He is Patient

Saturday's full reading: 2 Peter 3:1-18

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

Consider, for a moment, the many times you have heard the story of Jesus Christ, how he came to earth, lived a perfect life, was publicly murdered though totally un-deserving, rose from the grave three days later, and appeared to hundreds of people (1 Corinthians 15:3-7) Consider the fact that you have heard the truth that Jesus is God's one and only Son and whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

The sad reality is that there are millions of guilty sinful people across the world who desperately need Jesus to be their Savior and yet they have not heard that simple message. If you are wondering why we are still here, and why ultimate judgment has not yet come to the world, it is because the Lord is patient and he desires that all will come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Today, as an act of worship, thank God for His patience and love. Surrender your future to accomplishing the mission of the Church and His will for your life.

The Godly Will Be Persecuted

Today's full reading: 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17

"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12 NIV)

The passage we are focusing on today is filled with instructions for daily living: things to do and thing not to do. But, in the midst of that Paul reminds Timothy to be mindful of the persecutions he endured on his previous missionary journey and the fact that it was the Lord who rescued him.

As we spread a passion for the supremacy of Jesus Christ in all things we will must assuredly face persecution, hardship, and trouble, but take heart Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). He will rescue us, though we must reject the notion that Christ will rescue us from all harm and pain in this world and will let us live long and happy lives. That is ridiculous! Read the Bible.

I have heard it said that sometimes God chooses to deliver us from a trial (meaning he takes it away entirely), sometimes he chooses to deliver us through a trial (meaning he is in the fire with us), and sometime he chooses to deliver us by a trial (this is our ultimate deliverance where our trial takes our very life and we are delivered from this world of suffering into God's heavenly presence for all eternity.)

Today, as an act of worship, rejoice in this Lord in the midst of persecution. "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." (Luke 12:4-5 NIV)

Why Have We Received the Spirit of God?

Today’s full reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4

“We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:12 NIV)

There is and I suppose has always been the prevailing thought that the best or most important part about salvation is the “get out of Hell free card”. Many people who have become believers have given their lives to Christ, receiving his gift of salvation, because they did not want to be eternally damned. This was certainly the first reason I chose to follow Christ, and as far as I am concerned it is a pretty good reason.

However, among other benefits that come with the free gift of salvation is perhaps the most important one to be experienced in this life: the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. To avoid eternal damnation is a great and wonderful benefit to be experienced after this life has been lived and is over, but the greatest benefit for the here and now is the filling of the Holy Spirit of God and walking in a daily relationship with the Father.

Today, as an act of worship, let us thank God for sending his Spirit to counsel and guide us into all truth (John 16:12-13). May we seek to obey the Spirit as he teaches us each day more and more what it means to walk with God.

The Significance of Unity

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6 NIV)

As Paul approaches the end of the greatest letter ever written (Romans) he makes a point to highlight a major key to effective Christian ministry: unity. It cannot be overstated. Without unity the church will be utterly ineffective in honoring Christ and spreading the gospel.

Jesus said it this way, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." (Matthew 12:25) "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:20-21)

As we ponder these verses for a few minutes today, let's ask a few questions of ourselves.

• Are we united with Christ and his church?
• What are the challenges we must overcome to stay united with other believers?
• What causes discord and strife between believers?"

First off, "Are we united with Christ and his church?" In order to know whether or not you are united with Christ you must ask the question, "Am I abiding in Christ?" or "Is Christ living in and through me?" You cannot cling to your belief of being united with Christ based on a past decision or commitment; you must anchor your unity with Christ on the basis of walking daily with him. You are united with Christ if you are walking with him everyday seeking to do his will. Furthermore, I have heard it said that you cannot love Christ and hate his church. The Bible refers to the church as the bride of Christ. Christ is one with his church.

Secondly, "What are the challenges we must overcome to stay united with other believers?" There are perhaps many challenges we face in this area. The main challenge is going to be giving sacrificial unconditional love. This is not possible in and of ourselves, but with Christ living in and through us we can love others in this way.

Finally, "What causes discord and strife between believers?" Historically, there have been hundreds if not thousands of examples of discord and strife among Christ followers. This is a given when dealing with sinful people. Most of these examples can be associated with two sins: pride and selfishness. When pride rears its ugly head even the unity of best friends is at stake. Selfishness is just as destructive in the church. We must overcome these sins. May we never forget Christ's example of selfless love.

Today, as an act of worship, praise God for demonstrating his sacrificial love that we might be united with him and his church. As we respond to Romans 15:5-6 may we turn away from discord and cling to Christ that our lives will magnify the glory of his grace.

