Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Abiding in Jesus - John 15:1-8

Jesus in this section of Scripture is vividly describing our vital need of abiding in Him. A person discussing their opinion of whether this is true to them will not change the fact that a branch that is not attached to a tree will die and wither; it’s simply fact and law!

The difference between humans and branches is that we have the gift of choice and will. This gift can rob us of life or allow us to receive it freely. Where the branch, once attached, cannot “decide” to leave the vine, we can and many times do, or worse, we never allow the Vinedresser to attach us to the Vine in the first place.

I’ve heard people say that they have no purpose in life but God does have purpose for everyone. In Isaiah 43:7 God tells us that “Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”

Our perfect Creator does not make mistakes, He creates pieces of canvas on which He wants His craftsmanship to show His glory; all He asks is that we remain in Jesus.

To abide in Christ is much more than just existing in a position, but to truly abide means to attach; to draw from; to grow from; and, produce of like kind. Jesus said that the fruit of the Spirit is what we are to produce, what He is… love.

Are you withering in your spirit or are you drawing life from the True Vine, Jesus Christ? Today, pray that God gives you the strength to truly abide in Christ and draw from Him so that you may produce that fruit that brings glory to our Father!

by Raul Montano

Thursday, October 16, 2008

2Corinthians 4:10 - Notes to Devotion

As I learn more of God through His Word, prayer and acknowledgment of His involvement in every detail of my life, inclusive to the original moment when I accepted God's gift of eternal inclusion with Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ... I surrender my life to Him that much more, knowing that He will provide my needs and never forsake me!

My desire is to seek God's will in everything and to have an ear to hear when He speaks to me, and to have the strength and wisdom to act immediately when I'm called to do so.

Personal Notes to "The Habit of Enjoying Adversity" - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest Devotional, "May 14"

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Who's the Greatest?

Muhammad Ali said, “I am the greatest… I said that before I even knew I was.”

Then there’s the never-ending debate on whether Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods is the all time greatest Golf Player, or if it’s Mick Jagger or the guy on the “Massive Mouth” video on YouTube that sports the greatest mouth to stuff smores into! We even have a book that is dedicated to recording and publishing the greatest at everything, The Guinness Book of World Records.

Man has something to say about this subject, and that’s all debatable and subjective; but, what’s more important is to hear what the Bible says about this question.

Jesus was asked by His disciples in Matthew 18, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him set him in the midst of them, 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.”

There are two conditions Jesus gave to the disciples in answering their question: 1) Conversion and 2) Become as a little child; in other words, you need to turn from your sins and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, AND, by faith, with all humility, live your life surrendered to God (which would be a natural desire if true repentance took place).

James quoted from the Old Testament, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

The greatest is the person that has the proper, humble perspective of self in light of a great and awesome God.

The question is not who is the greatest on earth; rather, the important question to answer is Who is the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven and the Bible emphatically answers that the greatest in God’s eyes is the person that has been humbled before Christ and born of the Spirit…

Monday, February 04, 2008

Heartache

The Days of Innocence were not the days of ignorance as some may declare in this postmodern world.

A time when kids were kids and adults were worth following and emulating;

A time when integrity was the norm and courtesy was not hurried.

A time when you set yourself apart and kids were not irritating;

A time when shame brought repentance and religion was not buried.

How long will we ignore the cries of our land?

Why do we turn to the works of our hands?

Our founding fathers with God took a stand,

Yet today we ignore them and declare a disband!

My heart aches and longs for a change;

God hears, equips and prepares me for battle.

God moves those who are willing;

Those clothed in His armor rather than a rattle.

Growing in God's grace and knowledge I commit;

Reverence to God and belief in His Word.

Move me to Your glory oh God I submit;

I recognize Your heavenly righteousness and eternity of worth!

My heart aches for the Days of Innocence Lord…

Hear our cries, have mercy, forgive us and move us according to Your Word!