LEARNING DAILY

Genesis 2:16-17, And the lord God commanded the man saying, “Of every tree of the garden you mat eat freely; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

There it is – the divine requirement to walking on a narrow way into God’s kingdom for eternity. Obedience is at the very center of all that God demands of those who follow Him. This is no after- thought for God; it was a command set forth for Adam and Eve to follow as they took care of the Garden of Eden. “In Eden, God does not ask the first man and woman for love or faithfulness, only for obedience to one fundamental command, ‘If you want to walk with Me, do what I say.’” (David Jeremiah).

That fundamental command is taught throughout the Bible and is one of the most difficult to follow. It is difficult because Believers live in a fallen world that continually promotes “living your life the way you want” rather than being obedient to the Word of God. Believers live in a world where sin is made glamorous and made so tempting that saying “no” is not done. Believers live in a world that promotes having no authority in your life except your own; giving in to another’s authority is not acceptable.

This thought comes right after the last page of the blog about “accepting” Jesus Christ as one’s Savior and still trying to hang on to what the world offers. Those who ask Jesus Christ to save them must understand that He has declared what the world offers as off limit. In the Garden, Adam and Eve could eat from any tree they wanted except for one. God had provided everything they needed; He had given Adam and Eve complete freedom in the Garden with one exception. The online Bible study site BibleRef.com states this, “This simple prohibition underscores the Bible’s basic view of sin and salvation. Mankind will not fall into sin because he fails to keep some impossible long list of rules. Nor will humanity fail because the restrictions are too demanding. Given near complete freedom, and one single restriction, humanity will still choose to sin and fall.”

That brings to the need for every believer “to make their free will to be the will of God” (A.W. Tozer). Obedience that God requires is for His will to become our will. That is the choice every Believer has to make every day. Are you going to follow God’s will by saying “no” to the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16) or are you going to be your “own boss”? Are you going to walk a narrow way that leads to an eternity in God’s kingdom or walk on the broad way that leads to destruction? Free will is a mystery in some ways; each person gets to choose for themselves the path they take in their life.

My question is how an individual can say they are saved and still walk in disobedience to the Savior who saved them? No, it is a matter of being all in with Jesus Christ. He cannot be divided to where a person walks with Him sometimes or only follow some commands while rejecting others. It is a matter of walking with Him as He demands or not at all. He will be either Lord of all or not at all. Choose wisely. Where you spend eternity depends on the choice you make!

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 4:4, Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

I wonder how many of today’s Christians believe it is possible to “accept” Jesus Christ without forsaking the world. That thought was brought up in an article written by A.W. Tozer and I had to stop reading it to consider what he was writing. He followed this thought with the above verse from James. He also used 1 John 2:15, “If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in Him.” Read what Tozer also wrote: “When God declares a man righteous, He instantly sets about to make him righteous. Our error today is that we do not expect a converted man to be a transformed man, and as a result of this error our churches are full of substandard Christians. A revival, among other things, a return to the belief that real faith invariably produces holiness of heart and righteousness of life.”

The wisdom of the world tells us that to be successful, a person must do whatever it takes to receive or become what we want out of life. No one else is going to provide for us, so we do what we must to do so. But to live this way as a Believer can never please God. Trying to live this way only brings failure and defeat which is not what God has planned for those who truly commit to Him.

A different way to believe is found in James 1:17, “Every good gift comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning”. God gives good gifts; He does not change. That means that he provides everything that is good in the lives of His followers. Because Believers can believe that He does so, they do not have to fight with others or abuse them to get what they want in life. Instead, Believers obey what the Word of God says and serve one another in order to help them meet their needs.

Jame’s writing in the verse above is stating something rather obvious to all Believers. One cannot try to be friends with the world and with God at the same time. He is not writing that Believers cannot be friends with non-believers. The Bible talks about counting the cost in becoming a Christian (Luke 14:28) just like one would first calculate the cost and profit of constructing a building. Becoming a Christian, a true Believer, is not to be made impulsive or without consideration of the cost. A true Believer has sensed the terrible result of sin in their life and truly wants to be set free of it. They have come to realize the only One who can set them free Is Jesus Christ; therefore, the commitment is made to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and the desire to walk a narrow way with Him in order for Him to change them. This is not a part-time commitment as it involves all areas of one’s life.

Jesus wants to be in charge of all areas of your life, Believer! He wants to be the center of your life 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Our response as Believers is to allow Him to do just that! We live in the world. But we are to be different from the world!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 15:27, And she said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from the master’s table.”

This is the account of a “chance” meeting between Jesus and another woman. In this meeting, the woman was seeking Jesus; Jesus had come into the region of Tyre and Sidon. My thought is Jesus went to this area to meet the woman because after the meeting He left the area and went to a mountain where He fed 4,000 people (v.29).

There is a lot of teaching in Matthew 15:21-28. The woman sought out Jesus because her daughter was “severely demon-possessed” (v. 22) and she needed a miracle. Can you hear her cry for help? Can you hear the desperation in her voice? She is a Canaanite woman but seems to know and understand who Jesus is because she calls Him Lord, son of David”. She must recognize Him as the messiah Israel is looking for and is begging for Him to free her daughter from the demon who plagues her.

There are two responses to look at. The disciples must have gotten tired of her crying out to Jesus because they “urged Him” to send her away. It is not clear if they wanted Jesus to just heal her or not; they just seemed like they just wanted her to go away and leave them alone.

The other response to the cries of the woman is the response of Jesus. Verse 23 tells us “He answered her not a word”. Silence! Nothing! She did not give up and continued to cry out for help. In that process, the disciples lost their patience and wanted her to go away. Focus in on the fact that the woman did not give up, did not stop asking for her need to be met by the only One who could meet it. Jesus’ answer to His disciples and her was that He was only sent to the lost sheep of Israel. They were in a Gentile area and Jesus made it clear He had to first take care of the Jewish people, God’s chosen people. It would be only after their rejection of salvation through Him that the Gentiles would be offered His salvation.

Her response to this was to come and worship Him (v. 25). She would not accept His silence nor the attempts of the disciples to send her away. Think of her faith! She did not argue with Jesus; she worshipped. She persevered in faith – a faith that trusted Jesus in all her circumstances. Do you have a situation, a need that is challenging your faith today. Have you been praying, pleading with the Lord Jesus Christ to meet that need and only hearing silence? Can I encourage you, as I encourage myself, to not give up! Continue to ask and seek and knock. Look at this woman and do as she did – worship and remain true to Him in every circumstance you are asking about. Do so even when He is silent!