Sin and This New Life

"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" (Romans 6:1-2)

This scripture poses some great questions. We must determine how we are going to live our lives even after our new birth in Christ. Christ does not make us into spiritual robots forcing us to reject sin and embrace holiness. We still have the ability to choose to live seeking righteousness or seeking wickedness. What are you choosing?

I do not believe we would ever chose righteousness on our own. It is the work of Christ in us that compels us to flee from sin. So, why do we sin after our new birth? I believe the combination of our old life (the flesh) and the temptation of the enemy and the world are often too enticing. However, as we abide in Christ and He abides in us we are empowered to live a new life.

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)

Did I Call or Did You?

Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:28-33, John 6:44, Romans 3:10-12

One morning during our family devotion time we began discussing how we have "Americanized" the salvation of our souls. We have so many freedoms, we have almost begun to believe that we can choose Jesus on our own. At some point the church began to teach that we needed to make a "decision" for Christ. Churchgoers are asked repeatedly to "walk the aisle" and decide to make Jesus their Lord. While I do not want this sound like I am contradicting the church, I do want to point out that Jesus IS Lord whether we accept Him as that or not. We do not make Him Lord. He IS Lord. Let us not forget that.

We see in our verses for today that the truth of scripture is that we bring nothing to the table when it comes to salvation. For years we believed that we brought our faith to the table, that we were saved by our faith. But, after studying these verses, we have to say this is just not true. Ephesians 2:8 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God". This means that the faith it takes to call on Jesus as Lord is a gift in itself. It is not of ourselves. We would never choose God on our own.

In fact the Bible teaches that God draws us to himself. He foreknew us, He predestined us, He justified us, and He will glorify us in heaven one day. That fact is as certain as if we were already there.

Let us never be deceived that we are the ones who chose God. Let us always be thankful that He convicted us of our sins and revealed Himself to us. Sometimes we go through life thinking that we turned to Christ all on our own. Give Him the glory and honor He is due in humbling ourselves before Him in thanksgiving for His mercy. He called you! All you did was answer.

"I was wondering - I mean - could there be some mistake? Because nobody called me and Scrubb, you know. It was we who asked to come here. Scrubb said we were to call to - to Somebody - it was a name I wouldn't know - and perhaps the Somebody would let us in. And we did and then we found the door open."

"You would not have called to me unless I had been calling to you," said the Lion.

- Conversation between Jill and Aslan taken from The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis

written by B.J. and Elaine Price

Worthy of Suffering Disgrace for the Name

Acts chapter five concludes with a powerful image of the apostles' response to public humiliation and disgrace. They were arrested twice, questioned, found innocent of wrong doing, yet they were flogged, and ordered never to speak in the name of Jesus again.

Here was their response...

"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ." (Acts 5:41-42)

This statement reveals how the apostles were the real thing. Read it again; it should speak to us in a profound way. As if the apostles activities prior to this persecution were not enough, this statement of how they responded to persecution shouts off the page. They were literally celebrating because they had each been flogged for Christ.

Here is a truth that each of us must be prepared to hear: "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). Those are the words of Jesus, and they are true. So, how should we respond to trouble?

Today, as an act of worship, may we find a way to celebrate because of hardships. Remember what we are here to do: love the Lord and love our neighbors. This purpose is best achieved when we focus on bringing God glory in all things - including hardships, persecutions, and difficulties (see 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

The Bible says, "in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1)

You Will Receive Power

Today we begin reading through the book of Acts. The final words of Jesus were concerning our receiving the Holy Spirit and our being his witnesses to the ends of the earth.

"After his resurrection, "[Jesus] appeared to [his followers] over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while Jesus was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." (Acts 1:3-9)

Read Acts 1:8 one more time, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This is not the first time Jesus has spoken of this reality.

Earlier Jesus said this, "It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you." (John 16:6-15)

He had also previously given his followers what we now call the great commission saying, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

What we have just read are some of the most encouraging passages in the Bible. If we are ever going to be able to live the life that God wants us to live we need the Holy Spirit to live in us. It is impossible to live the Christian life without his help. If we are going to personally obey the great commission we must have help through the Holy Spirit.

Today as an act of worship thank God for his great promise to never leave us or forsake us. Thank him for giving us power to be his witnesses in all the world. Thank God for keeping his word by sending the Holy Spirit. Ask God to open your eyes to the work of the Holy Spirit that is going on around you today so that you can join him.

