Point of View:
So once the belt was fastened, the Roman soldier would then equip the breastplate. A Soldier's breastplate would protect his chest and other vital organs, but most importantly, it protected his heart. This is important because the heart’s primary duty is to send blood throughout your body and, to put it plainly, it’s what keeps us alive. So it’s very easy to see why you would need to protect it, right? If a soldier’s sword were to puncture your heart, you would most likely die on the spot, or shortly after. Why do I mention this? Because spiritually, our lives can deaden if our hearts are not right with God! The devil is constantly attacking us and making plans to weaken and destroy. He wants to be glorified as if he were God, and will do almost anything to keep God from getting our glory and praise. Mathew 26:41 tells us that our flesh (Ourselves without God) is weak. On our own, we cannot defend ourselves from the devil, but if we walk in the righteousness of God, we will put on the breastplate of righteousness, and be able to defend all of Satan’s blows and stand strong!
The Challenge:
Gods already done the hard part! He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for your sins, and if you believe that, you are viewed as righteous through Christ’s blood. I want to challenge you to walk in the righteousness of God and equip the Breastplate. How do you do that? You equip the breastplate by making right choices and keeping your thoughts pure and glorifying. Continue to glorify God even through the little problems, setbacks, and irritations. It will be hard, but as you continue to obey God’s True and Precious Word, He will keep you out of sin’s luring ways, and keep the Holy Spirit on the throne of your life and the main source of the decisions you make.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for sending His Son, Jesus to take your sins away.
• Ask for the wisdom to stay pure. Not only in action but in thought as well.
• Pray that you will be able to stand strong, even when it hurts. Endure through the suffering.
The Word:
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mathew 26:41
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. Ephesians 6:14
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
The Belt of Truth
Point of View:
So back in the day, the belt was the piece of Roman armor that held all the other pieces together. It’s how the soldiers would carry almost all of their equipment. They would tie the belt in multiple places to make sure that nothing could slide around and that their weapons were easily accessible. If the belt wasn’t on straight or knotted incorrectly, a soldier could not always access his sword and that alone might cost him his life. The belt was the first piece of armor a soldier would put on because it held everything he needed to defend himself. Christ is the starting point of your faith, so this series starts with the belt of truth. If you want to glorify God and stand strong against the devil’s blows, you must commit yourself to Christ as the Truth. Otherwise, defending yourself from wickedness will be nearly impossible. The belt holds almost everything right where it needs to be. Spiritually, the Truth of who God is does the same for us. If Christ doesn’t secure you, than being protected by anything else will be very difficult and your equipment might be out of reach.
The Challenge:
Put on The Belt of Truth! It’s the Truth that keeps us from giving into the world’s beliefs and the Truth that we should know, believe and act on. It’s time to “Secure anything that will cause us to stumble or fall when moving quickly in the daily battle we face as Christians”. I want to challenge you to compare your beliefs and actions to the Word of God. What does the Bible say about what’s going on in your life? Are your actions glorifying God? How about your thoughts and speech? Do these areas reflect Christ? I challenge you to dig into the Word of God as you strive to be Holy! So, keep your belt strapped on tightly because it is the foundation to living a life that glorifies God.
Prayer Points:
•Thank God for giving us Himself, the belt of truth and God’s holy and precious Word.
•Ask for wisdom as you start to apply the truths of the Bible to your life.
•Pray that you would understand the truths of the Bible and act on them.
The Word:
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, - Ephesians 6:14
“Be holy, because I am holy.” - 1 Peter 1:16
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6
So back in the day, the belt was the piece of Roman armor that held all the other pieces together. It’s how the soldiers would carry almost all of their equipment. They would tie the belt in multiple places to make sure that nothing could slide around and that their weapons were easily accessible. If the belt wasn’t on straight or knotted incorrectly, a soldier could not always access his sword and that alone might cost him his life. The belt was the first piece of armor a soldier would put on because it held everything he needed to defend himself. Christ is the starting point of your faith, so this series starts with the belt of truth. If you want to glorify God and stand strong against the devil’s blows, you must commit yourself to Christ as the Truth. Otherwise, defending yourself from wickedness will be nearly impossible. The belt holds almost everything right where it needs to be. Spiritually, the Truth of who God is does the same for us. If Christ doesn’t secure you, than being protected by anything else will be very difficult and your equipment might be out of reach.
