soul

DEAR GOD: Purge Me, Cleanse Me So I May Bear Fruit~

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I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
John 15:1-2

The Essence of Abiding in Christ

This profound verse speaks to the essential relationship between believers and Jesus Christ. The imagery of the vine and branches highlights the vital connection we must maintain with Christ to live fruitful and fulfilling lives. Just as a branch cannot survive, let alone bear fruit, without being attached to the vine, we cannot thrive spiritually without remaining in close communion with Jesus. By partaking daily in His Word, and meditating on His Scripture we are able to grow spiritually, and our growth hereby will produce fruit, and more of it each day.

Understanding the Metaphor

In Biblical times, vineyards were a common sight, and the metaphor of the vine and branches would have been easily understood. The vine provides the necessary nutrients and support for the branches to grow and produce fruit. Without this connection, the branches wither and die. Similarly, our spiritual lives depend entirely on our connection to Christ. He is the source of our strength, wisdom, and nourishment. Without Him, we can do nothing of eternal value.

Abiding in Christ Today

In today’s fast-paced world, the call to “abide” in Christ is more relevant than ever. It means remaining steadfast in our relationship with Him, despite the distractions and challenges of modern life. Abiding in Christ involves continual reliance on His grace, living in obedience to His Word, and seeking His presence in our daily lives. It is through this intimate relationship that we find purpose, peace, and the ability to bear spiritual fruit.

Reflective Questions

  1. How can I cultivate a deeper and more consistent relationship with Christ?
  2. What distractions or challenges prevent me from fully abiding in Him?
  3. In what ways have I experienced spiritual growth and fruitfulness as a result of abiding in Christ?
  4. How can I encourage others in their walk with Christ and help them to abide in Him?
  5. What practical steps can I take daily to ensure that I remain connected to the Vine?

Supportive Scriptures

John 15:5 (KJV): “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

Philippians 4:13 (KJV): “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Moral Takeaways

  • Dependence on Christ: Our spiritual vitality and ability to bear fruit depend entirely on our relationship with Christ.
  • Continual Growth: Abiding in Christ is an ongoing process that requires diligence and dedication.
  • Spiritual Fruit: The evidence of abiding in Christ is seen in the fruit of the Spirit manifested in our lives.

Prayer

“LORD –We come before You with hearts open and longing to abide in Your presence. Help us to remain steadfast in our relationship with Jesus, drawing strength and nourishment from Him as the true Vine. May we find purpose and peace in our connection to You, bearing fruit that brings glory to Your name. Guide us in overcoming the distractions and challenges that hinder our walk with You. Fill us with the fruit of the Spirit, reflecting Your love, joy, and peace to the world. Strengthen our faith and deepen our reliance on Your grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Scripture to Ponder

Psalm 1:3 (KJV): “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Blessing for the Readers

May the Lord bless your commitment to abide in Christ. May your life be filled with the fruit of the Spirit, bringing glory to God and drawing others to His love. Trust in His guidance and remain steadfast in your relationship with Him.

God Bless You All~

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DEAR GOD: You Are the Keeper of My Soul~

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I observed my niece playing with her toys on the floor in her living room. She methodically placed her building blocks one on top of the other. She seemed to really enjoy the red ones the most. As the pile got higher and higher, she became more excited. Until the last block she placed atop of the huge pile.  I knew it was sure to happen and within seconds she was crying. “All come down!” She cried as her mom assured her; she could build it again. That seemed to stifle the tears somewhat. And within seconds a chocolate chip cookie and milk seemed to erase the entire scenario from her little innocent mind.

That got me to thinking about our souls. The blocks were like the weight of the world, all its troubles piling atop one another. Issues, troubles, finances, division, political discourse, so on and so forth. Until one final piece crumbles it to the ground. That could be our soul!

Jesus very succinctly gives us a warning in Mark 8:36. He is telling us what good to gain the world if we lose our soul in the process? How important is the things of this world that would push our souls to the brink of eradication?

Listen, of course we need to be aware of current events. Jesus warned His disciples as he sent them out into the world in Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 

The Lord Jesus used the dove as a model for harmlessness and innocence, and the serpent for wisdom and cunning. So, we are to utilize the two in a way that is fitting of a Christian and follower of Christ. We are to be cautious as we venture into the world and be forewarned at all times, remembering the words of Christ.

How can we do this?

  1. Take note of the world events, but don’t get pulled into them in an ungodly fashion. ((Colossians 2:8)
  2. Be aware that evil does exist in the world but remember that Christ gives us authority in His name to overcome it. ((Mark 16:18)
  3. Be an example of His light to those you encounter, smile, help, and be attentive to other’s needs. (Matthew 5:16)
  4. Stay in the Word, and always have your Gospel Armor in place (Ephesians 6)
  5. Don’t fear those who can kill your flesh, but rather those who can “kill your soul.” (Matthew 10:28)

 

Number five on the above list is crucial to your spiritual growth and roots in Christ. The only One we answer to is our LORD. The only One we bow down to is to the Highest Authority in the Universe, our LORD and Savior, King of kings.

Sure, we are subject to “civil law” and “rules” in which societal norms are vitally important to exist. But make no mistake, we are under the control of the Highest Royal God, who is at the helm 24/7!

It is Him and only He that has our soul in His hands.

We have a duty as citizens to obey the rules of the land, but we have a full-blown allegiance to acquiesce to all of what God commands.

So, remembering my nieces “tower” that fell from all that weight. There is only so much world you can take in before it tries to snatch up your soul. But as faithful followers, nothing could ever take us from the love of Christ. Nothing!

Romans 8:39 -Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

“Father my LORD, thank You for Your brilliant light, love and guidance, may I always be aware that we are dealing with daily spiritual warfare in the world, may my spirit always be in step with Your word in all I do and encounter, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: How Do We Stay Focused on You?~

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Stay Focused on Jesus - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Cobourg

Hebrews 12:2 –

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith

How can we stay focused on God? There are many reasons to want to do so and all are beneficial to us, spiritually, physically mentally.

When we engage daily in prayer, meditation and reading verses in the Bible, we are activating a closer bond with the LORD in many ways. First of all, we are showing Him reverence by being in His Word, and when we obey His commandments, we are doing according to His Word.

Staying focused on God and His Word is relevant to all we endeavor to do or hope to do. Being in the Word brings wisdom and insight and it equips us with the ability to ascertain things we normally would not be able to do without His guidance.

So, how do we stay focused on Him?

  1. By being in the Word.
  2. By being faithful to His commandments.
  3. By spending time with Him alone in prayer.
  4. By showing His love to others.
  5. By being an example of His light and truth.
  6. By doing all things that are right and aligning with His Word.
  7. Seeking His face in all we do and attempt to do.
  8. Loving Him totally with all our hearts, minds, body, and soul.
  9. Putting Him first before anything or anyone else.
  10. And by asking for His will to be done in your life. 

As we focus on His love, His Word, His will we are inherently drawing closer to Him. When we ask for His will to be done in our life, we are placing our trust in Him, knowing He wants what is best for all of us.

Spending time with the LORD is probably the most valuable and important thing you can possibly do in this lifetime. Loving Him is probably the most pleasant thing you can do in this lifetime. And obeying Him is the most rewarding thing you can do in this lifetime, and the life to come in Eternity.

Colossians 3:2 

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

 

“Father, may I stay focused on You and Your commandments, love and Word today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”