Feed My Sheep

John 21:15-19

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"

For years Peter had been the natural leader of Jesus' followers. He always went the extra mile for the team putting himself out there by speaking impulsively. He was full of passion and zeal. Largely because of his personality, on more than one occasion he found himself in over his head. We find him stepping out of boat walking on water toward Jesus before sinking into the ocean because his faith faltered. We see him hastily speaking of building houses for Moses and Elijah in the presence of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. We see him drawing his sword and defending Jesus in the garden on the night before Jesus was crucified. And, then hours later denying three times that he ever knew Christ. One thing is for sure, Peter was being tried and tested all along the way and eventually he lived up to Jesus' plan for him to be the rock upon which Christ established his church.

Today in John 21 we see the events that lead Peter to turn the corner and assume his role in a fresh way. The disciples were on the verge of going back to their pre-Jesus lives as fisherman when Jesus appeared to them a third time. They had been out fishing all night and had not caught a thing. Then a man called out from the shore for them to cast their nets again on the right side of the boat. Upon their obedience they brought in a huge catch of fish. John told Peter it must be Jesus. Peter jumped out of the boat and swam to the shore to see him.

It is shortly after breakfast when Jesus takes Peter aside and painfully questions Peter's devotion to him asking him three times, "Do you love me?" This statement challenges Peter's faithfulness and exposes his three fold denial only a few days earlier. After affirming his affection and devotion to Christ, Peter hears perhaps the most challenging personal words from Jesus, "Feed my sheep." Up until this point Peter has been just one of the other sheep, but now Jesus is telling him to act like a shepherd. Take care of the sheep. Provide for the sheep. Teach the sheep. Demonstrate a life of faith for the sheep.

Today as an act of worship thank God for Peter. Thank God for letting us learn from his example. What is God telling you to do to build up the body of Christ?

Do You Believe?

"Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31)

John wrote an eyewitness account of episodes in the life of Jesus Christ. His gospel is not a complete biography of Jesus' life and ministry; it is the compilation of specific events and teachings that Jesus and his followers experienced. It is important to note the purpose of John's gospel: that we believe in Christ and have life in his name!

Ask yourself the question, "Do I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? And, do I, because of that belief, have new life in his name?" The question boils down to two words: belief and life.

Do you BELIEVE?

Believing in Christ is no small thing. Believing is an act of faith. This is what Jesus taught his followers to do and it is what God desires for us: to live a life of faith - total dependency. This is a very hard thing for many people, especially those of great affluence. It can be very difficult for people to humble themselves and depend on others. As a whole, our flesh's natural tendency is to be independent and self-made in all things. But, to live a life of faith, believing and trusting totally in Christ, is a necessary part of our right response to God.

Do you have LIFE?

John captured and recorded some of the most powerful and encouraging words of Christ about having eternal life that begins now. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (John 14:6, 10:10, 3:16, 3:36, 6:35, 6:40, 6:63, 8:12, 11:25, 17:3)

Wow, when I read these scriptures my heart wells up within me and cries out in praise and thanksgiving to our great God. He has come that we who were dead can now live - truly live.

Today, as an act of worship, praise God that he inspired John to pass on this powerful testimony of Jesus in order that we, who were lost and dead in our sin, can now be found and live a new life in Christ. Pray that God will continually strengthen your faith as you depend on him in every area of your life today.

All Authority Has Been Given

John 19:7-11

Today we read Jesus' last words to Pilate. To set the stage, Jesus had been arrested, tried, found innocent yet was flogged, and is now on the verge of being sentenced to death or released. Pilate is visibly upset at hearing the real charges the Chief Priests are bringing against Jesus, "We have a law," they said, "and according to that law he must die because he claimed to be the Son of God." (John 19:7)

The ball was now in Pilate's court, and he had to make a judgment. He chose to take Jesus inside and question him one more time. At first Jesus refuses to speak to him. Then in response to Pilate's question, "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or crucify you?" Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above." (John 19:10-11) This is the focus of today's devotion. God gave Pilate the authority.

Do you recall Daniel's interpretation of the Babylonian King's dream. He said, "the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes." (Daniel 4:25) We know, based on the whole of scripture, that the cross was God's idea. It was his plan to redeem us from having to pay for our sin. He had already chosen to purchase us with his blood from the very beginning and set things in motion to do so. Pilate was not acting alone. In fact, Jesus said this was the very reason he came to earth, "to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

God is sovereign over our lives. He does have a purpose for your life. He has given you a platform. He has given you relationships with people who need him. He has given you authority to chose and act according to his word or not. So what will it be? What will you chose?

