Monday, February 16, 2015

 Today’s Topic:  Character Evaluation

Today’s Text:  1 Timothy 3:14-15 (ESV)  I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you mayu know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth.

I really pushed myself this morning. I am determined that I will stretch myself beyond my normal stopping point. I will no longer be done first.

You see, normally, I get done before others do. When I was a student in elementary school, I got my work done faster than anyone. It may not have been the best work, but it was fast. That carried over into my work habits, and my sports participation. Fast was always my goal: endurance never was.

Well, I’m going to work harder than ever to be done with that, and today I started. I could have quit after 7 reps in my third set, but the goal was 10. Everyone in my group would have cheered me if I had stopped at 5. When I hit 7 my legs were burning and shaking and the thought of quitting was powerful. But I took deeper breaths, set my heart on the finish line, and persevered through the pain and made it to 10.

Getting fit isn’t about being comfortable with our current status. We can only be satisfied with our present condition when we have previously decided that we have the right to self-define our fitness level. At some point we must admit there is someone much more qualified to define what fitness is, and it is only when we listen to them that we will start to make progress.

But that progress requires two things:

1. An honest evaluation of our current status; and
2. A determination to endure any pain to accomplish the Trainer’s goals.

This morning I stood on a machine that electronically measured my BMI, my muscle mass, and my body fat percentage. It wasn’t terrible, but it was humbling. Now, I have two choices. To be thankful that I am not all that messed up, or to be motivated to make what is messed up better. I choose the latter.

Yesterday I was really pushed as well. The message God gave me really stretched me. If I follow through on it I will go beyond my normal stopping point. But I am determined to face up to an honest evaluation of my personal and spiritual character, and endure whatever pain I may feel to strive for the standard of Godliness set forth in Scripture.

In case you don’t have any context for what I am writing, please take some time and go to www.calvaryeauclaire.org and watch yesterday’s sermon on Exercising God’s Character.

At the end of the sermon I handed out a character evaluation form to everyone. I hope people actually use it. I am going to ask my wife to evaluate me. Married couples should do this together. Single people should choose a trusted spiritual mentor to fill out the evaluation form.

It will be painful. It will make us defensive and self-protective. But if we push ourselves past the normal stopping point, we will grow. It is a necessary step in becoming spiritually fit.

Here is the evaluation form. Character evaluation sheet

Exercise God’s Image

Determining Our Character Fitness

Please ask a spouse or close friend to evaluate your character fitness according to Paul’s training of Timothy and Titus, and then discuss their responses.

Overall Spiritual Fitness

1. How do you evaluate my overall fitness as a Christian?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Above Reproach

2. What is my reputation as a Christian both among fellow believers and in the world?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Marriage

3. What is the status of my marriage?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Sober-minded

4. How well do I maintain balance in my life?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Self-Controlled

5. How well do I maintain self-control in my daily habits and my responses to circumstances?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Respectable

6. How well does my life consistently reflect the image of Jesus Christ to others?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Hospitable

7. How well do I show compassion and give help to others in need?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Able to Teach

8. How well am I able to communicate what I believe to others even though they may disagree?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Not a drunkard

9. How well am I able to control various kinds of compulsions and addictions?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Not a lover of money

10. How well do I show that I am not materialistic and greedy for material gain but have a generous spirit?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Manages household well

11. How well do I fulfill my role in my home as defined in the Bible, not by culture?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Dignified

12. How honorable and under control am I when I deal with difficult situations or people?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Humility

13. How well do I draw attention to others rather than myself?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Integrity

14. How well thought of am I by people who are outside the faith?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Faithful

15. How well do I stay true to the fundamental doctrines of the faith without wavering?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Commendable Speech (not slanderous)

16. How well does my communication about others build them up rather than tear them down?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Wisdom

17. How well do I apply Biblical principles when making decisions or dealing with people?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Not Quick-tempered

18. How well do I handle my anger so that it does not result in sinful behavior or speech?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Lover of good

19. How do my attitudes show that I consistently look for the good in people and circumstances?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Not Argumentative

20. How well do I avoid controversies and arguments and consistently speak with grace?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Gentle

21. How well do I deal with people according to their best interests and not my own?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Upright

22. How fair and just am I in dealing with other people, upholding God’s righteousness?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Holy

23. How well do I live a life of no contradictions and double-standards?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

Disciplined

24. How consistent am I in my service to Christ?

Out of Shape   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    Very Fit

NOW, ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE PUSHED!