I wonder if Jesus knew this woman could get through this trial. Was He testing her faith? Was he trying to see if she would just give up? She did not stop. She did not argue. She trusted and continued to ask. Her response to Jesus saying, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” showed great faith and humility. It was enough so that Jesus praised her faith and said that her daughter was healed.

May I encourage you to study these verses on your own and understand that Believers are not to give up in asking. The Lord Jesus hears our cries to Him! He is sovereign and all-knowing. He knows the beginning from the end and can be trusted. Perhaps the delay in answering you is to build your faith. Perhaps He wants to see if you will hold on to Him in the midst of your need. All I know is that His Word tells us He cares for each of His faithful followers and their needs; He desires the very best for each of them.

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 4:39, Many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did”.

The weekend was the last week of teaching about Jesus meeting a woman by well in Samaria. It was a great reminder about the importance of each Believer’s testimony regarding Jesus saving and changing them. It is important to be reminded that each person who has been saved by Jesus has a testimony that may help someone else find their relationship to Jesus. She went to the city from where she came, and “told them what Jesus had done for her” (Pastor Newton). Her testimony resulted in the Samaritans going to Jesus themselves. As Jesus used this woman, He will use each Believer to share what He has done for him/her.

I want each reader of this blog to think about who led you to Jesus. Was it something they said to you or was it the way the person lived their life. There are certainly those people who live their life in a way that people are drawn to them to find out what is different about them. What is your story; that is your testimony.  1 Peter 3:15 reminds us we are to, “always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (from the Listener Guide). If you have read this blog for a while, you will know I have said this before. Several pastors I have listened to have prophetically spoken that a time is coming when the Lord is going to bring people who are prepared to share this hope Peter is writing about. This time may be very near as evil grows around us.  

The weekend message was about sharing that hope, about being able to tell others what Jesus has done for you. It might be a scary thought for you. What are you going to say to someone who wants to know what is different about you. I must admit that approaching someone about Jesus, about asking them where they think they will spend eternity is not something I do easily. But I have found once a conversation is started, words flow pretty easily.

Pastor Newton made it clear that when we share what Jesus did to save and change us does not need to be a discussion of every sinful thing you have ever done. I was thankful for that because – well I was just thankful for that. It is enough to tell them that Jesus changed “your direction” by giving you new ways of thinking and changing what you desire. I relate to that as I think back over the changes that occurred right away and how over the years, I have lost interest in habits I had before Jesus entered my life. The impact that Jesus has on our lives is different for each of us because our lives are different. “Each of us is seeking something to fill the needs and desires of our lives” (Ed Newton). It is when we meet Jesus that those ways of filling the need(s) changes. Sharing that change becomes our testimony.

The testimony of the woman at the well brought many others to Jesus. They then could say they believed because they each had met Jesus personally. Each of you reading this blog is the “evidence” of what meeting Jesus can do in your life. I know how Jesus changed me and continues to change me and I am so thankful for what He has done and continues to do as I walk with Him on a narrow way. What about you? Be the light of Jesus to others through your life and through the words you speak. Be prepared to tell others what Jeus has done for you and wants to do in the life of those He sends into your life. What a blessing it is to plant a seed in the life of another or to be given the opportunity to lead a person to Jesus.

“Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.” Jesus speaking to His disciples in John 4:35b.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 7:3-8, And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.” Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, Lord do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But You say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he does it.”

We have seen the humility of this centurion. In Luke’s account Jesus went with those he had sent to ask Jesus to heal his servant. When they were not far from the house, the centurion sent others to Jesus because he believed himself to be unworthy of Jesus entering his house. Instead, the centurion, in his humility, believed that Jesus only had to, “say the word, and his servant will be healed”. “Beloved, the greater the faith, the deeper the humility” (Charles Spurgeon). The centurion understood that at his word, those in his command did whatever it was that was commanded by him. He related that to the power of Jesus to heal his servant.

Read the response of Jesus to the faith of the centurion in the next verse. “When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, ‘I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel’.” I tried to find another time that Jesus “marveled” at something and only found that He marveled at the unbelief of the Nazarenes (Mark 6:6). I doubt Jesus was caught off guard by the faith of the centurion.  He certainly let those following Him know that this man’s faith was greater than what the Jewish people had. Jesus recognized the faith that the centurion had believed that He only needed to say a word to heal his servant; He did not need to be in the house. His humility, his sense of not being worthy of having Jesus in his house, yet not doubting Jesus’ ability is something all Believers must sense.

None of us are worthy that Jesus Christ should come to us. But He took our sinful nature, suffered on a cross in our place and now “sits at the right hand of God the Father” (Ephesians 1:19-21), willing to give to His followers “exceedingly above and beyond what we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Because one asks Jesus Christ into their heart to save and change him/her, He is willing and able to do so. One’s sense of unworthiness should lead him/her to Jesus just as the centurion’s unworthiness did.

We must look at our own inadequacies, our own unworthiness and trust Jesus is enough to save, change and walk with us on the narrow way into eternal life in His kingdom. Walk with Him in humility and in faith, always believing He is able to do all that shows He is God and in control.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 7:3-8, And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.” Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, Lord do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But You say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he does it.”

Both Matthew and Luke write about Jesus healing the servant of a centurion. Both writers have their specific emphasis in writing their account. In Luke’s account, for instance the centurion has sent “elders of the Jews” to Jesus; Matthew writes that the centurion went to Jesus himself. I believe the important thought is to look at the context of what was done as this passage is considered.

Consider the centurion, a Gentile who had absolute power those he commanded and also in Capernaum. Yet, look at his heart. When I think of Roman commanders, I think of one who unyielding in what he does, sending men into battle and taking no consideration for the Jewish people in what he does. But the centurion was concerned for his servant who was dying. For him servants were all around him; replacing one who died could certainly be done easily. But this servant was “dear to him”.