Today as an act of worship praise God for his amazing grace. Thank him for the cross. Thank him for being sovereign over the kingdoms of men. Thank him for giving you the influence and authority you possess. Now go and leverage all that you have to bring glory to his grace.

The Voice of Truth

Between his scourging and crucifixion we read of an encounter between the the Roman governor (Pilate) and Jesus. This particular exchange of words reveals a serious question that each of us must face; "What is truth?"

"Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"

"Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"

"Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"

Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."

"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.

Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

"What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him."

(John 18:33-38)

What is truth? If only Pilate had known who was standing in front of him when he asked the question. Think back to the words Jesus had spoken earlier in his ministry about truth. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth." (John 14:6, 8:31-32, 16:13)

Pilate was standing face to face with The Truth and missed it. He did not recognize the truth.

Thankfully we have the Spirit of truth with us to reveal the truth to us. So what does this mean for us today? We need to live in the light of the truth. We should walk with God each day recognizing him for who he really is.

Today as an act of worship learn the truth, seek the truth, embrace the truth, live the truth, and proclaim the truth. This can only happen when we "listen and believe the voice of truth!" (Casting Crowns, Voice of Truth)

Enjoy this video from one of my favorite Christians bands Casting Crowns. This is a live version of the song Voice of Truth.

Make Us One

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." (John 17:20-23, 26)

On the night before he was scourged and crucified Jesus prayed these words. Take a closer look at the heart and apex of his prayer. Literally moments before Jesus was arrested he was praying for all of his followers including you and me. He was praying that we would be fully united with him and the Father, and in doing so, live in harmony with one another.

The phrase that stands out to me is, "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." Think through the depth of this statement and consider this truth: the evidence of Jesus' coming here from the Father to save a lost world is wrapped up in our unity. Moreover, the way the world perceives the love of God is directly connected to the love they see in us.

Are you unified with Christ? Are you unified with his church? It is incorrect to say you love Christ but not the church, his bride. "We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother." (1 John 4:19-21)

Today as an act of worship, praise God for his acts of love toward you. Thank him for fulfilling his promise to never leave us. Thank him for the fellowship of believers. If you are not at peace with God right now, know that you can be. He offers us a full pardon from all our sin. If there is strife or discord between you and a brother or sister, pray for unity today. Obey the father by taking the right steps to resolve the matter.

Additional scriptures: Romans 10:9-10, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 18:15-17, 28:19-20,

Enjoy this video entitled "Make Us One"

We Are More Than Conquerors

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:31-32, 35-37)

Today we take a look at two amazing passages of scripture from John 16 and Romans 8. Both passages speak clearly of the sufficiency and rescue provided to us in Jesus Christ.

You do not have to be a Christian to have problems. No, you simply have to be living to have problems. In fact, you may be going through what seems like your darkest hour right now. Hear the words of Christ, "I have overcome the world." Let that sink in. Ask, "What does that mean for me?"

It mean that Jesus Christ has the power to help you. He has overcome the world. He does not promise you a bed of roses. On the contrary, he promises that if you are truly living for him you will encounter difficulty. I am so thankful that he did not just leave it at that. No, he promised to be with us through our trials.

Listen now to Jesus' words to his disciples. Weigh them carefully and consider there implications for your life today. "Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. (Matthew 10:17-21, 22-23)

As an act of worship, take a moment right now to thank God for his promise to be with us everyday. Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters across the globe that are shinning for Christ in the midst of utter darkness. For individual names of persecuted believers visit www.ReleaseInternational.org More persecution resources can be found at www.SecretChurch.org

Secrets of the Vine

John 15:5

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Many years ago I committed this verse to memory. It has served me well. The truth revealed in its words is timely for the church at large and the individual Christian. Read it again. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Now break it down into small phrases and weigh out the truth.

"I am the vine..."
Jesus is the vine. He is our link to God. He makes the way for us to have a relationship with God. "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." (2 Peter 1:3)

"you are the branches..."
In Christ, we are extensions of God. We serve as his hands and feet. Our purpose in life is to do his will and obey his Word. "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching." (John 14:23)

"If a man remains in me and I in him..."
We must remain connected to him. It is absolutely vital that we are constantly communing with God through Jesus (the vine) if we are going to do his will. Which will bring him glory by bearing fruit for his kingdom. "See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—even eternal life." (1 John 2:24-25)

"he will bear much fruit..."
Our lives will bring him glory by bearing the fruit of the Spirit and making disciples of all nations. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:22-25) "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20) "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

"apart from me you can do nothing."
Simply put, we can do nothing without Christ. Sadly, it is entirely possible for Christ to use us to bring glory to the Father and we totally miss it; we never see it. How tragic! Let's not miss it. Please do not miss God working in and through you to bring great glory to himself. "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:13)

Today, let me leave you with a final scripture from Colossians encouraging us to abide in him. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:16-17)

The Truth About Love

John 14:12, 15, 21, 23, 24, 31

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. If you love me, you will obey what I command. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. The world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me."

