RSS

Your Fruit Basket

12 Aug

Your Fruit Basket

John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

I spent the afternoon yesterday with a friend who is living out his life for Christ. I wish we had gotten to know each other better before he left Huntersville, but it is so awesome to see and hear how God has and is working in his life. He lived for the world many years, made lots of money and had lots of stuff, but God took it all away. He now sees Gods work in it, and is using his life in seminary and missions to draw glory to God. David you are a true disciple of Christ, and a huge encouragement to me. You get it.

I have been spending much time in study of John 15 and how we are to bear the fruit of the true vine. We are to be so close to Christ, that He gives us the sap of life from His vine, and we bear the fruit of our lives through it. That fruit is how you live your life every day; your witness as a professing Christian. David poured out bushels of fruit in my living room floor. A true believer will abide in the true vine, and as a result any true believer will produce fruit. John 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. Are you a true believer if you are not producing fruit?

Some of the scariest words in the bible are found in Matthew 7. 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ What have you done with the knowledge of Jesus Christ, the savior of your soul, in your life. Has Is there evidence of Him in your life (fruit)? Is this the question God will ask of you on judgement day? Most likely so. Make today a day of seeking His Will, His guidance, and your heart for seeking Him with all of it. Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. When you truly do these things, your basket will be poured out and refilled by Him daily. Their WILL be fruit in your life.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 12, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Pass it down

11 Aug

Pass it down

Deuteronomy 6:4-9   “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

I was sharing a paper I wrote on the Kingdom of God with Russell last night. He read it through, and handed it back to me. “Well dad, I can read all the words, but I just don’t get it”. You could see the puzzlement in his face. I went back through it aloud with him simplifying it as I went to help him understand. You could see the light go on in his eyes; “Nowwwww I see”. It always amazes me how God works explaining His Word to a child. He reveals it’s simplicity to us as we pass it on to them. In that conversion our eyes are many times opened too.

Pride will creep in and make our hearts hard, far from the soft heart as a child. The disciples even wished to know who was going to be the wisest and greatest man in heaven (prideful). Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Can you see how strongly Christ is speaking to the sin of pride in these scriptures? Many have said that pride is the root of all sin, and pride and humility cannot co-exist. Humility is key in the life of a Christian who sees themselves in the light of sin and the Savior who redeemed them from it eternally.

Spending time with God’s Word and your children can pass them on to eternity. You are able to share with them creation, sin, grace, and hope all in one book. Life lesson after life lesson by the One who created life. Their is nothing you can ever pass on to your children that will exceed their hope in Christ. As you teach them to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, you also will become encouraged through your Fathers teaching you, as you teach them. He is passing it down to your generation, just as you are passing it down to yours.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 11, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Can’t find the words

10 Aug

Can’t find the words

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

I overslept this morning. As usual my mind starts to hammer me with the “to do” lists of the day. Of the importance of things and how it will effect the entire day. Satan loves days like this where he thinks he can grab ahold and run with it, keeping your focus from God. If you let him, he will, and your day will go downhill most likely from there. Stop and take time to pray, and hopefully get into the word for if nothing else, a daily scripture to focus and hang onto when Satan attacks.

As I began to pray, those thoughts flooded, and I struggled with prayer. I have always struggled with praying for myself, and I rely on knowing there are those close to me that are speaking my name before our Lord. Proverbs 15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. There is strength that lies in being open with a circle of brothers and sisters in Christ that pray for each other. We all have our struggles, and sharing those struggles of life is a way you feel God work in your life, knowing you have people praying for you. Christianity is not a solo sport, it is a way to do life together, with prayer for each other a central theme.

In most all of the apostle Paul’s letters, he began them by letting the recipient know that he had been praying for them. This is always a huge encouragement to them. The greatest encourager is Christ’s Spirit living inside of you, interceding for you in prayer before God as in Romans 8:26 above. There is a divine communication existing in a realm you cannot see between the Father and the Spirit inside of you. Romans 8:27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. On those days when you just can’t seem to pray, make it a simple pray of thanksgiving. You can be thankful for the Spirit that is taking care of it for you, and hopefully those brothers and sisters you have confided in are petitioning God on your behalf.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 10, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Do you hear Him?

09 Aug

Do you hear Him?