When the elders found Jesus, they told Him that this centurion “love their nation and had built them a synagogue”. Understand that a Gentile man had done some great things for the Jewish community here. In return, Luke points out that Jewish elders went to Jesus to plead with Him because of what the centurion had done. The centurion knows that Jesus is able to save his servant but as a Gentile he knows he is not worthy to approach Jesus. They go to Jesus and “earnestly beg Him” to come with them. Their description of the centurion gives a hint to us that the centurion may even have a heart for God; at least he gives honor and respect to God because of what he has done. To me, this speaks to the character of the centurion.

There is another word that describes the centurion, his humility. “For I am not worthy.” I wonder if he looked at his own sinfulness when he considered Jesus. We are not told anything about the centurion’s knowledge of Jesus. Had he heard of what Jesus had done previously? All we read is that the centurion saw his own helplessness regarding his servant. In that helplessness he saw and had no doubt that Jesus was able to heal when he could not.

Just a closing thought on humility. A person who is humble does not need to tell anyone about his humility because it is going to be seen. Consider the centurion’s position. It seems the person in a high position can have a pretty high opinion of themselves and desires others recognize that position. The centurion did not use his position to elevate himself above all others. His heart was right, and his humility was seen by others. Those around him saw his humility by what he said and what he did. Should that not be what all Believers would seek? Should not all believers exhibit Christian character that others see in their words and in their actions? That does not just happen; it comes as time is spent in God’s Word and time spent in prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into who God wants us to be. It is doing our best to be obedient to the Lord as we walk on a narrow way. I encourage you to spend more time with Him each day allowing Him to work in your life so the light of Jesus in you shines bright so others see the difference He has made in you!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Psalm 145:3-4, Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Thy works to another and shall declare Thy mighty acts.

Jonathon Moore, the Lead Pastor at NorthRock Church in San Antonio, spoke this past weekend about the need for every generation of Christians telling the next generation about Jesus and all the works of God as explained in His Word. He explained that Believers are to be praying for the next generation(s) to fear God, to trust and revere Him. He said Believers need to be praying for them to be surrounded by God’s favor each day. He also said believers need to pray that God brings them Godly friends and influences into their lives. Parents, grandparents, and the Church have a responsibility to do this!

As I watched and listened to this message on-line, I had so many thoughts and memories go through my mind of situations and conversations with colleagues, students, family, and others over many years. I spent time thinking of the influence my colleagues in the Christian schools I was in, had on the lives of students as they shared about walking with Jesus, administering tough love when necessary and being an example as they walked the talk. Having the opportunity to be in a position where I could observe them teaching and interacting with students outside of the classroom was always enjoyable; it had to please the Lord.

I had to reflect on the many students who sat in my classroom and, sometimes, in my office. I do not do Facebook, but it would be fun to be able to look into the lives of those students. It would be fun to see what they have become. For those of you who receive this blog, it is a joy to know you are walking the narrow way. I am so proud of that and what you have become. Doctors, pastors, a leader in a megachurch, parents who are making sure your children are brought up in a Christian school, educators with outstanding credentials, and you that are standing firm in your faith. It is your responsibility to make sure the next generation(s), your children and grandchildren have a biblical worldview!

We never stop praying for our family! Even when our children grow up, get married and have their own children, we continue to pray for them. I pray continually Matthew 5:6 over our family – that each of them will have a greater hunger and thirst for righteousness and each will place the kingdom of God before everything else. I pray God’s favor over them and that He brings Godly people into their lives. I pray that God will remove all deceit and replace it with the truth of God’s Word. We pray for our brother and sisters and their families as well.

The times we live in are certainly interesting; they are “perilous times” according to the writing of Timothy. The enemy is working hard to mislead and prevent the next generations from knowing about and coming to know the Lord Jesus Christ. As Believers, we need to be working even harder to make sure the enemy is not successful. I encourage all who read this to make church, the Bible, your relationship to Jesus to be your priority. Walk on the narrow way each day! Each day be sure that you are spending time reading/studying/meditating on God’s Word and prayer! Then be ready to share what God has done to change you as He gives you opportunity.

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 4:28-29, The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, “come see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?”

This was the third week of a series about Jesus going through Samaria to meet a woman by a well. Before the weekend’s message, it is important to back up a few verses to examine the discussion between Jesus and the Samarian woman. They have been discussing the living water that Jesus could give to her so we would thirst no more. The woman tried to divert the discussion to religious stuff” by referring to where their fathers had worship and where the Jews had worshipped. Jesus responded that it was not about where a person worshipped; it was a matter of worshipping in spirit and in truth. To that she said, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus told her, “I am He.”

Be sure to catch the significance of this part of the conversation. Jesus willingly reveals to a Samaritan woman who is an outcast and probably not religious. Dr. Newton made it clear “that a Jewish rabbi would never talk to a woman in public, not even his wife. But Jesus elevates this woman and tells her she is worthy”. 

It is at this point that the disciples return, and the woman leaves her waterpot and goes back to the “people she was running from” (Dr. Newton). The woman had come to the well when no one else would be there to draw water from the well. Jesus is there and offers her water that will cause her to never thirst again. He eventually tells her He is the Messiah. Notice what she does – she leaves the waterpot, probably beside the well, and goes to tell others about Jesus. She “no longer needs the waterpot because she is now filled with the ‘living water’ and she had become the vessel for others” (Dr. Newton). She left behind a very important piece of property in her eagerness to tell others about Jesus.

The woman ran to those people who knew all about her past. In doing so she used her past as a reason for them to listen to Jesus. “He knew all the things I ever did.” Dr. Newton said, It was her authenticity, her honesty that brought the people, both men and women, to Jesus. God does not need perfect people to tell others about what Jesus has done for them”. Whatever the sins she had committed and the socially awkwardness of the woman was overcome by what she had received from her conversation with Jesus.

I believe the significance of leaving the waterpot is important for every Believer. When one comes to the saving faith in Jesus Christ, they no longer need the things they once believed were essential to living their life. What became her most important thought was the One who gave her the “living water”. It seems she was in a hurry to tell others about Jesus and their conversation. Taking the waterpot with her would have hindered her.

My question is what do each of us need to leave behind or get rid of so we are able to tell those around us about the One who still offers living water? As followers of Him, doesn’t it become our responsibility to tell others about Him, about how He saves and changes us and sets us on a narrow way to walk into His kingdom? What keeps you from inviting others to come to the “well of living water” and drink?  