The Challenge:
Put on The Belt of Truth! It’s the Truth that keeps us from giving into the world’s beliefs and the Truth that we should know, believe and act on. It’s time to “Secure anything that will cause us to stumble or fall when moving quickly in the daily battle we face as Christians”. I want to challenge you to compare your beliefs and actions to the Word of God. What does the Bible say about what’s going on in your life? Are your actions glorifying God? How about your thoughts and speech? Do these areas reflect Christ? I challenge you to dig into the Word of God as you strive to be Holy! So, keep your belt strapped on tightly because it is the foundation to living a life that glorifies God.
Prayer Points:
•Thank God for giving us Himself, the belt of truth and God’s holy and precious Word.
•Ask for wisdom as you start to apply the truths of the Bible to your life.
•Pray that you would understand the truths of the Bible and act on them.
The Word:
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, - Ephesians 6:14
“Be holy, because I am holy.” - 1 Peter 1:16
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Let’s Recall Wisdom From Paul
Point of View:
So we talked about the Armor of God briefly in a previous devotional, but in the next couple devotionals, I want to dig deeper into what each piece does and how to apply it. Each piece of the armor plays a specific role in standing strong against our opponent the devil, and his attacks. Without this armor, we are weak and vulnerable to the devil’s schemes to keep God from being glorified. Satan wants to be praised as if he was God. That’s why Paul, the writer of Ephesians, lists the 7 pieces of the armor of God. He is showing us how to resist the devil, and glorify God. So if you want to stand strong and glorify God, you have to be equipped! I mean that makes sense, right? A warrior doesn’t wake up in the morning and go to war in his pajamas. Neither does a football player walk on to the field ready to play with just jeans and a hoody on. They both put on their equipment, so when they take the powerful hits of their opponents, they can stand strong and get right back up if they stumble.
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to read Ephesians 6: 10-20 all the way through. We will be breaking it down into smaller sections in the devotionals to come, but to best understand it, read how God, through Paul, explains it in full.
Prayer Points:
• Pray that as we go through the pieces of the armor of God, We would understand what they are and stand strong and Glorify God as we apply them.
• Ask for wisdom, as some of us might have read through this before but don’t know exactly how to apply it.
• Thank God that He has given us the tools we need to stand strong against the Devil.
The Word:
(10) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (11) Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (13) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (14) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, (15) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (16) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (17) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (19) Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, (20) for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. - Ephesians 6:10-20
So we talked about the Armor of God briefly in a previous devotional, but in the next couple devotionals, I want to dig deeper into what each piece does and how to apply it. Each piece of the armor plays a specific role in standing strong against our opponent the devil, and his attacks. Without this armor, we are weak and vulnerable to the devil’s schemes to keep God from being glorified. Satan wants to be praised as if he was God. That’s why Paul, the writer of Ephesians, lists the 7 pieces of the armor of God. He is showing us how to resist the devil, and glorify God. So if you want to stand strong and glorify God, you have to be equipped! I mean that makes sense, right? A warrior doesn’t wake up in the morning and go to war in his pajamas. Neither does a football player walk on to the field ready to play with just jeans and a hoody on. They both put on their equipment, so when they take the powerful hits of their opponents, they can stand strong and get right back up if they stumble.
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to read Ephesians 6: 10-20 all the way through. We will be breaking it down into smaller sections in the devotionals to come, but to best understand it, read how God, through Paul, explains it in full.
Prayer Points:
• Pray that as we go through the pieces of the armor of God, We would understand what they are and stand strong and Glorify God as we apply them.
• Ask for wisdom, as some of us might have read through this before but don’t know exactly how to apply it.
