use to refine us by any stretch of the imagination. They are just a few Biblical examples. But God has a never ending supply of ways to refine each one of us for His own unparalleled purpose for our lives.
What is God developing in us as He tests us?
- Submission of one’s will to God’s will (time test)
- Humility (Word test)
- The trying and refining of inner attitudes (character test)
- Increase of glory to God (motivation test)
- Purifying of motives (servant test)
- Deepening of one’s message (misunderstanding test)
I’ve known this girl forever. It was a treat to be able to hang out with Sue at the recent leadership conference at the Bible College in Vajta, Hungary. Sue brought a couple of interns along. She is a ministry missionary discipleship servant machine.
Sue plays a mean game of Uno.
The Usov’s come from a Calvary Chapel church plant in Moscow. They are Russian nationals church planting and ministering in Finland. It is so cool to see the first generation of missionaries sent from American church plants in the former USSR.
Remember when the gospel wasn’t allowed to be preached in the Soviet Union. Maybe you’re too young. But be against the law.
Can you say Gu-lag?
This is video of missionary Lynn Smith. She serves at the Calvary Christian Academy in Vajta, Hungary. CCA serves the children of the missionaries living and working at the Bible College.
Bubba is being faithful to send us videos of their mis-adventures in Cambodia.
That’s my boy.
This is Shepherd’s Staff missionary Ken Dinnen. Ken is sent out from Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. Patrick Kenny and myself got to hang out with Ken in Vajta, Hungary, while attending the Foundations Conference.
Dinnen Missionary Page
Patrick Higgins and family were a hoot to hang out with last week in Vajta, Hungary. Higgins is sent out from Calvary Chapel Redlands and pastors CityLight Christian Fellowship in Bratislavia, Slovakia.
Higgins Missionary Page
This is Shepherd’s Staff missionary Janice Evans. Patrick Kenny and myself got to hang out with Janice in Vajta, Hungary, while attending the Foundations Conference.
Evans Missionary Page
Aaron is in Cambodia. Here’s his first (I hope of many) videos of his trip.
God gives wisdom freely. We just need to ask Him for it. (A Proverb a day keeps the devil away.)
Seven point decision filter:
- The Word of God
- Prayer
- Seek wise counsel
- the peace that rules your heart (Col. 3:15)
- Circumstances and timing
- Divine revelation (prophecy, word of knowledge)
- Waiting in faith; active faith
The Soldiers Promises (John 14)
- v 12a: we will do the works Jesus did…
- v 12b: we will do greater works than Jesus did…
- vv 13&14: whatever is asked in Jesus name He will do…
- vv 15-27: the Father will give you another Helper (the Holy Spirit)
a. He is our Comforter
b. the Spirit dwells in and with you
c. the Spirit will never leave you
d. He will manifest Himself to us in times of need
e. the Holy Spirit is the abiding presence of the Trinity
f. teaches all things and brings them to remembrance
g. He gives true peace
1 Chron. 12:8
- Gadites: Mighty men [and women] of valor.
We’re called to be like Gadites; soldiers for Christ.
