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February 14

I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. — Matt 3:11 BSB

Fire is an intense and intrinsic force. It penetrates the very essence of what it touches, blending with every particle.

There are severe trials that come to sensitive minds—those who have more points of contact with what causes pain. The higher the nature, the higher the joy, but also the greater the avenues for pain.

Then, there are even deeper trials that come when we pass into the hands of God, moving beyond the physical and intellectual into the spiritual. At first, we may recoil from their unnatural and fearful presence, thinking, “This cannot be from a loving Father; this cannot be necessary.”

But then come the sufferings directly from God’s hand, when He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. The fire burns until it seems we must be reduced to ashes—and we are.

But we must gain victory through faith. The moment you stop fearing it, the moment it ceases to harm you. He promises, “The flames shall not kindle upon you.”


Days of Heaven Upon Earth - February 14

Public domain content taken from Days of Heaven by A.B. Simpson.


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