Friday, February 13, 2015

 Today’s Topic:  True Love

Today’s Text:  Song of Songs 8:6-7   Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.

Happy Valentine’s Day. I say that to you to acknowledge the fact of the holiday and to wish you well, but there is only one person in the world to whom I say Happy Valentine’s Day with all the love this heart can muster, and that’s my precious wife. She is God’s gift to me. She has my heart for the rest of my life.

Of all the passages in Scripture about love, there is none more descriptive of the love between a man and a woman than the one above. I have used it as the basis for more wedding ceremonies than any other passage next to the famous love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13. It speaks to my heart about the permanence and public nature of one’s love for their husband or wife.

• The one you love is to seal your heart for a lifetime from any and all other options
• Your love is to be displayed publicly as an armband, but also as a seal keeping you from ever touching another person in an attempt to woo them or satisfy some lust of your heart.
• Your love is to be as permanent as death is
• You are to never stop fighting to keep your love (jealousy is a Godly attribute – it is the fight to keep what is rightfully yours)
• Your love should ignite ever other emotion of your life, and burn visibly to all others.
• Nothing in this world can ever quench true love, not matter how fast and furiously they flow into your life
• Love cannot be bought or sold. You must never exchange the pure gold of true love for any other option or temporary passion.

True love between a man and a woman in marriage (and might I add that that is the only kind of marriage God honors), is designed by God to last a lifetime if both individual’s hearts are in love with Jesus Christ as their Savior.

If only we could love like God intends us to love. If only we could move from the emotional side of love to the commitment side of love, then maybe more people would stay married. Love is not an emotion. Emotions are the product of love. Love is a decision to sacrifice self for the sake of another, like Jesus did when He loved us even though we were in rebellion against Him because of our sin. Love ceases – it absolutely ceases – in the moment that we consider ourselves better than or more important than anyone else. You cannot love self and seek to serve self at the same time you claim to love someone else.

That’s convicting, but it’s true. Just look at the reminders of that in 1 Corinthians 13 –

• Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 
• It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 
• Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 
• It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
• Love never fails.

So nail it down – there is only one other person in this world that you can truly love with all your heart while you are loving God with all your heart and that’s your spouse. Be proud of that. It’s not a punishment. It’s to be made public and displayed as a testimony to the world of the love God has for us.

Pastor John

Thursday, February 12, 2015

 Today’s Topic:  7 UP

Today’s Text:  1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)  First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people… ³  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴  who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV)  The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners….

What is the heart of God for all people?

A correct answer must be more than just an intellectual response – it must be a transformational truth. For if the heart of God for ALL people is that they be saved from their sin, then as possessors of the heart of God through faith in Jesus Christ for our own salvation, must not our heart for all people be the same?

Please don’t move on from that question until you have deeply and thoroughly contemplated it. Are our hearts moved by the same things that move the heart of God? Are our decisions motivated by the same compassionate love for sinners that motivates the activity of God? Are we joining God on the eternal mission He has already declared to be the singular purpose of His heart?