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 12:42-43, Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue, for they loved the praises of men more than the praise of God.

One last thought on the discussion Jesus had with His disciples regarding believing in Him. There were many who did not believe in Him as the Messiah because their hearts had become hardened. There were others who did believe who He was but did not speak out about Him. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea come to mind as Jewish leaders who believe in Jesus. They even took His body from the cross and laid it in a burial tomb. For the most part many who believed did not speak out boldly about Jesus and who He was because they were afraid of losing their position and respect among their peers. The Jewish leaders had made it quite clear that “anyone who confessed He was the Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue” (John 9:22). Men like the two mentioned kept their faith quiet.

I have been wrestling with the idea of “loving the praises of men more than the praise of God”. They feared being put out of the synagogue because their leaders did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah they had been looking for; He did not fit their expectations and presented a threat to their position and authority. Being put out of the synagogue would have been a great loss for the Jewish people of Jesus’ time on earth. The people and the leaders did not speak out boldly their beliefs because of their fear of rejection.

What would make you afraid of expressing or showing your faith in Jesus Christ? It seems to come down to “loving the praises of men more than the praise of God”. Are we afraid that people will ridicule us or think we are meek because of placing our faith in Jesus? Are the praises of people really that important to us that we fear their mocking? Would our position in life or our popularity be hurt because of our faith? The way the world is today, the answer to that question might be yes. Yet, another question must be asked. If one wants to truly honor God, how can the approval of mere mortal people be more important? God calls His followers to love Him without rival.

Before this becomes something that brings discouragement to anyone, it is a call to live your faith before men. Live according to the way Jesus tells us to live in the Word of God. Let the light of Jesus in you shine bright in a dark world. Be ready to tell others about the changes Jesus has brought in your life. Ready/study/meditate on the Word; study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15) in order to share truths of God’s Word. Believers must understand that people will either not want anything to do with them or the love of Jesus will draw people to them; commitment to Him should never waiver. Jesus is always the example for His followers when relating to others. There was never a question in His mind about the influence of popularity when it came to His purpose while on earth. He never shied away from speaking truth when faced by opposition, even when it meant he would be rejected by people.

That same commitment must be how Believers relate to others; our life is not to be about making a name for ourselves. Others may love us or hate us, rejecting us for the stand made for truth. We must choose to allow God to define who we are – not by other people.  

Let the word of Jesus found in the Sermon on the Mount be an encouragement to follow Him instead of desiring the praises of men. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets before you.”

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 12:37, But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him.

Jesus has been discussing with His disciples the need for a grain of wheat falling into the ground and dying so it can produce much grain. He is telling them about His death. John records that so many people had witnessed what Jesus had said and done but still did not believe in Him. John’s statement about the unbelief of people is a statement that could be made today.

If the chronology in John’s writing is accurate, the statement of people not believing occurs after Lazarus was raised from the grave and numerous other miracles Jesus did. The earthly ministry was coming to a conclusion. The question referred to from the prophet Isaiah in verse 38 is still valid, “Lord, who has believed our report?”.

After all the wonderful Biblical preaching and teaching, books written, and access to every commentary about the Bible people still do not believe. Unbelief. Why do people still not believe? It must not be about what people know or have the opportunity to know. If it is not about opportunity, it must be because people do not want to know and do not want to change; they must desire their sinful life, their walk on the broad way than to that of walking on the narrow way. If an individual is satisfied with their lifestyle and running their own lives, he/she is going to say no to Jesus. The individual will turn a deaf ear to hearing anything about Him. That individual is content to walk on the broad way that leads to destruction.

You might look at the verses following verse 37 and blame God for hardening an individual’s heart. Be careful of taking these statements out of context. At first glance, it seems God is blinding one’s eyes and hardening one’s heart so they would not believe. That is contrary to the fact that God wants all people to believe in Him. However, consider that this only occurs after rejecting God many times. Only God knows when that time comes. God hardened Pharoah’s heart, but that happened only after Pharoah had rejected God repeatedly. Pharoah only had himself to blame for his hardened heart towards God.

John is using this writing from Isaiah to affirm that those who stubbornly refuse to accept Jesus as their Savior and follow Him only have themselves to blame for this. It is because of this that people continue to live a lifestyle that does not please God. Because of this stubbornness of one’s heart, all sorts of excuses are made regarding why he/she does not want to hear anything about Jesus nor change their lifestyle.

John 6:44 is a statement about the Father drawing people to Jesus. The “drawing” is a one-sided affair. The Holy spirit is constantly trying to draw an individual to Jesus to be saved and then continues to guide the Believer on the narrow way to God’s eternal life. If He did not do this few, if any, would be saved because every person’s heart is darkened by sin. Those who continue to say no will eventually be left to their own way, left to walk on the broad way that leads to destruction. Those who see the light and say yes to Jesus will then walk a narrow way into eternal life in God’s kingdom.

I am glad that I do not make the decision about an individual’s heart. The Believer’s task is to let the light of Jesus shine bright through him/her in this dark world and to always be ready to tell another about how Jesus has changed him/her.

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 5:5, But Simon answered and said to Him, Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, at Your word, I will let down the net”. (My emphasis)

Jesus told Peter to go out into the deeper water and throw out the nets again. Peter was tired and perhaps discouraged by a night of fishing without catching anything, but he did as Jesus told him to do. He rowed out to deeper water, threw the net in again at the word of Jesus. Because Peter was obedient, his net was full of fish.

Consider the strength of those words. In Genesis, creation is explained; God spoke and light was separated from darkness. God spoke and the waters on earth had to conform to boundaries; dry land appeared forming continents. God spoke and vegetation appeared, planets were set into orbits, stars filled the heavens, and the sun and moon separated night and day. God spoke and the many varieties of animals, fish, and birds were created. At God’s word Noah built an ark, got into the ark, and stayed in it until God spoke to him to go out of it. By God’s word Abraham left his dwelling place and went where God told him to go. By God’s word Abraham took Isaac to sacrifice him believing God had a purpose in him doing so. By God’s word, Moses leads God’s people out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, and to the Promised land. By God’s word armies were victorious and others fell in defeat. By God’s word Joshua walks around Jericho and the city’s wall crumble. Kings and world leaders are put into their positions and nations rise, succeed or fail by God’s word. At God’s word fishermen threw their empty nets back into the water.