• Thank God that He has given us the tools we need to stand strong against the Devil.
The Word:
(10) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (11) Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (13) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (14) Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, (15) and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (16) In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (17) Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (18) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (19) Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, (20) for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. - Ephesians 6:10-20
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
You Don’t Deserve It
Point of View:
So maybe you’ve read the poem “transformed” and you’re saying, “that couldn’t be me, I’ve done to much or I’m not that bad.” That’s okay, I remember thinking thoughts very similar to those and want to remind you that through God’s grace, you are forgiven and can be transformed. Grace is simply defined as: getting something you don’t deserve. You didn’t do anything to deserve the gift of transformation, but through God’s grace, you may receive it. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done wrong in the past; whether that be stealing a candy bar, gossiping, drinking at a party, smoking, relapsing or even overdosing. Remember, our God is gracious and willing to forgive your selfish acts.
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you with this question, are you truly sorry for what you’ve done? Or are you just tired of the guilt and just want to be set free from it? If you are true in your repentance, temptation can knock on the door and get in your face. With God’s armor, you can stand your ground and have the strength to not give in. So, be true in your repentance, make it legit! Admit that you’ve done wrong and start walking towards your Father; into God’s loving and freeing arms, realizing that through his gracious gift you’re set free.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for His Grace.
• Thank God for sending His gracious gift of Jesus Christ and allowing us to be transformed through him.
• Understanding that not everyone is currently struggling, ask God to use you as a tool of grace in the lives of others.
The Word:
1What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? - Romans 6:1-2
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground… - Ephesians 6:13 (Verses 10-18 of chapter 6 go in to detail. I want to challenge you to read them)
So maybe you’ve read the poem “transformed” and you’re saying, “that couldn’t be me, I’ve done to much or I’m not that bad.” That’s okay, I remember thinking thoughts very similar to those and want to remind you that through God’s grace, you are forgiven and can be transformed. Grace is simply defined as: getting something you don’t deserve. You didn’t do anything to deserve the gift of transformation, but through God’s grace, you may receive it. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done wrong in the past; whether that be stealing a candy bar, gossiping, drinking at a party, smoking, relapsing or even overdosing. Remember, our God is gracious and willing to forgive your selfish acts.
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you with this question, are you truly sorry for what you’ve done? Or are you just tired of the guilt and just want to be set free from it? If you are true in your repentance, temptation can knock on the door and get in your face. With God’s armor, you can stand your ground and have the strength to not give in. So, be true in your repentance, make it legit! Admit that you’ve done wrong and start walking towards your Father; into God’s loving and freeing arms, realizing that through his gracious gift you’re set free.
Prayer Points:
• Thank God for His Grace.
• Thank God for sending His gracious gift of Jesus Christ and allowing us to be transformed through him.
• Understanding that not everyone is currently struggling, ask God to use you as a tool of grace in the lives of others.
The Word:
1What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? - Romans 6:1-2
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground… - Ephesians 6:13 (Verses 10-18 of chapter 6 go in to detail. I want to challenge you to read them)
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Transformed
Point of View:
While sitting down last night, I wrote the poem bellow entitled “Transformed”. I wanted to include this poem it in today’s devotional because I think it will give you the chance to look into my past. I hope you will understand that just as I have been transformed, you, all your friends and ultimately everyone can be as well. So without further adieu;
Transformed:
So we talked about love, and then had valentines,
So here’s a little poem to better understand my past times,
And although this is new, I want you all to hear it,
I been blessed in many ways by the Holy Spirit,
He took my old life and He made me new,
Took all my sin, upon His Son He threw,
My Savior Jesus hung, for what He didn’t do,
So I look righteous cause through His blood I’m viewed,
Reborn, yes, I’m one big baby,
Cause God sent His Son and through Him He forgave me,
And just like that, through faith I’m forgiven,
He’s the only reason why I’m sitting here livin’,
Now I'm just in the world, I'm no longer of it,
Even used to hate the Bible but now… I love it,
Cause It’s what gives us the Word like a telephone cord,
And I still wonder why you forgave me Lord,
Cause without you I’d be dead, or probably full of lead,
Because a man cant live with wickedness in his head,
But instead of that, You gave me new life In You,
Now my days of disobeying and drugs are through,
I even quit the game and dropped my crew,
And now I know that what I’m reading has got to be true,
Yes I’m living for Him know cause I answered the call,
And a life without the Lord is no life at all.
