Refiner’S Fire: A Redhead’S Quest for Holiness

By Bridgette Guest

God pressed on my heart that people needed to know He speaks in the everyday walk of life. Even in the most mundane task God is there, ready to teach us. This book is the journey that God has taken me on so far. Its a book about a fiery redhead that allowed God to teach her some extraordinary lessons about the one true God. Its a book about being authentic and living out His Word. Although I have a seminary degree in theology, God continues to speak the loudest in my everyday life of being a mom, wife, and childrens minister. I hope anyone that reads this book walks away knowing God wants to be in every facet of our lives, big and small. It is so humbling to know the God of the universe cares about me in such a personal way. I pray that you will allow God to permit you to become aware of the moments in your everyday life that He has ordained for His purpose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Feb 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512721812

Bridgette Guest

Bridgette Guest has been married to Chad Guest for fourteen years. They have two children, Isabella and Mason. She currently serves on staff as a children’s and women’s minister. She has her seminary degree in theology. She has written for LifeWay and her blog, www.alittledevotion.net, for the past five years.

Book preview

What Would I Do?

In Community Bible Study, we are learning about Daniel sustaining his faith through the trials in his life. It is reassuring that a person is able to complete, with flying colors, the tests that God puts into his or her life. However, when we look at our own lives, it can be disheartening to realize we have failed on occasion.

Daniel was placed in a situation that called for his true obedience to God. Daniel could either change the person he had been for years, or he could stand up for his convictions and be true to himself.

There are often times in life when we allow our situation or our circumstances to dictate how we act. I recall a time when I was young and was just starting my career in the operating room. I was placed in the pod of orthopedics. I did not mind, but quickly realized that there were only two women on the team. We learned fast, working on an all guy team. One- We could not show emotion because that would show a feminine weakness (In reality a crying woman is so mad she could do bodily harm.). Two- We learned everything possible about the game of football because that was the whole topic during surgery. Three, we learned to endure ridiculous sexual innuendos which went way past fun and games.

When I think back, I wonder why did we go to all the trouble, and why did we put up with the unacceptable behavior? Why? We did what we thought was necessary to keep our jobs and be accepted. Many people had already lost their jobs in the merge, so we tolerated things we should not have for job security. Although we did nothing immoral or unethical, we tolerated things we did not feel were right. This led me to wonder what I would do in other situations. What if I were faced with Daniel's choice, either obey the government and not pray, or pray to God and be killed? What if I were faced with the fiery furnace? Would I have knelt before the statue saying, I am really praying to God, or would I have been as bold as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and refused to kneel? In all these situations, there was a choice to be made. They could have fit in with the crowd and in their heart say they served God, or they could take a bold stand for others to see.

As believers, we must strive not to be comfortable in over looking serious issues. In our minds we may not have accepted them ourselves, but we have not stood up for the opposing position either. In Community Bible Study this week, a lady shared that over the past three years in the United States, Christian churches have been purchased and turned into mosques. The church teaches that the time of persecution is coming; it is not coming persecution is here. Although I believe it will obviously be much worse in later times, look at the pastor in Houston whose sermons or speeches were taken by subpoena. What happened to freedom of speech? Look at how people with special circumstances (and I am not talking about physical or mental problems) have the whole world bending over backward because they are afraid of being sued. She also pointed out places like Asia Minor that were populated with churches that are now 99.8% Islamic. God has never guaranteed that the United States would always enjoy religious freedom. Are we like the people in Malachi and Haggai? God warned over and over He would pull his blessings, but they refused to listen. Are we really so arrogant in the United States that we think we have enjoyed freedom on our own?

If someone took your Bible from you right now do you know enough to sustain yourself? Would you know enough to teach your children? Could you theologically, at least on a foundational level, defend your faith? 1 Peter 3:15 reads, "but gin your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." Any bold Muslims and Mormons are knowledgeable about the Bible and probably know more key scriptures than many Christians.

We desperately need to focus on our children's knowledge of the Bible. I believe in my heart they will be the ones that will be heavily persecuted. One day they may not even have a Bible. Daniel was around 15 years old when he was taken into captivity. He was indoctrinated with Babylonian ways and laws, but because God's law was instilled in him so firmly as a child, he was able to remain faithful to God. How imperative it is for us to do the same for our children!

God is not surprised or unprepared by what is currently happening in our world. However, I believe the time has come when the church must rise up like never before. I leave you with the hope that only God can give.

Daniel 2:21-22

"21 He determines the course of world events; he removes kings and sets others on the throne. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. 22 He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he himself is surrounded by light."

Philippians 3:20-21

20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take these weak mortal bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same mighty power that he will use to conquer everything, everywhere.

Forgiveness-Is there a Choice?

