Silver and gold are purified by fire, but God purifies hearts. The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

   Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar.

   Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness." Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.

   According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each man be careful how he builds upon it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.

   Let everyone bless God and sing His praises, for He holds our lives in His hands. And He holds our feet to the path. You have purified us with fire, O Lord, like silver in a crucible. You captured us in Your net and laid great burdens on our backs. You sent troops to ride across our broken bodies. We went through fire and flood. But in the end, You brought us into wealth and great abundance.

Taken from Pr. 17, Ps. 12, Pr. 30, II Tim. 2, I Cor. 3, Ps. 66, The King James Version,
The New American Standard and The Living Bible. For free Lifescope book,
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