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"