Day 11 - Purified

Malachi 3:3 He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the LORD.

A very precious metal that has long been a standard against which values are measured, it comes in various degrees of purity. As ore right out of the ground, gold is often mixed with other elements that lessen its worth until it goes through a process of purification. For it to be separated from degrading impurities, it must be heated and treated with chemicals and electrical currents. As it melts into a liquid, its true nature, which is denser than what it has been mixed with, sinks to the bottom, allowing the impure matter to be removed. In its purest state, it is malleable, easily molded, and formed. Intentionally combining it with other metals gives it strength for specific uses.

This new nature we've been given in Christ is of the greatest worth, much more precious than the corrupting elements of the world we've been joined with. To take on the purest state, where we are soft and pliable in the Master's hand, there is a necessary process of purification, where nearness to the fire of the Holy Spirit melts and separates us from the impurities of the world. As the dross is removed there by our Refiner, we are enabled to offer our lives in worship, unhindered by what would corrupt and devalue. There He also joins us together with the other elements of His body to be strengthened and empowered for the service of the kingdom that is according to His design and specifications. 

Meditation

Fasting:

"My body, mind, and spirit will enter into the special rest of the Lord as I rest from my own works.”
Hebrews 4:9-10

Praise:

"I will bless the Lord at all times. My boasting in the Lord will bring gladness to the humble that hear."
Psalm 34:1-2

Identity:

"I am be transformed from glory to glory by the Spirit as I behold the unveiled glory as in a mirror."
2 Corinthians 3:18

Understanding:

"He will instruct me and teach me in the way that I should go. He is now guiding me with his eye and I have understanding."
Psalm 32:8-9 

Wholeness:

"I am a member of the body of Christ and satan has no power over me. I overcome evil with good."
Romans 12:21

Provision:

"I shall make my way prosperous and I shall have good success because I meditate in the word of God day and night and do not allow it to depart out of my mouth."
Joshua 1:8