2022-01-02
John 15:16 NIV
When Jesus said, “I chose you…that you might…bear fruit – fruit that will last,” He was saying, “Spend your life in pursuit of that which has lasting significance and eternal value!” What does He mean by “fruit”? “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV). Those nine qualities describe the only life that’s truly worth living.
Fortunately, you’re not left to produce this kind of fruit by self-effort. Indeed, you may as well try to pick yourself up by your own bootstraps! No, Jesus said this: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful…No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 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” (John 15:1-2, 4-5 NIV).
Who is Jesus speaking to? Believers. “Every branch in me” (v. 2 NIV). Who is the gardener? “My Father is the gardener” (v. 1 NIV). What’s His goal? For you to be “even more fruitful” (v. 2 NIV). What’s the secret of fruitfulness? Constant contact and intimacy with Jesus. “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit” (v. 5 NIV). So, if you want to be more fruitful, draw closer to the Lord.
Soul food: 2 Chron 7:12-16; Matt 6:5-15; Luke 18:1-8
2022-01-01
1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV
In 1643, the Houses of Parliament in England abolished the Episcopal system of government in the Church of England. An assembly of one hundred twenty-one ministers and thirty laypersons was called to Westminster Abbey to rebuild the English church. The documents coming out of that six-year assembly are some of the most famous in church history. The first question in the Shorter Westminster Catechism reads, “What is the chief end of man?” Answer: “To glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”
The implications of that question and answer are profound in their simplicity. And if you’re wise, you will make them a blueprint for your life this coming year. Glorify God. Obey God. Enjoy God. When you know your life is glorifying God, you enjoy His presence, but when you know your life is not glorifying God, you tend to avoid Him. And that’s bad, because without God’s presence in your life, what are your chances of true success? Not good!
As you look back on last year, are there things you regret because you know that God was not glorified in them? Well, God is giving you a new year to do things differently. And if you’re making New Year’s resolutions, base every one of them on the foundation of this Scripture: “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” If you follow that rule, you will stay on the right path, and you will have the peace and joy of knowing your life is pleasing to the Lord. Whatever circumstances may arise, you will face them with peace and confidence, knowing that God is with you.
Soul food: Rom 13:12-14:19; John 1:1-14
2021-12-31
Joel 2:29 NKJV
God spoke through the prophet Joel saying, “Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and…maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days” (vv. 28-29 NKJV). Regardless of your age or gender, God has a vision for you to fulfill. And sometimes it won’t make sense because you don’t feel qualified.
In the musical Man of La Mancha, there is a scene where Don Quixote and his servant stand gazing at a dilapidated inn. When Quixote describes his vision of turrets and magnificent gates, his servant tries hard to see the same picture, but all he can see are ruins. And when he attempts to describe them, Quixote says, “Stop! I will not allow your facts to interfere with my vision!”
Most great achievements begin as a vision in someone’s heart. And many times people try to convince the person it can’t be done – or that he or she can’t do it. Often this confirms the visionary’s deepest fears about his or her abilities. And that’s the crucial point! If you can disregard your critics and rise above your fears, God will enable you to fulfill the vision He has given you.
But keep in mind that while your vision may come to you in an instant, it can take a lifetime to fulfill. Habakkuk writes, “The vision is…for an appointed time…Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come” (Habakkuk 2:3 NKJV). A God-given dream often defies the facts, so if you have a vision, look for supporters, not critics. And when someone shares his or her vision with you, become a cheerleader.
Soul food: Phil 3:8-14; 2 Cor 5:14-21; Ps 77:11-20; Prov 9:10-12
2021-12-30
Genesis 3:9 NLT
When you don’t feel good about yourself, you use things like work, food, relationships, money, and mood-altering substances to build a wall and keep people from getting too close. But lasting relationships can only be built when you stop hiding and become transparent with others. Another hiding tactic we employ is keeping the focus on other people by asking, “How come she got a new house and I didn’t?” Or, “Why did he get that job and not me?” That kind of thinking just makes you miserable. But even worse than pretending with people is pretending with God.
When God asked Adam, “Where are you?” He already knew the answer. So why did He ask the question? Because He wanted Adam to acknowledge where he was and what he had become. Eric Hoffer said, “We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves.” Until you face the truth about yourself, you will find it hard to talk to God. You will feel lonely and alienated. And you will struggle to look people in the eye in case they see the “real you.”
It’s time to come out of hiding, get down on your knees, and say: “Father, I know you love me. Nothing can change that or rob me of its joy except my own doubts and refusal to believe it. You loved me before I was born, you fashioned me according to your plan, you redeemed me and gave me a special purpose in the world, and you’re working day by day to make me into a person who pleases you” (See Philippians 2:13). The good news is – you don’t have to hide anymore!
Soul food: 1 Cor 15-16; Matt 3:1-10; Ps 116; Prov 31:30-31
2021-12-29
Deuteronomy 30:6 NIV
Hebrew baby boys went through the rite of circumcision. It signified that they were in a covenant relationship with God in which He promised to protect, guide, and bless them. And in the New Testament, Paul “spiritualizes” this rite. “True circumcision…is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit” (Romans 2:29 NLT). Spiritually understood, circumcision means “cutting off” anything that promotes and produces in us wrong impulses and actions.
Jesus said, “Those whose hearts are pure…will see God” (Matthew 5:8 NLT). When your heart is pure, you will be able to see God where others can’t and hear Him when others don’t. The word pure could be translated “without contamination.” It’s the difference between a clear stream and a polluted one. It means your self-centered thinking is abandoned and your carnal nature is crucified.
The difference between forgiveness and cleansing is like the difference between cutting off a weed at the ground and pulling it up by its roots. Forgiveness deals with the “result” of sin – that’s easy to identify. But cleansing deals with the “cause” of sin – that’s not so easy to identify because it deals with your natural traits and character flaws. Forgiveness comes by confession, but cleansing comes by walking in the light: “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light…the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7 NIV).
Do you keep asking God to forgive the same sins over and over? That’s because you need to experience true cleansing. Your heart needs to be circumcised. And that’s a job for the Holy Spirit.
Soul food: 1 Cor 12-14; Matt 2:16-23; Ps 139:13-24; Prov 31:28-29
2021-12-28
1 Corinthians 6:12 MSG
Paul said, “Just because something is technically legal doesn’t mean…it’s spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I’d be a slave to my whims.” If you’re serious about spiritual growth, look for opportunities to say no to yourself in small areas. Then one day you will be able to say it when it really counts.
Daniel started by saying no to eating the king’s food, and later was able to say no to bowing to the king’s idols. Zero in on the undisciplined areas of your life; the ones you keep excusing, rationalizing, and delaying dealing with. Paul measured his actions by this yardstick: “Is it beneficial? Does it have the potential to control me?” (See 1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV).
You have a “right” to eat a tub of ice cream every night. It’s permissible – but it’s not “beneficial,” especially if you want unblocked arteries, a trim waistline, the ability to run a marathon, or to just keep up with your kids and grandkids. You have a “right” to spend your money as you please, but don’t complain when you end up strangled by debt. You have a “right” to look at whatever you want on TV or the internet, but exposure to wrong influences will inevitably weaken your character, rob you of self-respect, and enslave you.
Bottom line: Your character is the sum total of the choices you make each day. And one more thought: When it comes to replacing bad habits with good ones, the only person who can make that happen is you!
Soul food: 1 Cor 10-11; Matt 2:9-15; Ps 139:1-12; Prov 31:25-27