Don’t give up on yourself, your friends or the kid that everybody ignores. There is hope through Jesus Christ. We can, and will be made into new creations if we accept Jesus as our Savior.
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to not give up! It’s never to late to accept Christ and be transformed into a new creation. That being said, I want share 2 different challenges, choose the one that best applies to you.
Challenge 1: Maybe you are struggling right now, I want you to reach out to somebody who cares. That could be a parent, counselor or good friend. (For me, it was my youth pastor.) I want you to get in contact with them and ask for help. If you don’t know where to turn, and you are ready to receive help, whether that be getting into counseling or drug rehab, give me a call at 1-877-562—2565 ext.104 and I would be more than happy to help you receive help that’s specific to your needs.
Challenge 2: If you know somebody who is struggling, maybe a friend at school, member in your family or somebody at work, offer them help! How can you do this? Give them some of your time, take them out to eat, listen to their story, invite them to hangout, invite them to church or pray for/with them.
No matter which challenge you pick, know there is hope through Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points:
• Pray for patience as you meet with these people, sometimes all we need is someone to listen so… listen or open up.
• Ask for wisdom as you either offer advice or apply what is being said to your circumstances.
• Thank God for second chances!
The Word:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. - Romans 15:13
While sitting down last night, I wrote the poem bellow entitled “Transformed”. I wanted to include this poem it in today’s devotional because I think it will give you the chance to look into my past. I hope you will understand that just as I have been transformed, you, all your friends and ultimately everyone can be as well. So without further adieu;
Transformed:
So we talked about love, and then had valentines,
So here’s a little poem to better understand my past times,
And although this is new, I want you all to hear it,
I been blessed in many ways by the Holy Spirit,
He took my old life and He made me new,
Took all my sin, upon His Son He threw,
My Savior Jesus hung, for what He didn’t do,
So I look righteous cause through His blood I’m viewed,
Reborn, yes, I’m one big baby,
Cause God sent His Son and through Him He forgave me,
And just like that, through faith I’m forgiven,
He’s the only reason why I’m sitting here livin’,
Now I'm just in the world, I'm no longer of it,
Even used to hate the Bible but now… I love it,
Cause It’s what gives us the Word like a telephone cord,
And I still wonder why you forgave me Lord,
Cause without you I’d be dead, or probably full of lead,
Because a man cant live with wickedness in his head,
But instead of that, You gave me new life In You,
Now my days of disobeying and drugs are through,
I even quit the game and dropped my crew,
And now I know that what I’m reading has got to be true,
Yes I’m living for Him know cause I answered the call,
And a life without the Lord is no life at all.
Don’t give up on yourself, your friends or the kid that everybody ignores. There is hope through Jesus Christ. We can, and will be made into new creations if we accept Jesus as our Savior.
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to not give up! It’s never to late to accept Christ and be transformed into a new creation. That being said, I want share 2 different challenges, choose the one that best applies to you.
Challenge 1: Maybe you are struggling right now, I want you to reach out to somebody who cares. That could be a parent, counselor or good friend. (For me, it was my youth pastor.) I want you to get in contact with them and ask for help. If you don’t know where to turn, and you are ready to receive help, whether that be getting into counseling or drug rehab, give me a call at 1-877-562—2565 ext.104 and I would be more than happy to help you receive help that’s specific to your needs.
Challenge 2: If you know somebody who is struggling, maybe a friend at school, member in your family or somebody at work, offer them help! How can you do this? Give them some of your time, take them out to eat, listen to their story, invite them to hangout, invite them to church or pray for/with them.
No matter which challenge you pick, know there is hope through Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points:
• Pray for patience as you meet with these people, sometimes all we need is someone to listen so… listen or open up.