By God’s word prophecies will come to pass. When the time was right God sent His son (Galatians 4:4). By God’s word the only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ. By His word days will become much worse than they are right now. Tribulation will happen and then Jesus Christ will come; all knees will bow and declare Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. By God’s word He will establish His kingdom on earth.

Have I made the point clear today? “At Your word” should be the very center of every Believer’s life; it should be the center of every effort made to please God. The power of every Believer is found in the Word of God. There are so many books written by great men and women of God to guide Believers in their spiritual lives, but there is none greater than the Bible. It is the greatest guide we have when making decisions, when we are in need of encouragement, and when we face opposition or trials.

This is written today to be an encouragement to walk in obedience and hold on to your faith as you walk the narrow way. Without Jesus, the fishermen caught nothing. With Him their nets were filled to overflowing. Believers need to follow the fishermen as they did as Jesus commanded. In the days we live in, there is no place for complacency! Each believer must be reading/studying/meditating on God’s Word in order do what it says, to live according to our Lord’s desire, to walk on a narrow way. Try it and see how full your net becomes.

I read a sermon by Charles Spurgeon regarding this topic, and it was the inspiration for much of this page of the blog. 

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 5:5, But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless, at Your word I will let down the net.  

John 21:5, Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No”.

I have just finished a study of the Gospel of John. It ends with an account of the disciples having a rough night of fishing without catching any fish. It is similar to the account of the disciples fishing another time and again having no luck. There are differences and similarities in the two accounts. In Luke, Jesus tells four fishermen from now on they will be catching men; in John’s account Jesus is watching the disciples fish after the resurrection. In both accounts they have had terrible nights of fishing.  

I know what it is like to spend a day of fishing without catching fish to keep. Yes, it is fun to catch any fish, especially if it puts up any sort of fight. But the objective is to take some fish home to eat. There have been others fishing with me that did not catch anything and that leads to discouragement and the desire to stop and go home. Fishing at the time of the disciples did not include a nice rod and reel; it involved throwing a net from the boat. If you can imagine it was a rough way to fish. It was hard on the fingers and hands. One had to be strong and knowledgeable about the waters and certainly not fear the waves. For one to be a fisherman, to make their living this way meant he had to accept the disappointment of not catching large amounts of fish. I never would have made it – I got tired of casting my line out to reel it back in with nothing but seaweed on the hook.

Okay, the point today is on these two accounts, the fishermen had caught nothing for all their hard work. That meant no wages for all their work. For all their hard work, all the effort they put in to catch fish had failed. You need to grasp that. They caught nothing. The fish did not jump into their boat. Everything they did by human effort had failed.

But Jesus showed up. In Luke, Jesus told them to go further out in the deeper water. In John, Jesus told them to throw their net on the other side of the boat. In each account they reply, “We have worked all night. We have cast our nets and caught nothing. We are tired and discouraged and just want to go home.”  But in each case, they do what Jesus tells them to do and their nets were full of fish.

Do you see the correlation between the fisherman striving in their own strength and the follower of Christ who desires to “catch men”, to be used by God to save those around them and to help them walk the narrow way God intends? God receives great honor and glory by using common people to share what He has done in their lives. These fishermen, striving in their own strength caught no fish; but Jesus came, told them what to do. They obeyed and caught so many fish they could hardly get the catch to shore.

The church, the faithful followers of Jesus Christ can do nothing in their own power. Zechariah 4:6 confirms this, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit’, says the Lord”. When Christ’s presence is with someone success is going to result. In Luke’s account, Jesus was in the boat with Peter and instructed him to go out to deeper water. In John’s account, Jesus showed up on the shore and told them to throw the net out on the other side of the boat. It was their obedience to what Jesus told them to do that brought success. The presence of Jesus is what brought the fish to their nets.

It is the presence of Jesus Christ in one’s life that draws people to them. There is a shaking going on in the world; it is all around each of us. God is preparing His followers, His “fisher’s of men” to be ready for those He brings into their life to explain their hope in Him. Let the light of Jesus shine bright and be ready for those who are attracted to it.

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 4:15, The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water”.

The Pastor of Community Bible Church continued his series about Jesus walking through Samaria in order to meet a woman at a well. The discussion centered on the need for this woman to drink from the well of “living water” that Jesus offered to her. He was speaking to the woman to come to Him, believe in Him, to believe in the only One who could give her eternal life.

Dr. Newton mentioned both last week and this week that every individual seeks a WELL to find satisfaction” (also found on this week’s Listener Guide). Some might find “satisfaction” in their work, their vocation; keeping busy with their chosen vocation might help them be distracted with the real needs within their family. Some try to drown their trials and problems with alcohol or drugs of some type. You get the picture, so I do not need to go on. The person knows that “something is missing” and tries to fill what is lacking with a variety of wells that the world has to offer.

Jesus tells the woman that the well He offers is filled with “living water”. He is telling her to receive Him as the only One who can change her condition; her response is, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water”. I wonder if at this point in the conversation the woman is being a little sarcastic. Does she really understand what Jesus is saying. Perhaps, that is why Jesus tells her to go get her husband. The discussion continues that she has no husband and Jesus tells hers she has had five husbands and the one she has now is not her husband. It is at this point that Jesus has gotten her attention.

Pastor Newton pointed out that Jesus did not condemn the woman; He did not condone her life either. Pastor Newton continued by saying Jesus confronted her sin and offered her a solution. The offer Jesus gives her is the “living water” He offers which will change her. There is a point written on the Listener Guide that every believer will remember. “You will never know a need for a Savior without first recognizing your own sinful nature.” Not one person will go to the “well of living water” without recognizing the need to be saved and cleansed by the One who offers it. Think back to when you asked Jesus Christ into your heart (not a head knowledge). You had to recognize you could not save yourself by being a good person; you recognized and asked for Jesus Christ to save and change you. When you asked, He cleansed you of all unrighteousness (sin) and set you on a narrow way leading into His eternal kingdom. That “living water” continues to purify and cleanse us to be who He wants us to be.