Romans 8:23-25   Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

In my study of abiding in Christ, or remaining in Christ, so much has come of the desire that longs within us. A person who abides is a person who is keen to that voice inside of them, guiding them along the path of life. It is a person who sometimes seems to go against the grain, away from the crowd, but yet seems fulfilled and content because they are with Christ there. When we are saved we are given a gift from God by the Holy Spirit that comes to dwell inside us. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. This gift brings a change of consciousness, a view in a different light from what the world sees. It is that lifting of the burden of sin from our souls and the guidance He provides for our remaining time here. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

The Holy Spirit also brings a hope that the world cannot steal away. You can grieve the Spirit by trying to silence His voice inside you, and your hope will dwindle. The more keen you are to His voice, the greater your hope becomes. Hope and faith are entwined together and strengthen each other. As a person who seeks God and the things of God, the Spirit becomes more active in their lives. His guidance becomes clearer and their obedience becomes natural. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Start to spend some time seeking God in prayer about becoming obedient to the workings of the Spirit inside of you. That obedience is the path of righteousness, and that path leads you closer to God, and the things of God. You only get there by a constant pursuit, not grieving the Spirit by remaining still. Your relationship should always move forward, and the hope that lies within you is urging you in that pursuit.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 9, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Comfort Fruit

08 Aug

Comfort Fruit

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I am struggling, in many ways, on many fronts. I can’t and don’t need to unpack all the details, and my struggles are not above yours I am sure. I have a struggling business that is in the center of my attention, and a school assignment that has brought about a huge case of humility. I am regretting the decisions of my youth, and the lack of education that came as a result. I have never felt so dumb. Where can I turn in these anxiety filled days? Now there is only one thing in my life that brings me comfort and that is seeking God and His Word daily. No substance abuse to numb the pain, but a cure to heal the pain.

Paul in these scriptures was speaking to the Philippians with a heart of thanksgiving and contentment. He found his contentment in Christ, not “stuff” that was held in high regard back then and even today. He was content wherever Christ had him, and he sought to serve Him well there. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. He was truly a focused man, one with eyes only for Christ; and as a result of that realization, every day he sought to draw glory to Christ wherever God had placed him.

Much of my study recently has been on the “fruit” of being a disciple of Christ. This morning as I went to Philippians for a word to encourage me, and I read through the scriptures, I came upon this verse. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. God gave me an encouraging word I did not even know was there, that spoke again of what I had studied last night. That is how He works when you seek your comfort from Him and His Word. He will place just the right words before you, and open your heart and your mind with them as only He can in the only Living Word. These things are only gained by a humble heart that opens the book looking for them. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God…..”

 
1 Comment

Posted by on August 8, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Teach me o’ Lord

07 Aug

Teach me o’ Lord

1 John 2:27   But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

I have been studying on the parable of the True Vine (John 15:1-11). One of the key points of that parable is the term abiding (NKJV) in Christ, or ‘remain in me’ in the NIV version. The term abiding is a consistent state, or state of being. The term abiding is synonymous with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the work He does from within. John 14:16 -17 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever– the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. Matthew Henry spoke of this as a “divine unction”, and of how it does not “supersede ministerial teaching, but surmounts it.”

When you pursue God, and the things of God, as a child of God; His Spirit will open your eyes, heart, and mind to the things of Him. 1 Corinthians 1:21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. The heart that is in consistent pursuit is a heart that is abiding. The revelations that His Spirit shows us in the Word are priceless and only gained through Him. He opens your heart and speaks to your mind, and places teachers in your path for clarity. When you spend time in God’s Word, and He shows you a truth there, be not surprised when a teacher will soon speak of that before you. This is God confirming His revelation through another of His disciples. How will you ever receive those blessings if you don’t have His Spirit abiding in you, and you abiding in His Word?

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 7, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Where He found you

06 Aug

Where He found you

John 21:1-4   After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

Christ had been crucified and the disciples were torn as what was their next steps. What were they to do with what they had witnessed and been taught over the last couple of years in Christ’s presence. Many of them were fishermen before Christ found them, and in these scriptures they returned to fishing. The popular belief is that they returned to their worldly ways. But they actually were following His instructions. Matthew 26:32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” 28:5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” Could it truly be the backslidden ones were the ones who didn’t join them?

Where were you when Christ sought you out? What were you doing when you felt His call and you answered it humbly? He called you where He can use you. Matthew 4:19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” You do not have to go to seminary to become a disciple for Christ. He can use you at your job, at your home, in your daily routine if you will seek Him daily and His will for your life. You will never know the things He may do in your life if you do not pursue Him, you only claim Him and return to your worldly ways. Your circle of influence is where a work of God can be about Him and not you. When big things press, sit still and wait before making big change. He is with you and using you there, pointing people around you to Him, all the while you are there. Focus on Him, and the rest will fall into place.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 6, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Sprint or Endurance?