I have recently reviewed these questions with the Lord, and I have been humbled. I have seen the activity of my life from God’s perspective, and realize that far too many of my pursuits and passions are motivated by my mission, not Christ’s. I have come face to face with the truth that for me and everyone like me who is a born again follower of Jesus Christ there is only one mission – make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Listen, this is very serious business. We have been declared children of God and joint heirs of all things with Jesus Christ. We have been forgiven of our sins by being washed in His blood shed on Calvary’s cross as the full payment for our sin. We have been set apart as His chosen people and as such will never be judged or condemned for our sin. We have been given the Holy Spirit to reside in us – the very eternal Presence of God the Father in His fullness abiding in us. We have been granted access to the powers and provisions of God to meet every need. Yet daily we tend to choose to live by a culturally dictated and personally defined mission, rather than the mission mandated by the Master.

The last truth Jesus declared to His disciples before leaving earth was go and make disciples of all nations. It is called the Great Commission, but for so many of us it is the Great Omission. But the mission of Christ is not optional for the followers of Christ. The power of the Holy Spirit who resides in us makes every one of us a witness for Jesus Christ. Embodied in the gift of salvation is the mission to multiply. Witnessing for Christ and making disciples will happen in every one of us unless we consciously choose the only option there that hinders the mission –abstinence. The only way to avoid multiplication is to abstain from the activity that produces life. Do we recognize that the choice to abstain is a direct contradiction to the heart of God and the mission of Jesus Christ?

The Apostle Paul tells us how to get back on track with our mission.

• First, understand the heart of God for all people.
• Second, understand Christ’s purpose for coming into the world.
• Third, join the Holy Spirit in the mission of Christ, and the very first expression of partnership with Christ will be to start praying for people to be saved.

On Sunday I challenged our congregation to begin praying for people’s salvation. Everyone was asked to create a list of seven people for whom they will pray to be saved. They were also asked to pray for themselves, that they would be available to God to be the one to share the message of Jesus Christ’s love and forgiveness with those people. It’s called 7-UP. United Prayer for 7 people to be saved.

Have you made your list yet?

Pastor John

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

 Today’s Topic: For the Forgetful

 Today’s Text:  Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (NIV)  

Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.

See if you can figure out who wrote this memoir of his first Valentine’s Day as a married man.

“That February 14 [the first of our marriage] I went to the USC library and spent eight or ten hours studying. At home, my wife cooked a wonderful dinner, baked a pink, heart-shaped cake with “Happy Valentine’s Day” written on top, and placed red candles, a small gift, and a love note on the table.

About 8 p.m., I got hungry and ordered a hamburger at the University Grill. Then, heading toward home, I stopped by to see my parents. Mom served up a great slice of apple pie. When I put my key in the lock about 10 p.m., the apartment was almost dark and deathly quiet.

On the table a coagulated dinner still sat in our best dishes. Half-burned candles stood cold and dark in their silver-plated holders. Then I noticed the red-and-white decorations. “Oh no!” I thought. I felt like a creep. I didn’t even have a Valentine for her, much less a thoughtful gift. I couldn’t even pretend to want the dried-out food before me.

After a brief flurry of words, and a few tears, she went to bed and pulled the covers up around her ears. Fortunately, she is not only romantic but forgiving. And I determined never to forget Valentine’s Day again!”

That story of a Valentine’s Day disaster happened to none other than Dr. James Dobson. I hope that doesn’t happen to any of you this weekend. It won’t if you use today to be prepared.

As you plan your gifts and events that will reflect the true love of your heart to your spouse or fiancé, do a little heart check. Review what Solomon wrote about his lover in the Scripture above and see how much is an accurate description of what you call love.

• Can your lover trust your love? Has your heart been sealed forever, never to be tempted again by attraction to another?
• Can your lover trust your actions, so that anywhere you go and anything you do the seal of their love on your arm is visible at all times for all to see?
• Is your love until death parts you?
• Does your love for your lover hang on no matter how bad the circumstances of the relationship seem to be?
• Does your love still burn like a blazing fire?
• Is your love for your lover the most precious thing on earth to you?

Now, go plan the best Valentine’s Day ever, and then make sure the love that you show tomorrow is shown every day from now on! And as you make your plans, remember the ultimate Valentine hand-made by God.