We know little about this woman and her five husbands. “This woman’s greatest thirst seems to have been for acceptance. This is why she stumbled from one bad relationship to the next. The kind of relationship she seeks can only be truly found in God, and only through Jesus Christ. Jesus explains to her that “true worship” of God does not require one to be Jewish, or Samaritan, or in the temple, or on a mountain. Rather, true worship requires spirit and truth, and God is seeking those who want Him in this way” (BibleRef.com). Dr. Newton said, “Worship is not about location. It is not connected to emotion because that can lead to chaos. Believers worship ‘in spirit and truth’ because when spirit and truth come together, we see the revelation of who Jesus Christ is”.

When the Lord was talking to the Samaritan woman, He did not offer to pray for her. His offer of “living water” was an offer to change her ((Dr. Newton). His offer of salvation and change still is being offered to all who would place their faith and trust in Him. It is offered through the “well of living water” that only Jesus Christ gives. Not one person trying to live their life as a good person will enter heaven. Heaven only comes through Jesus and walking a narrow way in faith and by being obedient to Him and His Word!

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 8:34-36, Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave to sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free forever.”

Today’s page of the blog is a continuation of the discussion Jesus had with the Pharisees. The verses above were in response to questioning what He meant about them being in bondage and only those who know the truth will be set free (verse 32). The Pharisees pointed out to Jesus that they were descendents of Abraham and had never been in bondage to anyone. Jesus responded that obedience to Him was true freedom.

In this period of time, freedom for the Jews and others taken captive in warfare was almost impossible to be gained. During this time of Roman peace, Rome was not involved in much warfare and new slaves were not obtained. Speaking to what all would understand, Jesus said that those who would choose to make Him master of their life would then be able to find true freedom.

What does this mean to people today? What is the teaching we need to grasp? Every person has a choice, and each person must answer this question. Who will I allow to exercise authority over you? Jesus is pointing out that either sin will exercise authority or an individual or He would. Jesus said that sin is following darkness instead of His light. Sin is choosing worldly stuff” over heavenly “stuff”. It is important to understand what being a slave to sin means. It is continuing to do sinful things; it is persistent sin. Believers are going to sin, but sin is not a habit for them. Jesus said, “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness,but have the light of life” (John 8:12). Knowing and accepting Him as one’s Savior “knows the truth and the truth sets them free” (John 8:31-32). He rescues a person from a habitual life of sin and spiritual slavery. It is through Him that the saved person is able to walk a narrow way where He begins to cleanse and change him/her to be like Him. Remember this is a process!

Hebrew scholar, Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg, explains that slavery was different in this time period than what we know of slavery that occurred in the United States. Slaves were considered employees; they lived within the master’s house. But they were never a part of the master’s family. Eventually, they would be dismissed or gain their freedom; only the actual children were allowed to remain or live in the home. “And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.” Jesus was letting the “descendants of Abraham” know they are not spiritually a part of God’s family because they do not “abide in Him” and like a “slave” they will eventually be cast out and not be allowed to stay in His house.

Do you see what Jesus has said to the Pharisees? He has shown them the difference between a household servant, who is not a member of the family, and the son who is and always has access to his father. It is about those who know “about” God and those who have come to know Him as their Savior and their Lord. Those who know Jesus Christ in this way, walk on the narrow way in obedience to Him and His Word. When we fail, we tell Him we have failed and thank Him for His forgiveness and His faithfulness to cleanse us of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). That is true freedom!

The question is the one asked earlier. Who will I (you) allow to exercise authority over me (you)?

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 8:23-24, And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

The conversations between the Pharisees and Jesus seem to be becoming more intense at this time in Jesus’ ministry on earth. In this passage of John’s writing Jesus makes strong claims to who He is. It would be good if you open your Bible and read John 8:12-24. Jesus claims to be “the light of the world”. He said, “His Father in heaven had sent Him”. The Pharisees respond with what amounts to that Jesus is crazy and asking where His Father is – they seem to be referring to Joseph.

In the scripture verses above, Jesus points out the difference between Him and the Pharisees. They are from the world, an inferior place from where He came. They cannot understand what He is saying because they have been born in to a world of sin and that has caused them to see and understand from that perspective. For example, their question about where His Father was refers to His birth. Their reference was to an illegitimate birth, to one being born out of wedlock. The Pharisees were spiritually blind to the truth. One cannot help but think of the first chapter of this gospel and remember that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it”. They had studied the Scriptures, had great knowledge of the Scriptures, but did not understand the Scriptures; they did not know God when He stood before them.  Jesus told them, “I am from above!” He said I am divine! I am God! But they did not understand. They did not recognize Him.

My sanctified imagination allows me to see Jesus looking the Pharisees in the eyes and telling them that they need to recognize Him as the Messiah they are looking for; if they do not, “they will die in their sins”. The Scriptures do not tell us who was around listening to this conversation. I believe these words spoken were heard and applied not only to the Pharisees but to everyone watching and listening to this conversation.

The words of Jesus certainly apply to each person in the world today. “If you do not believe I am He, you will die in your sins.” Is it possible to forget that sin separates humanity from God? Yes, I believe so. The false teachers tell people there are many ways to heaven and that all ways lead to God. No! Christianity is not about what we do or how we live our lives to get into heaven. It is about a loving God who sent His Son to take the sins of whosoever would believe in Him. That is what Jesus is telling the Pharisees. There is no other way to the Father and to eternity with Him except to believe in Jesus.

Free will and free choice. The choice is eternal life with Him or eternal life without Him. The choice is to walk a narrow way or to continue walking a broad way. I realize that you who read this have already made the choice of eternal life with Jesus. Be encouraged as you walk the narrow way. Be encouraged to share with those around you what Jesus has done in your life. Time sure seems to be drawing to a conclusion as we know it. The sound of the trumpet calling the Faithful followers of Jesus certainly seems to be close at hand. Be diligent in your walk with Him and stay ready for the trumpet to sound!

Thank you for staying with me; by doing so you encourage me daily!

LEARNING DAILY

John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  Jesus

The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord” (7:6). I use the words of Jeremiah to remind Believers when they trust in the Lord and place their hope in Him they are blessed. Walking the narrow way with Jesus, trusting Him to change them is not always easy; that trust and hope is often tested in difficult times. Those difficult times may often be when prayers are not answered quickly enough for us. It is the time one is desperate for the Lord to do something, and it seems God is distant. It might be during a time of failure, and we just do not know what to do. It might be a time of financial need or a time when work is needed. The words of Jeremiah speak to those times to trust in the Lord, to put your hope in Him.