Chores never end. Even when they are completed, they will have to be done again and again and again. I can think of a few right off the top of my head. Laundry is always a reoccurring chore. Cleaning out my car when I have two kids with me all the time. Just yesterday I was blowing leaves to get them away from all of our lawn furniture, only to find they had returned this morning, which was not a shock. Sometimes I think, why bother? If it is only going to happen again and again why worry about it at all? Then I stopped to think if you never raked the leaves the lawn furniture would eventually be unusable. If I did not do laundry the children would not have clothes for school. If I didn't clean out the car, it could possible start growing things.

As I was about the leaves, I started thinking about sin and forgiveness. Forgiveness has much in common with the leaves that are ever present; it is continually needed and has to be continually given. How many times do we have to forgive someone, or how many times do we to show him or her grace? Well if you have been around long, you have definitely asked yourself this question. It might be a family member, spouse, co-worker, boss, or friend. Sometimes people can be so mean and so negative it literally drains us. I have known a few of those in my life and at a certain times, actually was one. I was so unhappy with my life I wanted everyone else to be as miserable as I was. I was so self absorbed with myself and what I was going through; I took it out on those around me. Thankfully, God gave me a different heart, and I try to make an effort to be more positive. I have to admit it can be pretty hard at times, but luckily I have a good friend who keeps me in check.

How do you cope? Is it right for a person to get to treat others how they want without consequences? Are we as Christians supposed to lie down and roll over? The most normal reaction would be to write them off. We usually make a mental note that this person has offended us one too many times, and we are now finished with them. Honestly, even if we write them off, if we still have to see them, has the emotion really changed? We are left with the question of forgiveness, and how much is enough? In my studying, I found an interesting article stating what forgiveness is not based on Luke 11:1-4 by Pastor Mark Driscoll at the Mars Hill Church.

Mathew 18:23 tells the story of the unforgiving servant. A servant is forgiven of his debt but then will not forgive someone else of his debt. In the end he is tortured until he can pay back the debt because he refuses to show forgiveness. Verse 35 says, This is how your heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.

In Mathew 18:21, "Then Peter came to him and asked, Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?

Matthew 5:22-24, "But I say, if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the high council. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell." 23 "So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God."

Ephesians 4:31-32, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."(attitude: loving and forgiving just like God forgave you)

If we are a Christians, then we do not get to choose our attitude or whether we want to forgive someone. If we want to walk in the Spirit, we must be willing to forgive and love no matter how we feel. My mentor often reminds me, Teachers of the Word are judged more severely because they are trained in the Word and know better. It is imperative that they go over and above to treat people with kindness, and always be willing to forgive, so bitterness will not take root. I have thought about his statement often. I pray when times and people are difficult, God will allow me to strive to follow godly advice.

Not Enough

The world will tell you that the dominating influence in our lives is our past. Bad situations or problems will define the rest of life and will encouraging a feeling of unworthiness. Hurt. Abuse. Rebellion. The remainder of life can be spent in guilt and sorrow for the past. Sometimes we don't even need a past to feel bad about ourselves. Often people feel inadequate; therefore, they do not attempt the task.

Our women's retreat theme was caterpillars to butterflies. It simply talked about the stages in life that we all go through. When I was studying to do our opening session, I revisited the life of a butterfly. Interestingly enough when the caterpillar weaves its cocoon and goes into hiding, it is doing some amazing things. I had forgotten, or maybe had no idea, that during this stage a caterpillar literally secretes enzymes to dissolve itself down until just a few imaginal cells are left. From these few cells, it begins to recreate a different form. Obviously when enough time has been allowed, it turns into a magnificent butterfly. The once limited caterpillar that was dependent on the leaves and trees is now free to fly wherever it wants to go.

What an awesome picture in nature! 2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! The caterpillar, in order to become this beautiful butterfly, has to be willing to dissolve itself down into nothing to become something spectacular. The same is true with us. When we are saved, it is up to us to allow Christ to make us into a completely different person. I think of the fruits of the spirit, and when people really love the Lord, we can see the fruits as evidence in their lives.

Sometimes this is easier said than done. We come with baggage and wonder if God will truly take us because we are simply not enough. The good news is- even the most wonderful person on the planet would not be enough without Christ in his or her life. Isaiah 43:25: I, I am he
who blots out your transgressions for my own sake,
 and I will not remember your sins. Once we have Christ, we have everything. In Deuteronomy 30:19-20 Now choose life so that you and your children may live and that you may love your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life. In this verse He doesn't say -- "Oh just give God what you can. He is saying HE is your LIFE, HE is everything, HE is your next breath!

The devil would like nothing better than for us to walk around feeling inadequate. He knows if we have these attitudes we will never accomplish anything for the Kingdom of God. Psalm 73:26, "My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." I am reminded of my friend that passed away this past weekend. She could have done things when she found out she was going to die, but she concentrated on one. She decided in her heart that she would go and tell everyone that would listen about what Christ had done in her life. When her flesh and heart were failing, God became her strength and is now her portion forever! I