Baptism by Fire
I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. [Jer 17:10]
Concern yourself with the things I AM teaching you, revealing to you and purging you of. Dying to self is a lonely journey and no one can take your place. Fear not this fire. Trust Me through it.
The three Hebrew men did not long to go into the fire. They were thrown into the fire because they trusted Me. They stood against that which was wrong, for they trusted that I was with them. In anger, the king rejected their words when they refused to accept that which the king had set up of his own volition.
Enraged within, the king ordered the fire seven times hotter. His mightiest men were ordered to bind the three and cast them into the fiery furnace. The fire was not comfortable to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego . Every second seemed an eternity. Yet, I opened their eyes to see that I was with them.
Endure the Fire
Did they want out of the fire? Yes, at first they did, deep within they longed for release, yet they did not try to escape. As soon as they understood that the fire was not consuming them, they walked through the fire. They were not alone.
They were willing to lay down their lives unto death and for this reason, they overcame by My power. I walked with them through the fire. They felt the heat. It was not comfortable to their flesh, yet it did not consume them. It did not destroy them. There was a further purging going on inside of them, yet outwardly, not even a hair was singed.
At the appointed time, they were brought forth out of the fire unharmed, yet stronger in faith, giving glory to Me. They did not even smell of smoke. Not one part of the fabric of their clothing was burned. All who saw them afterwards feared, for those who saw them knew that I had been with them through it all.
Indeed, these men were strengthened in their faith. They had endured the fire. They had overcome, not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.
Fear Not the Fire
Do not fear the fire! Allow this baptism of fire, for it shall cleanse and purge. You prayed to be strengthened. You prayed to overcome and love not your life unto death. How I AM doing it is not how you had imagined. Yea, but My thoughts are higher than your thoughts, as are My ways. [Is 55:9]
You have laid down pride (which hurts the flesh), in order to truly forgive. Let patience do its perfect work.
But let patience (endurance) have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not (reproves sharply, scolds); and it shall be given him. [Jam 1:4, 5]
I know it is hard; I know the frailty of flesh. I understand how flesh wars against (resists) the spirit. Yea, but I see the motives and intentions of even the most awkward child. Trust Me. Yea, when you are willing and lay it down, do you see how I open your eyes now to reveal to you that I AM with you? I did not leave or forsake you.
I AM walking with you through the fire. If you cannot see because of the flames of the fire, then at least be aware that you are not consumed. You are still here. Allow My peace that passes all understanding to reassure you of My presence.
In focusing on Me instead of the fire, instead of the circumstances and those that threw you into the fire, then you can rest, knowing that I AM indeed walking with you through this fiery time.
The crowd sided with the king, declaring that he was justified in doing what he said and did. He was wise and powerful. It was said that he was a good king who cared for the people, presenting to them that which they wanted. He presented to them a beautiful and glorious image of a god, made with the finest gold.
A False Image of God
They cheered when the Hebrews were thrown into the fire, until they saw the king's mightiest men, who were ordered to throw the three into the fire, consumed themselves by the intense heat.
Then the crowd waited, silently watching, expecting to hear the cries of defeat and destruction echo in their ears. Yet, they heard not a thing but the roaring of the flames.
They believed that the three Hebrews were properly punished for their words and their actions. The king is justified, they murmured. Lo, but they did not know how I saw it all, nor did they expect the God of the three men to intervene. Nor did they expect Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to survive.
Baptism by Fire
Is not silver refined seven times? Is gold not purged (more than once) to bring forth its purity? Many of My people are going through severe trials right now, a fire of intense heat, yet they cry out to Me, expressing all that is within themselves.
Remember I AM the Creator, who fully understands all that has been created. My words are pure; know that I AM with you.
O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of His praise to be heard: Which holds our soul in life, and suffers not our feet to be moved. For You, O God, have proved us:
You have tried us, as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction upon our loins. You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but You brought us out into a wealthy place. [Ps 66:8-12]
The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. [Ps 12:6]
Answered Prayers
You admitted that your wisdom is foolishness and sought (asked for) My wisdom; that your faith would be made strong and that I would teach you by My power and by My Spirit.
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. [1Cor 2:5]
You prayed to know My will so that you could obey; that you would overcome all that is of this world and all that is not of Me; that you would not love your life unto death. I AM answering your prayers.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. [Jn 14:26]
Do not be taken aback or fearful of the ways I answer. Trust Me to bring you through, nothing wavering. Dying to self is excruciating to the flesh. Demons, all principalities and powers, rulers of darkness of this world and all spiritual wickedness mock, taunt and torment you upon your cross, as you endure in your dying to self.
Bitter Cup
The drinking of this bitter cup will bring you to your cross, yes, but it will lead you to endure the cross on a daily basis. All who are Mine continue to die daily by crucifying the flesh. All sin, even that which has hidden, shall be purged and you shall be cleansed.
Embrace My love for you, for those that I chastise are Mine. All My people need reminding of that which they were taught.
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not? [Heb 12:7]
Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered [Heb 5:8]
Every branch in Me that bears not fruit He takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [Jn 15:2]
Fiery Trial
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad with exceeding joy. [1Pet 4:12, 13]
I have seen the intentions and motives of your heart, fear not. I love the awkward foal as much as the strong horse.
But He knows the way I take: when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. [Job 23:10]
Rejoice, for I AM with you. Rejoice, for I AM He that formed you. I AM He, the Potter, that forms and molds the clay. Rejoice, for this fire has an appointed end. Be strong - I AM with you.
Go through, go through, go through. Shut out all the voices but Mine alone. Woe to the wise man that glories in his wisdom, or the mighty man who glories in his might, or the rich man who glories in his riches. These things should not be, for I delight in lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness. [see Jeremiah 9:24]
Fear not! This is for your good, but for My glory! Take upon you the whole armor that I provided. Stand strong in this time; stand strong with Me. Do not fear that which is happening. It is indeed to strengthen you for that which is fast approaching.
Truth Divides
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. [Lk 12:49-52]
My grace is sufficient for you. Trust Me in all that concerns you...ALL that concerns you. Though the enemy hates all people, he targets the most those who walk close to Me the most. Wait, obey, be strong. Patience...not much longer!
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought (nothing) things that are:
That no flesh should glory in His presence.
Prepare for Victory
Prepare yourself for victory, as you obey and go through. I AM the Lord of the battle. Victory is in My hand and My banner over you is love. Be not troubled or afraid; receive My peace and My love. Yes, again I say, embrace the fire, for it is indeed for your good, but for My glory! Selah
for His glory alone
Bonita dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com
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