The words of Jesus speak of times Believers need to remember, times when there was joy as they walked the narrow way; remember what God has brought them through. But His words also speak of times of tribulation, difficulties and temptation. The warning comes with encouragement “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. Trials, temptations, and difficulties do not end when one decides to give their life to Jesus – to save and change. Jesus did not say “if” you have tribulation; He said “when” you have tribulation.

These times do not take God by surprise. The words of Jesus are to be an encouragement for His followers as they walk the narrow way, trusting Him and placing their hope in Him. These experiences are for a greater good that we probably do not see. But know Jesus is walking with every Believer who has unanswered prayer, has a need(s), and through every trial. Jesus also prayed that those who follow Him would not be taken out of the world but that the Father would keep them from the evil one (John 17:15). Jesus knew how dangerous the world was, how evil it was, especially for those who would follow Him. He understood temptations and understood the devil was “seeking to kill and destroy” His followers. He was asking the Father to keep His followers safe in His truth and in His safekeeping. Believers are not exempt from attack and temptation, but we can know that it is not permanent.

Jesus said in Him, His followers find peace. Why? It is because He has overcome the world. This peace is not worldly comfort; it may not even be happiness as the world defines it. This peace found in Jesus is to set aside worry and anxiety and to trust in Jesus, to place hope in Him. Jesus has triumphed over the world system, the power of the flesh, over sin and death, and the power of the devil. He has broken the old self brought on by Adam and given every Believer a new nature because of His death on the cross.

His words, “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” are to be a comfort to Believers as they walk with Him on the narrow way. Walk with Him knowing He knows all about the situation you are in. He knows every need you have. Trust him. Place your hope in Him. Set your eyes on Him and let your peace be found in Him. It is a “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) regardless of the trial or temptation or unfulfilled (yet) need you have. 

 

LEARNING DAILY

Joshua 1:8, This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.

Psalm 119:97, Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.

2 Timothhy 2:15, Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of God.

Every once in a while, I read a devotion or hear a message about the importance of reading and studying the Word of God. In the last few days both have occurred. Is it okay to pass on this reminder in order to encourage each reader about the importance of taking time to read, study and meditate on God’s Word each day? If you have not read Psalm 119 in a while, take time to do so. Take your time reading through it, meditating on what the Psalmist is writing and how it applies to your own life.

The guest speaker at NorthRock Church began his message by mentioning the “shaking of everything around us” and the need to “build on the foundation that cannot be shaken – Jesus Christ, the Living Word, and His Written Word”. Timothy’s writing is a reminder for Believers to study God’s Word in order to apply it correctly. Believers are to diligently read and study in order to find His truth, apply them, and reveal them to others. It is so important for every Believer to spend time in God’s Word daily because everything around us that can be shaken is being shaken.  We diligently study God’s Word “to be approved by Him, to be a worker who does not need to be ashamed”. God is the One every Believer must seek to please!

Believers study God’s Word not only to understand and apply it correctly but to also know when false teachers come and twist the Truth to fit into their own particular purpose. It is certainly easier to believe false teaching that twists the Truth just enough to mislead the person who has not spent much time in God’s Word.  Do not forget the devil used Scripture, quoted inaccurately, to try to tempt Jesus. Because of time spent studying the Truth of God’s Word, the Believer can be alerted to know something is not right when confronted with false teaching.

I have found both peace and joy from meditating on God’s Word. I have found that the Holy Spirit will bring to my mind truths I have put into my heart through study that have helped me avoid difficult situations, have helped me know when to speak and when not to address foolishness in conversations around me.  I have found that the Word of God does strengthen me to say “no” when I come against temptations in my life and strengthens my walk with Him through situations that are difficult.

Reading/studying/meditating on God’s Word is a commitment every believer must strive for. It is a commitment that the enemy will do everything to convince you not to do. However, the old adage that “nothing worthwhile comes easy” may certainly be applied here. The writing of Timothy tells Believers that God’s people are to grow in their faith and knowledge of God’s Word – to even excel. To do so requires one to do the work, to put the time into their reading and study. Just as the seed needs to be planted and die in order to bring forth fruit, every believer needs to put the time into God’s Word. It will truly change your life and be your guide to fulfilling God’s plan for you.

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 4:4, But He needed to go through Samaria.

Dr. Ed newton has begun a four-week sermon series about Jesus meeting a woman at Jacob’s well in Samaria. The first message was excellent; two thoughts he gave caught my attention.

Jesus had decided to leave the area of Judea to go to Galilee; He decided to go through the land held by the Samaritans. It is significant to understand that the Jewish people of this day would not pass through Samaria because they believed doing so would make them unclean. Instead, they would travel around Samaritan land even if it meant the travel time would take much longer.  Another factor was that the way through Samaria was more dangerous due to the Samaritan-Jewish relationship. Just a note to let the reader know that this area today is an area disputed because much of it is occupied by the Palestinian Authority and travel through it is avoided.

 John writes that Jesus “had to go” through Samaria. John gives no specific reason. However, we do know that God sent His son to make peace, to unify all mankind through His redeeming power. Jesus often stated that He had come to do what the Father told Him to do. Because of that, one can conclude that it was the Father’s will for Jesus to go through Samaria to get to Galilee. That journey brought Him to Jacob’s well where He met with the Samaritan woman.

I have read this account many times and written on it long ago in the blog. But Pastor Newton brought out an important point that I have missed every time I have read this. Verse 6 of this account states it was about the sixth hour of the day; it was about noon and was already quite hot. It was the worst possible time for one to leave their house because of the scorching heat. Notice also in that verse, Jesus was wearied or tired when He got there. He was physically tired (from the Listener Guide) and needed a drink.

 Pastor mentioned that the “well of living water” was Himself in need of a drink of water. Why is this important? The Son of Man was fully human. He knew thirst just like each of us have known thirst during a really hot day. Just like us, He grew tired after working or playing in the heat of the day. Because of that we can know that “Jesus Christ is able to relate to us and to our needs” (Pastor Newton). Because He relates to us and knows our needs, we can believe Peter when he writes, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). We can believe all the promises He has given to us because He knows us right where are.