To make a valentine God took two shafts of wood

And on that wood in love and anguish placed his Son,

Who gave his heart that mine might

Be made new.

(Eleanor Whitesides)

Pastor John

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Today’s Text: Proverbs 27:19 (ESV) As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.

I dislike fakes, and yet I must admit that at times I have been one. I have said I am fine when I’m not. I have pretended to like someone I didn’t. I have presented myself as more proficient at a task than I really was. The truth is, we all are fakes in one way or another. In varying degrees of “fauxness” (I just made up that word) we choose not to be real. Fear drives are false representations: fear of nonacceptance by others, or fear of not measuring up, or fear of being seen for who we know in our heart we really are. Whatever the reason, all faking is sin, for it denies the integrity of Christ’s character in us. It is unholy.

Several years ago I found a Facebook post that stimulated my think about holiness. I saved the picture as a reminder of the pursuit of Christ’s character.

Live without pretending – that’s integrity. Every part of our lives integrated together in perfect harmony with no contradictions. Nothing fake. Nothing done to impress others. Just a life lived as a reflection of the character of God in us.

Love without depending – that’s identity. It’s knowing we have God’s approval rather than seeking the world’s approval. That means accepting God’s definition of our identity rather than seeking it from others. That’s giving to others out of security rather than to receive affirmation. True love is not the world’s love that depends on a response nor is it love that looks for a return benefit. True love is sacrificial love that originates in the heart of God and flows from a Godly heart.

Listen without defending – that’s humility. Be able to be corrected. Pride defends the value we think is being attacked. Humility listens to the possibility of improvement. Pride protects personal choice. Humility submits to anything or anyone as being God’s instrument of perfecting our lives. Pride convinces us we are right and have rights. Humility sees the right in others. Pride cannot see a reason to improve because that would require admitting a weakness or fault. Humility can admit faults because value is not found in performance but in the Person of Jesus Christ.

Speak without offending – that’s grace. Speak the truth, but do it in love, with a pure and holy motivation to truly help the person to whom you are speaking. Do not speak to be heard. Do not speak to build up self. Speak to impart God’s wisdom so that it will be heard and applied. Speak to be an instrument of God’s grace to others.

Now those are four rules by which we all should live as we pursue holiness.

Pastor John

Life Link
Monday, February 09, 2015

Today’s Topic: All Is Well, Even In the Storm
Today’s Text: 1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV) The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

We sang a song in church yesterday that deeply touched my soul. It is a contemporary song that is based on a grand old hymn named The Solid Rock. The words are still replaying in my head. They are an offering of praise and a prayer all at the same time. The lyrics are simultaneously the present reality and the desire of my heart.

My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

The traditional chorus continues like this:

On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand.

The version we sang, called Cornerstone, uses this chorus:

Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior’s love
Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of all

By the time we reached the end of that chorus I was already in tears as my Savior Jesus Christ ministered to the needs of my heart with His love and compassion. As I contemplated the real life applications of those words to my present circumstances, the second verse started.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

No matter how dark the world begins to look around me, and how severe the storms of my life become, I know I stand secure in Christ. Why, because His Word NEVER fails. His promises are ALWAYS fulfilled. In Christ our hope is secure! I began to sing the next words with greater joy.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

Then, with my heart overflowing with thanksgiving for my Savior’s grace to me, and hope and security swelling up within me, the final verse began. My tear-filled eyes were fixated on the coming of Jesus to bring me to His glory and His glory to this earth.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Because of grace through faith I will be found in Christ. God will see only the righteousness of Christ in me as I stand faultless before His throne. So let the storms rage. My ANCHOR holds. My hope is in what Christ has done, and what He has done can NEVER be undone.

Pastor John

Did you notice the new look? Of course you did. And when you saw it, what were your first thoughts? For some it would have been, “OH NO! I HATE CHANGE!”