If you read John 14 in its entirety, you will likely notice that these verses jump out as a clear theme. The chapter focuses on the last words and teachings of Jesus before he gave his life on the cross as an atoning sacrifice according to the will and command of the Father. The emphasis is for the disciples (and us) to put into practice the commands and teachings that Jesus has shared with them from the very beginning. Furthermore, this emphasis, as outlined in the verses above is accompanied by the promise of the coming Holy Spirit who will remind them of everything that Jesus has taught them.

Jesus wants us to know, beyond all doubt, that obedience is the fruit of genuine affection. And that disobedience simply shows our lack of love for the Father.

To help support this teaching let's go back to the climactic concluding parable of The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Matthew 7:24-27)

Today, as an act of worship, show your true love for God by being obedient to His word. Do what he says!

What Would Jesus Do?

"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:14-15)

The most encouraging thing about following Jesus is that he left us an amazing example. A popular phase for the last 112 years is "What Would Jesus Do?" This phase was popularized in the now famous novel written by Charles Sheldon in 1896 called In His Steps. Its amazing how relevant the book still is today. In His Steps is in the public domain and can be read in its entirety online by clicking here. If you've never read it let me encourage you to do so. Go ahead and bookmark the link so you can read it soon. You can also download it in PDF format by clicking here (6.3 MB)

Today let's seek to follow Jesus' example in everything we say and do. His example teaches us to love, serve, and give sacrificially. It also challenges us to live in complete obedience to the Father's will for our lives. May we begin each day in the Word. And then ask the question as we make decisions throughout the day, "What would Jesus Do!"

Additional Scriptures: John 13:34-35, John 15:13, Ephesians 5:2, Matthew 20:28

Hypocrites Should Not Judge

Hypocrisy runs rampant in many churches because, frankly, many Christians are hypocrites. Yes, Christians are sinners, but God desires that we “go and sin no more.” (John 8:11) The best way we can avoid living in habitual sin is to judge ourselves often.

Instead of quickly casting judgment on someone, based on the way they look, talk, act, or even smell, we should take a good long look in the mirror.

When the woman who was caught in adultery (a crime under Jewish law punishable by stoning to death) was brought, by the religious leaders, to Jesus He simply told them "All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!" (John 8:7)

The only judging that is necessary for a Christian to do is to judge ourselves and rebuke a fellow believer, which should be done in love. We should rebuke another Christian out of compassion to restore that believer to a close walk with God that may have been strained due to inappropriate sinful behavior.

All Christians need other believers to challenge us and keep us walking the straight and narrow. (Matthew 7:14) God wants us to live our lives as His witnesses. Other than a godly rebuking we should not judge others, but let God be the judge.

Today, as an act of worship, let’s take a long hard look in the mirror and judge ourselves before correcting a brother or sister in Christ. For further study read Matthew 7:1-6

Give Something Away

John 3:16 is quite possibly the most widely known and quoted scripture verse in the entire Bible. The line that jumps out at me today is, “He GAVE His one and only Son…”As a continuation of the previous devotion “Ownership Is The Issue”, I’d like to challenge each of us (myself included) to give something away. He gave his son; what can we give? This simple act will hopefully serve as a catalyst in each of our lives to help us become more habitually generous.

Here are some easy steps to consider:

1. #1) Take an item (something that is fairly significant to you or at least has significant value)
2. #2) Ask God to show you someone who would want it or need it.
3. #3) Give it away. (You can do this personally or anonymously.)

It is my prayer that by doing this we will develop a more keen awareness of the needs around us, a proactive attitude of how we can meet those needs, and a consistent habit of holding our possessions loosely.

Singing is Serving

When you sing a song of praise to the Lord you are giving Him something that is infinitely unique—your worship. That’s right, you are worshiping Him. There’s something personal about singing.

Everyone has a voice that they carry with them everywhere they go. Some people honor God with their voice and some do not. It’s just like the rest of our bodies. (see also Romans 12:1-2) We know that God values our worship because He has given us a standard to follow. “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.” (Luke 4:8) I pray that you will learn to worship the Lord and serve Him.

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24 (NIV)