"The work of a goldsmith is both an art and a discipline. His job is to finesse the fire until he transforms elements into something radiant. He begins with raw precious metals, sometimes gold, or silver, or platinum, and through forging, sawing, filing and casting, he shapes the metal into the desired form. The whole process requires patience and precision, as even the smallest flaw can mar the final creation.

Now imagine yourself as that hunk of unrefined metal. And imagine that you are not discarded; you are destined. But you must be heated in a crucible to become compliant. God, your goldsmith uses the torches and furnaces of life to bring you to the right temperature; just hot enough to purify, but not to destroy. Malachi 3:3 says, “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver…” Imagine your impurities rising to the surface and being removed, leaving behind a pure, workable creation of the Master Goldsmith.

Then finally, when His creation has been soldered and secured, this Master of Masters begins ..."