• Ask for wisdom as you either offer advice or apply what is being said to your circumstances.
• Thank God for second chances!
The Word:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. - Romans 15:13
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Love is so much more than a word, Actions speak louder than anything heard
Point of View:
I think a lot of us throw the phrase “I love you” around way too often. We say it to our families, that special someone and even our friends. We say things like: “I love that song”, “I love that car” or “did you like that movie? Like it!? Hah! I loved it!” all the time. The words “I love you” are very easy to say and are over used. What do I mean? We like to say we love people all the time, but how often do you show those people that you love them? Love is simply defined as: to put someone else’s needs above your own. So in that context, how often do you show others that you love them through your actions?
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to love through your actions! Look at the people that you say you love and start to show them love instead of just saying it. If you find this difficult, I want to ask you a hard question: “do you really love those people, or are you just misleading them?” It’s time to take charge! If you have a friend that has nothing to do on a Friday, invite them into your plans! We’ve all got time on our hands, so let’s share it!
Prayer Points:
• Pray that God would reveal specific people to love and remember, “Sometimes the ones that are hardest to love, need that love the most.”
• Ask for patience, as loving someone isn’t always easy; but don’t stop, because you wouldn’t want someone to quit on you.
• Thank God for sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, who put our need for a savior ahead of His own comfort.
The Word:
(18) Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18
(3) If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. (4) Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (5) or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; (6) it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. (7) Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (8) Love never fails... - 1 Corinthians 13: 3-8
I think a lot of us throw the phrase “I love you” around way too often. We say it to our families, that special someone and even our friends. We say things like: “I love that song”, “I love that car” or “did you like that movie? Like it!? Hah! I loved it!” all the time. The words “I love you” are very easy to say and are over used. What do I mean? We like to say we love people all the time, but how often do you show those people that you love them? Love is simply defined as: to put someone else’s needs above your own. So in that context, how often do you show others that you love them through your actions?
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to love through your actions! Look at the people that you say you love and start to show them love instead of just saying it. If you find this difficult, I want to ask you a hard question: “do you really love those people, or are you just misleading them?” It’s time to take charge! If you have a friend that has nothing to do on a Friday, invite them into your plans! We’ve all got time on our hands, so let’s share it!
Prayer Points:
• Pray that God would reveal specific people to love and remember, “Sometimes the ones that are hardest to love, need that love the most.”
• Ask for patience, as loving someone isn’t always easy; but don’t stop, because you wouldn’t want someone to quit on you.
• Thank God for sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, who put our need for a savior ahead of His own comfort.
The Word:
(18) Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18
(3) If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. (4) Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (5) or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; (6) it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. (7) Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (8) Love never fails... - 1 Corinthians 13: 3-8
Thursday, October 6, 2011
He Is The Vine, I Am The Branches
Point of View:
When I was young, I remember picking grapes from my neighbor’s yard. We would lean over the fence and grab as many as our arms could reach. One day, we took a bottle full of them to our base in the woods, to eat later. We came back in a week, and to our surprise they where all mushy and fermented. We learned that day that grapes were no good when disconnected from the vine for an extended period of time.
I tell this goofy story because John 15:5-8 reminds me of this childhood memory. In Verse 5, Jesus tells us: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Stick with Jesus and fruit will grow. Just like when a branch is connected to the vine that feeds it, fruit grows. But what good is a branch if it is disconnected and not producing anymore? Burning… right? Dried Wood + A Spark = Fire. Let’s be honest, none of us want to be in the fire.
The Challenge:
So my question to you is this: do you want to be a branch connected to the Vine, full of life and used by the Lord, or a branch that is disconnected and only good for the fire? The choice is yours. I want to challenge you to stay connected to the Vine. Let the Lord continue to feed you with knowledge, and through that bond, you will produce fruit (gifts) that will bring Him attention and glory.
Prayer Points:
• Pray that the Lord will continue to show you ways that can bring Him glory/attention.