The other thought that Pastor mentioned, “Jesus goes out of His way for just one person”. Notice the wording. “But He needed to go through Samaria.” He had to go there because He needed to meet a woman at a well in order to give to her “living water”, so she would “never thirst again”. The woman came to the well to get water for herself and perhaps for others. Jesus met her, just as she was, just who she was in her fallen condition. He met her just like He meets people today in their fallen, sinful state. He went out of His way for this one Samaritan woman and offered her the blessing of salvation if she would only say yes to the “living water” he was offering.

The challenge given in this message was for each Believer to consider who he/she might be able to extend the offer of “living water” to. Each Believer has opportunities to share what Jesus Christ has done in their life because of the “living water” He has given him/her. The challenge each of us has is to be ready to share what Jesus Christ has done in our lives, how He has changed us. We just have to share, to just plant the seed that might be what helps another person say yes to the salvation Jesus Christ offers. That is all He asks.

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 15:1-5, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing.”  Jesus

By now, you must have noticed I have been reading/studying/meditating on John’s gospel. Jesus has been teaching His disciples about placing their trust and faith in His timing (Lazarus), about dying to self in order to follow Him (the grain of wheat) and has promised to send a Helper to them when He leaves them. His emphasis when giving the teaching on the vine and the branches in chapter 15 is how His father relates to humanity. Once again, he uses what should be familiar to His hearers – the growing of grapes.

Jesus refers to Himself as the vine and his Father is the vinedresser. The vinedresser would be the one who would plant and take care of the plant by pruning and removing the branches that were dead or not producing. Those familiar with gardening and plants would say this process is necessary for the branches already producing fruit to produce even more fruit. Jesus was telling His disciples that this process is similar to people. Remove those not producing and prune those who are in order for more fruit to be produced. Hebrew scholar Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg has written, “Fruit is produced because God’s blessing is upon the vine” Jesus, and that blessing flows to all the branches because they are connected to the vine and produce fruit”.

But understand that not all the branches are connected to the vine. Notice the words “every branch in Me”. He is talking about branches who appear to be connected to Him, to the main body of the vine, but they are not producing fruit. Being around Christians or claiming to be a Christian without a true connection to Jesus Christ, the vine, cannot produce fruit. Eventually, the vinedresser will remove those false branches, those who are pretenders and get rid of them.

There are words of reassurance for the disciples and for His followers today, “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” Those who believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ have been made clean through their faith in Him and their walk with Him on the narrow way. Those who believe and follow Him in obedience to His word are the branches who are producing fruit and being pruned to produce fruit. Those who have not made a true profession of faith and are not obedient to Him in their walk are the branches that will be cut off and discarded. Fruit is the result of being connected to the vine.  

What is the fruit produced in the life of one connected to the vine? There are going to be differing opinions on that. May I suggest that at least part of this is the changed individual who is connected to Jesus. The desire to be obedient to Him and His Word will show forth in what a person does and speaks. Peace may replace fear in one’s life. The joy of having Jesus in one’s life will appear on their face. Prayers answered will reflect being connected to Him. The ability and power to tell others about what Jesus has done to change them will come forth. Love will help us respond to the needs of others. Knowing that Jesus will be with us when we go through difficult situations (Pruning) will enable growth to occur because of the connection to the True Vine. Kindness will help show generosity to others and goodness will produce moral excellence in the lives connected to Jesus. Gentleness will be produced so reactions to difficult people and situations will come forth when needed. And self-control will help one refrain from inappropriate desires and actions. Yes, this is what Paul describes as the fruit of the spirit. I used the David Jeremiah Study Bible in describing the various fruit.

“Abide”! Stay close and hold fast to the vine. In order to develop the fruit this must be your desire! The fruit speaks to the Believer’s attitude and desire to stay connected to the vine.

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 12:25-26, “He who hates His life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let Him follow me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves me, him My Father will honor.”  Jesus

In the last page of the blog, Jesus said that the grain of wheat or seed need to die in order to bear fruit. The truth of this means that the seed needed to be planted to become what it was meant to be or produce. This is a reference to each person losing their worldliness in order to gain eternity. Obviously, this does not refer to one’s physical death but refers to the willingness to sacrifice everything to follow Jesus Christ. In the verses above, Jesus continues to explain what He means about the seed planted in the ground, dying to produce fruit.

Do you, as a Believer, realize you were intended for something greater than to go through a daily routine of existing (for lack of a better word). Take a moment to find 1 Corinthians 15:35-38; it is a good place in this blog to read it. I will expand on it in the next page of the blog. Jesus is telling His followers that walking the narrow way with Him is about their priorities and motives, their state of mind; hating one’s life in the world is not about wealth or poverty, things or not having things. Walking with Jesus is about one’s emphasis on obedience to the will of God. What one holds on to indicates where their love is centered.

In order to walk the narrow way a person must “die to self” in order to live eternally in the kingdom of God. BibleRef.com states this “is not about salvation, it is about one’s sincerity. One who wants to earnestly submit to God will want to put Him at the very top of their priorities”. Dying to self is part of the process of salvation; when one accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior, that person is “born-again”. One becomes a new creation. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun. But understand that dying to self is a daily experience and part of a lifelong process called sanctification. Jesus made this clear when He said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). To deny oneself, I believe that means anything that would prevent us from following and being obedient to Him.

Jesus went on to say that those not willing to deny self would result in losing their lives in the kingdom. Luke wrote that those who did not bear His cross and follow Him could not be His disciple (Luke 14:27). That is a pretty serious statement. Dying to self does not mean we become inactive or lack sensitivity to what is happening around us or even feeling dead. It means Believers put their old way of life behind them. It means Believers stop acting like they once did; they stop talking like they once did. The old sinful ways and lifestyles are no longer lived for.

Dying to self is not an option for a true follower of Jesus Christ! This is a lifelong process that happens with the help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples He would not leave them alone; He would send the Holy Spirit to guide, help, empower them in doing His will. His promise to them is His promise to all Believers. Giving up the old self is difficult because it wants its position in your life, and it does not give up easily. But “He that is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). That is an amazing promise. It does not matter what opposition comes against you or how great the old self wants its position, you have a greater power that helps you, strengthens you and assures you that there is victory in Jesus Christ. Know that the Holy Spirit is constantly working to conform you to the image of Christ, so you become who you were created to be.