05 Aug

Sprint or Endurance?

1 Peter 1:13-16   Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

“Gird up the loins of your mind” is not a typical phrase you hear today and could apply just about anything in your life that takes your focus off Christ. We all have the battles of worldly desires that fight for the focus of our mind. I think about __________ the most. What occupies your mind that fills in that blank? I would need to make a list, but I am trying to dwindle that list down through the power of Christ  in my life. It is a constant battle and without a consistent pursuit of Him, the list will never shrink. The daily time in prayer and the Word chip away at my list. Matthew 6:33 “Seek Ye first the kingdom of God…”

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. The analogy of our lives is almost put here as and endurance race has much implication. Life is not a sprint, where you go as fast as you can to reach the goal; but an endurance run where you prepare and pace yourself setting your eyes farther out for the longer run. It requires a different strategy, and endurance requires longer focus. As in Hebrews, the “weight of sin” can make the longer race difficult. We must shed that weight to finish the race strong.

The battles of sin will always be there, many only in the mind. The strength to fight these battles is only found in prayer and the Word. You cannot defeat them alone although pride will try to convince you otherwise. Spend time daily with God and seek to lighten your load through His power to allow you to focus on Him and finish the race strong.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 5, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

What is that I hear?

04 Aug

What is that I hear?

James 5:7-8   Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

He came. He died. He arose. He ascended. He is coming back. Do you believe? Do you believe that Christ is going to return to right the wrong of this world; to claim up all of those who believe in Him and take them to eternal paradise with Him? I pray that is where your hope and faith lie, it that security of His return and of His promises. John 14:2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

No matter where your faith lies, you surely must realize the depravity of society today. The list is every growing of sins against God. We are worshiping idols, condoning same sex unions, worshiping other Gods, or even worse the belief that all roads lead to God. This is a blasphemy against God and saying the sacrifice of His Son was of no use. All roads do not lead to God, but He provided the way only through his Son. We are lost without that realization, but freed and redeemed through it. John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

All through history people have believed and prayed for Christ’s imminent return. Ruth Graham (Rev. Billy Graham’s wife) was quoted, “”If God doesn’t judge America, He’ll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.” There is a lot of weight in that statement. When you believe and begin to pursue the things of God you will begin to swim upstream against the world. 1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The time is drawing near I do believe. Will you be pursuing a worldly life, or have your heart set on the things of God when you stand before Him? Are you ready to stand before Him? Then right your heart towards Him and spread the Good News of Him.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 4, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

It’s ok….I forgive you

03 Aug

It’s ok….I forgive you

Philemon 1:15-19  For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave–a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay–not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.

Onesimus was a slave that had probably stolen something and ran away from his master. He had run straight into the Apostle Paul, and Paul had led him to Christ. They agreed and understood that Onesimus must return to His master to plea for forgiveness, but under Roman law this could have led to his death. Paul wrote Philemon to plea for his forgiveness and offer to pay for his debt, although he had done nothing to warranty that responsibility. These scriptures are a great analogy of what Christ has done for us. Christ has said of our sins to “put that on my account.”

Forgiveness is always difficult, and the greater the sin against us, the greater the strain of forgiving that sin. We all have been down that painful path most likely. The sin in our lives prompts us to take a prideful stand against a humble heart against forgiveness. Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. A summary of those scriptures is simply we are forgiven to the amount we forgive. Very tough words in a society filled with selfishness and sin against others. I have pled for forgiveness for those I have sinned against, and those that have sinned against me. God sheds light on these things through the power of the Holy Spirit in your life.

There is a liberation that comes with forgiveness, and a cleansing of the heart. We have all heard of carrying that weight of anger and pain, and how “it is gonna eat you up.”. That weight will drag you down, but the freedom of the release of it will lift you up. Peter had come to Christ asking at what point do we stop forgiving those who sin against us. Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Christ simply states that you do not stop forgiving. We may wish ourselves to live a sin free life, but we cannot, and fail daily. We live in His forgiveness every day and must seek to duplicate that ourselves in regards to others. The freedom of forgiveness is one a Christian possesses, and must seek to share daily.

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 3, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Tags: , , , , ,

← Older posts
Newer posts →