• Ask for wisdom and the boldness to share what the Lord is teaching you.
• Thank the Lord for giving you second chances, for transforming you from a withered branch, to one connected Him and full of life.
The Word:
(5) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (6) If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (7) If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (8) This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. - John 15:5-8
When I was young, I remember picking grapes from my neighbor’s yard. We would lean over the fence and grab as many as our arms could reach. One day, we took a bottle full of them to our base in the woods, to eat later. We came back in a week, and to our surprise they where all mushy and fermented. We learned that day that grapes were no good when disconnected from the vine for an extended period of time.
I tell this goofy story because John 15:5-8 reminds me of this childhood memory. In Verse 5, Jesus tells us: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Stick with Jesus and fruit will grow. Just like when a branch is connected to the vine that feeds it, fruit grows. But what good is a branch if it is disconnected and not producing anymore? Burning… right? Dried Wood + A Spark = Fire. Let’s be honest, none of us want to be in the fire.
The Challenge:
So my question to you is this: do you want to be a branch connected to the Vine, full of life and used by the Lord, or a branch that is disconnected and only good for the fire? The choice is yours. I want to challenge you to stay connected to the Vine. Let the Lord continue to feed you with knowledge, and through that bond, you will produce fruit (gifts) that will bring Him attention and glory.
Prayer Points:
• Pray that the Lord will continue to show you ways that can bring Him glory/attention.
• Ask for wisdom and the boldness to share what the Lord is teaching you.
• Thank the Lord for giving you second chances, for transforming you from a withered branch, to one connected Him and full of life.
The Word:
(5) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (6) If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (7) If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (8) This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. - John 15:5-8
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Living As Children Of Light
Point of View:
Thursday we talked about starting to live our lives in a way that is glorifying to the Lord. I understand that trying to live this lifestyle is tough; you might be the only one you know trying to do it. Realizing that, I want to talk about how to start. These two verses have challenged me to glorify God with my life. The first one, Ephesians 5:8 tells us to live as children of Light. The second one 2 Cor. 5:17 tells us that we are new creations, no longer defined by our past but transformed through Christ. Being transformed we are introduced to a new way of living. Before, we wanted to draw attention to ourselves, but now, we should desire to bring attention to Christ.
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to live like you are truly reborn! Realize that you are a new creation and it is time to bring attention to our Father and not ourselves. How can you do that? We all have gifts and talents that bring attention to ourselves. For example: sports, instruments and singing. I want you to think about what would it take for you to pass that attention on to God. It’s time to let people know and come to grips with who’s most important.
Prayer Points:
• Pray that God would reveal the areas of your life that can bring Him fame.
• Ask God for the humility to put Him in the spotlight.
• Thank God for new life in Christ.
The Word:
(8) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (9) (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) (10) and find out what pleases the Lord. - Ephesians 5: 8-10
(17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Thursday we talked about starting to live our lives in a way that is glorifying to the Lord. I understand that trying to live this lifestyle is tough; you might be the only one you know trying to do it. Realizing that, I want to talk about how to start. These two verses have challenged me to glorify God with my life. The first one, Ephesians 5:8 tells us to live as children of Light. The second one 2 Cor. 5:17 tells us that we are new creations, no longer defined by our past but transformed through Christ. Being transformed we are introduced to a new way of living. Before, we wanted to draw attention to ourselves, but now, we should desire to bring attention to Christ.
The Challenge:
I want to challenge you to live like you are truly reborn! Realize that you are a new creation and it is time to bring attention to our Father and not ourselves. How can you do that? We all have gifts and talents that bring attention to ourselves. For example: sports, instruments and singing. I want you to think about what would it take for you to pass that attention on to God. It’s time to let people know and come to grips with who’s most important.
Prayer Points:
• Pray that God would reveal the areas of your life that can bring Him fame.
• Ask God for the humility to put Him in the spotlight.
• Thank God for new life in Christ.
The Word:
(8) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (9) (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) (10) and find out what pleases the Lord. - Ephesians 5: 8-10
(17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17
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