Others might have thought, “OOOH! I LIKE IT!”

Many won’t care about the change of title or look so long as the content helps them in their daily walk with Jesus Christ.

Well my friends, that will NEVER change! No matter what this blog is called, it will never stray from its purpose – to help people connect more deeply with God through a deeper study of His Word.

So don’t fret about the change. Within the next two weeks an official website for these blogs will be opened, and I will be posting 3-5 devotionals per week by which we can all grow.

Thanks for your prayers as we re-embark on this adventure of serving Jesus by spreading the Word.

Pastor John

Dear Connecting Point Followers,

Starting October 6, 2014, Connecting Points will be returning and changing. Stayed tuned and stay connected – because Jesus may be coming soon as well.

Pastor John

Connecting Points

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Today’s Topic: A Spiritual Work Out.

Today’s Text: 1 Timothy 4:7-8  “Exercise yourself toward godliness.  For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come”

I hurt. I know why. I used muscles that have been inactive for too long. Last Saturday and the following Monday I cut branches, trimmed bushes, raked leaves, and stomped on literally dozens of feet of mole tunnels. My legs and arms are still sore. I need more exercise.

That got me thinking about spiritual exercise, and then yesterday an email came from Daniel Henderson of Strategic Renewal. He wrote about the kind of exercise we all need – the exercise of the mind so that it is renewed according to godliness. His four step plan made perfect sense, so I share it with you today giving Pastor Henderson full credit. Thanks Dan.

 The Eternal Exercise Plan

First, I can exercise my feet, standing firm, “planted in the house of the Lord.”  I find it sad when people mature physically but shrink into spiritual pygmies because they stop choosing to plant their lives in the place of passionate worship.  I want to keep “pressing on” in my pursuit of God in my everyday practice of His presence.  Someday, I want to be that old dude who the young people laugh at (but secretly admire) because he is unrestrained and cuts loose in worship, even if he looks a little goofy.  I don’t want to stay home and watch “senior citizens’ church” as long as I can stand among the godly with my heart soaring in His presence in the courts of our God.

Second, I can exercise my tongue, “declaring that the Lord is upright.”  When this kind of praise frames the substance of my speech there is little room left to whine about the parts that don’t work and complain about my pain.

Third, I can exercise my heart, trusting fully that “He is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”  Of course, energy wanes, days get lonely, and the scoreboard of significance becomes blurred – but the Lord is still my security and there is no unrighteousness in Him.  I will trust and obey these great truths – and be happy in Jesus.

Finally, I can exercise my eyes, focusing on the reality of eternal significance, not just the earthly vapor of this physical life.  Paul says it this way: “Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).  As a child I sang, “Be careful, little eyes, what you see.”  As I approach the finish line I must sing, “Be careful, little eyes, HOW you see.”

(Thanks to Daniel Henderson of Strategic Renewal for today’s Eternal Exercise Plan.)

 Now the tough part – being disciplined enough to exercise every day.

 No Pain, No Gain!

 Know Pain – Know Gain!

 Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:6)

Connecting Points

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Today’s Topic: Fire Call

Today’s Text: Zechariah 13:8-9 (ESV) “In the whole land, declares the LORD, two thirds shall be cut off and perish, and one third shall be left alive. ⁹ And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’ ”

Today I have nothing but simple thoughts from the midst of a fire.

• The fire is guaranteed by God.
• The fire is designed by God.
• The fire is controlled by God.
• The fire is a test of my faith in God.
• The fire refines my faith in God.
• The fire motivates me to call upon God.
• The fire produces confidence in God.

Proverbs 17:3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts.

Psalm 66:10-12 For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. ¹¹  You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; ¹²  you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.

Isaiah 43:2-3 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. ³  For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.

Isaiah 48:10-11 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. ¹¹   For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³  But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

James 1:12  Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴  to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵  who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶  In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷  so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸   Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹  obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

My simple goal today is to be a fire-walker.